Bookies suspend title race betting as double puts Harry Skelton eight clear

Harry Skelton started the final week of the British jumps season with a double to extend his lead over Brian Hughes in the jockeys' championship, prompting Ladbrokes and Coral to suspend betting on the title race.

Skelton began the day six clear of defending champion Hughes and stretched his lead to eight after back-to-back victories aboard Dazzling Glory and Dragon Bones.

In what could prove a crucial day in the title race, Hughes finished runner-up in both races won by Skelton and failed to land a blow with either of his well-fancied rides in the two concluding bumpers.

Dazzling Glory was sent off the 8-11 favourite for the 2m novice hurdle, but was made to work hard for victory by the Hughes-ridden Geronimo.

Skelton said: "She runs with the choke out but is really tough. I didn't want to fight too much only for her then not to pick up, but she did it well in the end."

Skelton and Hughes are in action at Sedgefield on Tuesday.

Maxwell bounces back

David Maxwell was unceremoniously unseated by 1-6 shot Shantou Flyer at Wincanton on Sunday, but made no mistake as he guided Bob And Co to victory in the 3m hunter chase.

"It's an uphill finish here from where they dismount but it's not further than walking back from the last at Wincanton, I can tell you," Maxwell said.

Bob And Co fell when in contention in the hunter chase at Cheltenham last month, and Maxwell added: "This horse takes liberties when jumping and fell at Cheltenham when going well, but he's got the job done."

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