Harry Skelton’s trademark ‘skelecopter’ celebration made a triumphant return as he and brother Dan extended their grip on the major autumn jumps features with a thrilling victory for Panic Attack in the Paddy Power Gold Cup.
Skelton flung his arms out wide in his familiar aeroplane-style salute as Bryan Drew’s nine-year-old mare completed a meticulously crafted plan that had been in place for around ten months, further underlining the stable’s irresistible momentum at this time of year.
Trainer Dan Skelton believes Panic Attack is the perfect example of the depth and quality within his operation, given how much input she has required from vets, physios and the wider team due to her delicate constitution. Her success served as a glowing endorsement of their combined efforts.
The mare showcased both resilience and class in the November meeting’s £160,000 showpiece, digging deep to prevail and adding yet another big-race triumph to the stable’s recent haul, which already included notable wins in the Shloer Chase and the Haldon Gold Cup within the previous eight days.
Cheltenham’s richest handicap had looked hugely competitive even before the late withdrawal on Friday night of ante-post favourite Jagwar, ruled out after Storm Claudia left testing conditions in the Cotswolds. That assessment proved accurate as, turning for home, barely half a length covered five leading contenders, setting the stage for Panic Attack’s hard-fought and memorable success.
The Skelicopter celebration is BACK! ✈️
PANIC ATTACK & Harry Skelton storm to @paddypower Gold Cup (In Memory Of Edward O'Grady) victory 💪 pic.twitter.com/xkaWmUBE8L
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) November 15, 2025
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