Mohaayed wraps up big win to give Skeltons the perfect Christmas present

Mohaayed (Harry Skelton) skip over the last to win the Betfair Exchange Trophy at Ascot on Saturday with runner-up Lisp (grey colours) giving chase

Mohaayed skips over the last to win the Betfair Exchange Trophy at Ascot on SaturdayCredit: Mark Cranham

He who laughs last laughs loudest so no wonder Dan Skelton was chuckling after the success of County Hurdle winner Mohaayed in the fabulously-endowed Betfair Exchange Trophy.

Harry Skelton, taking over from Bridget Andrews who famously won this year's big Cheltenham handicap, made use of the six-year-old's abundant stamina to kick for home early up the straight and the £85,425 first prize was never in danger from the chasing Lisp.

The Skeltons have bestrode eight months of the current jump season but earlier wins for multiple champion trainers Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson had seen the Alcester stable momentarily drop to second in the championship table.

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Bruce JacksonReporter

Published on 22 December 2018inReports

Last updated 19:02, 22 December 2018

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