Claim Du Brizais

Trained by Dan Skelton

FORM -331-413300342   OR – 96

"She has done very well in the spring on better ground winning a bumper and over hurdles, I think there is more to come from her on decent ground - hopefully she'll be registering wins over fences in time to come" Dan Skelton - Trainer

She had some nice bumper form which culminated with a cosy win in April at Fakenham under Kielan Woods. Switching to hurdles just 16 days later she disappointed but we were guilty of running her too quickly.  Given a longer break before Newton Abbot (June 13th) she duly broke her novice status beating an ‘odds on’ stable mate.  It was a good performance albeit one where she received plenty of weight from a dual winner.
 
Claim du Brizais then went to Stratford (20th July) when ridden by Dan Skelton’s good claimer Henry Atkins.  She ran a nice race into 3rd on her handicap debut. 
 
We then switched to fences at Fontwell (3rd under Heidi Palin) followed by a nice run at Worcester in a very competitive race for the grade. Despite finishing out the frame Harry Skelton was happy with her performance, it was enough to give him confidence she’ll win over fences when returning in the spring.
 
After having 161 days off the track we were pleased with her comeback over two miles at Warwick.  She jumped well and showed a good attitude.  She went back to Warwick (26th March) for competitive looking 2m4f event where she again ran well against the geldings into 3rd place.  We went back to Warwick (23rd April) in confident mood but the race didn’t work out ideally and a rare mistake 4 out sealed her fate – she finished 4th.   She returned on 10th May at Ludlow with a game 2nd to the consistent Regal Renaissance, she jumped well but the winner was just a 1/2L better on the day.

About the Trainer

Dan Skelton

Dan Skelton has rapidly established himself as one of the leading trainers in National Hunt racing. Based in Warwickshire, Skelton began his career working under Paul Nicholls, where he honed his skills before setting up his own yard in 2013. In a relatively short time, Skelton has made a significant impact on the sport, training multiple winners at the Cheltenham Festival and other major meetings. Known for his sharp strategic approach and excellent race planning, he’s developed a reputation for getting the best out of his horses, particularly in big handicaps. His yard is also noted for its strong team ethic, with his brother Harry Skelton, a top jockey, often partnering their best horses. Skelton’s ability to build a competitive stable so quickly has made him a force in jumps racing.