Dan Skelton capped an extraordinary campaign at Perth with a win that saw him claim a triumph at every jumps venue across Britain this season. The victory, achieved by Heltenham, completed a flawless record that had eluded him for years and underscored his rapid ascent in the National Hunt hierarchy.
For two consecutive seasons Skelton had been denied the final piece of the puzzle by the dominant Willie Mullins, but this year he has amassed close to £5 million in prize money as he pushes toward his first trainer’s championship. The Perth triumph came just after he was presented with a trophy at Sandown on Saturday, a ceremony that marked the completion of an unprecedented feat: a winner from each of the 41 National Hunt circuits in the country. The day began with a mix of near‑misses and drama. Tormund Giantsbane and Panic Attack both fell just short of the line, yet later in the afternoon Skelton’s 15‑8 favourite Heltenham delivered a perfectly timed run, edging out the competition by one and three‑quarter lengths to secure the Bedmax Capercaillie Handicap Chase.
The trainer, speaking to Racing TV, could barely contain his excitement. "It’s almost unbelievable," he said. "I never imagined this would happen, but when I realised we were only four tracks short for the season – one of them Musselburgh – I decided to give it a go." He recounted how owner Jimmy Fyffe wanted to run Made U Blush at Musselburgh, a venue the stable rarely visits.
"I told him we’d only have one runner, and he insisted, ‘Send her up.’ She won, and that sparked the idea that we could target the remaining tracks," Skelton explained. "It took 21 runners to secure a win at Plumpton, and a few fewer at Perth, but I’m in awe of my team and the owners who have backed us every step of the way.
I love this job; I sometimes set myself absurd goals, but they keep me motivated." The card also featured a poignant farewell for No Drama This End, who capped his hurdling career with a win in the Listed British EBF Gold Castle National Hunt Novices' Hurdle. The six‑year‑old, trained by Paul Nicholls, had been the favourite for the Turners Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham but was pulled up by Harry Cobden. In Scotland, however, he delivered a 100th seasonal victory for future JP McManus number one.
Nicholls praised the horse, noting, "He’s a class horse, a strong stayer. He won four of his five hurdle starts and will now move to chasing in November.
He’ll stay three miles over fences and will be an exciting chaser." Another highlight was the triumph of Apple Away, owned by Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore. The mare rallied late to win the Fair Maid of Perth Mares' Chase, securing her place in the upcoming French Champion Hurdle. Skelton’s own Panic Attack, fresh from a Grand National exit at the third fence, made a decisive move over the final fence, forcing Apple Away to fight for every yard. Derek Fox, aboard the 4‑1 chance, produced a strong finishing run, pulling clear of Ruby Island by a length and a quarter to claim his second win of the day.
Russell was visibly moved, saying, "I’m in tears. She’s an extraordinary mare – when I thought she was beaten, her heart carried her through. I’ve never had a filly with such attitude and courage. We’ve entered her for the French Champion Hurdle three weeks from now; let’s see what she can do." The meeting also delivered a treble for jockey Olly Murphy.
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. Each win showcased Murphy’s versatility across different race types and distances.
Overall, the Perth meeting was a microcosm of Skelton’s season: relentless ambition, meticulous planning, and a deep appreciation for the collaborative effort behind every success. By securing a winner at every British jumps track, he has not only etched his name into the record books but also set a new benchmark for trainers aiming to dominate the National Hunt calendar. The achievement underscores the importance of strategic placement, owner confidence, and a willingness to chase seemingly impossible goals – qualities that will undoubtedly shape the sport’s landscape in the years to come.