'It might feel like walking out to face the executioner but we won't give up' - Dan Skelton and Willie Mullins fight it out for the title

After weeks of build-up, carefully laid plans, big swings and marginal gains, it all comes down to one day in the British trainers' championship.

Dan Skelton holds a narrow advantage as he readies his troops for a final stand at Sandown, where he must withstand an all-out assault from reigning champion Willie Mullins, who is sending over the likes of Gaelic Warrior and Energumene in an attempt to secure back-to-back titles.

Although he has made it clear he is not in the market for sympathy after smashing through the £3 million mark in a career-best season, it is hard not to feel sorry that Skelton has again found himself in this position, having held what appeared to be an unassailable lead heading into Aintree.