Dan Skelton's extraordinary season has reached new heights at Perth, as Heltenham's victory marked a milestone, making him the first to achieve a win at every jumps track in Britain this term. Skelton's remarkable journey to being crowned champion trainer for the first time has seen him accumulate nearly £5 million in prize money, overcoming the challenges posed by Willie Mullins in the previous two years.
Before receiving the championship trophy for the first time at Sandown on Saturday, Skelton accomplished the phenomenal feat of securing a win at all 41 National Hunt circuits, including his visit to the Highlands. Earlier in the day, Tormund Giantsbane and Panic Attack were narrowly beaten, but Skelton's brother, Harry, gave 15-8 favorite Heltenham the perfect ride, timing the challenge to perfection to win the Bedmax Capercaillie Handicap Chase by one and three-quarter lengths.
Reflecting on the achievement, Skelton expressed his awe, stating it's 'quite incredible' and something he didn't initially plan for. He noticed only four tracks were missing for the season, and one of them was Musselburgh. Skelton decided to pursue this goal after owner Jimmy Fyffe expressed interest in running Made U Blush at Musselburgh, which ultimately led to a win. It took 21 runners to achieve a win at Plumpton, but Skelton was grateful for his team's and owners' support.
He admitted to setting 'silly or ridiculous targets' as a motivator, and this achievement has left him in awe. Elsewhere on the card, No Drama This End brought his hurdling career to a perfect close with a victory in the Listed British EBF Gold Castle 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle, gaining redemption for his Cheltenham disappointment.
Paul Nicholls' six-year-old was sent off as the favorite for the Turners Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival but was pulled up by Harry Cobden. However, he made amends north of the border, giving the soon-to-be JP McManus number one a 100th victory of the season.
Nicholls expressed happiness with the outcome, stating it was nice to finish on a good note. He believes he can improve the horse further in the autumn and plans to transition him to chasing in November.
No Drama This End is a class horse who will run over three miles over fences. Additionally, Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore's Apple Away secured a victory in the Fair Maid Of Perth Mares' Chase, booking her ticket to the French Champion Hurdle. Apple Away, who was making a late rally, got up to win by a length and a quarter, with Ruby Island finishing second. Russell praised Apple Away, describing her as a 'phenomenal mare' with a great attitude and guts.
The team is considering entering her in the French Champion Hurdle, which is just over three weeks away. Olly Murphy also enjoyed a successful day, with Gee Force Flyer taking the Welcome To The Perth Festival Maiden Hurdle, followed by Barlovento landing the Balnakeilly Novices' Limited Handicap Chase, and Atlantic City delivering in the Scone Palace Mares' Handicap Hurdle.