Harry Skelton cut to 4-6 for jockeys' title after Stratford four-timer

Harry Skelton became the clear favourite in the jump jockeys' championship on Monday as his rampant title charge continued with a fantastic 30-1 four-timer at Stratford, which reduced the gap on leader and reigning champion Brian Hughes to just three winners.

Skelton was cut to 4-6 (from 5-6) for the jockeys' championship by William Hill, with Hughes eased to 5-4 (from 10-11) by the same firm.

Harry Cobden, who is 11 behind Hughes after riding a treble at Wincanton, is a 16-1 chance with Hills for the jockeys' title and remains a lively outsider in what will be a thrilling climax to the title race, which ends on April 24.

Jockeys' championship current standings

1. Brian Hughes: 127
2. Harry Skelton: 124
3. Harry Cobden: 116

Dan Skelton spoke of his personal pride in seeing his brother flourish into one of the best riders in Britain, and with just under a month of the season remaining he believes his stable jockey is relishing the challenge as he seeks a first title.

He said: "It's going to be really tight at this rate! It's massively exciting and Harry's pinching himself. As a jockey he's always wanted to be in this position – to challenge and be the champion.

"We've got to look at it with positivity and excitement rather than dread and nervousness, he's enjoying it and why wouldn't you? Especially if you've been waiting all of your life to be in this position."

The thrilling title race could take yet more twists and turns on Tuesday with Skelton having a strong book of seven rides at Warwick, while Hughes heads back to his familiar stomping grounds in the north with six rides at Newcastle.

Skelton, 31, had started the day five behind Hughes, but he he wasted no time in reducing the deficit as Stepney Causeway cantered to victory in the opening juvenile hurdle.

He then landed the feature 2m6½f handicap chase with Born Survivor, who got his head in front for the first time in just under two years with a decisive 14-length success.

Dan Gun then landed the 2m6f handicap hurdle, before Get Sky High made virtually all in the bumper to cap a perfect day for the jockey and brother Dan, who trained all four winners. Skelton ended the day on 124, three behind Hughes, whose success on Nightfly in the 2m3½f handicap chase was his only winner on the Stratford card.

Born Survivor: got back to winning ways and was the second leg of Harry Skelton's four-timer at StratfordCredit: Grossick Photography

Yard favourite Born Survivor's Class 3 success was the highlight of the Stratford four-timer, with Dan Skelton expressing his delight at the ten-year-old playing a part in his brother's title charge.

He added: "Born Survivor is great for Harry and everybody. He hasn't been able to be in this grade for a long time and was far better off in it. He's been a lovely horse for us over the years and always pays his way."

Harry Skelton's best finish in the jockeys' championship came in the 2018-19 when he filled second spot behind Richard Johnson despite partnering 178 winners, while he finished fourth last season and third in the 2017-18 campaign.

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