No Panic! Skeltons Strike For Paddy Power Gold Cup Glory

Panic Attack proved the most recent example of Dan Skelton's quality when targeting a huge reward as she ran away 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 choice of Harry Skelton from three stated runners for the steady, with Hoe Joly Smoke staying-on for third and Riskintheground ultimately a non-runner.


Rounding the bend on the slightly reconfigured track, last year's winner Il Ridoto on the inside with Vincenzo, while a host of others, consisting of 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 fitness instructor to win the race, with Tranquil Sea back in 2009, and Paul Nolan's Conyers Hill briefly looked like playing a significant 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 selected up there just partially in front, the 6-1 shot eventually pulled 4 lengths clear of 100-30 preferred Vincenzo who stuck on for second ahead of Hoe Joly Smoke and Conyers Hill for small honours.


"When she could not make the Plate last year 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 happy we didn't in the end," stated 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 the last, but Panic Attack was definitely fantastic.


Jockey Harry Skelton and fitness instructor 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 new to her, however I'm chuffed to bits and Harry offered her an excellent ride.


"The team have done an amazing task to get her prepared. We didn't have a run entering this which left me worried, but I understood there was a bit left in her mark.


"I've got her late in her profession but she's a fantastic mare.


"We have actually been second in this race a couple of times and I've never ever 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 added: "She won't return in December and I have actually a number of ideas.


"I think she is more than likely to go to Doncaster for the mares' chase over Christmas and after that if all goes to prepare come back here for the mares' chase in the spring."


Anxiety attack's victory indicated the return of Harry Skelton's 'aeroplane' event on a weekend that could offer double pleasure, with spouse Bridget at home anticipating the couple's 2nd child.


"Bridget is due today and I don't know what is occurring. I hope whatever is OK and maybe that has put her into labour who knows, ideally they are all excellent," the jockey stated.


"Everyone has actually been groaning to me and asking where the celebration has actually been so I believed I best provide something."