Dan Skelton capped off an extraordinary campaign at Perth when his horse Heltenham clinched a win, giving the trainer a triumph at every jumps venue in Britain for the current season. After two years of near‑misses at the hands of rival Willie Mullins, Skelton has now amassed close to £5 million in prize money as he chases his first trainer's championship. The milestone was reached just before he lifted his first championship trophy at Sandown on Saturday, having already completed the astonishing feat of winning at all 41 National Hunt circuits during a trip to the Scottish Highlands. The day began with a mixed bag of results.
Tormund Giantsbane and Panic Attack both fell just short, but later in the afternoon Skelton’s 15‑8 favourite Heltenham delivered a perfectly timed run. The horse surged to the front at the right moment and held on to win the Bedmax Capercaillie Handicap Chase by one and three‑quarter lengths.
On being asked about the achievement, 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 we were only four tracks short for the season and one of those was Musselburgh." He went on to explain that Musselburgh had not been a regular target for his stable. "I wasn’t planning to send anyone there because we rarely run there, but owner Jimmy Fyffe wanted Made U Blush to give it a go.
I told him she’d be the sole runner, he said ‘Send her up’, and she won. That made me think, if we’re this close, why not try the remaining venues?" Skelton added that it took 21 entries to secure a win at Plumpton, while Perth required a few fewer. He praised his team and the owners who backed the ambitious plan, saying, "I love doing this job.
I sometimes set myself silly or ridiculous targets, but they keep me motivated." The card also featured a memorable finish 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. The six‑year‑old, trained by Paul Nicholls, had been the favourite for the Turners Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham but was pulled up by jockey Harry Cobden. In Scotland, however, the horse delivered a 100th victory of the season for future JP McManus number one. Nicholls commented, "I’m very happy.
It was nice to finish on a good note. I know I can get him even better in the autumn. He’s a class horse, and he won four of his five hurdle starts.
He won’t run over hurdles again; he’ll switch to chasing in November. He’s a strong stayer and will tackle three‑mile fences, but we’ll decide where to start him. He’ll be an exciting chaser." Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore celebrated a win with Apple Away, who secured her place in the French Champion Hurdle after a late rally in 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, putting pressure on Apple Away. Derek Fox, aboard the 4‑1 chance, produced a brilliant finishing effort, pulling ahead by a length and a quarter to beat Ruby Island and claim a second victory in the event. Russell was moved to tears, saying, "She is the most 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 for the French Champion Hurdle in three weeks; let’s see what she can do." Olly Murphy enjoyed a personal treble on the day. His horse Gee Force Flyer won the Welcome To The Perth Festival Maiden Hurdle, followed by Barlovento capturing the Balnakeilly Novices' Limited Handicap Chase, and Atlantic City delivering a solid performance in the Scone Palace Mares' Handicap Hurdle.
Each of these victories added to the festive atmosphere and underscored the depth of talent across the meeting. Skelton’s achievement of winning at every British jumps venue this season is a rarity that will be remembered for years. It required meticulous planning, a willingness to send runners to tracks that are rarely visited, and the unwavering support of owners who trusted his vision.
The milestone also highlights the competitive nature of National Hunt racing, where trainers must balance the desire for historic feats with the practicalities of horse welfare, travel logistics, and race‑day conditions. Looking ahead, Skelton will aim to translate his historic season into a championship title, while his rivals will be keen to close the gap. The prize money haul of nearly £5 million reflects not only the quantity of wins but also the quality of races his horses have contested. As the season draws to a close, the racing community will be watching closely to see whether Skelton can maintain his momentum and secure the ultimate accolade of champion trainer.
In summary, the Perth meeting provided a fitting backdrop for Dan Skelton’s historic sweep of all British jumps tracks, a testament to ambition, teamwork, and the unyielding spirit of competition that defines National Hunt racing.