Fitzdares Fleur De Lys Chase
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Windsor 15:05
£165,000 guaranteed,
5yo plus,
2m 6f 10y, Class 2   
Sunday 19th January 2025

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1 Protektorat 100/30
2 Djelo 5/4F
3 Journey With Me 11/2
6 ran NR: Le Patron, Pic D'Orhy
Distances: 23l, 21l, 2¾l Time: 5m 39.12s

The Dan Skelton-trained Protektorat reaffirmed his class in this 2-mile, 6½-furlong contest, leaving his rivals in the dust with a clinical display.

The Grade 2 race featured a competitive field, but Protektorat quickly stamped his authority. Settling comfortably behind the early pace, Skelton bided his time before unleashing a decisive move on the back straight. His mount responded with trademark tenacity, taking control with fluid, economical jumping at the business end of the race.

Turning for home, Protektorat looked in a league of his own, extending his lead effortlessly. Despite a brief challenge from the runner-up, the 8-year-old gelding pulled away with a burst of acceleration, ultimately crossing the line unchallenged.

Speaking after the race, Harry Skelton praised the horse’s professionalism: "Protektorat has always been special, and today he showed exactly why. He was sharp, traveled beautifully, and had plenty left in the tank. It’s a privilege to ride him."

Dan Skelton echoed his brother’s sentiments, expressing optimism about Protektorat's prospects for the remainder of the season: "This was a fantastic performance. He’s been in great form at home, and we were confident he’d deliver today. The Berkshire Winter Million meeting is always a highlight, and it’s great to have a winner here."

The victory cements Protektorat’s reputation as a leading contender in middle-distance chases, with connections now eyeing potential targets at Cheltenham or Aintree later in the spring.

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Fleur De Lys Chase
£165,000 guaranteed, 5yo plus, 2m 6f 10y, Class 2
6 ran
Going: Soft

POS. DIST HORSE AGE TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1    Protektorat 10 11-10 Dan Skelton Harry Skelton 11/4
2 23 Djelo 7 11-10 Venetia Williams Charlie Deutsch 5/4F
3 21 Journey With Me 9 11-10 Henry De Bromhead Darragh O'Keeffe 11/2
4 2¾ Indiana Dream 7 11-2 Jonjo & A J O'Neill Jonjo O'Neill Jr 9/1
5 1 Tommie Beau 10 11-2 Seamus Mullins Micheal Nolan 150/1
PU Ahoy Senor 10 11-2 Lucinda Russell P W Wadge 5/1
NR 14P-10 Le Patron 7 11-10 Gary & Josh Moore NON-RUNNER
NR 121P-1 Pic D'Orhy 10 11-10 Paul Nicholls NON-RUNNER

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