Dan Skelton enjoys double at local track as amateur rider at yard boosts her own championship claims on Doyen Quest

While Dan Skelton was extending his title lead with a much-needed double, Heidi Palin boosted her own championship claims when winning the feature 3m1f handicap hurdle on Doyen Quest.

Palin, 22, is based with Alcester-based Skelton and drew level on seven winners with Olive Nicholls in the amateur lady jump jockeys’ championship that runs until May 30, with upcoming big hunter chase meetings taking place at Cheltenham and Stratford sure to prove vital.

The rider was partnering Doyen Quest for the first time and produced the seven-year-old with a well-timed run to score by five and a half lengths in a race run in memory of Coventry City’s FA Cup-winning manager John Sillett.

Palin said: “I sat quietly on him and the good gallop played to his strengths. He had plenty left when entering the straight and he was able to pick them off.

“It’s great to get a winner and get some prize-money for Dan’s push for the championship. There’s been a very positive mood in the yard in the last few weeks and we’ve been trying to back Dan as much as we can.

“I’ve had a really good season and hopefully I can ride a few more winners in the next month to give myself the best chance in the amateur ladies’ championship. I’m getting lots of opportunities from Dan and am definitely in the right place for support and help.”

Skelton’s first winner was the Tristan Durrell-ridden Gwennie May Jem, who gained a first success by three and a quarter lengths in the 2m handicap chase.

Powell powers on

Brendan Powell rode a fourth consecutive winner when cajoling Moonlight Artist to a neck success in the 3m novice handicap chase.

Powell brought up the half-century for the season with a double at Taunton on Wednesday evening and kickstarted his winning run at Hereford on Tuesday evening.

The Joe Tizzard-trained Moonlight Artist gained a first success over fences at the fifth attempt for the Cheltenham & South West Racing Club, made up of members of the Jockey Club-owned Cheltenham, Exeter, Warwick and Wincanton racecourses.

Powell said: “He’s gone off favourite or a short price a few times and I’ve always wondered why, but he got it together there. This should do his confidence the world of good and hopefully there is another race in him.”

Imperial rules

Prince Imperial sealed a hat-trick on his first start in almost six months in the 2m3f handicap hurdle.

Beau Morgan’s mount, owned by The Box 8 Partnership, won three of his first four outings for Olly Murphy in maiden and novice hurdles last year, and scored by a length on his return to handicap company.

Murphy said: “He won well and he's just improved and improved. He stays very well and he's got that bit of confidence back again. He'll improve again for a step up in trip and might win a nice staying race during the summer on a sound surface.”

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