No Panic! Skeltons Strike For Paddy Power Gold Cup Magnificence

Anxiety attack proved the newest example of Dan Skelton's excellence when targeting a huge reward as she ran away 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 choice of Harry Skelton from three stated 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 inside with Vincenzo, while a host of others, including Panic Attack, looked for fresher ground out wide.


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 trainer 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 huge leap from Panic Attack at the last and while she picked up there simply partially in front, the 6-1 shot eventually pulled 4 lengths clear of 100-30 favourite Vincenzo who stuck on for 2nd ahead of Hoe Joly Smoke and Conyers Hill for minor honours.


"When she could not 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 encounter her and I'm happy we didn't in the end," said the trainer.


"My eye was actually drawn to Hoe Joly Smoke kipping down because he was getting a dream run before missing the last, however Panic Attack was definitely dazzling.


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


"We had 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 great ride.


"The team have actually done an unbelievable job to get her all set. We didn't have a run coming into this which left me nervous, however I knew there was a bit left in her mark.


"I have actually 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 have actually never ever left a racecourse more dissatisfied than when Spiritofthegames got beat as his owner was among our most significant fans."


Harry Skelton in jubilant mood (David Davies/PA)


On future strategies, he included: "She won't return in December and I've a number of concepts.


"I believe she is more than likely to go to Doncaster for the mares' chase over Christmas and then if all goes to here for the mares' chase in the spring."


Panic Attack's success signified the return of Harry Skelton's 'aeroplane' celebration on a weekend that could offer double delight, with other half Bridget in your home expecting the couple's second child.


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


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