No Panic! Skeltons Strike For Paddy Power Gold Cup Magnificence

Anxiety attack showed the newest example of Dan Skelton's quality when targeting a huge prize as she fled from her competitors up the to win the Paddy Power Gold Cup.


Off the track for 280 days, the nine-year-old was the option of Harry Skelton from three declared 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, in 2015's winner Il Ridoto remained on the inside with Vincenzo, while a host of others, including Anxiety attack, looked for fresher ground out wide.


Anxiety attack wins the Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase What a huge 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 surface 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 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 last year I thought 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 pleased we didn't in the end," said the trainer.


"My eye was in fact drawn to Hoe Joly Smoke kipping down since he was getting a dream run before missing out on the last, but Panic Attack was definitely 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 provided her a terrific ride.


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


"I have actually got her late in her profession however she's a dazzling mare.


"We have actually been 2nd in this race a couple of times and I have actually never ever left a racecourse more dissatisfied than when Spiritofthegames got beat as his owner was one of our most significant supporters."


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


On future strategies, he included: "She will not come back 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 then if all goes to plan returned here for the mares' chase in the spring."


Panic Attack's victory indicated the return of Harry Skelton's 'aeroplane' celebration on a weekend that might supply double happiness, with better half Bridget in your home anticipating the couple's 2nd child.


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


"Everyone has actually been moaning to me and asking where the celebration has been so I thought I finest give them something."