It was great to get back to winning ways yesterday, but the big news was that Sir Michael Stoute is set to retire at the close of the flat season. A man who has delivered countless top class horses to big race wins Stoute has had a huge influence on those who worked with him and then entered the training ranks.
I was delighted to see him score a double yesterday and hopefully we can see a few more winners for Sir Michael before he leaves the sport behind after such a lengthy career as a trainer.
Nap Of The Day
We have action today on the flat at Carlisle and Cork, an all weather card at Lingfield and jumping at Worcester.
It is Dan and Harry Skelton that we turn to for a winner today, you can expect another big effort from the brothers in both title races this jumps season. Horses like Next Left in the 4.35 explain just why they can be in the running for both.
A winner of a novice handicap chase here by fifteen lengths turned out again quickly under the penalty looks good placement. Dan Skelton’s record with favourites in handicaps also bolsters my confidence in the selection.
+£9.58 to £1 stakes is his current record and hopefully Next Left can enhance that record further today.
