No Panic! Skeltons Strike For Paddy Power Gold Cup Splendor
Anxiety attack proved the most current example of Dan Skelton's quality when targeting a huge 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 choice of Harry Skelton from three declared runners for the steady, with Hoe Joly Smoke for 3rd and Riskintheground ultimately a non-runner.
Rounding the bend on the a little reconfigured track, last year's winner Il Ridoto remained on the within with Vincenzo, while a host of others, consisting of Anxiety attack, looked for fresher ground out large.
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 trainer 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 huge leap from Panic Attack at the last and while she got there just marginally in front, the 6-1 shot eventually 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 could not make the Plate last year I thought this would be the race for her and after that I was umming and ahhing over whether we got a prep run into her and I'm delighted we didn't in the end," said the fitness instructor.
"My eye was really drawn to Hoe Joly Smoke turning in because he was getting a dream run before missing out on the last, but Panic Attack was absolutely dazzling.
Jockey Harry Skelton and trainer Dan Skelton after Panic 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 group have actually done an unbelievable task to get her prepared. We didn't have a run coming into this which left me anxious, but I understood there was a bit left in her mark.
"I've got her late in her profession however she's a brilliant mare.
"We have actually been second in this race a couple of times and I've never left a racecourse more disappointed than when Spiritofthegames got beat as his owner was among our most significant advocates."
Harry Skelton in jubilant mood (David Davies/PA)
On future strategies, he added: "She won't come back in December and I have actually a couple of concepts.
"I believe she is most likely to go to Doncaster for the mares' chase over Christmas and after that if all goes to plan come back here for the mares' chase in the spring."
Anxiety attack's success indicated the return of Harry Skelton's 'aeroplane' event on a weekend that might supply double happiness, with spouse Bridget at home expecting the couple's 2nd child.
"Bridget is due today and I don't understand what is happening. I hope whatever is OK and perhaps that has put her into labour who knows, ideally they are all excellent," the jockey said.
"Everyone has been groaning to me and asking where the celebration has actually been so I believed I finest offer them something."