Dan Skelton surpassed his runners-up tally from the British Trainers’ Championship in 2025 this weekend. Skelton struck notably at Newbury, with that track potentially hosting Constitution Hill on the flat in the coming months.
Find out more about the racing news today in our Monday round-up.
Weekend winners see Skelton lay down championship marker
The Dan Skelton yard moved beyond their trainers’ championship tally from 2025 with victories this weekend. Most noteworthy was Heltenham’s success in the Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury. That horse was winning the race for the second time, with over £45,000 awarded to the winner. The nine-year-old won at 20/1, with Protektorat scoring at distinctly skinnier odds of 1/10. Despite a mistake, the veteran scooped more than £35,000 in the Listed Premier Chase at Kelso. Skelton is nearly £2 million clear of his nearest rival as he looks to win the trainers’ title for the first time. (Racing Post)
The feature race at Kelso was the Morebattle Hurdle, won by Captain Hugo. The novice, trained by Philip Hobbs & Johnson White, battled to a three-quarter length win over Serious Challenge. He was bouncing back from a fall at Musselburgh earlier in the month, justifying the eight-hour journey from the yard’s base in Somerset. However, White said they were unlikely to seek the £100,000 bonus for doubling up in a Cheltenham Festival race. (Sporting Life)
Constitution Hill set for Newbury flat assignment
Newbury was hosting a jumps card on Saturday, but one of its flat meetings is the subject of attention too. Michael Buckley has announced that Constitution Hill may run at the Berkshire venue on the flat in April. The track hosts the Group 3 John Porter Stakes over 1m4f, which could be the ideal target for the former Champion Hurdler. Buckley admitted the locality and the track’s suitability would likely sway the decision. (Racing Post)
Room To Race saving Cheltenham racegoers’ money
The Jockey Club’s Room To Race initiative has helped to aid Cheltenham Festival attendees on overnight costs. Hotel prices traditionally soar in the area as the Festival approaches. However, Room To Race, launched in 2025, secures rooms at discount prices in and around Cheltenham. This ensures plenty of spaces are available for attendees at affordable costs. Guy Lavender, Cheltenham CEO, is confident in greater attendances in 2026. (Daily Mail)
Racing figure grounded at Meydan
Lastly, the rising tensions in the Middle East have ensured many racing figures are grounded in Dubai. Meydan hosted its final big meeting prior to the World Cup at the end of March. At the event, Rebel’s Romance won for the 21st time in the Dubai City Of Gold. However, he and William Buick, as well as many others, remain in the state with all flights grounded in and out of the city state. Iranian missiles struck Dubai International Airport after it was evacuated on Saturday. (RTE)