Protektorat Surpasses £1 Million Mark with Fleur de Lys Victory

Harry Skelton praised Protektorat as a 'warrior' after the horse successfully defended its title in the Fitzdares Fleur de Lys Chase at Windsor. The 11-year-old won the £165,000 contest by 23 lengths last season, but this time it was a much harder-fought victory. Protektorat took the lead early on, defying his age throughout the two-mile-six-furlong contest, and jumped boldly to put pressure on the chasing pack. When joined by Handstands approaching the second fence from home, Protektorat found more speed and powered clear to beat Resplendent Grey by three and three-quarter lengths. Skelton said, 'This is jump racing at its best. Protektorat is a warrior and has now broken the £1 million barrier.' Skelton described Protektorat as his hardest ride, saying, 'He's just hard to handle, loves running left-handed, and runs with his head on one side.' Skelton added that despite being 11 years old, Protektorat still thinks he's a seven-year-old. The win marked a special moment for Skelton's family and the owners, who have enjoyed great success with Protektorat. In another race, Salver won the LSL Racing Auctions Hampton Novices' Chase, getting the better of Doyen Quest in a protracted duel. Salver, the 7-5 favorite, finished four and a quarter lengths ahead of Doyen Quest. Gary Moore, Salver's trainer, said, 'The ground was perfect, and he's done well to win after a rush job following Kempton.' Moore warned that Salver's participation in the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival will depend on the ground conditions.