No Panic! Skeltons Strike For Paddy Power Gold Cup Splendor

Panic Attack proved the most recent example of Dan Skelton's excellence when a huge prize 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 Harry Skelton from 3 stated runners for the steady, with Hoe Joly Smoke staying-on for 3rd and Riskintheground eventually a non-runner.


Rounding the bend on the slightly reconfigured track, last year's winner Il Ridoto remained on the inside with Vincenzo, while a host of others, consisting of Panic Attack, searched for fresher ground out wide.


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 function 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 selected up there simply partially in front, the 6-1 shot ultimately pulled 4 lengths clear of 100-30 preferred Vincenzo who stuck on for 2nd 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 then I was umming and ahhing over whether we got a prep face her and I'm delighted we didn't in the end," said the trainer.


"My eye was really drawn to Hoe Joly Smoke turning in since he was getting a dream run before missing the last, but Panic Attack was definitely dazzling.


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


"We needed to ride her in there a bit today so it was a bit new to her, but I'm chuffed to bits and Harry provided her an excellent trip.


"The team have done an amazing task to get her all set. We didn't have a run entering 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 but she's a brilliant mare.


"We have actually been 2nd in this race a couple of times and I have actually never ever left a racecourse more disappointed than when Spiritofthegames got beat as his owner was one of our greatest advocates."


Harry Skelton in jubilant state of mind (David Davies/PA)


On future plans, he included: "She won't come back in December and I've 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."


Panic Attack's success signified the return of Harry Skelton's 'aeroplane' event on a weekend that might supply double pleasure, with wife Bridget in your 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 understands, hopefully they are all great," the jockey stated.


"Everyone has actually been moaning to me and asking where the celebration has been so I believed I finest provide them something."