Unstoppable Harry Skelton 1-5 for jockeys' title after super Southwell treble

Three winners for Harry Skelton put him back in pole position for the jump jockeys' championship following a crucial day in the title race at Southwell.

Reigning champion Brian Hughes started the afternoon in front but with no winners he remains two behind Skelton, who now has 139 winners this season.

Skelton's first was straightforward as Fidelio Vallis powered clear of the Hughes-ridden Onthefrontfoot in the novice chase, and he followed up on another favourite in the second division of the 3m½f handicap hurdle with Just A Deal.

The final leg came on 5-1 shot Begin The Luck, who kept on bravely to deny outsider Dragon Khan in the concluding handicap hurdle.

Skelton, who is now 1-5 with Ladbrokes for the title, told Sky Sports Racing: "The support I'm getting is fantastic so I'm very thankful to everyone that's chipped in and helped me. Hopefully now we can keep pushing.

"We haven't been here before [two clear]. There's a long way to go and a lot of things can happen but I've got good people around me. I must say thanks to Bridget [Skelton, wife] at home. She's dealt with a lot over the last few weeks – it's been very tense."

Results, replays and analysis

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