Thistle Ask has all the answers in Haldon Gold Cup

Dan Skelton’s bold decision to run Thistle Ask in the BetMGM Haldon Gold Cup Handicap Chase was well rewarded as he claimed a memorable victory at Exeter.

The eight-year-old was rolling the dice in the Grade Two from 9lb out of the handicap, though there was no shortage of support for him in the market as he started at 3-1 in his bid to win a third race in 13 days.

Paul Nicholls’ well-regarded Kalif Du Berlais was the 13-8 favourite, but it was Thistle Ask who took up the running and under a bold Harry Skelton gained an ever-increasing advantage to canter home seven lengths ahead of the locally-trained Saint Segal, with JPR One third and the market leader back in fourth.

Assistant trainer Tom Messenger said: “He was a fantastic buy by Ryan (Mahon) and Dan for £11,000. To win three, including this race, is unbelievable. It was another great ride from Harry. The horse was willing again, but he was aggressive on him.

“He won at Kelso and Dan managed to get him out under a penalty at Wetherby and Dan said ‘you know what, let’s have a go at this’. That is all credit to Dan and that is where he is brilliant as he had massive confidence and said we will give it a go.

“It is interesting with the horses we have tried to win this race with in the past and we win it with this lad. We didn’t think in the summer we would end up here, he has done nothing but thrive since we have had him.”

Harry Skelton added: “He is a horse that likes to gallop, jump and run. He is made for me, he’s a bit numb and just keeps going. We had a light weight and plenty of experience with some runs under our belt. We just wanted to make use of that.

“The way Dan has placed this horse – it takes some bravery to do what he has done. This is down to Dan.”