Local jockey Dan Skelton is bidding for his first success in the Grand National when he boards Galia Des Liteaux in the world’s most famous steeplechase this year. Like every jockey in the sport, it would be a dream come true for Skelton should he cross the finish line in first place.
The former Champion Jockey will ride Galia Des Liteaux for his brother Dan Skelton. Success in the lucrative handicap contest could help his Skelton win the British Trainers’ Championship this season.
Galia Des Liteaux Handed a Low Weight Allocation
At the latest scratchings for the 2024 Grand National, Galia Des Liteaux had the lowest allocation of all the 34 runners set to line up at the Merseyside venue. Skelton’s mare has been assigned just 10st 6lb. She is 25/1 in the Paddy Power horse racing betting for the race.
As the horse race results indicate, Galia Des Liteaux began the season with victory at Market Rasen in a Listed contest for mares. She had to settle for the runner-up spot in runs at Newbury and Warwick, while last time out, she was below her best at Exeter.
Fantastic chase debut! Galia Des Liteaux looks a smart one over fences for @DSkeltonRacing, landing the Listed Yorton Stallions Mares' Novices' Chase at @BangorRaces under @harryskelton89! pic.twitter.com/nYfUmE8m9m
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) November 9, 2022
Skelton opted against running the eight-year-old in one of the leading races for mares at the Cheltenham Festival. This will be her first appearance over the larger fences at Aintree, but she has run at the racecourse before, as she was fourth in the Mildmay Novices’ Chase in 2023.
Four Winners at Cheltenham Festival
It was an excellent Cheltenham Festival for Skelton, as the Warwickshire-based rider rode four winners at the meeting in March. His biggest success of the week came on board Protektorat in the Grade One Ryanair Chase.
Skelton helped Langer Dan record back-to-back victories in one of the leading handicap races across the week at Cheltenham. Grey Dawning gave him a triumph in the Golden Miller Novices’ Chase, while Unexpected Party completed his four-timer in the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase.
Those major wins mean Skelton goes into the three-day meeting at Aintree full of confidence. He has a strong book of rides, and in Galia Des Liteaux, he will partner a horse who has a strong chance of winning the feature race.
Front Two From 2023 Back at Aintree Again
ONE FOR SCOTLAND… AGAIN! 🏴
CORACH RAMBLER wins the Randox Grand National for Derek Fox and Lucinda Russell six years after One For Arthur!#RandoxGrandNational pic.twitter.com/B3fZFBd2o0
— Aintree Racecourse (@AintreeRaces) April 15, 2023
This year’s Grand National entries are headed by the first two horses from the 2023 renewal of the Aintree showpiece event. Corach Rambler will defend his title and look to join a small group of horses who have won the race in consecutive years.
Corach Rambler was third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last month in what was one of the best performances of his career. He has 14lb more weight on his back this year, but the official ratings suggest he is an improved chaser.
Vanillier finished just over two lengths behind Corach Rambler 12 months ago and he will get the chance to reverse the form with his rival. Gavin Cromwell’s runner is one of several Irish raiders who will make the trip across to Aintree. Irish-trained horses will make just over half the field this year, as they bid to continue their excellent record in the race.
Skelton will be hoping he grabs all the headlines at around 16:15 on Saturday, 13th of April when the 4m2f contest, considered to be one of the strongest runnings in many years, reaches its conclusion.
