Dan Skelton was a standout performer of the 2024/25 season. He is one of the youngest and most promising trainers in the paddock. He set up his yard in 2013 after leaving his assistant trainer role with Paul Nicholls after 9 years.
At just 38, he came up close to winning his first Trainers title last season, being piped by the infamous Willie Mullins. Coming into the final day at Sandown, the gap between the two trainers stood at £69,172. Unfortunately, Mullins prevailed and won the Championship at Sandown, with the end margin being £199,506. Despite losing, it was an obvious and promising indicator of the powerhouse which is the Skelton team.
Dan Skelton and his jockey brother Harry Skelton make up a powerful duo in the sport and regularly score. In 2023, they scored their 1000th win as a partnership.
2024/25 Success
Last season, Skelton well and truly cemented his place on the British horse racing scene. Despite his young age, his talent and perseverance cannot be sniffed at. The 2024/25 season brought many memorable wins.
Grey Dawning had an up and down season with hopes for a King George ending in heartbreak after pulling up after three out. Despite this, a strong win at Kelso in the Bet 365 Premier Chase offered hope of Grade 1 glory at Aintree. A strong second after a step up in trip points at potential Gold Cup intentions for the upcoming season.
The New Lion has quickly become a stable star for Skelton. Unbeaten in five starts and already a two-time Grade 1 winner. After early novice successes, he announced himself with a commanding victory in the Challow Novices’ Hurdle at Newbury before confirming his class with a brilliant win in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
Bought by JP McManus but kept in Skelton’s care, the six-year-old is by Kayf Tara out of Raitera and is rated among the most exciting prospects in Britain, with his trainer describing him as possibly the best he has ever handled.
Protektorat is a staple of the Skelton yard. While not a regular Grade 1 winner, he performs admirably in such company, defying his age of 10. While last season could signify that time is finally catching up, a win in the Fitzdares Fleur De Lys Chase and an admirable second in the Melling Chase show that the talent is still there.
Embed from Getty ImagesL’Eau Du Sud enjoyed a breakthrough season over fences for Dan Skelton. He began with a confident debut win at Stratford before following up with a dominant 11-length victory in the Arkle Trial Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham. In December, he claimed his first Grade 1 success in the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase at Sandown, cementing his status as one of the season’s top novice chasers.
February saw him take the Kingmaker Novices’ Chase at Warwick, carrying the silks of the late John Hales in a poignant triumph. At the Cheltenham Festival, he narrowly missed out in the Grade 1 Arkle Challenge Trophy, finishing fourth, and he concluded the campaign with a solid third in the Maghull Novices’ Chase at Aintree. Overall, L’Eau Du Sud’s season showcased his class, consistency, and rapid progression, establishing him as a major prospect for the future.
2025/26 Season
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Skelton will be looking for more of the same.
Big Cadillac will be a horse to watch, currently unbeaten after two starts and looks like one to progress over the coming seasons. Cherie d’Am, another new addition, looks to offer some graded wins over the course of the upcoming season—a promising novice chaser who looks to progress well.
Skelton’s major downfall in pursuit of the Trainers’ Championship last season was the lack of Grand National runners. Despite saying in relation to the 2025 race that he’d rather his brother (Harry Skelton) win it for Paul Nicholls, it is a race that every big trainer wants to win. As for potential hopefuls in his roster, it is a case of wait and see.
As for other big races, The New Lion looks like a potential Champion Hurdle, currently sat at 6/1. As mentioned already, he is unbeaten and looks a very classy horse.
Grey Dawning looks set to hit the ground running this season. Looks like a promising Cheltenham Gold Cup shout, should results early in the season go that way.
Langer Dan, a stable star, will be expected to tow the line as well and provide results. However, the age may come into question, with wins being doubtful but not entirely out of the picture.
Protektorat, a previous Ryanair Chase winner, should get some results on the board, but much like Langer Dan, age may become a problem, and races will be far and few between to maximise results.
Embed from Getty ImagesCountry Mile, Honky Tonk Highway, and Royal Infantry had strong novice seasons and should continue to improve for the upcoming season. All held in good regard by Skelton, with Class twos and listed contests looking likely.
Heltenham had a varied season. The upcoming campaign will hopefully provide more consistency and some wins across the handicaps.
Older horses like Kateira appear to be consistent performers who excelled last season when conditions were favourable. Much of the same is to be expected. A classy horse in both listed and graded company will undoubtedly rack up valuable prize money for Skelton’s championship hopes.
Keops Des Bordes will no doubt light up the novice scene. Looked promising on both starts, and with Skelton dictating, development has a very real potential to follow in the footsteps of The New Lion.
Skelton, 3rd time lucky?
Overall, Dan Skelton looks to take the Trainers Championship. Currently sat at the top of the market to take the title (depending on bookmaker), Dan Skelton looks to score in the big festivals this season. Could it be third time lucky, or will it be another season of hitting the post? Most think it’s finally his time.
Others believe the Mullins camp is too strong. Time will tell, but it will surely be an interesting season with Mullins, Henderson and Skelton all in the mix to win the big races. Big horses, big chances, and a big future – Dan Skelton will be a champion trainer; it’s just a case of when.
This is part of a series, looking forward to the jump season. Previously covered have been Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson. Next up is Olly Murphy.