Dan Skelton, enjoying the winter sun in Barbados, achieved a remarkable six-timer on Saturday, featuring Jay Jay Reilly's surprising 33/1 victory in the Coral Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton.
This marked Skelton's second consecutive win in the race, with additional triumphs by Grey Dawning (5/4) in the Trustatrader Hampton Novices’ Chase at Warwick, Elaton (1/6) at the same event, and Mount Tempest (15/8) and Santos Blue (15/8) at Wetherby. Flegmatik (7/2) also secured a win under jockey Tristan Durrell at Kempton.
Nemean Lion posed a significant threat to Jay Jay Reilly near the final flight of the Lanzarote. However, a poor jump cost the 9/2 shot the race, leading to a one-and-a-quarter-length defeat. Impose Toi, the 11/4 favourite, and outsider Good Luck Charm at 28/1 filled the minor placings.
Durrell, who still maintains a 3lb allowance, achieved a double with Flegmatik earlier in the day. He expressed his gratitude to Dan Skelton and the owners for trusting him in such significant races. Durrell received advice from Bridget Andrews on how to win the Lanzarote, and he followed her guidance successfully.
Jay Jay Reilly's past nine races had all been over fences, including an eighth-place finish in the December Gold Cup at Cheltenham. However, his return to hurdles and newfound confidence played a pivotal role in his victory.