Laffer Curve

Trained by Dan Skelton

FORM 4-043342P OR -101

"Ran in a very good bumper at Ascot finishing fourth that day. We liked her straight away, I saw her before Noel and David bought her and she is a good stamp. The form of her race worked out nicely and should continue to work out. We will look to aim at a bumper before going hurdling" Dan Skelton - Trainer

She caught our eye when running an encouraging 4th on debut behind our own Jackie Hobbs at Ascot in February.  It was a meritorious effort as the three Mares’ who finished ahead were all a year older than Laffer Curve and all had the benefit of a previous run.  Coincidently she is by the same sire as Jackie Hobbs (Jack Hobbs) and 100% GBB qualified which were more ticks in the right box.  Given we felt there was improvement to come with a summer to mature we were keen to buy her privately.  We’re delighted to welcome Laffer Curve to the team. 
 
Dan wanted to give her another bumper run which came at Wetherby (26th Nov) under Tristan Durrell. She ran well  enough but found the frost affected ground too tacky. Positively we learned a lot about her and the experience will be of huge benefit.  
 
Switched to hurdles we were pleased with her debut under Charlie Todd when running 4th at Wetherby in a big field.  Charlie switched her off in rear, she jumped well bar one small mistake, made ground turning for home but the leaders had flown. She then went to Sedgefield (25th Jan) when running below expectation into 3rd under Tristan Durrell.  
 
Making her handicap debut at Huntingdon (11th March)  the plan was to switch her off, get some cover and come with a late run. Jockey Liam Harrison followed orders to perfection which saw Laffer run a good 3rd in a slowly run race which didn’t entirely suit. Liam was happy with the run, thought Laffer would enjoy spring ground & a step up in trip.  
 
On April 14th Laffer Curve lined up in a Mares Novice at Newton Abbot where on ratings she should have been very competitive. However after jumping & travelling well she dropped away tamely after three out.  Harry Skelton was disappointed but strongly suggested we have her wind checked.  She’ll be booked into Dr Ben Brain’s in the short term for a operation.
 
After recovery from her wind op Laffer Curve made her chase debut when running 2nd on 6th June at Worcester. An untimely error four out probably cost her the race, this was such a shame as she jumped really well bar that mistake. There were lots of positives to take from that run but frustratingly she ran below par at Hexham on her next start. She was never travelling, jumping out to her right and stopped quickly after two out.  Maybe the track didn’t suit, we ran her too quickly or simply a bad day at the office.  We’ll try again when the time is right. 

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.