Dan Skelton has all but dismissed the idea of Protektorat competing in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Despite finishing third in 2022 and fifth in 2023 in previous attempts at the prestigious race, Protektorat's recent performance in the Denman Chase at Newbury was underwhelming, only managing a distant third place. Consequently, Skelton and his team are exploring alternative options for the Friday feature of the festival.
One alternative is dropping down in distance to participate in the Ryanair Chase, which has gained more competitiveness due to the absence of Willie Mullins' dual winner, Allaho. Another option being considered is waiting for the Aintree Bowl, a race where Protektorat has previously tasted victory. Skelton stated that, currently, they are not inclined towards entering the Gold Cup unless something extraordinary occurs.
The ultimate decision will be guided by Protektorat's fitness and well-being. Skelton remains confident in the abilities of his star stayer, who secured Grade One glory by winning Haydock's Betfair Chase in 2022. Despite not winning since then, Protektorat has been campaigned more aggressively this season, with the Newbury run marking his fourth outing. Skelton believes that this strategy will pay off in due course. He called attention to the fact that although Protektorat falls just short of being at the very top, he has consistently performed well and pushed winners in significant races. Skelton is optimistic that Protektorat will secure victories in major races in the future, despite the challenges at the highest level.
While Protektorat's participation in Cheltenham remains uncertain, Skelton confirmed that his star novice chaser Grey Dawning is firmly on track for the spring showpiece. Grey Dawning, a talented seven-year-old, will head straight to Cheltenham after skipping Sandown's recent Scilly Isles Novices' Chase.
Following a victory in the Grade Two Hampton Novices' Chase last month, Skelton expressed a preference for the three-mile distance and has not ruled out the Turners option. The team believes that Grey Dawning, one of the highest-rated novice chasers in the UK, has a strong chance of success and approaches the festival with confidence.