Dan Skelton capped an extraordinary campaign with a landmark win at Perth, where his horse Heltenham delivered a decisive performance that secured a victory at every jumps venue across Britain for the current season. This achievement adds another glittering chapter to a year that has seen Skelton inch ever closer to the ultimate prize of champion trainer, a goal he has pursued with relentless determination. For the past two seasons, the formidable Willie Mullins had been the obstacle that kept Skelton from completing the full circuit of wins.
This time, however, Skelton’s stable amassed nearly £5 million in prize money, a testament to the depth and consistency of his operation, and finally broke through to claim the title he has long coveted. The milestone was officially recognised when Skelton collected his first trainer’s trophy at Sandown on Saturday, but the real headline came earlier in the day when he completed the remarkable feat of winning at all 41 National Hunt circuits during a trip to the Scottish Highlands. The triumph was sealed in the Bedmax Capercaillie Handicap Chase, where the 15‑8 favourite Heltenham, ridden by Skelton’s brother Harry, timed his run perfectly and crossed the line one and three‑quarter lengths ahead of the opposition. Reflecting on the accomplishment, Skelton told Racing TV: "It’s quite incredible, isn’t it?
I’ve just loved every minute of it. It wasn’t even on my radar at the start of the season, but when I realised we were only four tracks short, I thought we’d give it a go. Musselburgh was one of those missing venues.
We don’t normally send runners there, but owner Jimmy Fyffe wanted Made U Blush to contest, so I sent her as a solitary entry. She won, and that sparked the idea that maybe we could finish the set. It took 21 runners to get a win at Plumpton, a few fewer at Perth, but the support of my team and the owners has been phenomenal.
I love this job, and setting ambitious, sometimes out‑of‑the‑box targets keeps me motivated." The card at Perth offered several other notable stories. No Drama This End, a hurdler who had suffered a disappointing run at Cheltenham, redeemed himself by winning the Listed British EBF Gold Castle National Hunt Novices' Hurdle, delivering a satisfying conclusion to his hurdling career. Paul Nicholls’ six‑year‑old, who had been the favourite for the Turners Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival before being pulled up by Harry Cobden, found a new lease of life north of the border.
The horse secured JP McManus’s 100th win of the season, a milestone that prompted Nicholls to say: "I’m very happy. It’s great to finish on a high note. I know the horse will improve dramatically in the autumn. He’s a class horse, and he won’t run hurdles again – we’ll switch him to chasing in November.
He’s a strong stayer who can handle three miles over fences, and I expect him to become an exciting chaser in the future." Another highlight was the victory of Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore’s mare Apple Away, who clinched a place in the French Champion Hurdle by rallying late to win the Fair Maid of Perth Mares' Chase. The race turned dramatic when Skelton’s Panic Attack, fresh from a Grand National exit at the third fence, surged forward and seemed to threaten Apple Away’s chances. Yet Derek Fox produced a superb finishing run on the 4‑1 shot, pulling ahead by a length and a quarter to beat Ruby Island and claim his second win of the day.
Russell was visibly emotional after the race: "It’s amazing – I was in tears as she crossed the line. She’s a phenomenal mare. I thought she was beaten, but her heart carried her through.
I’ve never had a filly with such attitude and guts. Allez Français – we’ve entered her in the French Champion Hurdle three weeks from now, and I’m eager to see how she performs there." Olly Murphy enjoyed a personal treble on the card.
He first rode Gee Force Flyer to victory in the Welcome To The Perth Festival Maiden Hurdle, then guided Barlovento to win the Balnakeilly Novices' Limited Handicap Chase, and finally saw Atlantic City triumph in the Scone Palace Mares' Handicap Hurdle. Murphy’s string of successes underscored the depth of talent present at the meeting. Overall, the Perth meeting was a showcase of perseverance, strategic planning, and the joy of achieving long‑term goals in National Hunt racing.
Skelton’s historic sweep, achieved through a blend of careful horse placement, owner collaboration, and the unwavering dedication of his stable staff, will be remembered as one of the season’s defining moments. The accomplishment not only cements his reputation as a leading trainer but also sets a new benchmark for ambition in the sport. As the season progresses toward its climax, fans and participants alike will be watching to see whether Skelton can translate this historic success into a championship title and continue to shape the future of British jump racing.