Up and coming jumps trainer Dan Skelton was philosophical on his yard's efforts at the Cheltenham Festival 2022 but with a hint of what could have been.

His Nube Negra was well supported in the Queen Mother Champion Chase but was withdrawn due to the ground conditions after a deluge in the Cotswolds.

The Spanish bred will go to the Celebration Chase at Sandown, rather than heading to Aintree says his Alcester based trainer.
Skelton said: "We obviously couldn't run Nube Negra in that, as we knew the result if we were going to run him in those conditions, so he will go to Sandown.
"We did briefly discuss two and half miles at Aintree, but we don't feel that is his trip, so he is going straight to Sandown for the Celebration Chase."

Skelton, like his mentor Paul Nicholls, didn't get a winner at Cheltenham, but came close on various occasions.

Langer Dan went off favourite for the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle, but was brought down at the second flight when Grand Jury fell.
Skelton said: "He is absolutely fine, but he will go to Aintree and probably run in the two-and-a-half-mile handicap on the Friday."
That was a low point for the young trainer after the high of Protektorat's fine third in the Gold Cup behind A Plus Tard and Minella Indo.
"We were delighted with Protektorkat," said Skelton.
"He was the best of the English runners in the Gold Cup, going into it. He confirmed that and as long as he is all right, and he appears to be, he will go to Aintree on the Thursday for the Aintree Bowl."
West Cork, who was fourth to State Man in the County Hurdle, is in line for a go at the Scottish Champion Hurdle.
"West Cork ran a great race," said Skelton. "We had him ready to run his best and he did run really well. He is in the Scottish Champion Hurdle, but he would be one for consideration at Aintree if the Scottish Champion Hurdle came too soon."
Shan Blue, who returned following a five-month break in the Ryanair Chase after suffering a neck injury in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby, will also head to the Aintree Festival.
Skelton feels the eight-year-old will be better suited by the flatter track after his sixth-placed effort behind Allaho.
He said: "Shan Blue travelled well, jumped well and we don't think that Cheltenham is his optimum track. He will go to Aintree in the race before the Grand National (Betway Handicap Chase).
"They all ran well. We were waiting on Langer Dan to try to get a winner and it didn't work out, but what can you do - there is no point crying about it - you move on. They all ran well."
Skelton has, though, retired his Scottish Champion Hurdle and County Hurdle winner Ch'tibello.