No Panic! Skeltons Strike For Paddy Power Gold Cup Splendor

Anxiety attack proved the most recent example of Dan Skelton's excellence when targeting a huge prize 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 three stated runners for the stable, with Hoe Joly Smoke staying-on for 3rd and Riskintheground ultimately 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, searched for 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 trainer to win the race, with Tranquil Sea back in 2009, and Paul Nolan's Conyers Hill briefly appeared like playing a major function in the surface for Ireland before flattening out up the hill.


Skelton asked for a huge leap from Panic Attack at the last and while she got there simply partially 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 couldn't make the Plate in 2015 I thought 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 delighted we didn't in the end," said 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, but Anxiety attack was absolutely dazzling.


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


"We had 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 offered her a fantastic trip.


"The group have done an unbelievable task to get her ready. We didn't have a run coming into this which left me worried, but 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 number of times and I have actually never left a racecourse more dissatisfied than when Spiritofthegames got beat as his owner was one of our most significant advocates."


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


On future strategies, he added: "She won't come back in December and I have actually a number of ideas.


"I believe she is most likely to go to Doncaster for the mares' chase over Christmas and after that if all goes to prepare returned here for the mares' chase in the spring."


Anxiety attack's success signified the return of Harry Skelton's 'aeroplane' celebration on a weekend that might offer double pleasure, with spouse Bridget in your home anticipating the couple's 2nd child.


"Bridget is due today and I don't know what is happening. I hope whatever is OK and perhaps that has put her into labour who knows, they are all excellent," the jockey stated.


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