DAN Skelton had his horses ready early on last year and landed a major blow on a valuable Acot card when 7/1 chance What A Warrior made all the running in the Grade 3 United House Gold Cup Handicap Chase over three miles.

A recruit from Nigel Twiston-Davies’ yard, What A Warrior had been raised 13lb for winning on his Ludlow debut for Skelton but it made no difference. Although inclined to jump left, he always looked safe and found plenty when Harry Skelton picked him up with two to jump. In the end he had half a length to spare over Black Thunder - not the first time Skelton has put one over on former boss Paul Nicholls - with Merry King six lengths away.