No Panic! Skeltons Strike For Paddy Power Gold Cup Splendor

Anxiety attack proved the newest example of Dan Skelton's excellence when targeting 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 stated 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 within with Vincenzo, while a host of others, including Panic 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 significant function in the surface for Ireland before flattening out up the hill.


Skelton requested a big leap from Panic Attack at the last and while she chose up there simply partially in front, the 6-1 shot ultimately pulled 4 clear of 100-30 favourite Vincenzo who stuck on for second ahead of Hoe Joly Smoke and Conyers Hill for minor 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 run into her and I'm pleased we didn't in the end," said the fitness instructor.


"My eye was in fact drawn to Hoe Joly Smoke kipping down since he was getting a dream run before missing out on the last, however Panic Attack was absolutely brilliant.


Jockey Harry Skelton and fitness instructor Dan Skelton after Panic Attack ´ s success (David Davies/PA)


"We needed to ride her in there a bit today so it was a bit new to her, however I'm chuffed to bits and Harry gave her a fantastic ride.


"The group have done an incredible job to get her all set. We didn't have a run entering this which left me nervous, but I knew 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 have actually never ever left a racecourse more disappointed than when Spiritofthegames got beat as his owner was one of our most significant advocates."


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


On future plans, he added: "She will not come back in December and I've a couple of ideas.


"I believe 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."


Anxiety attack's triumph indicated the return of Harry Skelton's 'aeroplane' event on a weekend that might supply double pleasure, with spouse Bridget in your home anticipating the couple's 2nd child.


"Bridget is due today and I do not know what is happening. I hope whatever is OK and possibly that has actually put her into labour who knows, ideally they are all great," the jockey said.


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