Grey Dawning Outshines Solness in Electrifying Melling Chase

In a masterful display, Grey Dawning successfully dropped back in distance to outmaneuver Solness in a captivating duel at the JCB Melling Chase at Aintree. Trained by Joseph O'Brien, Solness took the lead from the start, moving up from two miles and setting the pace alongside Gidleigh Park before asserting dominance down the back straight. However, Dan Skelton's Grey Dawning, having finished a brave fourth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, was always poised to launch a challenge, racing with enthusiasm and jumping well. With two fences to go, Harry Skelton moved the 5-1 chance to the front, and despite Solness's refusal to back down, Grey Dawning's stamina ultimately gave him the edge in a thrilling neck-and-neck finish. Dan Skelton explained the decision to drop back to two and a half miles, saying, 'We were doing well but not quite winning, so we had to change things.' The addition of cheekpieces was 'a little something extra' to aid Grey Dawning over the shorter trip. In other news, Oxagon secured victory in the Craven Stakes for the in-form Gosden team, while Azleet entered 1000 Guineas contention with a 50-1 win in the Nell Gwyn Stakes. Hollie Doyle reflected on her hopes for Derby prospect Wareeth in the Feilden Stakes, and Evan Williams was jailed for three years for a hockey stick attack. Meanwhile, Hollie Doyle shared her flat horses to follow in 2026, including Derby hopefuls and international stars. Kevin Blake discussed I Am Maximus's Grand National win and the evolution of the race over the years. Dan Skelton praised Grey Dawning's performance, saying, 'It's a great outcome for a phenomenal owner... He's been through the mill, but he's a very patient man.' Jockey J J Slevin commended Solness's run, saying, 'It was a great run... He's a very good horse on his day.' Henry de Bromhead attributed Heart Wood's third-place finish to the quicker pace on a sharper track, while Jo Tizzard was pleased with JPR One's fourth-place finish, noting he 'comes up a bit shy in Grade Ones.' Connections of Gold Dancer reflected on a 'hollow victory' after the horse suffered a fatal injury despite winning the William Hill Mildmay Novices' Chase. Gold Dancer engaged in a thrilling duel with Regent's Stroll before seeing him off, but suffered a serious injury upon pulling up. Paul Nicholls praised Regent's Stroll's performance, saying, 'That was a good run... He'll be more the finished article next year.'