Willie Mullins and Dan Skelton Sandown teams confirmed as UK trainers’ championship battle goes to the wire

Willie Mullins and Dan Skelton have a total of 30 runners at Sandown between them on Saturday as their tussle for the trainers’ championship goes to the wire.

Skelton has a narrow lead over the Closutton maestro, having led the way since flag fall. But Mullins’ typically strong spring on UK soil, including victories in both the Grand National at Aintree and Scottish Grand National at Ayr for the second year running, have seen the defending champion eat significantly into the deficit, with only £24,561 separating the pair at the time of declarations.

If the Lodge Hill handler is to win his first title, he will have to survive a strong Closutton invasion this weekend with some of the Irish handler’s big names joining their stablemates on the journey to Esher.

Mullins is responsible for 10 of the 20 runners in the £175,000 bet365 Gold Cup, which could be crucial in deciding in which direction the trophy heads, while Skelton will rely on just course winner Hoe Joly Smoke, who has had this race as his target since scoring here in March.

Amongst the Mullins battalion is Grand National third Grangeclare West, Aintree seventh Minella Cocooner and top-class pair Dancing City and High Class Hero.

Away from the championship clash, Nicky Henderson’s Jonbon heads the seven engaged in the bet365 Celebration Chase as he attempts to win the race for the third successive year.

However, the race could still have a real bearing on the title race with Mullins saddling dual Champion Chase hero Energumene and the returning Il Etait Temps, while Unexpected Party and Harper’s Brook will do battle for Skelton.

Aintree Bowl scorer Gaelic Warrior leads the Mullins assault on the bet365 Oaksey Chase, with Topham winner Gentleman De Mee, Appreciate It and Classic Getaway are also on the teamsheet.

Skelton saddles Boombawn in the Grade Two event, but may be hoping his old boss Paul Nicholls can help him out, with Ascot Chase hero Pic D’Orhy the form pick of the British-trained hopefuls.

Lossiemouth bypasses the bet365 Select Hurdle, with Kitzbuhel the raiding representative from County Carlow. Skelton relies on both Gwennie May Boy and Take No Chances.

Mullins is now 1/10 with Boylesports to retain the British Champion Jumps Trainer crown this weekend.

Brian O’Keeffe, spokesperson for BoyleSports, said: “We were expecting a goliath entry at Sandown from Team Mullins and that’s exactly what we’ve got. Punters are already latching onto the Irish raiders to be part of another historic day at Sandown, which would cap off the most incredible season for Closutton.”

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