Owner still banking on Skelton title victory despite drawing Huntingdon blank

Harry Skelton was unable to take advantage of the golden opportunity of big rival Brian Hughes not riding when failing to hit the target with his six rides – but his bid for the title was still backed by owner and big supporter Graham Mezzone.

Skelton began the day one winner adrift of reigning champion Hughes on 136 and given the fine form of the Warwickshire yard run by his brother Dan, would likely have fancied taking the lead, especially as four of his mounts went off favourite.

However, he endured a frustrating day at the office in his quest for a first jockeys' championship title, which will culminate on the final day of the British jumps season at Sandown on Saturday week.

Glued to the TV from his home in Kidderminster, Mezzone, who has four horses with Skelton including the classy Bennys King, said: "I've just watched every ride, like I do every day! Dan has got a very strong string and Harry should be able to do it from here, we hope.

"It could go to either of them, but if I was having a bet – and I'm not, which I'll emphasise – I'd be backing Harry simply because of his resources.

"A couple probably should have won today. There's nothing wrong with Dan's string so it's just one of those things - if horseracing was that simple the bookmakers would not be in business because we'd be taking money off them left, right and centre."

Brian Hughes: title-holder did not ride on MondayCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Hughes, 2-1 with Ladbrokes for the championship, is back in action at Southwell on Tuesday with six rides, while Skelton – 1-3 with the firm – has seven at the same track.

Mezzone, a director of a car sales company, has been an owner with the Skelton outfit for five years.

"What I like about Harry is his honesty and thought," he added. "He has a phenomenal advantage riding for Dan because he rides and schools the horses every day.

"I like his style and he rides well, while he's very strong in a finish and deserves it because of the effort he puts in. I'm not saying Brian Hughes doesn't because I don't know Brian and can't pass the comment, but I do see that with Harry."

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