Dan Skelton capped off an extraordinary campaign at Perth with a win that gave him a triumph at every jumps venue across Britain this season. The victory came aboard Heltenham in the Bedmax Capercaillie Handicap Chase, sealing a remarkable achievement that places Skelton among the elite trainers in National Hunt racing.
For the past two years Skelton had watched rival trainer Willie Mullins edge him out in the championship race, but this year he amassed close to five million pounds in prize money as he chased his first trainer's title. Before he even lifted the championship trophy at Sandown on Saturday, he had already completed the astonishing feat of producing a winner on all 41 National Hunt circuits during a trip to the Scottish Highlands. The afternoon at Perth was a roller‑coaster of emotions.
Early on, his runners Tormund Giantsbane and Panic Attack were narrowly beaten, but the day belonged to his stable‑mate Harry, who rode the 15‑8 favourite Heltenham to a perfectly timed victory. Heltenham surged clear in the final stages, winning by one and three‑quarter lengths and delivering Skelton the historic sweep of all British jumps tracks. When asked by Racing TV about the accomplishment, Skelton could barely contain his excitement. "It’s almost unbelievable," he said.
"I never imagined it would happen, but when I realized we were only four tracks short, I knew we had to give it a go. Musselburgh was the final piece of the puzzle.
I wasn’t planning to run there, but owner Jimmy Fyffe insisted on entering Made U Blush. We sent her as a lone runner, she won, and the rest fell into place." He went on to explain the difficulty of the journey: "It took twenty‑one runners to finally break through at Plumpton, and while Perth required fewer, the effort was still massive. I’m in awe of my staff, the owners, and everyone who believed in us.
I love this job. I often set myself lofty, even absurd, targets – they keep me motivated." The card featured several other notable stories. No Drama This End ended his hurdling career on a high note, redeeming a disappointing Cheltenham run with a win in the Listed British EBF Gold Castle National Hunt Novices' Hurdle. Paul Nicholls’ six‑year‑old had been the favourite for the Turners Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, only to be pulled up by Harry Cobden.
Yet north of the border he delivered JP McManus his hundredth victory of the season, a milestone that underscored the trainer’s consistency. Nicholls reflected on his colt’s future: "I’m thrilled. It’s a great way to finish the season. He’s a class horse and I know he’ll improve dramatically in the autumn.
He won four of his five hurdle starts, but he won’t stay over hurdles. He’ll switch to chasing in November and should stay over three miles. He’s a strong stayer and will be an exciting chaser." Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore also celebrated, as their mare Apple Away secured 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, threatening Apple Away’s chances. Yet Derek Fox produced a brilliant finish, guiding the 4‑1 Apple Away home by a length and a quarter ahead of Ruby Island. Russell was moved to tears as she described her mare: "She’s phenomenal.
I thought she was beaten, but her heart carried her through. I’ve never seen 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." Olly Murphy enjoyed a personal treble on the day. 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 claim the Scone Palace Mares' Handicap Hurdle. His string of successes highlighted the depth of talent on the card.
Overall, the Perth meeting was a showcase of perseverance, strategic planning, and the sheer joy of achieving long‑term goals. Skelton’s historic sweep of every British jumps venue this season will be remembered as a benchmark of dedication, and it sets a high bar for trainers in the years to come. The triumph not only cements his place among the sport’s leading figures but also fuels the ambition of his team, owners, and supporters as they look ahead to future festivals and the next championship battle.