We've obviously seen evidence of Skelton copying his old boss's modus operandi too. He's not afraid to plot one for a couple of years. What he lacks among his vast number of horses is the big money purchases though. I think he's missed the boat and he's viewed as more of a Martin Pipe than a Gordon Elliott.
Joseph hasn't yet learnt properly, but given those around him it shouldn't be long before he joins the party. Still too much of his old man in him, in that all he really wants graded winners. He'll learn, and JP and Fran will get him with the programme.
The one to watch is Olly Murphy. He's starting to get good young horses and he has Gordon as his mentor. If he can attract the right owners he'll be lethal. He's doing a pretty good job now with Saturday and midweek handicappers, but it was noticeable how many more expensive horses he had last season. I'm sure we can expect the same this season, and another twelve months will almost certainly be the tipping point where he gets backed or goes backward.
Interesting that none of Nicky's protege have really threatened, and Willie's is pretty much a closed shop so there aren't any spin-offs, although I reckon nephew Emmett is worth watching.
Will Ruby take over from his old man at some point? If so, he'll get the owners and he'll know how to deliver.
