The 31-year-old claims the title after securing an unassailable tally of 151 winners so far this campaign, ten clear of last year’s winner Brian Hughes (141 wins) – see the full 2020/21 Jump Jockeys’ Championship standings.
Skelton, who is the son of Nick Skelton, two-time Olympic gold medal winner in showjumping, said: “Winning is all I’ve ever known, I’ve been brought up around that competitiveness and the winning mentality with my Dad and sport is all about winning.”
“It’s been a 24/7 battle with Brian who is a fierce competitor, a winner and a champion, but I am delighted that it will be my name on that Champion Jockey trophy come Saturday.”
Harry’s title win means he joins elite group of jockeys, the likes of John Francome, Richard Dunwoody, AP McCoy and Richard Johnson as those who have lifted the prestigious trophy.
Skelton predominately rides for his brother, Dan Skelton, with 136 of his 151 winners so far this season coming with Dan.
They are both based at Lodge Hill in Alcester and Harry paid tribute to the team at the yard: “I’ve been very lucky to have the support of all the people around me, my Dad and of course Dan, without his planning I wouldn’t be in this position.”
“Similarly, with my agent Ian Popham, my wife Bridget (Andrews), Tom Messenger who is our assistant and drives me up and down the country and is a very good friend, plus all the staff at Lodge Hill.”
“Without all of them none of this would be possible and even though it will be my name on the trophy on Saturday, I want people to know it is more than just my name, it would be all of ours.”
2020/21 Jump Jockeys' Championship
Find out more about the Champion Jump Jockey Harry Skelton, the Northern Jump Jockey Of The Year Brian Hughes, the Champion Conditional Jockey Danny McMenamin, Champion Jump Trainer Paul Nicholls and Champion Jump Owner JP McManus here – The 2020/21 Champions.
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