Skelton double headlines action-packed Newton Abbot card
Edelak ridden by Harry Skelton leads the way at Newton Abbot Races
Dan Skelton enjoyed a double at Newton Abbot, highlighted by Edelak’s victory in the £15,000 Par Inn Handicap Hurdle.
The four-time winner this season made all under a 16lb weight concession to Ellerton, winning by seven lengths to give Skelton his 80th winner of the season as he continues his pursuit of Martin Pipe’s record of 243.
Skelton’s other success came in the opening Sky Sports Racing Juvenile Hurdle, where Moment Of Light justified 2/5 favouritism. The former James Owen-trained juvenile took control after the penultimate flight to beat course winner Timely Salute comfortably.
The Race Against Waste Maiden Hurdle went to Explode, who capitalised on a mistake by Crystal Mariner at the final flight to win by three-quarters of a length for trainer Faye Bramley.
In the St Austell Brewery Handicap Chase, Juggernaut provided trainer Anthony Honeyball with his third winner from his last four runners, beating Miss Denver, while favourite Saint Polo could finish only third.
The afternoon’s longest race, the Devonport Royal Dockyard Social Club Handicap Hurdle, went to Cartmel winner Fairlawn Skipper, who stayed on strongly over three and a quarter miles to beat Jager Time by 4¼ lengths.
Mr McWhinny completed the fourth winning-favourite performance of the afternoon in the Grandad Swales Happy 80th Birthday Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Chase, scoring by seven lengths from My Cullen.
The closing Sun Racing Summer Jumps Championship Novices’ Limited Handicap Hurdle was won by Ocean Heights, trained by David Pipe, who defeated top-weight Mother Ship and favourite Ghost Jury.