Concerns arise over missing horses and racegoers, but Warwick remains rewarded on its significant day

That same man, who had shown his excitement earlier in the race, erupted once again as the race entered its closing stages. However, his enthusiasm was overshadowed by a lady who played a central role in a remarkable family triumph. For head groom Phil Haywood, as well as the rest of Dan Skelton’s highly successful team, a win for Galia Des Liteaux would have marked their seventh victory of the day. Recently, the stable had already claimed three wins in the 2.15 at Wetherby, the 2.24 at Warwick, and the 2.42 at Kempton. Now, as they awaited the Wigley Group Classic Chase, Haywood focused his attention on the large screen, watching Santos Blue and Ben Sutton pull ahead at the end of Wetherby’s 2.50 handicap hurdle. Encouragingly, Haywood shouted out in support of Ben, as the team celebrated its sixth win of the day, all while Skelton himself enjoyed some time in the sunny climate of Barbados. Haywood was quick to remark that they had everything under control, jokingly noting that Skelton could continue enjoying the sun while they handled business. Without delay, Haywood redirected his attention to Galia Des Liteaux’s performance in the £100,000 race, which was conveniently located just 12 miles from Skelton’s Alcester base.