No Panic! Skeltons Strike For Paddy Power Gold Cup Magnificence
Panic Attack showed the most current example of Dan Skelton's quality when targeting a huge prize 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 declared 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 inside with Vincenzo, while a host of others, including Panic Attack, looked for fresher ground out wide.
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 fitness instructor 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 finish for Ireland before flattening out up the hill.
Skelton requested for a huge leap from Panic Attack at the last and while she got there simply marginally in front, the 6-1 shot ultimately pulled 4 lengths clear of 100-30 favourite Vincenzo who stuck on for second ahead of Hoe Joly Smoke and Conyers Hill for small honours.
"When she couldn't make the Plate in 2015 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," stated the .
"My eye was in fact drawn to Hoe Joly Smoke kipping down since he was getting a dream run before missing the last, however Panic Attack was definitely fantastic.
Jockey Harry Skelton and trainer Dan Skelton after Panic Attack ´ s success (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 provided her a fantastic trip.
"The group have done an incredible task to get her prepared. We didn't have a run entering this which left me worried, however I understood there was a bit left in her mark.
"I have actually got her late in her profession but she's a brilliant mare.
"We have actually been 2nd 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 one of our most significant supporters."
Harry Skelton in joyous state of mind (David Davies/PA)
On future strategies, he included: "She won't come back in December and I've 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 prepare returned here for the mares' chase in the spring."
Panic Attack's success signified the return of Harry Skelton's 'aeroplane' event on a weekend that could supply double delight, with partner Bridget at home expecting the couple's second child.
"Bridget is due today and I don't understand what is occurring. 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 moaning to me and asking where the event has actually been so I believed I best give them something."