After an important weekend at Cheltenham with four winners, trainer Dan Skelton is looking for further success with Grey Dawning in the Grade 1 Betfair Chase at Haydock.
The talented grey chaser won the Grade 1 Turners Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March 2024 and was carefully campaigned during his first season amongst open company. Second in the Betfair Chase behind the re-opposing Royale Pagaille, he skipped the Cheltenham Festival in favour of Aintree, finishing second in the Grade 1 Bowl Chase.
In a press conference organise by the Jockey Club, Skelton said: "I'm really happy. I looked at the forecast and spoke to the Clerk of the Course Daniel (Cooper) on Saturday, and he is quite happy with how everything is. The forecast looks a bit in and out for the week which is fine – we just don't want it how it was last year at the 11th hour.
"He has won around Haydock before over fences and it was a great run in the Betfair last year. Venetia's horse (Royale Pagaille) is more at home there than any horse in training, so I don't think we hold an ace in that regard but having won around there is obviously no negative.
"I don't have a negative about not having had a run with Grey Dawning. It wasn't fitness that got him beaten last year and he is every bit as fit now. He is in the peak of his life in terms of age so hopefully it's all enough."
Grey Dawning will be joined by rising star Haiti Couleurs, Haydock specialist Royale Pagaille and the improving Handstands from the Ben Pauling yard. Stellar Story, Hitman and Marsh Wren complete the seven-strong line-up.
The Betfair Chase has been used as a stepping stone to Festival success at both Cheltenham and Punchestown over the years, but Grey Dawning's future remains unclear.
"I don't know yet what his season will look like yet after the Betfair, but I am just really looking forward to Saturday – we've got him in great shape," added Skelton.
"It feels like there is a bit of unfinished business for him in the Betfair Chase and I'd dearly love to win it for Robert and Lesley Kirkland (owners) and we'll be going to Haydock with no excuses. I would never want to take anything away from the winner (Royale Pagaille) last year but I just felt on the day conditions got us – I am not belittling the winner in anyway, but I'd have just liked 10mm less (rain).
"I've got a lot of respect for Handstands and Haiti Couleurs who are both coming out of novice company like we were last year and I've got a lot of respect for Venetia's horse.
"I'm looking forward to it."
