'Magical' My Drogo set to begin work in December as Skelton eyes spring comeback

My Drogo will return to Dan Skelton's Warwickshire base in December before a potential spring campaign and connections believe their "magical" horse has blossomed during his enforced break.

The promising seven-year-old ended his novice hurdling campaign with a Grade 1 victory at Aintree in April 2021 but fell on his chasing debut at Cheltenham in November. He made amends at short odds on his next start but was subsequently ruled out for the season with a tendon injury.

Owner Richard Kelvin-Hughes has reported him to be in rude health before he returns to training in December.

“My Drogo is doing well, he’s with Polly Gundry and is walking on the roads now," he said.

"He had a small tear in his tendon, so he’ll go back to Dan's ready for work in December.

"He’s totally fine and it’s a tiny, tiny tear, but he needed the 12 months rest. That hasn’t done him any harm and he’s really blossomed; time is always a good thing."

My Drogo jumps the last to win a Grade 1 novice hurdle at AintreeCredit: Edward Whitaker

My Drogo will be making just his eighth rules start when he next appears and Skelton still believes he can develop into a staying star.

"He's unbeaten when he's stood up and he's a magical horse," he said. "He's got all the potential in the world. It's frustrating he's had a leg, but you've just got to take your time and look after him. When he's back we'll start off cautiously and make sure everything's right and hopefully he'll be ready for the spring."

Skelton added: "Most National Hunt horses have an enforced break through their lives, whether it's for a cut or for something like a leg. You've got to be a lucky horse to miss out on injury through all of your career. Unfortunately he's got this, but it's not like horses haven't had it before and we can get over it.

"He's a young and lightly raced horse, and everyone's working as hard as possible to get him in the best possible shape. He's won a Grade 1 already and it's frustrating to miss such time for owner, trainer, jockey and yard; but that's horses."

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