Dan Skelton has spoken of his delight to finally get over the line after it became mathematically impossible for him to be caught in the race to be this season’s champion trainer.
The Alcester-based handler has seen the title snatched from his grasp by Willie Mullins on the final day of the previous two campaigns, but Skelton has corrected the record in style this season, dominating from flag-fall and becoming the first trainer to break £4million in prize-money.
“It’s amazing really, we’ve worked hard the last few years to get close to it and Willie has pipped us just at the last minute, but it’s great to finally get it done at last,” said Skelton, whose current total stands at £4,762,920 for the season following a brilliant Grand National Festival.
“It’s a great reflection on the whole team and their efforts this year. We’re delighted with how everyone has performed.
“The horses have been brilliant and consistent and I have to thank the staff, but most of all the owners who have supported me and helped get us into this position.
“It’s quite incredible – we love doing it, love doing it for the owners and being around our horses and it’s an absolute pleasure to have got across the line.”
Skelton has faced a Mullins onslaught in the concluding weeks of the season in recent years, but Closutton representation is set to be thin on the ground in the final two weekends of the campaign, with Kim Muir second Road To Home the only Mullins entry for both the Coral Grand National he won with Captain Cody 12 months ago and the season-ending bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown.
Mullins – who is £2,094,034 adrift in second in the standings after Aintree – conceded defeat with a congratulatory message to Skelton in the aftermath of his Grand National triumph with I Am Maximus.
It leaves the pathway clear for the Lodge Hill handler, who tasted Grade One glory with Grey Dawning, Mirabad and Bossman Jack among six winners during three days on Merseyside, to enjoy a metaphorical victory parade ahead of receiving the trophy for the first time at Sandown Park on April 25.
