Grey Dawning reversed last year's result with a facile victory over Royale Pagaille in Saturday's Betfair Chase at Haydock, delivering Dan Skelton a second win in the race in four years following Protektorat's 2022 triumph. The 16-1 currently available for him to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup looks like excellent value and surely won't last long. 

The 10-11 favourite settled the score from 12 months ago when Royale Pagaille overhauled him after the final fence. This time Harry Skelton delivered an ice-cool ride on the eight-year-old grey, tracking early pace-setters Handstands and the dual winner Royale Pagaille with minimal urgency. Grey Dawning was menacing approaching two out and Skelton remained motionless in the saddle as his mount joined Royale Pagaille at the second-last. Unlike the previous year's agonising defeat, Grey Dawning landed with momentum at the final obstacle and required barely a push to pull clear for a two-and-three-quarter-length success.

The victory carried special significance for the Skelton team, coming less than 48 hours after Harry's wife Bridget gave birth to a daughter. 

Rebecca Curtis's Haiti Couleurs pulled up, while Gordon Elliott's Stellar Story finished third, 11 lengths behind the winner. Venetia Williams praised Royale Pagaille's exceptional round of jumping, but noted that he faced unsuitable ground and was forced to set the pace. The hard knocking veteran will likely wait until the Peter Marsh Chase back at Haydock in January for his next run.

Dan Skelton confirmed that the Cheltenham Gold Cup remains Grey Dawning's primary target, with possibly one more run beforehand. The Cotswold Chase emerged as the likeliest prep race if the ground isn't too testing, with connections exploring options including a potential Irish raid. The trainer ruled out the King George at Kempton, citing his horse's left-handed preference, and the Denman Chase as too close to Cheltenham. Skelton stated he believes Grey Dawning is a genuine Gold Cup contender. The Haydock performance has put the grey firmly in the mix for jump racing's blue riband. Grab that 16-1 while you can!