Grosvenorsport.com ambassador and two-time Cheltenham Festival 2019 winner Harry Skelton reflects on the four days at Prestbury Park, and switches his focus back to his rides at Uttoxeter tomorrow.
It’s back to the regular circuit this weekend after four days at the Cheltenham Festival. My wins in the Mares’ Hurdle on Roksana and County Hurdle on Ch’tibello were both fantastic and it would round off a great week if we can win the Midlands National at Uttoxeter with Get On The Yager.
But what a brilliant Festival it’s been. It meant the world to have a winner there. Nobody is afraid of saying that they are the four days when it really, really matters.
Ch’tibello was a masterclass training performance by my brother Dan. That’s because he has come back from such hard races. He got thrashed by The New One on one occasion and it broke his heart.
He is such a competitive horse and he was really down. Now he has come back from that. It took him a bit of time to get him going at the start of the season.
It has been a long season and wins like I had are what you work for. I have a dream job and am in a very lucky position.
King D’Argent and Spiritofthegames, who was third in the Plate, ran very well too, while other highlights for me were the victories for Altior in the Champion Chase and Paisley Park’s Stayers’ Hurdle triumph ridden by my friend Aidan Coleman.
With Bryony Frost winning the Ryanair Chase on Frodon, days like Thursday showed the whole country what National Hunt racing is all about. The crowds have been packed to the rafters and everyone has had an enjoyable Festival.
Jump racing is in a good position. We have all got to stick up for it.
Uttoxeter, Saturday
Aintree My Dream – 2.25
The softer ground will suit Aintree My Dream much better. He just got touched off at Uttoxeter on his second run back and I expect him to go well.
Shannon Bridge – 3.00
Things haven’t really gone quite to plan over fences for Shannon Bridge after quite an encouraging start. We are reverting back to hurdles now. This will be his first run back from a wind operation. He will love the ground and I would hope he would have a nice chance. He has cheekpieces on for the first time which we hope will help.
Get On The Yager – 3.35
Get On The Yager has been a bit lacklustre lately but he has dropped to a competitive mark. Again, the ground will be much more suitable and if he stays the trip he should have a good each-way chance.
Tigeralley – 5.20
Tigeralley is back to hurdles after a fall over fences. She has run some decent races and if the fall hasn’t affected her she could go well.
Kempton, Saturday
Ferrobin – 1.30
Bridget rides at Kempton. Ferrobin won very well on his first run back from a wind operation. We have been really happy with him at home since and he should run really well.
Value At Risk – 3.15
If Value At Risk brings his A-game he has a chance. He has to put behind him a disappointing run at Newbury but he is not one you can put a lot of faith in.
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