No Panic! Skeltons Strike For Paddy Power Gold Cup Magnificence
Panic Attack showed the current example of Dan Skelton's excellence when targeting a huge reward as she escaped from her competitors 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 3 stated runners for the stable, with Hoe Joly Smoke staying-on for 3rd and Riskintheground eventually a non-runner.
Rounding the bend on the a little reconfigured track, in 2015's winner Il Ridoto remained on the within with Vincenzo, while a host of others, including Panic Attack, searched for fresher ground out broad.
Panic 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 fitness instructor to win the race, with Tranquil Sea back in 2009, and Paul Nolan's Conyers Hill briefly appeared like playing a major role in the finish for Ireland before flattening out up the hill.
Skelton requested a big leap from Panic Attack at the last and while she got there just partially in front, the 6-1 shot eventually pulled four lengths clear of 100-30 preferred Vincenzo who stuck on for 2nd ahead of Hoe Joly Smoke and Conyers Hill for small honours.
"When she could not 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 pleased we didn't in the end," said the trainer.
"My eye was really drawn to Hoe Joly Smoke turning in since he was getting a dream run before missing out on the last, but Panic Attack was definitely 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 offered her a fantastic trip.
"The team have done an unbelievable job to get her all set. We didn't have a run coming into this which left me worried, but I knew there was a bit left in her mark.
"I have actually got her late in her profession but she's a dazzling mare.
"We've been 2nd in this race a number of times and I have actually never ever left a racecourse more dissatisfied than when Spiritofthegames got beat as his owner was among our greatest fans."
Harry Skelton in pleased mood (David Davies/PA)
On future strategies, he included: "She won't return in December and I have actually a number of concepts.
"I think she is probably to go to Doncaster for the mares' chase over and then if all goes to plan come back here for the mares' chase in the spring."
Anxiety attack's victory signified the return of Harry Skelton's 'aeroplane' celebration on a weekend that could supply double happiness, with wife Bridget in the house expecting the couple's second child.
"Bridget is due today and I don't know 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 been groaning to me and asking where the event has actually been so I believed I finest give them something."