Dan Skelton’s extraordinary campaign hit yet another milestone at Perth, where his horse Heltenham clinched a win that completed a flawless record of victories at every jumps venue across Britain this season. After two frustrating years of being edged out by rival trainer Willie Mullins, Skelton has now amassed close to £5 million in prize money in his pursuit of the champion trainer title, a goal he hopes to achieve for the first time. The crowning moment arrived after he was presented with a trophy at Sandown on Saturday, but the true headline was the unprecedented accomplishment of fielding a winner at all 41 National Hunt circuits during a single trip to the Highlands. Earlier that afternoon, Skelton’s runners Tormund Giantsbane and Panic Attack were narrowly beaten, yet his brother Harry delivered the perfect ride on the 15‑8 favourite Heltenham.
Timing his challenge impeccably, Harry guided the horse to a one‑and‑three‑quarter‑length triumph in the Bedmax Capercaillie Handicap Chase. Reflecting on the feat, Skelton told Racing TV: "It’s quite incredible, isn’t it? I’ve just loved it.
It’s something I never had on my agenda, but I realized there were only four tracks left for the season and one of them was Musselburgh. I wasn’t planning to run there because we rarely send runners to Musselburgh, but owner Jimmy Fyffe wanted Made U Blush to race there. I told him she’d be the sole entry, and he said, ‘Send her up.’ She won, and then I thought, if we’re this close, maybe we should give it a go." He added, "It took 21 runners to get a winner at Plumpton, and fortunately it took a few fewer at Perth.
I’m in awe of my team and all the owners who have backed us and pushed us toward this achievement. I love doing this job. I sometimes set myself silly or ridiculous targets, but they keep me motivated." The card featured several other noteworthy performances. No Drama This End capped a hurdling career on a high note, redeeming a disappointing Cheltenham run by winning the Listed British EBF Gold Castle National Hunt Novices' Hurdle.
Meanwhile, Paul Nicholls’ six‑year‑old, who had been the favourite for the Turners Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham before being pulled up by Harry Cobden, found success north of the border, delivering JP McManus his 100th win of the season. Nicholls commented to Racing TV: "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 hasn’t been easy to get him right. He’s obviously a class horse and he won’t run over hurdles again; he’ll go chasing in November. He’s a strong stayer and will contest three‑mile chases over fences, but we haven’t decided where to start.
He’s only run five times over hurdles, won four, and will be an exciting chaser in the future." Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore also celebrated, as their mare Apple Away secured a 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, made a decisive move over the final obstacle, threatening Apple Away’s chances. Yet Derek Fox produced a superb finishing effort from the 4‑1 chance, pulling ahead by a length and a quarter to beat Ruby Island and claim a second victory in the event.
Russell was visibly moved: "It’s amazing, I’m in tears as she walks out. She’s a phenomenal mare.
I thought she was beaten, but her heart just carried her through. She’s great; I’ve never had a filly with such attitude and guts. Allez Français.
We’ve entered her in the French Champion Hurdle, just over three weeks away. Let’s see if she can deliver there." Olly Murphy enjoyed a personal treble on the day. His horse Gee Force Flyer captured the Welcome To The Perth Festival Maiden Hurdle, followed by Barlovento’s win in the Balnakeilly Novices' Limited Handicap Chase, and Atlantic City’s success in the Scone Palace Mares' Handicap Hurdle.
Each victory underscored Murphy’s versatility across different race types and distances. Overall, the Perth meeting highlighted the depth of talent among trainers, jockeys, and owners, and cemented Dan Skelton’s status as a leading figure in British National Hunt racing. His relentless pursuit of excellence, willingness to set ambitious targets, and gratitude toward his team and supporters have resonated throughout the industry. As the season draws to a close, Skelton’s historic sweep of all 41 circuits stands as a testament to strategic planning, perseverance, and the collaborative spirit that drives success in the sport.
The upcoming weeks will see the remaining champions—such as Apple Away—test their mettle on the international stage, while Skelton himself aims to convert his impressive earnings and record into an official championship title.