Top jumps trainer Dan Skelton has issued a stark warning to racing fans and punters to ignore baseless social media gossip, after a false rumour about his unbeaten star Mydaddypaddy spread online.
The Source of the Gossip
The incident began on Monday, 22nd December, when a social media account using the name ‘Divock Origi’ – which had only four followers – posted a claim that the exciting novice hurdler had sustained a season-ending injury. The post tagged both Dan Skelton and his jockey brother, Harry, quickly sending the racing rumour mill into overdrive.
Mydaddypaddy is the current ante-post favourite for the prestigious Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March, following two impressive victories this season. The horse is also declared to run in the Grade 1 William Hill Formby Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree on Boxing Day.
Skelton's Forceful Rebuttal
On Tuesday, 23rd December, Dan Skelton took decisive action to quash the speculation. He posted a video on social media showing Mydaddypaddy working powerfully on the gallops and delivered a direct message to those spreading misinformation.
“Mydaddypaddy went nicely up the hill this morning in preparation for the Formby. I am very happy with him and he has been declared,” Skelton stated. He branded the original post “quite frankly pathetic” and explained the real-world consequences it had caused.
“This account that had two followers posted something that… led to a lot of problems, both professionally, and upset from the owners,” he said. “It caused loads of problems yesterday when there were no problems at all.”
A Plea for Responsibility and Trust
Skelton used the opportunity to urge the racing public to place their trust in official channels rather than anonymous online accounts. He emphasised his commitment to transparency when there is genuine news to share.
“Don’t be listening to these accounts because they are so misleading,” he warned. “I will tell everybody the truth as soon as I can give any news… We will let everybody know the real news as soon as it comes.”
His message concluded with a pointed rebuke to the source of the rumour: “Whoever you are with your pallid news. Great, well done, you caused a load of trouble.” The episode highlights the rapid and damaging impact unverified social media claims can have within the professional sport of horse racing.
