No Panic! Skeltons Strike For Paddy Power Gold Cup Splendor

Anxiety attack showed the current example of Dan Skelton's excellence when targeting a big reward as she ran away 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 choice of Harry Skelton from three stated runners for the stable, with Hoe Joly Smoke staying-on for third and Riskintheground ultimately 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, including Anxiety 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 significant function in the finish for Ireland before flattening out up the hill.


Skelton requested for a big leap from Panic Attack at the last and while she got there just partially in front, the 6-1 shot ultimately pulled 4 lengths clear of 100-30 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 face her and I'm glad we didn't in the end," stated the trainer.


"My eye was actually drawn to Hoe Joly Smoke turning in because he was getting a dream run before missing the last, but Anxiety attack was absolutely fantastic.


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 brand-new to her, but I'm chuffed to bits and Harry gave her an excellent ride.


"The team have actually done an unbelievable task to get her all set. We didn't have a run coming into 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'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 among our biggest advocates."


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


On future strategies, he included: "She will not come back in December and I've a number of concepts.


"I think she is probably 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 triumph signalled the return of Harry Skelton's 'aeroplane' celebration on a weekend that could offer double happiness, with wife Bridget at home anticipating the couple's 2nd child.


"Bridget is due today and I don't know what is taking place. I hope everything is OK and perhaps that has put her into labour who understands, hopefully they are all good," the jockey said.


"Everyone has actually been moaning to me and asking where the event has been so I believed I best provide something."