A Stellar Performance at Windsor
Last year’s Ryanair Chase hero, Protektorat, showcased his brilliance once again in the Fitzdares Fleur de Lys Chase at Windsor. Ridden by Harry Skelton, the ten-year-old horse left a formidable impression, ensuring his credentials as a serious contender for the upcoming season. During the last day of the Winter Million Festival, he soared over the fences, effortlessly leaving his competitors behind.
A Race to Remember
Protektorat had a lot to prove after placing second in last year’s iteration of this race, held at Lingfield. That didn’t deter him; after a successful spring season, including a win at the Cheltenham Festival, his confidence soared. Betting odds had him at 100-30, with Djelo, his previous conqueror, pegged as the favourite at 5-4. However, the race unfolded in a manner that turned the odds on their heads, with Protektorat taking the lead early and never looking back.
Victory by a Landslide
As the race progressed, it became evident that no one could catch Protektorat. He crossed the finish line a whopping 23 lengths ahead of Djelo, who had previously bested him. His journey wasn’t just a victory; it was a statement that he remains a force to be reckoned with in the racing world. The £85,000 prize for the winner was well-deserved! After the race, the winning rider remarked, “I haven’t ridden many with the constitution and toughness of him. He’s the maddest horse I’ve ever ridden,” underscoring the incredible spirit that sets Protektorat apart.
