Dan Skelton is to leave his position as assistant to champion trainer Paul Nicholls in May and set up on his own at his father Nick's farm in Warwickshire.

Skelton has decided to take the plunge and apply for his own licence after nine years as Nicholls' right-hand man.

"This was not an easy decision to make, but after a lot of thought and discussion I have decided that in May 2013 I will embark on gaining my trainers' licence from the BHA," said Skelton.

"The hardest part of this decision is no doubt the fact that I will be leaving a great team, and a great boss who, at the age of 19, welcomed me into full-time employment and the full-time excitement of National Hunt racing.

"Paul showed me great confidence and faith when taking me on as assistant with no experience, and has nurtured me into the person and professional I am today.

"With nine years of top-class, championship-winning, experience I feel I am ready to make a start myself and will do so from my family home in Warwickshire with the support of my wife Grace, my father Nick and brother Harry.

"We have been granted permission for stabling and a six-and-a-half furlong uphill all-weather gallop near Alcester on my father's equestrian property. And, whilst this is a new venture, we aim to use all of our experience to build a top-class facility for horses and owners.

"There was never going to be an easy time to leave Ditcheat, and Grace and I cannot thank Paul, Georgie and the Barber family enough for having us. We are very excited about our future and I hope I can do justice to the training and education I have received from Paul."

Nicholls told betfair.com: "Late last week, Dan spoke openly with me and Clifford about his plans for the future. After our discussion, Dan wanted to, and will, stay in his current job and maintain his role as assistant until the end of the season.

"Tom Jonason, who has been with us for three years as our pupil assistant trainer, will shadow Dan until May and will take over his position full-time at that stage. I wish Dan all the best. He is a great friend above all else, and I am incredibly proud to have played a part in Harry Fry's and Dan's progression to the training ranks."

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests