Dan Skelton’s extraordinary campaign added another glittering chapter on Saturday at Perth, where his horse Heltenham clinched a win that completed a flawless record at every jumps venue in Britain for the current season. After two frustrating years of being edged out by the dominant Willie Mullins, Skelton is now on the brink of a first‑ever champion trainer title, having amassed close to £5 million in prize money so far.
The day’s triumph came just after Skelton received a trophy at Sandown earlier that weekend, marking his unprecedented achievement of securing a winner on all 41 National Hunt circuits during a single visit to the Highlands. In the earlier part of the card, his runners Tormund Giantsbane and Panic Attack were narrowly beaten, but the highlight arrived when his brother Harry guided the 15‑8 favourite Heltenham to a perfectly timed run.
Heltenham surged past the opposition in the Bedmax Capercaillie Handicap Chase, winning by one and three‑quarter lengths. Reflecting on the milestone, Skelton told Racing TV: “It’s quite incredible, isn’t it? I’ve just loved every minute of it.
It wasn’t even on my radar at the start of the season, but when I realized there were only four tracks left and Musselburgh was one of them, I thought, ‘Why not?’ We don’t normally send horses there, but owner Jimmy Fyffe wanted Made U Blush to have a go. I told him she’d be the sole runner. ‘Send her up,’ he said, and she won. That sparked the idea that maybe we could finish the circuit.
“It took 21 runners to get a winner at Plumpton, and a few fewer at Perth, but I’m in awe of my team and all the owners who have backed us. I love this job. Sometimes I set myself absurd, even ridiculous, targets, but they keep me motivated.” The card also featured a sentimental finish for No Drama This End, who capped off his hurdling career with a victory in the Listed British EBF Gold Castle National Hunt Novices’ Hurdle, redeeming a disappointing run at Cheltenham earlier in the season.
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. However, north of the border the horse delivered a 100th win of the season for his soon‑to‑be JP McManus partnership. Nicholls commented to Racing TV: “I’m very happy.
It’s nice to finish on a good note. I know I can bring him back even better in the autumn.
It’s been a challenge 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 stay three miles over fences, though we’re still deciding where to launch his chase career.” Another notable story 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 dramatic when Skelton’s Panic Attack, fresh from a Grand National exit at the third fence, made a bold move over the final obstacle, briefly threatening Apple Away’s chances. Yet Derek Fox produced a superb finishing run on the 4‑1 chance, pulling clear by a length and a quarter from Ruby Island for a second victory in the event.
Russell was visibly moved: “I’m in tears as she walks out. She’s an extraordinary 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 for the French Champion Hurdle, just three weeks away.
Let’s see if she can deliver there.” Olly Murphy enjoyed a personal treble on the day. His first win came with Gee Force Flyer in the Welcome to the Perth Festival Maiden Hurdle. He followed that up with Barlovento’s success in the Balnakeilly Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase, and capped the day with Atlantic City’s victory in the Scone Palace Mares’ Handicap Hurdle.
Murphy’s string of wins highlighted the depth of talent present at the meeting and underscored the competitive spirit that defines British National Hunt racing. Overall, Skelton’s achievement of winning at every British jumps venue this term is a testament to meticulous planning, a dedicated stable staff, and the unwavering support of owners who trust his judgment.
The feat not only cements his reputation as one of the sport’s rising stars but also adds a compelling narrative to a season already rich with drama, redemption, and emerging talent. As the championship race tightens and the calendar marches toward the spring festivals, all eyes will be on Skelton to see if he can convert this historic sweep into an outright trainer title, a milestone that would further solidify his place among the elite of National Hunt racing.