No Panic! Skeltons Strike For Paddy Power Gold Cup Magnificence
Anxiety attack showed the current example of Dan Skelton's quality when targeting 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 somewhat reconfigured track, last year's winner Il Ridoto remained on the within with Vincenzo, while a host of others, consisting of 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 .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 role in the surface for Ireland before flattening out up the hill.
Skelton requested 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 2nd ahead of Hoe Joly Smoke and Conyers Hill for minor 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 run into her and I'm thankful 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 out on the last, but Panic Attack was definitely 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 offered her an excellent trip.
"The group have actually done an unbelievable task to get her all set. We didn't have a run entering this which left me worried, however I understood there was a bit left in her mark.
"I've got her late in her profession but she's a dazzling mare.
"We have actually been 2nd in this race a couple of times and I've never left a racecourse more dissatisfied than when Spiritofthegames got beat as his owner was one of our greatest supporters."
Harry Skelton in pleased state of mind (David Davies/PA)
On future plans, he included: "She will not come back in December and I've a number of ideas.
"I think she is most likely to go to Doncaster for the mares' chase over Christmas and after that if all goes to prepare returned here for the mares' chase in the spring."
Anxiety attack's success signalled the return of Harry Skelton's 'aeroplane' celebration on a weekend that might offer double happiness, with wife Bridget at home anticipating the couple's 2nd kid.
"Bridget is due today and I don't know what is taking place. I hope everything is OK and perhaps that has actually put her into labour who knows, hopefully they are all great," the jockey stated.
"Everyone has been groaning to me and asking where the celebration has actually been so I thought I best give them something."