Skelton left frustrated by declaration changes

Dan Skelton is anticipating bumps in the road as trainers work around the 48-hour declaration requirements over the winter.

The measures were brought in when Jumps returned in June in a bid to make things easier for the industry during the Covid-19 pandemic.

While bookmakers and punters have been pleased with the move, the changes have made life tougher for trainers due to the increased logistical challenges.

Things are only likely to get more awkward over the winter, with the inclement weather regularly altering the ground conditions.

Skelton, who has had more than 100 winners over jumps for each of the past five seasons, admits he would prefer a return to 24-hour declarations.

However, he accepts that is unlikely due to both the pandemic and the boost it has given other parts of the industry.

“I can understand why we’ve had it to manage our industry with the Covid-19 protocols we currently have,” Skelton is quoted as saying by the racing Post. “I can also understand the commercial sense, but I know that as a horseman it’s going to be very difficult with winter ground in the UK.”

On the possibility of reinstating 24-hour declarations, he added: “I’d be a massive fan for it to go back, but there’s absolutely no chance of it happening ever again. It’s fine to have them (48-hour declarations) through the summer and autumn, but it’s going to be an absolute nightmare through the winter with the ground.”

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