Dan Skelton’s extraordinary campaign reached yet another summit at Perth when his horse Heltenham clinched a win, completing a flawless record of victories at every jumps venue across Britain for the current season. This triumph not only underscored Skelton’s dominance but also marked a symbolic milestone: a winner at each of the 41 National Hunt circuits, a feat that had eluded him for years. The journey to this historic achievement has been a roller‑coaster of near‑misses and relentless determination.
In the previous two seasons, Skelton found himself edged out by the legendary Willie Mullins on more than one occasion, leaving him just short of the coveted champion trainer title. Yet, perseverance paid off as the trainer amassed close to £5 million in prize money, edging ever nearer to that first‑time championship. Before the trophy was presented at Sandown on Saturday, Skelton’s team had already secured the remarkable accomplishment of winning at every one of the 41 National Hunt tracks, a quest that culminated during his visit to the Highlands. Earlier that afternoon, his runners Tormund Giantsbane and Panic Attack were narrowly beaten, but the day belonged to his brother Harry’s expertly timed ride on the 15‑8 favourite Heltenham.
The horse surged forward at exactly the right moment to capture the Bedmax Capercaillie Handicap Chase by a margin of one and three‑quarter lengths. Reflecting on the achievement, Skelton told Racing TV: "It’s quite incredible, isn’t it? I’ve just loved it.
It’s something I never imagined 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 send a runner there because we rarely go, but owner Jimmy Fyffe wanted Made U Blush to run at Musselburgh. I told him she’d be the sole runner.
‘Send her up,’ he said, and she won. That made me think, if we’re this close, maybe we should give the remaining tracks a go. "It took 21 runners to get a winner at Plumpton.
Fortunately it required a few fewer at Perth, but I’m in awe of my team and all the owners who have backed us and pushed us toward this goal. I love this job. I sometimes set myself absurd or lofty targets, but they keep me motivated." The card at Perth offered several other memorable moments.
No Drama This End capped his hurdling career in spectacular fashion, redeeming a disappointing Cheltenham run by taking 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 the Cheltenham Festival before being pulled up by Harry Cobden, found redemption north of the border, delivering JP McManus his 100th victory of the season.
Nicholls, speaking to Racing TV, expressed his satisfaction: "I’m very happy. It was nice to finish on a good note. I know I can improve him further in the autumn. It hasn’t been easy to get him exactly 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 fences, but we haven’t decided where to start. He’s only run five times over hurdles, winning four, and he’ll be an exciting chaser – that’s his future." Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore also celebrated, as their mare Apple Away secured a place in the French Champion Hurdle by rallying late to win the Fair Maid Of Perth Mares’ Chase.
The race had been tense; Skelton’s own Panic Attack, fresh from an early exit at the Grand National (having fallen at the third fence), was making every stride count over the final fence, threatening Apple Away’s chances. Nevertheless, Derek Fox produced a brilliant finishing run on the 4‑1 chance, pulling ahead to finish a length and a quarter clear of Ruby Island, delivering his second victory of the day. Russell was moved to tears as she crossed the line: "It’s amazing – I’ve just been in tears as she walked out. She’s 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 perform there." Olly Murphy enjoyed a personal treble on the card. He 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 deliver a winning effort in the Scone Palace Mares’ Handicap Hurdle.
Overall, the Perth meeting highlighted the depth of talent across trainers, jockeys, and owners, and underscored Dan Skelton’s relentless pursuit of excellence. Achieving a win at every British jumps venue in a single season is a rarity that cements his status among the sport’s elite. The accomplishment not only reflects strategic planning and meticulous preparation but also showcases the collaborative spirit of the entire stable – from stable staff to owners who place their faith in the trainer’s vision. As the season progresses, the racing community will be watching closely to see whether Skelton can convert this historic sweep into a championship title, adding yet another chapter to an already remarkable year.