Politologue got the better of favourite Defi Du Sueil to win today's feature race at the Cheltenham Festival - the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
The 6-to-1 shot, trained by Paul Nicholls and ridden by Harry Skelton, came in ahead of Dynamite Dollars with Defi Du Sueil back in fourth.
"It's my first ride in the Champion Chase," said the winning jockey, who was given the ride as conditional jockey at the Nicholls' yard.
"I owe so much to the Hales family. They've known me since I was a little kid. Pat (Mrs. Hales) used to take me around all the shows. What more can I say for Paul?
"I grafted there for a long time, me and Dan. We will be forever grateful for what he has done for our careers. He told me at the start of the season to come back and ride a little bit. This is magic. He has trained him to perfection. This is what he can do."
Nicholls had praise for Skelton when speaking on Racing TV after the race:
"It just shows bringing him fresh in here like that. When they're fresh and well they're brilliant. I thought Sam Twiston-Davies might ride him but John wanted Harry.
"Dynamite Dollars will win plenty more races over longer distances. I was thrilled with Politologue though, he was jumping so well for Harry right from the start."
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