Mydaddypaddy hardens into 5-1 Supreme favourite after 'authoritative' Haydock success

Mydaddypaddy hardened as favourite for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle after making it two from two over hurdles with another smart display for Dan Skelton.

The unbeaten four-year-old, who was sent off at 1-5 having won on his hurdles debut at Carlisle last month, powered home under the trainer's brother Harry to beat his two rivals in the 1m7½f introductory hurdle.

Mydaddypaddy was cut to 5-1 (from 7) by Sky Bet for the Supreme and will test those credentials in Grade 1 company next in the Formby Novices' Hurdle at Aintree on December 26. 

"It's been a nice experience for him," said Dan Skelton. "He was very quick and nimble-footed two out, which was very important and, in the end, he was authoritative.

"The jumping is the most important thing and you have to give them experience. It could be one of the most important races he ever runs in and I'm glad we've done that."

Mydaddypaddy, who won a bumper by 11 lengths at Huntingdon last season, was bred by his owner Dermot Hanafin, whose colours were carried to victory in the 2012 Supreme by Cinders And Ashes. –

All roads lead to the Cheltenham Festival opener in March for the son of Walk In The Park, with a big Christmas date in Liverpool first. 

His trainer added: "We'll see how good he is in the rest of the season and he'll go to the Formby now at Aintree. Beyond that I don't know, but I want to run him in the Supreme.

"At the start of the season I thought he might want two and a half miles, but now I’m very confident he wants two."

Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Cheltenham, March 10)
Sky Bet: 5 Mydaddypaddy, 12 Bambino Fever, 16 Act Of Innocence, Fou De Toi, Le Divin Enfant, Sober Glory, 20 bar.

Veterans' Final calling

Next month's Veterans' Chase Final at Sandown is on the agenda for Does He Know after his victory in the qualifier under Ciaran Gethings.

"He's a bit of an old star," said joint-trainer Kim Bailey. "I'm a big fan of these veterans' races – this horse would be retired if it wasn't for them. It's nice to see him win and we've got the final to look at now."

Does He Know, whose previous success had come in the Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster in March 2024, was left to come home alone following the second-last fall of Ilikedwayurthinkin, who was fatally injured.

Does He Know en route to winning the veterans' chaseCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Gethings registered a double in the 2m3f handicap hurdle when galvanising one last effort out of Lets Go To Vegas, who made a successful comeback for trainer Alastair Ralph on her first start for 665 days. 

Debut winner

Harry Derham unleashed another promising hurdle prospect when Western Monkey won on his debut in the 3m½f maiden.

The six-year-old, who won a point-to-point at Lower Machen last month, warmed to his task in the jumping department and scored by four and a half lengths under Paul O'Brien.

"I've not had him for long, he came to me in good shape and I hope he can keep progressing," said Derham.

Successful first foray

County Meath trainer Ian Donoghue made a mark with his first runners at the track by gaining a double courtesy of Small Town Hero and Hitthehayson, both of whom were ridden by Conor Stone-Walsh.

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