No Panic! Skeltons Strike For Paddy Power Gold Cup Magnificence
Anxiety attack proved the most current example of Dan Skelton's quality when targeting a big reward as she fled 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 from three stated runners for the stable, with Hoe Joly Smoke staying-on for third and Riskintheground ultimately a non-runner.
Rounding the bend on the somewhat reconfigured track, in 2015's winner Il Ridoto stayed on the inside with Vincenzo, while a host of others, including Panic Attack, tried to find fresher ground out wide.
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 looked like playing a major role in the surface 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 marginally in front, the 6-1 shot ultimately pulled four 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 in 2015 I thought 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 glad we didn't in the end," said 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, but Anxiety attack was absolutely brilliant.
Jockey Harry Skelton and trainer Dan Skelton after Anxiety Attack ´ s victory (David Davies/PA)
"We had 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 terrific trip.
"The team have actually done an astounding job to get her prepared. We didn't have a run entering into this which left me anxious, however I understood there was a bit left in her mark.
"I have actually got her late in her profession however she's a brilliant mare.
"We've been 2nd in this race a number of times and I've never left a racecourse more dissatisfied than when Spiritofthegames got beat as his owner was one of our greatest fans."
Harry Skelton in jubilant mood (David Davies/PA)
On future strategies, he added: "She will not return in December and I've a number of concepts.
"I believe she is more than likely to go to Doncaster for the mares' chase over Christmas and then if all goes to plan returned here for the mares' chase in the spring."
Panic Attack's victory indicated the return of Harry Skelton's 'aeroplane' event on a weekend that might offer double delight, with spouse Bridget in the house expecting the couple's second child.
"Bridget is due today and I do not understand what is taking place. I hope everything is OK and possibly that has actually put her into labour who understands, hopefully they are all great," the jockey stated.
"Everyone has been groaning to me and asking where the event has actually been so I thought I best give them something."