Harry Cobden takes over on Politologue at Ascot
Harry Skelton could be required for Nube Negra in Champion Chase, leading to change in saddle.
Harry Cobden will be back aboard Politologue in the Matchbook Betting Exchange Clarence House Chase at Ascot on Saturday, after Harry Skelton agreed to relinquish the ride. Skelton steered the Paul Nicholls-trained grey to victory in both the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham last season and the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown in December. However, Skelton is set to have a clash of interests when it comes to this year’s Champion Chase in March. He is stable jockey to his brother Dan and they have a leading contender in Nube Negra, who defeated Altior in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton last month. The Skeltons, and their father, Olympic showjumper Nick, are long-standing friends of Politologue’s owner John Hales. They are believed to have discussed the matter, resulting in Skelton giving up the ride. Nicholls confirmed to the PA news agency Cobden will be back in the plate for Politologue’s last race before he defends his Champion Chase crown. Cobden has ridden Politologue six times, winning the Tingle Creek in 2017 and finishing second to Altior in the Champion Chase in 2019. Politologue is the 5-4 favourite with Coral for the Ascot feature, ahead of King George third Waiting Patiently at 5-2. Coral’s David Stevens said: “Politologue gave Harry Skelton his biggest win when the pair won last season’s Queen Mother Champion Chase, but it will be Harry Cobden on board the grey this weekend and at the Cheltenham Festival, although Harry Skelton still has a chance of winning the race again this March, with Nube Negra one of the leading contenders at 10-1.”Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
‘It’s over!’ Skelton fears title hopes have gone this term
‘The reality of beating Willie is, it’s not reality, I’m afraid.’
-
Next stop the Derby for Trial winner Bellum Justum
Balding: ‘He has ticked a lot of boxes, so we don’t see the point in running him again.’
-
United FA Cup collapse inspired Mullins to stay focused
‘You can’t count your chickens. You just have to go through and keep playing.’
-
Battling Bowen vows to keep pushing title rival Cobden
Welsh rider proud to declare: ‘Whether I win or lose, I haven’t given it up.’
-
Tributes pour in for Olivier Peslier following final rides
‘He is a gentleman and has been a great ambassador for France and for all jockeys.’
-
Peslier grateful for public support on farewell appearance
‘It’s very exciting to see all the people; for me, it is gratitude to everybody for coming.’
-
Nicholls understands reasoning behind Frost’s French move
‘It just strikes me she does ride well and she doesn’t get that many opportunities.’
-
Desert Hero drops back in trip for seasonal reappearance
William Haggas: ‘It’s a nice, stiff track and it’s a good starting place for him.’
-
Macduff team expect Classic Trial test to suit
Colt moves up to 10 furlongs with Derby aspirations on the line at Sandown.
-
‘Talented’ Nostrum makes Mile return at Sandown
Connections hoping to see ‘true’ colt after a difficult 2023 campaign.