'He must have an engine' - Skelton's Playful Saint overcomes 1,099-day absence

Monday: Wetherby

Just over a week until Dan Skelton fields live chances in the Champion Chase and Gold Cup, he supplied a timely reminder of his training ability as Playful Saint overcame a three-year absence to strike in the 2m handicap hurdle.

John and Barbara Cotton's seven-year-old had not been seen since finishing second in France in March 2019 but, off a mark of 122, moved powerfully into the home straight and Harry Skelton sustained his effort to deny fast-finishing Albert's Back by a short-head.

"It's great training, being three years off the track," said jockey Skelton, whose big Cheltenham rides include Nube Negra and Protektorat. "The Cottons are longstanding members of racing and it's very enjoyable to ride winners for them, it's been a while between drinks.

"I thought he'd been that keen he couldn't pick up and win from where he was so I just sat on him but he must have quite an engine. Once we turned into the straight he's come on the bridle again and he's had to stick it out. He's obviously got plenty of ability."

The Skelton team completed a double on the day as 30-100 shot Grey Dawning repeated December's course-and-distance success in the bumper.

Milan holds on

There was a dramatic finish to the 3m handicap chase as Magic Of Milan bumped eventual runner-up Espoir Moriviere as the pair were challenging for the lead.

The placings were unaltered after a lengthy stewards' inquiry giving jockey Lewis Stones his first winner in 96 days.

Results, replays and analysis

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