No Panic! Skeltons Strike For Paddy Power Gold Cup Magnificence

Panic Attack showed the current example of Dan Skelton's quality when targeting a big prize as she escaped from her rivals up the to win the Paddy Power Gold Cup.


Off the track for 280 days, the nine-year-old was the option of Harry Skelton from three stated runners for the stable, with Hoe Joly Smoke staying-on for 3rd and Riskintheground ultimately a non-runner.


Rounding the bend on the a little reconfigured track, last year's winner Il Ridoto stayed on the inside with Vincenzo, while a host of others, consisting of Anxiety attack, searched 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 function in the finish for Ireland before flattening out up the hill.


Skelton asked for a big leap from Anxiety 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 small honours.


"When she couldn't make the Plate last year I believed 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 delighted we didn't in the end," said the trainer.


"My eye was actually drawn to Hoe Joly Smoke turning in due to the fact that he was getting a dream run before missing the last, but Anxiety attack was absolutely fantastic.


Jockey Harry Skelton and trainer Dan Skelton after Anxiety Attack ´ s success (David Davies/PA)


"We needed 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 offered her a fantastic trip.


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


"I've got her late in her career however she's a fantastic mare.


"We've been 2nd in this race a number of times and I've never ever left a racecourse more dissatisfied than when Spiritofthegames got beat as his owner was among our most significant advocates."


Harry Skelton in pleased mood (David Davies/PA)


On future plans, he added: "She will not come back in December and I have actually a couple of concepts.


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


Anxiety attack's victory signalled the return of Harry Skelton's 'aeroplane' event on a weekend that might supply double joy, with wife Bridget at home expecting the couple's second kid.


"Bridget is due today and I do not understand what is occurring. I hope everything is OK and possibly that has actually put her into labour who knows, ideally they are all great," the jockey stated.


"Everyone has been groaning to me and asking where the celebration has been so I believed I finest offer them something."