No Panic! Skeltons Strike For Paddy Power Gold Cup Glory

Anxiety attack showed the newest example of Dan Skelton's quality when targeting a huge reward as she escaped from her rivals up the to win the Paddy Power Gold Cup.


Off the track for 280 days, the nine-year-old was the option of Harry Skelton from three declared runners for the steady, with Hoe Joly Smoke staying-on for third and Riskintheground eventually a non-runner.


Rounding the bend on the somewhat reconfigured track, in 2015's winner Il Ridoto remained on the within with Vincenzo, while a host of others, including Anxiety attack, looked 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 looked like playing a significant role in the finish for Ireland before flattening out up the hill.


Skelton asked for a big leap from Anxiety attack at the last and while she got there simply partially 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 small honours.


"When she couldn't make the Plate in 2015 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 grateful we didn't in the end," said the trainer.


"My eye was in fact drawn to Hoe Joly Smoke turning in because 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 brand-new to her, however I'm chuffed to bits and Harry provided her an excellent ride.


"The team have actually done an astounding job to get her ready. We didn't have a run entering into this which left me nervous, but I understood there was a bit left in her mark.


"I've got her late in her profession however she's a fantastic mare.


"We have actually been second in this race a couple of times and I've never ever left a racecourse more disappointed than when Spiritofthegames got beat as his owner was one of our most significant supporters."


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


On future plans, he added: "She will not return in December and I've a couple 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 come back here for the mares' chase in the spring."


Panic Attack's success indicated the return of Harry Skelton's 'aeroplane' celebration on a weekend that could offer double joy, with other half Bridget in your home anticipating the couple's 2nd kid.


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


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