WARWICKSHIRE based jockey Harry Skelton took part in an unusual warm ahead of tomorrow’s Grand National by racing his brother Dan, who was kitted out with four wheels.
The pair – who have three runners entered for tomorrow’s meeting at Aintree – swapped fences and rails for the open countryside in a unique ‘car vs horse’ challenge.
While Dan took the reins of point to point racer Dinnie O, Dan sat behind the wheel of a Maserati SUV.
The race took place across the grounds of Chavenage House Estate in the Cotswolds and followed the rules of historical point-to-point racing – meaning Dan and Harry raced from two set points as fast as possible.
Both competitors took different routes to the finish line – and although Harry had the speed on his thoroughbred, it was Dan who triumphed in a close finish.
The race happened just days before Dan and Harry’s father – Olympic hero Nick Skelton – announced his retirement from the saddle.
Speaking after the race, Dan Skelton said: “Understandably the yard is a very busy place at the moment and it was enjoyable to take some time out of the pressures of preparation for the Aintree Festival.
“Racing my brother through the British countryside was fantastic fun and of course the best combination won.”
Harry Skelton said: “We’ve always been ultra-competitive and of course I never like losing to my brother.
“The challenge was something very different to my usual day job.”
The Alcester team have multiple entries in tomorrow’s meeting including the highly rated Value At Risk and Three Musketeers in the 3.40 and 4.20 races.
Visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCzUsgREZ7I&feature=youtu.be to watch the race in full.
