Ben Pauling Interview
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Dan Skelton interview:
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14th January 2026 – Nemean Lion will return to Royal Windsor to defend his crown in the Weatherbys Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide Hurdle on Friday.
The 9-year-old will face four rivals in the 2m4f hurdle contest, the same number of horses he defeated when a ½-length winner of this race last year.
Take No Chances is one of two runners in this field for Dan Skelton, who has also declared Royal Infantry. The former has run with credit in Grade 2 company on each of her last two starts. The latter reverts to hurdles after a disappointing chase debut at Cheltenham last month. Dan Skelton is set to support this meeting with plenty of runners once again.
Potters Charm has failed to land a blow at Ascot on his last two starts, most recently in the Howden Long Walk Hurdle (G1), but this represents a drop in grade and he was a smart novice last season. Similar comments apply to Altobelli who completes the field of five.
Five horses will go to post for the Fitzdares Your Personal Bookmaker Lightning Novices’ Chase (G2), which will be run over 2m and takes place at 1:50pm.
Dan Skelton’s Be Aware is the current market leader after finishing runner-up in good company on each of his last two starts. He will be joined by Hansard who finished runner-up in the Ladbrokes Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase (G2).
Skelton said: “Be Aware was a very good second last time out in a Grade 1 at Sandown behind Lulamba, that type of form would probably stand out a little.”
No Questions Asked made an impressive chasing debut on his first attempt over the larger obstacles, and this is a slightly easier assignment than his most recent start in a Grade 2 at Ascot.
Ben Pauling has had a magnificent season so far and will be hoping to continue that this weekend.
He said: “No Questions Asked is an exciting horse. He was a bit flat after Newbury, I bounced him into Ascot relatively quickly and this isn't that far behind either, but we just didn't feel he was quite 100% when we ran him at Ascot last time out and we are looking forward to seeing how we get on.”
Olly Murphy’s Alnilam and Roadlesstravelled complete the lineup.
The action will kick off on Friday at 12:40pm with the Bet Online At fitzdares.com Novices' Hurdle set to be run over 3m. Racing will conclude at 4:10pm with the Berkshire Winter Million Supports Injured Jockeys Fund Handicap Chase over 2m6f. The going is currently described as ‘Good to Soft’.
About Windsor Racecourse
Set on the banks of the River Thames and in the shadow of Windsor Castle, the Royal Racecourse is famed for its beautiful settings, immaculate lawns and friendly, intimate atmosphere.
For further information please contact:
Sam Cone, Arena Racing Company on 07920 404296 or SCone@arenaracingcompany.co.uk
Hugo Barran, JSC Communications on 07786 913215 or hugo@jsccomms.co.uk
