Dan Skelton capped an extraordinary campaign at Perth when his horse Heltenham clinched the Bedmax Capercaillie Handicap Chase, giving the trainer a win at every National Hunt venue in Britain this season. This milestone follows two years in which Skelton was repeatedly edged out by the dominant Willie Mullins, and it comes as he approaches the £5 million mark in prize money on his quest to become champion trainer for the first time. The achievement was sealed earlier in the day when Skelton’s stable sent out winners at all 41 recognised jumps circuits during a trip to the Scottish Highlands.
After watching close finishes with Tormund Giantsbane and Panic Attack, the trainer’s brother Harry delivered a perfectly timed ride on the 15‑8 favourite Heltenham, who surged ahead in the final stages to win by one and three‑quarter lengths. Speaking to Racing TV, Skelton reflected on the magnitude of the feat: "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.
I wasn’t planning to run there because we rarely send horses to Musselburgh, but owner Jimmy Fyffe wanted Made U Blush to have a go. I told him we’d only have a single runner. He said ‘Send her up’, and she won. That got me thinking – if we’re this close, why not give the remaining venues a try?" He added, "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 targets, but they keep me motivated." The card also featured a poignant moment 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, he delivered a 100th victory of the season for his soon‑to‑be JP McManus‑number‑one partnership. Nicholls praised the horse’s future prospects: "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’s not been easy to get him right, but he’s a class horse. He won four of his five hurdle starts, and he’ll switch to chasing in November. He’s a strong stayer and will tackle three‑mile fences – we’ll decide where to start him, but he’ll be an exciting chaser." Another highlight came from Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore, whose mare Apple Away secured a place in the French Champion Hurdle after a dramatic rally in the Fair Maid of Perth Mares' Chase.
The race turned on the final fence when Skelton’s Panic Attack, fresh from a Grand National exit at the third fence, surged ahead, threatening Apple Away’s chances. Yet Derek Fox produced a determined finish from the 4‑1 chance, pulling away a length and a quarter from Ruby Island to claim a second win in the contest. Russell was visibly moved: "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 such attitude and guts. Allez Français – we’ve entered her in the French Champion Hurdle three weeks from now; let’s see if she can repeat the performance." Olly Murphy enjoyed a personal treble on the day.
He guided Gee Force Flyer to victory in the Welcome To The Perth Festival Maiden Hurdle, then saw Barlovento win the Balnakeilly Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase, and capped the day with Atlantic City’s success in the Scone Palace Mares’ Handicap Hurdle. Overall, the Perth meeting underscored Skelton’s relentless ambition and the depth of talent across his operation.
From the meticulous planning that led to a win at the rarely‑targeted Musselburgh to the swift adaptation of horses like Panic Attack after a Grand National setback, the trainer’s ability to extract peak performances from a varied string of runners was on full display. The historic sweep of all 41 British jumps tracks not only cements Skelton’s place in the sport’s annals but also signals a new era of competition where smaller trainers can challenge the traditional powerhouses.
Looking ahead, Skelton’s focus will shift to maintaining his momentum as the season winds down. With the Champion Trainer title within reach, every remaining race carries added significance.
The trainer hinted that his next steps may involve targeting a few select fixtures to consolidate his points tally, while also preparing his leading horses for the spring festivals, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand National. For owners, the message is clear: Skelton’s yard offers a blend of strategic placement, patient horse development, and a willingness to take calculated risks – traits that have turned a once‑unlikely goal into a tangible reality.
As the racing community reflects on this historic achievement, the anticipation builds for what Skelton and his team will accomplish next, whether it be another landmark victory, a new record, or simply the continued joy of seeing their horses thrive on the jumps stage.