No Panic! Skeltons Strike For Paddy Power Gold Cup Glory

Anxiety attack proved the newest example of Dan Skelton's quality when targeting a big prize as she fled 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 steady, with Hoe Joly Smoke staying-on for 3rd and Riskintheground ultimately a non-runner.


Rounding the bend on the somewhat reconfigured track, last year's winner Il Ridoto stayed on the inside with Vincenzo, while a host of others, including Anxiety 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 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 surface for Ireland before flattening out up the hill.


Skelton requested a huge 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 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 in 2015 I believed 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 grateful we didn't in the end," stated the trainer.


"My eye was actually drawn to Hoe Joly Smoke kipping down 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 success (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 fantastic trip.


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


"I've got her late in her profession but she's a dazzling mare.


"We have actually been second in this race a couple of times and I've 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 plans, he added: "She won't return in December and I've a couple of ideas.


"I believe she is probably to go to Doncaster for the mares' chase over Christmas and after that if all goes to prepare come back 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 could provide double happiness, with spouse Bridget at home expecting the couple's 2nd child.


"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, ideally they are all great," the jockey stated.


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