No Panic! Skeltons Strike For Paddy Power Gold Cup Magnificence
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Panic Attack proved the current example of Dan Skelton's quality when targeting a huge reward 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 choice of Harry Skelton from 3 for the steady, with Hoe Joly Smoke staying-on for third and Riskintheground eventually a non-runner.
Rounding the bend on the somewhat reconfigured track, in 2015's winner Il Ridoto remained on the inside with Vincenzo, while a host of others, including Panic Attack, looked for fresher ground out large.
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 role in the surface for Ireland before flattening out up the hill.
Skelton requested for a huge leap from Panic Attack at the last and while she selected up there simply partially in front, the 6-1 shot ultimately pulled 4 lengths clear of 100-30 preferred Vincenzo who stuck on for second 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 then I was umming and ahhing over whether we got a prep encounter her and I'm delighted we didn't in the end," stated the fitness instructor.
"My eye was really drawn to Hoe Joly Smoke turning in since he was getting a dream run before missing the last, but Panic Attack was absolutely dazzling.
Jockey Harry Skelton and fitness instructor Dan Skelton after Panic Attack ´ s triumph (David Davies/PA)
"We needed to ride her in there a bit today so it was a bit brand-new to her, however I'm chuffed to bits and Harry gave her a great trip.
"The team have done an incredible job to get her ready. We didn't have a run coming into this which left me anxious, however I knew there was a bit left in her mark.
"I've got her late in her career but she's a fantastic mare.
"We have actually been 2nd in this race a number of times and I have actually never left a racecourse more dissatisfied than when Spiritofthegames got beat as his owner was one of our most significant fans."
Harry Skelton in pleased state of mind (David Davies/PA)
On future plans, he included: "She will not return in December and I have actually a couple of concepts.
"I think she is more than likely 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."
Panic Attack's victory signified the return of Harry Skelton's 'aeroplane' celebration on a weekend that might supply double pleasure, with wife Bridget in the house anticipating the couple's 2nd kid.
"Bridget is due today and I don't know what is happening. I hope whatever is OK and maybe that has actually put her into labour who understands, hopefully they are all excellent," the jockey said.
"Everyone has actually been moaning to me and asking where the event has actually been so I thought I best give them something."