No Panic! Skeltons Strike For Paddy Power Gold Cup Glory
Anxiety attack showed the most recent example of Dan Skelton's excellence when targeting a big reward as she escaped 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 stable, with Hoe Joly Smoke staying-on for third and Riskintheground eventually a non-runner.
Rounding the bend on the a little reconfigured track, in 2015's winner Il Ridoto remained on the within with Vincenzo, while a host of others, including Panic Attack, tried to find fresher ground out broad.
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 appeared like playing a significant role in the finish for Ireland before flattening out up the hill.
Skelton requested a huge leap from Anxiety attack at the last and while she picked up 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 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 face her and I'm happy we didn't in the end," stated the fitness instructor.
"My eye was actually drawn to Hoe Joly Smoke turning in because he was getting a dream run before missing the last, however Anxiety attack was definitely brilliant.
Jockey Harry Skelton and trainer Dan Skelton after Panic Attack ´ s triumph (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 a terrific trip.
"The team have actually done an unbelievable task to get her all set. We didn't have a run entering into this which left me anxious, but 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've never left a racecourse more dissatisfied than when Spiritofthegames got beat as his owner was one of our greatest supporters."
Harry Skelton in joyous mood (David Davies/PA)
On future strategies, he added: "She won't return in December and I've a number 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 come back here for the mares' chase in the spring."
Panic Attack's victory indicated the return of Harry Skelton's 'aeroplane' event on a weekend that could supply double happiness, with spouse Bridget at home expecting the couple's 2nd kid.
"Bridget is due today and I do not understand what is occurring. I hope whatever is OK and maybe that has actually put her into labour who understands, hopefully they are all good," the jockey stated.
"Everyone has actually been groaning to me and asking where the event has been so I thought I best offer them something."