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Dan Skelton extended his lead over Willie Mullins in the National Hunt trainers’ championship to just over £30,000 by taking the feature race on the opening day of the April meeting at Cheltenham.
Skelton pocketed the first prize of £39,865 when Riskintheground held off the challenge of the Mullins-trained O’Moore Park to win the Matt Hampson Foundation Silver Trophy Handicap Chase.
Mullins also took prize-money with Classic Getaway finishing sixth, but it was a significant chunk for Skelton while also denying Mullins the chance to move ahead of him.
Dan Skelton
Skelton told Racing TV: “When he hit the front it did feel like a long run-in. It’s funny how sport works out. Just because we’ve won that race it doesn’t mean that we’re going to go and win the next, win the next, win the next.
“It’s going to be very hard. But like I said last weekend, we ain’t giving up and we’re going to do our best. I don’t think we’re going to win, but the staff do! So I’m going to lead them and hope that we do.
“It’s not enough. But we’re a lot closer than we were last year. What will be will be. We’ll keep running the ones that we can and we’ll enjoy it.
“We mustn’t forget to enjoy this because it’s an amazing position to be in. To have won over £3million prize-money this year the team, all the owners.
“The support we’re getting is just phenomenal. I got support last year, but nothing like this year. I think because last year our chance was gone after the National. This year because we’re in with a chance the support we’re feeling is very humbling.
“I’ve got to remember to enjoy it. Hopefully it’s as exciting for everyone in the last 10 days as it has been for the last 10 days.”
Mullins had started the day by closing the gap on Skelton when Dr Eggman finished second and Toad Hall fourth in the Citipost Novices’ Hurdle.
Skelton added to his prize fund when Mr Hope Street came home third in the Safran Landing Systems Handicap Hurdle.
