Dan Skelton is weighing the possibility of a run in the prestigious Queen Mother Champion Chase for his remarkable horse, Thistle Ask. Originally purchased for just £11,000 in May 2022, following the retirement of former trainer James Ewart, the nine-year-old has made a significant impact on the racing scene. His victories at Kelso and Wetherby, along with impressive wins in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter and the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton, have established him as a strong contender.
After moving up to the highest level in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot, Thistle Ask showcased his ability by leading much of the race before ultimately being overtaken by Nicky Henderson’s star horse, Jonbon, an eleven-time Grade One winner. Despite the loss, Skelton praised Thistle Ask’s performance, noting, “He’s amazing, absolutely incredible – he nearly won and on better ground he might have done, but Jonbon was phenomenal and it was just a great race.”
While Skelton expressed pride in Thistle Ask’s achievements, he remains uncertain about pursuing a spot in the Champion Chase at the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. He commented, “I think the Champion Chase is a different kettle of fish going left-handed and it’s something we really need to talk about.”
His concerns highlight the challenges associated with the course layout at Cheltenham, which could impact Thistle Ask’s performance. Skelton emphasized the importance of evaluating the situation carefully, stating, “I’m proud of what he’s achieved and I’ll try to keep achieving rather than asking unanswerable questions.”
In a notable performance just a day after Thistle Ask’s run, stablemate Protektorat secured his ninth career victory by defending the Fleur de Lys Chase at Windsor. The eleven-year-old, who has competed at the Cheltenham Festival five times, famously won the Ryanair Chase in 2024. However, he will not be returning for this year’s festival.
Skelton remarked on Protektorat’s grit and determination, saying, “Numerically it wasn’t one of the best performances he’s put up, but it was one of his grittiest. He became a millionaire and probably endeared himself to a lot of the public.” He further noted, “He isn’t getting any younger, but he’s as tenacious as ever and we’re very lucky to have him.”
Looking ahead, Protektorat is set to compete in the Premier Chase at Kelso and then the Bowl at Aintree, with Skelton confirming that Cheltenham is not on the agenda this year. “We don’t usually miss Cheltenham with him, but we feel like it’s the right year to do so,” he concluded.
As the racing community awaits further decisions regarding Thistle Ask’s potential run in the Champion Chase, the discussions surrounding his future reflect the complexity and strategy involved in competitive racing. With both horses showing impressive talent, Skelton’s careful consideration is vital as he navigates their upcoming challenges.
