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. 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.”

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