DAN SKELTON has defended jockey brother Harry from ‘ridiculous’ attacks after his dramatic fall when 25 lengths clear on Shan Blue.
The seven-year-old looked for all the world to be home and dry in the Grade 2 bet365 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby on Saturday.
With the likes of Cyrname and Fusil Raffles trailing behind, all Shan Blue had to do was jump the last three fences to land the £57,218 first-place pot.
But disaster struck for the Skeltons and punters everywhere when the Ladbrokes Trophy ante post favourite came crashing down three out.
Fortunately both jockey and horse were on their feet and OK after the nasty incident.
But some were left questioning Harry’s tactics and whether they contributed to the horse’s demise.
Top trainer Dan quashed such suggestions and said everything else in the race went to plan.
He said: “Harry got some stick for that move from people who don’t know. It’s ridiculous.
“I’ve watched it back again and again and again and, ultimately, we know plenty about jumping – showjumping, racing – we’ve done it all our lives.
“The move was in the plan. That’s what we were going to do. We were going to turn into the straight just like we did in the novice chase last year.
“He was going as quick four out as he was at three out, and four out was no problem.
“Harry was waiting for the next stride, which I thought was the correct thing to do, and Shan Blue just came out of his hands. What happened happened.
“It’s just one of those things and you’ve got to move on.”
Harry later tweeted: “Thanks to everyone who has sent well wishes in about Shan Blue, it shows us what can happen in sport, we’re all alright thankfully.”
The race was ultimately won by Daryl Jacob on Fusil Raffles, who was matched at 50-1 in-running on the exchange.
Paul Nicholls revealed afterwards that he is contemplating retirement for nine-year-old Cyrname, after he was pulled up for the third straight race.
The trainer believes breathing difficulties are the cause for his poor form, despite the horse having two surgeries.
He said: “There’s not a lot more we can do, it’s been an issue for all of his career and we’ve got away with it for a while.
“Sometimes when you get in front, you can sit and keep filling his lungs up like today. They know how to take him on and Harry (Skelton) took him on far enough from home and there was nothing in the tank then.
“Harry (Cobden) says he just goes drunk on him because he can’t breathe. It’s a nightmare really because there isn’t too much more we can do.
“He jumps and travels and he’s got all that there, it’s just when he needs that bit of effort, today he was in trouble.”
Dan Skelton, right, defended brother Harry, left, over ‘ridiculous’ criticism of his ride
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