SKELTON PULLS KABRAL DU MATHAN AND MADARA FROM CHELTENHAM AS GROUND JUDGED TOO QUICK

Dan Skelton has ruled Kabral Du Mathan and Madara out of Saturday’s action at Cheltenham, saying the ground at the November Meeting is too quick for them. The trainer told Sporting Life that four of his Saturday runners will now be non-runners, including a horse in the bumper and one named Top Guy.

The ground was described as good, good to soft in places going into Friday’s opening day. With frost forecast overnight the track was due to be covered, with no rain expected, and Skelton felt conditions would not suit his four runners.

Kabral Du Mathan steps aside

Kabral Du Mathan was due to meet Nicky Henderson’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner Old Park Star in the Paddy Power Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial, a clash billed as one of the highlights of the weekend. Skelton said the decision was easy after his brother and stable jockey Harry Skelton came back in from a novice chase on Friday and reported the ground felt quick.

“It is quicker than everyone anticipated”, Skelton said, adding that he did not blame anyone because his understanding was that as much water as possible had been put on. Kabral Du Mathan won on his chasing debut at Perth last month, and Skelton suggested he might wait for the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase at Sandown.

Madara a casualty in the Gold Cup

Skelton also said Madara will not run. The Festival Plate winner had been declared for the feature Paddy Power Gold Cup, but owner Brian Drew said on Thursday that he was doubtful about running if conditions were not considered suitable.

Henderson warned that Old Park Star, who would be making his chasing debut, is far from certain to run either. He indicated connections would assess conditions on Saturday morning.

The going has been a talking point at the meeting this week, with Willie Mullins’ comments earlier in the week prompting a response from the racecourse.