No Panic! Skeltons Strike For Paddy Power Gold Cup Glory
Anxiety attack proved the newest example of Dan Skelton's excellence when targeting a big reward as she escaped 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 3 stated runners for the stable, with Hoe Joly Smoke staying-on for 3rd and Riskintheground eventually a non-runner.
Rounding the bend on the slightly reconfigured track, in 2015's winner Il Ridoto remained on the within with Vincenzo, while a host of others, consisting of 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 fitness instructor to win the race, with Tranquil Sea back in 2009, and Paul Nolan's Conyers Hill briefly looked like playing a major role in the finish for Ireland before flattening out up the hill.
Skelton requested for a huge leap from Anxiety attack at the last and while she chose up there just marginally in front, the 6-1 shot eventually pulled 4 lengths clear of 100-30 favourite Vincenzo who stuck on for second ahead of Hoe Joly Smoke and Conyers Hill for small honours.
"When she could not make the Plate last year I thought 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 thankful we didn't in the end," said the trainer.
"My eye was in fact drawn to Hoe Joly Smoke turning in due to the fact that he was getting a dream run before missing the last, however Anxiety attack was definitely brilliant.
Jockey Harry Skelton and fitness instructor Dan Skelton after Anxiety Attack ´ s triumph (David Davies/PA)
"We needed to ride her in there a bit today so it was a bit new to her, however I'm chuffed to bits and Harry offered her a great ride.
"The team have actually done an incredible task to get her ready. We didn't have a run coming into this which left me anxious, but I understood there was a bit left in her mark.
"I have actually got her late in her career but she's a brilliant mare.
"We have actually been second in this race a number of times and I have actually never ever left a racecourse more disappointed than when Spiritofthegames got beat as his owner was one of our most significant fans."
Harry Skelton in jubilant state of mind (David Davies/PA)
On future strategies, he included: "She will not come back in December and I have actually a couple of ideas.
"I believe she is more than likely to go to Doncaster for the mares' chase over Christmas and after that if all goes to here for the mares' chase in the spring."
Anxiety attack's victory indicated the return of Harry Skelton's 'aeroplane' celebration on a weekend that could offer double pleasure, with better half Bridget in the house expecting the couple's second child.
"Bridget is due today and I don't know what is occurring. I hope whatever is OK and maybe that has put her into labour who knows, hopefully they are all great," the jockey stated.
"Everyone has been groaning to me and asking where the event has been so I thought I best offer them something."