Dan Skelton’s extraordinary campaign hit yet another milestone at Perth, where the triumph of Heltenham secured his record of winning at every jumps venue across Britain this season. After two years of near‑misses at the hands of Willie Mullins, Skelton has amassed close to £5 million in prize money in his pursuit of the champion trainer title, a prize that has so far eluded him.
The crowning moment arrived on Saturday at Sandown, where he was presented with the trainer’s trophy for the first time. Earlier that day he had already achieved the remarkable feat of fielding a winner at all 41 National Hunt circuits, completing the circuit with a victory in the Highlands.
The day began with disappointment as his runners Tormund Giantsbane and Panic Attack were edged out in close finishes, but the tide turned when his brother Harry rode the 15‑8 favourite Heltenham to perfection. Timing his challenge impeccably, Harry guided Heltenham to a one‑and‑three‑quarter‑length win in the Bedmax Capercaillie Handicap Chase, sealing the historic sweep.
When asked by Racing TV about the achievement, Skelton said, "It’s quite incredible, isn’t it? I’ve just loved it. It’s something I never had on the agenda, but I noticed there were only four tracks left for the season and one of them was Musselburgh. I wasn’t going to bother because we rarely send runners there, but owner Jimmy Fyffe wanted Made U Blush to run at Musselburgh.
I told him she’d be the only runner. ‘Send her up,’ he said, and she won.
Then I thought, maybe if we’re this close, we should give it a go." He added, "It took 21 runners to get a winner at Plumpton. Luckily it took a few fewer at Perth, but I’m in awe of my team and all the owners who have backed us and pushed us to achieve this. I love doing this job. I sometimes set myself silly or ridiculous targets, but they keep me motivated." The card also featured a poignant moment for No Drama This End, who capped his hurdling career with a redemption win in the Listed British EBF Gold Castle National Hunt Novices' Hurdle after a disappointing pull‑up at Cheltenham.
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 he delivered a 100th victory of the season for future JP McManus number one.
Nicholls reflected, "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 tackle three miles over fences, but I don’t know where we’ll start. He’s only run five times over hurdles, won four, and he’ll be an exciting chaser – that’s his future." Another highlight came from Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore’s 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, surged forward, threatening to pull Apple Away out of contention. Yet Derek Fox produced a superb finishing run on the 4‑1 chance, pulling ahead by a length and a quarter from Ruby Island to claim a second victory in the event. Russell was emotional, saying, "It’s amazing – I was in tears as she walked out. She is the most 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, just over three weeks away. Let’s see if she can go 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 taking the Balnakeilly Novices' Limited Handicap Chase, and Atlantic City delivering a winning performance in the Scone Palace Mares' Handicap Hurdle. The significance of Skelton’s achievement goes beyond the numbers. Winning at every British jumps venue in a single season is a rarity that underscores the depth of his training operation, the quality of his staff, and the trust placed in him by owners across the country. Each circuit presents its own unique challenges – from the tight, sharp turns of the Scottish tracks to the long, galloping stretches of the English courses – and to adapt a stable of horses to each environment requires meticulous planning, versatile horsemanship, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Moreover, the accomplishment highlights the collaborative nature of National Hunt racing. Skelton repeatedly praised his team and the owners who backed his ambitious targets.
The willingness of owners to place horses at less‑frequented venues such as Musselburgh and Plumpton was crucial, as was the skill of jockeys like Harry Skelton, who delivered the decisive ride on Heltenham. The synergy between trainer, jockey, owner, and stable staff turned a lofty goal into a tangible reality. In the broader context of the season, Skelton’s near‑£5 million earnings and his push for the champion trainer title signal a shift in the competitive landscape.
While the dominance of established figures like Willie Mullins has been a constant, Skelton’s rise demonstrates that a combination of strategic race placement, careful horse development, and a willingness to chase unconventional milestones can disrupt the status quo. Looking ahead, the momentum from this historic sweep could propel Skelton’s stable into an even more successful autumn and winter campaign.
With the Champion Trainer title still within reach, the focus will likely turn to securing high‑profile victories at marquee festivals such as Cheltenham and Aintree. The confidence gained from conquering every circuit may inspire more daring entries, potentially targeting additional Grade 1 wins and expanding the stable’s international ambitions, as hinted by Apple Away’s planned trip to France. In summary, Dan Skelton’s Perth victory not only completed a season‑long quest to win at every British jumps track but also cemented his status as one of the sport’s most innovative and determined trainers. The combination of personal ambition, team effort, and owner support turned a seemingly impossible target into a celebrated reality, setting a new benchmark for future generations of National Hunt trainers.