No Panic! Skeltons Strike For Paddy Power Gold Cup Magnificence
Anxiety attack proved the most recent example of Dan Skelton's quality when targeting a big reward as she ran away 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 declared runners for the steady, with Hoe Joly Smoke staying-on for 3rd and Riskintheground eventually a non-runner.
Rounding the bend on the somewhat reconfigured track, in 2015's winner Il Ridoto stayed on the inside with Vincenzo, while a host of others, including Anxiety attack, looked for fresher ground out wide.
Panic Attack wins the Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase What a huge 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 function 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 got there simply partially in front, the 6-1 shot eventually pulled four 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 run into her and I'm glad we didn't in the end," stated the trainer.
"My eye was in fact drawn to Hoe Joly Smoke turning in since he was getting a dream run before missing the last, however Panic Attack was absolutely fantastic.
Jockey Harry Skelton and trainer Dan Skelton after Anxiety 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 gave her a great trip.
"The group have actually done an astounding task 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've got her late in her profession but she's a fantastic mare.
"We have actually been 2nd 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 advocates."
Harry Skelton in pleased state of mind (David Davies/PA)
On future plans, he added: "She won't 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."
Anxiety attack's victory signified the return of Harry Skelton's 'aeroplane' celebration on a weekend that might supply double joy, with other half Bridget at home expecting the couple's second child.
"Bridget is due today and I don't understand what is happening. I hope whatever is OK and possibly that has put her into labour who knows, hopefully they are all excellent," the jockey stated.
"Everyone has actually been moaning to me and asking where the celebration has actually been so I believed I finest provide something."