Grey Dawning imperious in Betfair Chase victory

Grey Dawning and an ice-cool Harry Skelton gained Betfair Chase revenge on last year’s winner Royale Pagaille to continue Dan Skelton’s dream run of form at Haydock.

Ousted in a ding-dong tussle with Venetia Williams’ dual winner 12 months ago, there was no mistake this time around, with Skelton never in a rush aboard the 10-11 favourite, as he allowed Handstands and Royale Pagaille to match strides early and head out for the final circuit in unison.

Rebecca Curtis’ Haiti Couleurs was disappointingly never a factor, while Gordon Elliott’s Stellar Story could also never get involved, but there were three with a chance turning for home, where Charlie Deutsch had inched clear of Handstands who was under a drive from Ben Jones.

Although Royale Pagaille jumped three out with an advantage, Grey Dawning was hot on his tail travelling menacingly and Skelton in the saddle remained motionless as Grey Dawning joined his old rival two out and played with his prey down to the last before storming to a two-and-three-quarter-length success.