Dan Skelton capped off an extraordinary campaign with a landmark triumph at Perth, where his horse Heltenham clinched the Bedmax Capercaillie Handicap Chase and completed a flawless record of winners at every National Hunt venue in Britain for the season. This achievement not only underscores Skelton's rising stature but also marks a turning point after two years of near‑misses at the hands of rival trainer Willie Mullins. Skelton's stable has now amassed close to £5 million in prize money, positioning him as a serious contender for the champion trainer title for the first time in his career. The historic run began earlier in the day when Skelton’s runners Tormund Giantsbane and Panic Attack fell just short of victory.
However, his brother Harry Skelton, aboard the 15‑8 favourite Heltenham, timed the chase to perfection, pulling clear by one and three‑quarter lengths to secure the win. In a post‑race interview with Racing TV, Dan Skelton expressed his amazement: "It’s quite incredible, isn’t it? I’ve just loved it. It wasn’t even on my radar, but when I realized only four tracks were missing from my season’s list—and Musselburgh was one of them—I decided to give it a go." He recounted how owner Jimmy Fyffe insisted on running Made U Blush at Musselburgh, despite the stable rarely sending horses there.
"He said, ‘Send her up,’ and she won. That sparked the idea that we could chase the remaining venues," Skelton explained. The final two victories came after a grueling 21‑runner effort at Plumpton and a slightly shorter field at Perth, each win a testament to the depth of his training operation and the unwavering support of owners.
"I’m in awe of my team and all the owners who have backed us. I love this job. I sometimes set myself ridiculous targets, but they keep me motivated," he added.
The card at Perth offered more drama beyond Skelton’s feat. No Drama This End, a hurdler who had previously disappointed at Cheltenham, redeemed himself 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 the Cheltenham Festival, only to be pulled up by jockey Harry Cobden.
Yet north of the border, the horse delivered a 100th season victory for trainer JP McManus. Nicholls praised the horse’s future prospects: "He’s a strong stayer, will stay three miles over fences, and I expect him to become an exciting chaser.
He won four of five hurdle starts, and I’m looking forward to his chase career starting in November." Another highlight came from Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore’s filly Apple Away, who secured a place in the French Champion Hurdle after a late surge in the Fair Maid of Perth Mares' Chase. The race turned on a dramatic finish when Skelton’s own Panic Attack, fresh from an early exit at the Grand National, made a decisive move over the final fence, briefly threatening Apple Away’s chances. Yet Derek Fox, aboard the 4‑1 chance, produced a powerful finish, edging out Ruby Island by a length and a quarter to claim a second victory in the event.
Russell was visibly emotional: "I’m in tears; she’s a phenomenal mare. I thought she was beaten, but her heart carried her through. She’s the most gutsy filly I’ve ever seen. We’ve entered her for the French Champion Hurdle—just three weeks away—let’s see what she can do." Olly Murphy enjoyed a personal treble on the day.
He first rode Gee Force Flyer to victory in the Welcome to the Perth Festival Maiden Hurdle, then guided Barlovento to win the Balnakeilly Novices' Limited Handicap Chase, and finally saw Atlantic City triumph in the Scone Palace Mares' Handicap Hurdle. Murphy’s success highlighted the depth of talent across the meeting and added to the overall sense of a historic day for British National Hunt racing. Skelton’s achievement of winning at all 41 National Hunt circuits is a rarity in the sport. It required not only strategic placement of horses but also the logistical challenge of transporting and preparing runners for a wide variety of tracks, each with its own unique demands.
The feat demonstrates a level of organization, patience, and adaptability that few trainers have managed to replicate. It also reflects the growing competitiveness of Skelton’s operation, which has steadily expanded its roster of owners, horses, and support staff.
Looking ahead, the implications of this milestone are significant. With the championship season still underway, Skelton’s momentum could see him clinch the champion trainer title, a goal that has eluded him despite his consistent performances.
His ability to target specific races, such as the Musselburgh entry that sparked the final push, shows a willingness to think outside the traditional campaign routes. This strategic mindset, combined with the talent of his jockeys—particularly brother Harry Skelton—positions the stable for continued success in the remaining fixtures of the National Hunt calendar. In summary, Dan Skelton’s Perth victory not only added another trophy to his stable’s growing collection but also cemented his place in racing history as the first trainer to secure a winner at every British jumps venue in a single season.
The day was filled with memorable moments—from No Drama This End’s redemption to Apple Away’s emotional triumph and Olly Murphy’s personal sweep—making it a fitting backdrop for Skelton’s historic accomplishment. The racing community will be watching closely as the season progresses, eager to see whether this momentum translates into a championship title and what further milestones Skelton and his team might achieve in the months ahead.