Dan Skelton has been handed a boost after missing out on the Champion Trainer title.
The British trainer was pipped by Willie Mullins on the final day of the jump racing season.
Mullins’ three winners at Sandown saw him make up a near £70,000 deficit to win the title by almost £200,000.
There had been £685,000 in prize money on offer on Saturday as the season came to a close.
Ahead of the action, Skelton led the standings by £68,483 as he looked to deny Mullins a second consecutive triumph.
The Irish trainer had become the first winner from the Emerald Isle for 70 years when he claimed the Champion Trainer title in 2024.
As well as three wins at Sandown, his win was aided by a stunning result at the Grand National earlier this month.
Mullins had five of the first seven horses in the race at Aintree, including a one-two-three finish.
However, Skelton has been handed some words of encouragement after receiving a message from Sir Alex Ferguson.
The legendary Manchester United manager said: “Willie has been superb for years and for Dan it is not a crime to be second to him. It is an achievement in itself.
“Willie has been the best trainer of the last 10 years but the competition is there from Dan and that is an amazing achievement.
“It’s a similar situation to me in football. I had many of these seasons with Manchester United and I lost two titles on goal difference on the last day.
“I was second seven times but then five of those times won the title the next year.
“Dan should just be proud of the season he has had and do what I did and keep building a better and stronger team.
“In most other years the prize-money he won would have been enough to win the title.
“There were times when I won enough points to win a title in most years but ended second so I know how he feels.
“He must do what I used to do – dust himself down and go again.”
Elsewhere, Sean Bowen claimed the Champion Jockey crown after a win in the Gold Cup on Respledent Grey, trained by Olly Murphy.
Bowen ended the season with 180 wins ahead of Skelton’s brother Harry, who had 143.
JP McManus was also named Champion Owner after another memorable year for the former United owner.
