Skelton retains full faith in Mydaddypaddy despite Aintree defeat

Dan Skelton is confident Supreme Novices’ Hurdle dreams are still alive for Mydaddypaddy, who is likely to head straight to the Cheltenham Festival following his defeat at Aintree on Boxing Day.

The four-year-old had dazzled in his opening two outings over hurdles, leaving him heading the betting for the Supreme prior to his trip to Liverpool for the Grade One Formby Novices’ Hurdle.

He would surrender his unbeaten record to Harry Fry’s Idaho Sun in a race affected by low sun meaning obstacles were removed in the home straight, but Skelton was keen to give credit to the winner as he now looks ahead to a potential rematch at Prestbury Park in March.

“We take nothing away from the winner and I thought he was very good and made life hard for us,” said Skelton.

“He exposed us without the hurdles being in there and he’s a five-year-old who is a strong horse and a very good winner.

“I was pleased with the way our horse ran in the circumstances and yes it was frustrating to get beat but we didn’t go home dejected and think the dream is over, not at all.”

Mydaddypaddy was pushed out to 12-1 for his intended Cheltenham Festival assignment with Skelton indicating he is likely to head straight to the Cotswolds, something he did successfully with The New Lion after his Christmas engagement 12 months ago.

“We’re looking forward to going to Cheltenham with a fresh horse, with all the hurdles in and more experience under our belt now,” continued Skelton.

“I’m not making excuses and again at Cheltenham there will be no excuses. It feels like we’ll go straight there and when you get beat you have to remind yourself you can’t win all the time.”