Dan Skelton capped off an extraordinary campaign at Perth with a victory that saw his horse Heltenham win at every jumps venue across Britain this season. After two years of near‑misses at the hands of Willie Mullins, Skelton has now amassed close to £5 million in prize money in his pursuit of the champion trainer title, a goal he hopes to clinch for the first time. The triumph at Perth followed an earlier ceremony at Sandown on Saturday, where Skelton was presented with his first trainer's trophy.
That award came on the back of a remarkable achievement: he had already secured a winner at each of the 41 National Hunt circuits during a trip to the Scottish Highlands. The Perth meeting provided the final piece of that puzzle.
Earlier in the afternoon, Skelton’s stable saw two close calls – Tormund Giantsbane and Panic Attack were edged out by narrow margins. However, his brother Harry delivered the perfect ride on the 15‑8 favourite Heltenham, timing the horse’s run flawlessly to claim the Bedmax Capercaillie Handicap Chase by one and three‑quarter lengths.
Reflecting on the milestone, Skelton told Racing TV: "It’s quite incredible, isn’t it? I’ve just loved it.
It’s something I never imagined on my agenda, but I realised there were only four tracks left for the season and one of them was Musselburgh. I wasn’t planning to go there because we rarely send runners to Musselburgh, but owner Jimmy Fyffe wanted Made U Blush to contest there.
I told him she’d be the sole runner. ‘Send her up,’ he said, and she won. That made me think, if we’re this close, maybe we should give it a go. "It took 21 runners to get a winner at Plumpton, and luckily it took a few fewer at Perth.
I’m in awe of my team and all the owners who have backed us and pushed us toward this goal. I love this job.
I sometimes set myself absurd or lofty targets, but they keep me motivated." The card also featured a fitting finale for No Drama This End, who ended his hurdling career on a high note by winning the Listed British EBF Gold Castle National Hunt Novices' Hurdle, redeeming a disappointing run at Cheltenham. 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, turned the tables north of the border.
The horse delivered a 100th victory of the season for jockey JP McManus, prompting Nicholls to say: "I’m very happy. It was nice to finish on a good note. I know I can get him even better in the autumn. It hasn’t been easy to get him right.
He’s a class horse and he won’t run over hurdles again – he’ll go chasing in November. "He’s a strong stayer and will stay three miles over fences, but I’m not sure where we’ll start. He’s only run five times over hurdles, winning four, and he’ll be an exciting chaser – that’s his future." Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore also celebrated, as their mare Apple Away secured a place in the French Champion Hurdle after a late rally to win the Fair Maid Of Perth Mares' Chase. The race had been dramatically influenced by Skelton’s own Panic Attack, who returned swiftly after being unseated at the third fence of the Grand National.
As the field approached the final fence, Apple Away appeared to be losing ground, but Derek Fox produced a superb finishing effort on the 4‑1 chance, pulling ahead by a length and a quarter from Ruby Island for a second win in the contest. Russell was visibly emotional: "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 her attitude and guts.
"Allez Français. We’ve entered her in the French Champion Hurdle, just over three weeks away.
Let’s see if she can repeat it." Olly Murphy enjoyed a personal treble on the day. He 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 succeed in the Scone Palace Mares' Handicap Hurdle. Each win added to the festive atmosphere and underscored the depth of talent on the Perth card.
Overall, Skelton’s achievement of winning at every British jumps venue this season is a rare feat that highlights his consistency, strategic planning, and the unwavering support of owners and stable staff. The combination of meticulous preparation, opportunistic entries – as illustrated by the Musselburgh gamble – and the ability to seize moments when they arise has propelled him to the forefront of National Hunt training. As the season draws to a close, all eyes will be on his final races, with the champion trainer title now within striking distance. The story of Dan Skelton’s 2023‑24 campaign will be remembered as a testament to ambition, resilience, and the collaborative spirit that defines modern horse racing.