Register a new betting account with leading UK bookmaker Ladbrokes and enjoy an excellent ‘Bet £5 Get £20 in Free bets’ bonus offer, exclusive to new customers. T&Cs apply.
Mullins Closes the Gap on Skelton in Trainers’ Title Race After Plumpton Surge
Championship Battle Set for Final-Week Showdown
The race to be crowned British Champion National Hunt Trainer took another dramatic twist at Plumpton, as Willie Mullins edged significantly closer to Dan Skelton in a title battle that now looks destined to go to the wire. A successful afternoon for the Irish maestro’s raiding party has reduced the deficit to just £27,877, setting up a thrilling final few days before the curtain falls at Sandown.
Absurde Leads the Charge in Sussex Feature
The pivotal moment came in the BetGoodwin Sussex Champion Hurdle, where Absurde delivered a telling blow by leading home a one-two for the Closutton team. Mullins had four runners in the £75,000 feature, but it was the 9/4 favourite who proved strongest, with Daddy Long Legs chasing him home in second.
The result proved lucrative, clawing back £58,080 of Skelton’s lead in one race. Sir Gerhard also added to the tally with a sixth-place finish, further boosting the Irishman’s earnings on British soil.
Extra Gains in the Day’s Finale
Mullins continued to chip away at the lead in the day’s closing race, as Mr Escobar took second in the Phoenix Cycles Remember Ray Prior Handicap Hurdle, netting an additional £7,290. By the close of play, Mullins had advanced to £3,208,180 in total prize money—now within striking distance of Skelton’s £3,236,057.
Betting markets reacted swiftly, with some bookies installing Mullins as the 1/4 favourite to lift the British trainers’ crown for a second time when the season concludes at Sandown on Saturday.
Mullins Keeps His Feet on the Ground
Despite the positive turn of events, Mullins was quick to temper expectations. Speaking from Fairyhouse, where he had earlier bagged a Grade One double, he remained cautious.
“I’m just taking every race as it comes. It’s going to be hard fought, and Dan seems to have the upper hand now unless things really go our way. We’ve had a lot of luck in England and it’s hard to think we’ll keep having more.”
Mullins also enjoyed a treble at Cork on the same day, underscoring the depth and reach of his stable as he aims to make history once again.
Skelton Still in Front—For Now
Earlier in the Plumpton card, Dan Skelton had extended his lead beyond £75,000. Contributions came via Lady Kluck(third in the opener), Major Fortune (third), and Hidden Heroics (fourth) in the BetGoodwin Master Trainer Chris Gordon Handicap Chase.
Further money was earned in the feature hurdle, where Knickerbockerglory finished fourth and She’s A Saint came fifth—minimising the damage from Absurde’s victory.
Skelton also enjoyed success with Shakeyatailfeather, who landed the BetGoodwin Top UK Online Bookie Handicap Chase as 5/2 favourite, giving his total a helpful lift.
Eyes on Sandown Finale
Despite the tightening gap, Skelton remains focused on the bigger picture.
“We’ve got a lot of entries over the coming week, but I’m sure it will come down to Sandown and I’ve said that the whole way through,” he stated.
With both stables poised for a busy final few days, the trainers’ championship is shaping up to be a nail-biting finish between two master tacticians, separated by little more than a single big win.
