Allmankind puts in jumping exhibition as four-year-olds dominate Henry VIII

Jumping is the name of the game and Allmankind has no deficiencies in that department, soaring over the Railway fences on the way to a second top-level success in the Planteur At Chapel Stud Henry VIII Novices' Chase.

The Bill and Tim Gredley-owned Allmankind made all to become a first Grade 1 winner over fences for Dan Skelton, holding Hitman by two and a half lengths.

Paddy Power shortened Allmankind to 10-1 (from 25) for the Arkle, with Hitman cut to 16-1 (from 33).

Big and bold at some fences and low and nimble at many others, Allmankind was a sight to savour and his efficiency over the Railway fences proved pivotal.

Planteur At Chapel Stud Henry VIII Novices' Chase full result and race replay

The four-year-old, who won a Grade 1 juvenile hurdle at Chepstow last season, put his rivals on the back foot with some fantastic leaps, and kept going well after the last to secure a memorable win for the Skeltons.

Jockey Harry Skelton said: “It means a lot to the whole team and this is why we do it. We put in a lot of hours and the whole yard gets a kick out of this. He was very good today, jumped great and is a very brave horse.

"He was electric down the back straight and his jumping over the Railway fences helped me fill him up. You have to be brave with him and he has a big heart to keep going at the end. It was a great thrill.

"He's won two Grade 1s and is only four, so who knows how far he could go."

Allmankind: jumps the last on the way to victoryCredit: Edward Whitaker

Paul Nicholls pinpointed the Scilly Isles Novices' Chase at Sandown on February 6 as a possible next target for his runner-up Hitman, while Dan Skelton suggested the Kingmaker Novices' Chase could be next for Allmankind at Warwick on February 13.

Nicholls said: "I think the first and second are both very good horses. Hitman's inexperience may have caught him out down the back but I wouldn't be afraid to take the winner on again. I could also see our horse coming back here for the Scilly Isles."

Ga Law finished a further eight lengths back in third on his first crack at Grade 1 company with Eldorado Allen failing to figure and another four and a quarter lengths behind in fourth in the five-runner contest.

Jumping no coincidence and Arkle stats misleading

What a spectacle! Allmankind’s jumping was awesome, no more so than over the Railway fences, but anyone who has watched the Dan Skelton-trained novice chasers this season would not be surprised.

Protektorat and Shan Blue are two other high-profile examples of novices excelling in the jumping department and it is no coincidence, rather a credit to the hard work of the staff at the Alcester yard.

Voy Por Ustedes was the last five-year-old to win the Arkle but seven of the 12 to contest the race since 2006 have finished in the first four, including last season’s runner-up Fakir D’Oudairies.

Despite winning a Triumph trial at the track last season, it remains to be seen whether Cheltenham, where he was a beaten third on his return over hurdles this term, suits Allmankind best. Wherever he goes though after the Kingmaker at Warwick, he cannot be missed.

Saturday's reports:

'I wish Altior had run' – Paul Nicholls revels in Politologue's Tingle Creek win

Santini and Native River thwarted in Many Clouds Chase by outsider Lake View Lad

'He's a star' – Vieux Lion Rouge storms to second Becher win on fifth race run

Did you know you can bet via the Racing Post mobile app/website? Simply sign in with your favourite bookmaker via the Accounts button and then bet direct from our racecards