"I was really surprised with how he was on Sunday" - King George still an option for Grey Dawning
Dan Skelton considers entering Grey Dawning in the King George VI Chase at Kempton following its strong showing in the Betfair Chase. Initially intending to rest Grey Dawning, Skelton was pleasantly surprised by the horse's recovery post-race. Grey Dawning aims for the 2025 Cheltenham Gold Cup, but a run at Kempton remains possible. Protektorat, another Skelton-trained horse, may also compete, having recently won a major race. Willie Mullins withdrew all entries, including Fact To File, but may consider supplementing for the King George.
- Grey Dawning's strong Betfair Chase performance has Dan Skelton reconsidering Kempton entry
- Protektorat remains a contender for the King George VI Chase
- Willie Mullins withdrew entries, but might supplement Fact To File for Kempton
Dan Skelton has said that Grey Dawning could line up in the King George VI Chase at Kempton, despite initially ruling his star out of Kempton after the Betfair Chase.
Grey Dawning went down fighting at Haydock on Saturday, as Royal Pagaille made it back-to-back Betfair Chase wins. Dan Skelton's grey jumped exuberantly throughout and even hit the front after the second-last, but a tired leap at the final flight allowed Royal Pagaille to battle back and claim a thrilling victory.
In the immediate aftermath of that defeat, Skelton was keen to give Grey Dawning a long break. Skelton's star is the leading hope for the 2025 Cheltenham Gold Cup and connection are keen to get back to the Festival in tip-top shape.
Yet, when he spoke to the press after the latest stage of King George VI Chase declarations, Skelton had changed his tune somewhat.
"I'm surprised at how well Grey Dawning came out of the Betfair Chase." Skelton said. "I thought he'd be very tired and I was really surprised with how he was on Sunday morning and since then. I couldn't say for certain that he's going to run, but we'll be doing our utmost."
The Skelton's could also be represented by Protektorat, who won the Betfair Chase in 2023. Skelton dropped his star back to two-and-a-half miles in the spring, which proved to be a masterstroke, as Harry Skelton's mount surged to victory in the Ryanair Chase, a mere hour after Grey Dawning's triumph in the Turners.
"I've left Protektorat in because he's high-class and it might be worth a look." Skelton continued. "I've always wanted to go to the Peterborough Chase with him as that's over his more correct trip, but at the end of the day there's a £250,000 King George there and I'll be doing my best to compete in it."
"I've left them both in. It's my intention to take it up to the 11th hour. I want to run one – or both."
We brought you news earlier in the week that connections of both Fastorslow and Spillane's Tower were considering supplementing for the King George, following their efforts in the John Durkan. Willie Mullins caused a shock on Monday by removing all of his horses from the race. That included Fact To File, who won the John Durkan on Sunday, and will likely take on Galopin Des Champs again in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown.
Despite featuring in the list of removed horses, Willie Mullins seemed adamant that Fact To File wasn't entered in the King George when he spoke to the press on Wednesday. However, he did go on to say that there is a chance he could be supplemented for Kempton.
"Fact To File wasn't in the King George but it has to be discussed with connections whether he'd be supplemented." Mullins said. "Everything is open. He ran a fantastic race in the John Durkan and learned an awful lot, which will bring him on hugely."
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