No Panic! Skeltons Strike For Paddy Power Gold Cup Glory

Anxiety attack showed the most current example of Dan Skelton's quality when targeting a big prize 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 declared runners for the stable, with Hoe Joly Smoke staying-on for third and 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, tried to find fresher ground out wide.


Anxiety 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 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 Panic Attack at the last and while she got there just partially in front, the 6-1 shot eventually pulled 4 lengths clear of 100-30 preferred Vincenzo 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 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 delighted we didn't in the end," said the trainer.


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


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 provided her an excellent trip.


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


"I have actually got her late in her career however she's a fantastic mare.


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


Harry Skelton in jubilant mood (David Davies/PA)


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


"I think she is probably 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."


Panic Attack's success indicated the return of Harry Skelton's 'aeroplane' event on a weekend that could provide double pleasure, with other half Bridget at home expecting the couple's second kid.


"Bridget is due today and I do not know what is occurring. I hope everything is OK and perhaps that has actually put her into labour who understands, hopefully they are all good," the jockey stated.


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