'Tough' Allmankind to bypass Aintree for Ayr and step up to two and a half miles

Dan Skelton is excited at the prospect of stepping Allmankind up in trip after he confirmed his Grade 1-winning stable star will spearhead the trainer's powerful team for the Scottish Grand National meeting at Ayr next month.

The five-year-old is already a two-time winner at the top level over hurdles and fences, and was a leading hope for the Arkle at Cheltenham following an unbeaten start over fences, including impressive victories in the Henry VIII and Kingmaker Novices' Chase.

However, the front-runner could not land a blow when fourth, beaten 13 and a half lengths, behind the ultra-impressive Shishkin in the 2m contest.

Skelton reported his star to be none the worse following his Cheltenham exertions and revealed a first attempt at two and a half miles in the Grade 2 Future Champion Novices' Chase at Ayr will be Allmankind's next target, rather than a trip to Aintree a week earlier.

Dan Skelton: 'Allmankind is in great form'Credit: Edward Whitaker

"Allmankind is in great form," he said. "They went quite fast from the front at Cheltenham and while we got a little breather at the top of the hill, it wasn't enough.

"He'll be in my team for Ayr and is going to try two and a half miles for the first time. It's exciting to do and it could open a few more doors for him, so we thought let's try it now."

Allmankind went on to recapture his best form following two previous comprehensive defeats at Cheltenham, and the trainer is confident he will be able to do the same once again.

He added: "Ultimately we all got well beaten by Shishkin, but Allmankind is a tough horse. He's been beaten before and came back from it, I'm sure he can do the same again at Ayr."

Allmankind may be joined at Ayr by fellow Gredley family-owned stablemate Stepney Causeway, whose hat-trick victory at Stratford on Monday kicked off a four-timer for Harry Skelton.

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