No Panic! Skeltons Strike For Paddy Power Gold Cup Magnificence

Panic Attack proved the most recent example of Dan Skelton's excellence when a big reward 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 third and Riskintheground eventually 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, including Anxiety attack, searched for fresher ground out broad.


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 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 surface for Ireland before flattening out up the hill.


Skelton requested a huge leap from Anxiety attack at the last and while she got there simply partially in front, the 6-1 shot ultimately 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 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 encounter her and I'm glad we didn't in the end," stated the fitness instructor.


"My eye was in fact drawn to Hoe Joly Smoke kipping down due to the fact that he was getting a dream run before missing out on the last, however Anxiety attack was definitely brilliant.


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, but I'm chuffed to bits and Harry provided her an excellent trip.


"The group have actually done an unbelievable task to get her all set. We didn't have a run entering into this which left me worried, but I knew there was a bit left in her mark.


"I've got her late in her career but she's a brilliant mare.


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


Harry Skelton in jubilant mood (David Davies/PA)


On future plans, he added: "She won't return in December and I have actually a couple of concepts.


"I think she is probably 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."


Panic Attack's success indicated the return of Harry Skelton's 'aeroplane' event on a weekend that might supply double happiness, with other half Bridget in your home anticipating the couple's 2nd child.


"Bridget is due today and I do not know what is occurring. I hope whatever is OK and possibly that has put her into labour who understands, hopefully they are all excellent," the jockey stated.


"Everyone has actually been groaning to me and asking where the event has been so I thought I finest offer them something."