Skelton team 'devastated' after loss of Captain Forez

Championship leader Dan Skelton and his team have suffered a huge blow with the death of promising novice hurdler Captain Forez.

Runner-up to Finian’s Oscar in the Grade 1 Mersey Novices' Hurdle at Aintree in April, there were high aspirations for the John Hales-owned five-year-old, who was due to make his reappearance back at Aintree at the end of the month.

“We’ve lost Captain Forez and it’s devastating for everyone involved,” said Skelton. “He was a young horse with a big future and it’s very sad for all.”

Captain Forez (far side) in the process of running second to Jenkins (near) in a maiden hurdle at NewburyCredit: Mark Cranham

Formerly trained by Guillaume Macaire in France, Captain Forez was placed on all three starts for Skelton last year and ended the season with an official rating of 148.

His targets this season included the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle, with his trainer convinced he was destined for big things.

After a prolific summer, Skelton leads the jump trainers’ championship by more than £200,000, having already scored 74 winners this season.

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