Dan Skelton’s extraordinary campaign hit yet another milestone at Perth when his horse Heltenham clinched a win, completing a flawless record of victories at every jumps venue across Britain this season. After two frustrating years of being edged out by Willie Mullins, Skelton has amassed close to £5 million in prize money as he chases his first trainer’s championship title. The crowning moment arrived on a Saturday at Sandown, where Skelton was presented with his first championship trophy.
Earlier that day, he had already achieved the remarkable feat of securing a winner at all 41 National Hunt circuits during a trip to the Scottish Highlands. The day’s drama unfolded with two near‑misses – Tormund Giantsbane and Panic Attack were edged out by narrow margins – before his brother Harry delivered the perfect ride on the 15‑8 favourite Heltenham.
Timing his run impeccably, Harry guided Heltenham to a decisive one‑and‑three‑quarter‑length victory in the Bedmax Capercaillie Handicap Chase. Reflecting on the achievement, Skelton told Racing TV: “It’s almost unbelievable, isn’t it?
I’ve loved every minute of it. I never imagined this would happen, but when I realised there were only four tracks left for the season – one of them Musselburgh – I decided to give it a go. We don’t normally send horses to Musselburgh, but owner Jimmy Fyffe wanted Made U Blush to run there.
I told him she’d be the sole runner. ‘Send her up,’ he said, and she won.
That success made me think, if we’re this close, why not try the remaining venues?” He continued, “It took 21 entries to finally get a winner 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 targets, but they keep me motivated.” The card also featured a memorable finish for No Drama This End, who capped his hurdling career with a redemption 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 victory of the season for his soon‑to‑be JP McManus‑stable, providing a fitting end to his hurdling days. Nicholls praised the performance, saying, “I’m very happy.
It’s nice to finish on a good note. I know I can improve him further in the autumn.
It hasn’t been easy to get him right, but he’s a class horse. He won four of his five hurdle starts and now he’ll switch to chasing in November. He’s a strong stayer and will tackle three‑mile fences, though we haven’t decided where to start him.
He’ll be an exciting chaser.” Another highlight came from Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore’s filly Apple Away, who secured her ticket to the French Champion Hurdle by rallying late to win the Fair Maid of Perth Mares’ Chase. The race turned on a dramatic moment when Skelton’s Panic Attack, fresh from a Grand National exit at the third fence, surged forward, forcing every competitor to give their all over the final obstacle.
Apple Away appeared to be out of contention, but Derek Fox produced a brilliant finishing run from the 4‑1 shot, pulling clear by a length and a quarter from Ruby Island to claim a second victory in the event. Russell was visibly emotional, saying, “It’s amazing – I was in tears as she crossed the line. She’s an incredible 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 three weeks from now; let’s see what she can do.” The day also saw Olly Murphy achieve a treble. He guided Gee Force Flyer to victory in the Welcome To The Perth Festival Maiden Hurdle, then followed with Barlovento winning the Balnakeilly Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase, and finally Atlantic City delivering a strong performance in the Scone Palace Mares’ Handicap Hurdle. Overall, the Perth meeting underscored Skelton’s relentless ambition and the depth of talent across his stable. By securing a win at every British jumps venue, he not only etched his name into the sport’s history books but also set a new benchmark for consistency and perseverance.
The achievement reflects months of meticulous planning, strategic placement of horses, and unwavering support from owners and staff. As the season draws to a close, Skelton’s campaign remains a compelling narrative of ambition realized, and the racing community will be watching closely to see whether his momentum carries him to the coveted champion trainer title.
Beyond the statistics, the day highlighted the human element of the sport – the excitement of owners like Jimmy Fyffe, the dedication of jockeys such as Harry Skelton, and the emotional connections trainers forge with their horses. Moments like Apple Away’s tear‑filled victory and No Drama This End’s final triumph remind fans why National Hunt racing continues to capture hearts.
With the season nearing its finale, the storylines forged at Perth will echo through the remaining festivals, and the quest for the championship will intensify, promising more drama, determination, and historic moments in the weeks ahead.