No Panic! Skeltons Strike For Paddy Power Gold Cup Glory
Panic Attack proved the most recent example of Dan Skelton's excellence when targeting a huge prize as she fled from her competitors up the Cheltenham hill to win the Paddy Power Gold Cup.
Off the track for 280 days, the was the option of Harry Skelton from three declared runners for the stable, with Hoe Joly Smoke staying-on for third and Riskintheground ultimately a non-runner.
Rounding the bend on the slightly reconfigured track, in 2015's winner Il Ridoto stayed on the inside with Vincenzo, while a host of others, including Panic Attack, searched for fresher ground out wide.
Anxiety attack wins the Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase What a big success that is for the Skeltons! #ITVRacing|@DSkeltonRacing|@harryskelton89 pic.twitter.com/qxwyh6I5xJ
- ITV Racing (@itvracing) November 15, 2025
This year's race was run in memory of Edward O'Grady, the last Irish trainer to win the race, with Tranquil Sea back in 2009, and Paul Nolan's Conyers Hill briefly looked like playing a major function in the finish for Ireland before flattening out up the hill.
Skelton asked for a big leap from Anxiety attack at the last and while she got there simply marginally in front, the 6-1 shot eventually pulled 4 lengths clear of 100-30 preferred Vincenzo who stuck on for second ahead of Hoe Joly Smoke and Conyers Hill for small honours.
"When she could not make the Plate in 2015 I thought this would be the race for her and then I was umming and ahhing over whether we got a prep run into her and I'm grateful we didn't in the end," stated the fitness instructor.
"My eye was in fact drawn to Hoe Joly Smoke turning in due to the fact that he was getting a dream run before missing out on the last, however Panic Attack was absolutely fantastic.
Jockey Harry Skelton and fitness instructor Dan Skelton after Panic Attack ´ s victory (David Davies/PA)
"We needed to ride her in there a bit today so it was a bit new to her, however I'm chuffed to bits and Harry gave her a fantastic trip.
"The team have done an unbelievable task to get her prepared. We didn't have a run entering this which left me nervous, but I knew there was a bit left in her mark.
"I have actually got her late in her profession however she's a fantastic mare.
"We have actually been second in this race a number of times and I have actually never ever left a racecourse more disappointed than when Spiritofthegames got beat as his owner was one of our most significant advocates."
Harry Skelton in pleased mood (David Davies/PA)
On future plans, he included: "She won't return in December and I have actually a number of ideas.
"I think she is more than likely to go to Doncaster for the mares' chase over Christmas and after that if all goes to prepare come back here for the mares' chase in the spring."
Anxiety attack's triumph signified the return of Harry Skelton's 'aeroplane' event on a weekend that might supply double joy, with partner Bridget in the house expecting the couple's second child.
"Bridget is due today and I don't know what is taking place. I hope whatever is OK and perhaps that has put her into labour who understands, hopefully they are all good," the jockey stated.
"Everyone has been groaning to me and asking where the celebration has been so I believed I finest offer them something."