There were times that were incredibly tough for Harry Skelton, reflecting on a pivotal period in his life when he and his brother Dan navigated the slow decline of their mother due to alcoholism. It was a difficult reality, but the brothers found solace in their shared love of horses and racing. Dan, older by four and a half years, was a constant source of support, shaping Harry’s career and helping him become the jockey he is today.
Now based in their well-established yard near Stratford-upon-Avon, the Skelton brothers are preparing for the Cheltenham Festival. Last year, Harry rode four winners, all trained by Dan, and expectations for more success this year are high. Dan is on track to become champion trainer, while Harry is second in the jump-jockey standings and a frontrunner for the inaugural David Power Jockeys’ Cup, a prestigious points-based competition with a prize of £500,000.
Harry has always been mindful of the impact of alcohol, having seen firsthand the damage it can do. Inspired by legendary jockey AP McCoy, he decided to abstain from drinking, believing that sacrifices like this were necessary to reach the top. His focus remains firmly on winning, though the nature of the sport means that losses often outweigh victories. Despite his successes, he acknowledges that failure is difficult to shake off.
The Cheltenham Festival is a highlight of the year, and Harry fondly recalls his triumphs there. Winning Grade One races and securing back-to-back doubles last year were milestones in his career, fulfilling childhood dreams inspired by Ruby Walsh’s dominance at the event. This year, the pressure is even greater, but he embraces it, seeing high expectations as a sign of progress.
Among his promising rides, L’Eau du Sud stands out in the Arkle, though he faces tough competition from Willie Mullins’ Majborough. Protektorat is another strong contender in the Ryanair Chase, a race that plays to his strengths. Other notable prospects include Be Aware in the Coral Cup, Take No Chances in the Mares’ Hurdle, and Catch Him Derry in the Pertemps Network Final. The Skeltons are determined to build on their success and, in time, mount a serious challenge to the dominant Mullins yard.
Ambition and hard work drive the Skelton operation, and their association with Sir Alex Ferguson adds an extra layer of motivation. Ferguson’s words of encouragement when Harry won the champion jockey title in 2021 still resonate: “You have to stay at the top of the mountain. You have been given that winning feeling. You cannot go back.”
Dan is closing in on the champion trainer title, sitting nearly £600,000 ahead of Paul Nicholls, while Harry, though behind Sean Bowen in the jockey standings, remains competitive. His commitment to riding exclusively for Dan limits his opportunities elsewhere, but he wouldn’t have it any other way, valuing their partnership above all else. His likely win in the David Power Cup offers a significant financial reward, a rare windfall for a National Hunt jockey.
The sport’s dangers were painfully highlighted by the recent death of young Irish jockey Michael O’Sullivan, a tragedy that hit the weighing room hard. Despite the risks, Harry remains unwavering in his passion for racing. His wife, Bridget, a former jockey, understands the sacrifices involved, having won at Cheltenham herself. When their son, Rory, was born, Harry left for the races just hours later, a testament to his dedication.
Family remains at the heart of everything. His father, Olympic showjumping champion Nick Skelton, is a constant presence, and his 95-year-old grandfather still calls daily with advice. With his wife and son by his side, and a brother shaping his career, Harry Skelton knows exactly what matters most: family.
