Dan Skelton v Willie Mullins: Trainers’ title race goes to final day at Sandown

The battle for the British trainers’ title between Dan Skelton and Willie Mullins will go to the final day of the jump racing season at Sandown on Saturday.

English trainer Skelton had led the way for much of the year-long season and was more than £1m ahead in the championship – which is based on prize money earned – before the Grand National on 5 April.

But Mullins, the first Irish trainer to win the British title for 70 years in 2024, saddled five of the first seven in the big Aintree race, including a one-two-three, to cut the deficit by £860,000.

Skelton is set to hold a narrow lead going into the finale meeting at Sandown, where the results of big races are likely to decide the outcome.

Seeking his first title, he was £24,289 in front after racing on Wednesday, but Mullins still remains most likely to win due to his strong Saturday hand, particularly in the Bet365 Gold Cup where £175,000 is on offer.

Last year’s winner Minella Cocooner and Scottish Grand National victor Captain Cody could be in the Mullins squad, with Hoe Joly Smoke among the Skelton contenders.

Both trainers are also likely to have several runners in the Celebration Chase, although the hot favourite Jonbon is trained by Nicky Henderson.

Jockey Nico De Boinville is out injured after a fall and will be replaced by Mark Walsh on Jonbon.

Racing will begin 30 minutes earlier than originally scheduled to ensure ITV viewers can see the final six races on the card, with the last at 16:45 BST, and there will be updates on BBC Radio 5 Live.