No Panic! Skeltons Strike For Paddy Power Gold Cup Glory

Panic Attack showed the current example of Dan Skelton's excellence when targeting a big prize as she ran away from her rivals up the Cheltenham hill to win the Paddy Power Gold Cup.


Off the track for 280 days, the nine-year-old was the option of Harry Skelton from three stated runners for the stable, with Hoe Joly Smoke staying-on for third and Riskintheground eventually a non-runner.


Rounding the bend on the a little reconfigured track, in 2015's winner Il Ridoto stayed on the inside with Vincenzo, while a host of others, consisting of Anxiety attack, looked for fresher ground out broad.


Anxiety attack wins the Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase What a huge 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 appeared like playing a significant in the surface for Ireland before flattening out up the hill.


Skelton requested for a big leap from Panic Attack at the last and while she selected up there simply marginally in front, the 6-1 shot ultimately pulled four lengths clear of 100-30 preferred Vincenzo who stuck on for 2nd ahead of Hoe Joly Smoke and Conyers Hill for minor honours.


"When she couldn't make the Plate last year I believed this would be the race for her and after that I was umming and ahhing over whether we got a prep face her and I'm thankful we didn't in the end," stated the trainer.


"My eye was in fact drawn to Hoe Joly Smoke kipping down due to the fact that he was getting a dream run before missing the last, but Panic Attack was definitely brilliant.


Jockey Harry Skelton and fitness instructor Dan Skelton after Anxiety Attack ´ s triumph (David Davies/PA)


"We had to ride her in there a bit today so it was a bit new to her, however I'm chuffed to bits and Harry provided her an excellent trip.


"The team have done an amazing job to get her ready. We didn't have a run coming into this which left me nervous, but I knew there was a bit left in her mark.


"I've got her late in her profession however she's a dazzling mare.


"We have actually been 2nd in this race a couple of times and I have actually never left a racecourse more disappointed than when Spiritofthegames got beat as his owner was one of our greatest fans."


Harry Skelton in joyous mood (David Davies/PA)


On future plans, he included: "She won't come back in December and I've a couple of ideas.


"I believe she is probably to go to Doncaster for the mares' chase over Christmas and then if all goes to prepare come back here for the mares' chase in the spring."


Anxiety attack's victory indicated the return of Harry Skelton's 'aeroplane' celebration on a weekend that could supply double delight, with other half Bridget in the house anticipating the couple's second child.


"Bridget is due today and I don't understand what is happening. I hope everything is OK and maybe that has actually put her into labour who understands, hopefully they are all good," the jockey stated.


"Everyone has actually been groaning to me and asking where the event has actually been so I believed I best provide something."