All systems go for Mydaddypaddy, insists Skelton

Dan Skelton has moved to quash rumours surrounding the well being of Mydaddypaddy, who is the star turn among eight runners declared for the William Hill Formby Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree on Boxing Day.

The four-year-old began the season as ante-post favourite for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, such was the impression he made on his racecourse debut in a Huntingdon bumper in February, and he has coasted to a couple of low-key victories over obstacles at Carlisle and Haydock this autumn.

He will be a short price to maintain his unbeaten record when he steps up to Grade One level on Merseyside – and while there were reports on social media on Monday that the exciting gelding had suffered an injury, his trainer posted a video of him on the gallops on Tuesday morning before confirming he was all set for his festive assignment on Merseyside.

Skelton said on his X account: “Mydaddypaddy went nicely up the hill this morning in preparation for the Formby, (we are) very happy with him and he has been declared.

“I would just like to lead on yesterday’s not news that he was injured. This account that had two followers posted something that was quite frankly pathetic and led to a lot of problems, both professionally and (caused) upset from the owners.

“I don’t want to be embroiled in some sort of unnecessary row and discussion about horses that are or aren’t well. I will tell everybody the truth as soon as I can give any news.

“Mydaddypaddy was absolutely fine yesterday. I felt like I had to say something because no one else does, but it caused a lot of problems when there isn’t any problems at all.”