Dan Skelton: BHA must be ‘100 times stronger’ on social media abuse

Speaking on this week’s Luck On Sunday programme, Skelton revealed that he still receives a high number of personal attacks on social media platforms despite enjoying a campaign that yielded a first ever Champion Trainer title, all whilst becoming the first trainer to win at all 41 British jump tracks in one season. 

He told stand-in host Jane Mangan: “It’s disgusting. We are professionals, doing our best, with families. 

“You’re not venting into an open space; you might be doing it to a broken heart. 

“It’s water off a duck’s back for me, but it’s not acceptable. The BHA need to be strong, 100 times stronger.” 

The anonymity of social media drew particular ire from Skelton, who said: “All these people [doing it] have no identity - put your name next to it, stop making it anonymous, you know who I am and where I live. 

“Jockeyhater27, how do you think your family would think of what you’re doing?” 

However, the 41-year-old is hopeful that things will improve in the future, though he believes that might be part of a wider movement. 

“I think society is changing, and that we will come out the other side, where these things won’t be acceptable.”