Billionaire Bet365 boss Denise Coates revealed as superpower owner of £580,000 horse who’s moved yards to Dan Skelton

BILLIONAIRE Bet365 boss Denise Coates has been revealed as the new superpower owner of a £580,000 horse who’s switched yards to Dan Skelton – and is 40-1 for Cheltenham glory. The champion jumps trainer has been rattling in winners non-stop over the summer but this new recruit looks all set for a huge spring campaign. Champion trainer Dan Skelton has secured another major backer in the shape of Bet365 boss Denise Coates, who has a jumps horse at his yard now Credit: PA Billionaire Coates is 40-1 to have a Cheltenham Festival winner with novice hurdler Push The Limit, who won at Glorious Goodwood Credit: Getty – Pool Push The Limit, a four-year-old chestnut with white socks, was formerly trained by Arc de Triomphe-winning Flat handler Ralph Beckett. A Glorious Goodwood winner over 1m3f for owners Valmont, he was most recently seen finishing a close-up fifth in the Listed Murless Stakes over 1m6f at Ascot last October. Sold at the Tatts Autumn Sale for the whopping price later that month, Push The Limit was listed as being trained by Skelton soon after. But the identity of the owner remained a secret – until now. Nick Luck revealed in his podcast that the Bet365 chief, said to be worth £10billion, is one of the horse’s new owners. He will officially race under the ownership name Coates-Smith Racing Lp. Skelton said the horse, a New Bay gelding who’s a half brother to dual Cheltenham Festival winner Wodhooh, has been schooling well over hurdles. He is currently 40-1 with Paddy Power and Sky Bet for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at next year’s Cheltenham Festival. Most read in Horse Racing But the decision was made to save him for this campaign, with a likely racecourse debut for his new trainer coming in October. Skelton said: “We feel very luck to have the family’s support. “We did lots with the horse last year but we felt physically he was still to turn a corner and switch fully to jumps mode. “He did jump very, very nicely but we felt like a bit of time, given he was such a young horse, would be no negative. “He is only a four-year-old and I think the best thing we’ve done is give him that time. “He is moving particularly well, he’s quite a flashy character and we liked everything we saw. “By the time you get mid-way through the season we felt he was better off having a full run at novice season. “Physically I can only say that has been the right thing to do.” Asked when we could see him, Skelton added: “I don’t think he’s a horse who wants really soft ground. “Id’ like to get him out by mid or end of October and take a view from there. “On the track he looked very good and from what we’ve see at home we like him as well – pretty exciting stuff.” Coates is the latest billionaire to place their trust in Skelton, who fought off Willie Mullins to land his first trainer title last season. Mark and Lindy O’Hare, who made their fortune after the sale of their company Preqin, splurged £700,000 on Mets Ta Ceinture. Skelton repaid their faith by training the filly to finish second in last year’s Champion Bumper on her first run for him. She is now 5-1 favourite for the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at March’s Festival. FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here. Comment now