- Willie Mullins’ Facile Vega struggled as the front two went head-to-head in run in
- Owner Harry Skelton said that the win was ‘probably the best moment of my life’
- Trainer Dan Skelton, meanwhile, predicted a bright future for the winning horse
Grey Dawning continued Dan Skelton’s fabulous Cheltenham Festival with a brilliant victory in the Turners Novices’ Chase.
Paul Nicholls’ Ginny’s Destiny never missed a beat out in front as he attempted to repeat Stage Star’s victory in this race 12 months ago, but Grey Dawning was never far away in the hands of the trainer’s brother, Harry, and as they headed down hill it became clear it would be an all-British shoot-out up the famous hill.
The duo swung the bend locked in unison but having jumped two out matching strides, it was the 5-2 joint-favourite who edged to the front at the last and stayed on strongly to see Skelton oust his former Ditcheat boss and register his third triumph of the week at the showpiece meeting.
Venetia Williams’ Djelo came home in third to complete a one-two-three for the home team, with Zanahiyr the best of the Irish in fourth.
Fellow favourite Facile Vega, meanwhile, disappointed as Willie Mullins was made to wait for more success at the festival after picking up his 100th win on Wednesday.
Grey Dawning won the Golden Miller Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham on day three ahead of Ginnys Destiny
Owner Harry Skelton told ITV Sport: ‘It’s magic. Thank you Cheltenham. Thank you very much. these people make it special.
‘He was great today. Absolutely pinged down over the last two. He’s a very good horse. He’s brilliant and he’s so unassuming. He doesn’t know how good he is, but hopefully he’s a bit special.
‘Probably the best moment of my life. Unbelievable.’
Trainer Dan Skelton, meanwhile, added: ‘He’s hopefully got a big long career. Being that colour, he might get a following.
‘Sometimes when you’re on a horse that’s that good, you only need a Plan A.’
Jamaico and Le Patron, meanwhile were pulled up.
Mail Sport’s Lizzie Kelly tipped Grey Dawning for success in the race in Thursday’s Cheltenham confidential.
