Harry Skelton, who has over 1,000 wins in the saddle, is one of two riders banned for careless riding at this week’s Cheltenham Festival. Patrick Mullins is the other jockey to have been handed a ban, as the 2026 Festival draws to a close.

The race in question was the opening outing of day four at Cheltenham, with Mullins, riding Apolon De Charnie, and Skelton, riding Maestro Conti, having placed first and second respectively in the Triumph Hurdle. However, a review by the stewards after the race concluded deemed both jockeys to have interfered with other horses and jockeys.

A statement from the stewards read: “An enquiry was held to consider interference approaching the final fence involving MAESTRO CONTI (FR), placed second, ridden by Harry Skelton, and SELMA DE VARY (FR), placed fourth, ridden by P Townend. Skelton was suspended for 3 days for careless riding for allowing his mount to drift right-handed when insufficiently clear resulting SELMA DE VARY (FR) being tightened against the rail with Townend having to switch his mount.

“An enquiry was held to consider interference in the final half furlong involving the winner, APOLON DE CHARNIE (RE), ridden by Mr P W Mullins, and MINELLA STUDY, placed third, ridden by Ryan Mania. Mullins was suspended for 2 days for careless riding for allowing his mount to move right-handed under a left-hand drive for a number of strides without correction, taking MINELLA STUDY off its intended line.”

The finish raised eyebrows among the pundits, with Ruby Walsh criticising Skelton’s role in the conclusion. He said on ITV: “I’m not so sure Skelton was entitled to come across Paul Townsend, you have to be clear of the horse behind you, clear of its hind leg.

“You can see they’re stuck together there, so he’s not entitled to close that door… Patrick [Mullins] doesn’t come across until he is over a length clear of Minella Study and he’s more than a length clear of Maestro Conti. So you are entitled to come across when you’re clear, but Harry Skelton wasn’t clear of Selma De Vary.”

Mick Fitzgerald was having none of it though, suggesting Walsh would’ve done the same. He replied: “Ah Ruby come on, you’d have done the same in that situation. When you’ve got half a chance of getting the rail, you’re not worried if someone is only half there or not.”

Walsh replied: “You’re right Mick, I never worried either, but it doesn’t mean I wasn’t guilty.”

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