No Panic! Skeltons Strike For Paddy Power Gold Cup Splendor

Panic Attack proved the current example of Dan Skelton's excellence when targeting a big prize as she fled 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 steady, with Hoe Joly Smoke staying-on for 3rd and Riskintheground eventually a non-runner.


Rounding the bend on the a little 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 large.


Anxiety attack wins the Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase What a huge 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 appeared like playing a major function in the surface for Ireland before flattening out up the hill.


Skelton requested a big leap from Anxiety attack at the last and while she selected up there just marginally in front, the 6-1 shot ultimately pulled four lengths clear of 100-30 favourite Vincenzo who stuck on for second ahead of Hoe Joly Smoke and Conyers Hill for small honours.


"When she could not make the Plate last year I thought this would be the race for her and after that I was umming and ahhing over whether we got a prep run into 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 because he was getting a dream run before missing the last, but Panic Attack was absolutely brilliant.


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


"We had to ride her in there a bit today so it was a bit brand-new to her, but I'm chuffed to bits and Harry provided her a terrific ride.


"The group have done an unbelievable job to get her prepared. We didn't have a run coming into this which left me worried, however I understood there was a bit left in her mark.


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


"We've been 2nd in this race a number of times and I have actually never left a racecourse more dissatisfied than when Spiritofthegames got beat as his owner was one of our biggest supporters."


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


On future strategies, he added: "She won't come back in December and I have actually a number of ideas.


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


Anxiety attack's victory signified the return of Harry Skelton's 'aeroplane' event on a weekend that could supply double happiness, with better half Bridget at home expecting the couple's 2nd child.


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


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