Dan Skelton’s extraordinary campaign hit yet another milestone at Perth, where his mount Heltenham clinched a win that completed a flawless record of victories at every jumps venue in Britain for the current season. After two years of near‑misses at the hands of rival trainer Willie Mullins, Skelton has now amassed close to £5 million in prize money in his pursuit of the champion trainer title, a prize he hopes to claim for the first time.
The achievement was formally recognised when Skelton was presented with the champion trainer trophy at Sandown on Saturday, but the real headline‑making moment came earlier in the day when he became the first trainer to send out a winner at all 41 National Hunt circuits during a single season, a feat he accomplished on his trip to the Scottish Highlands. In the afternoon’s action, his horses Tormund Giantsbane and Panic Attack fell just short of victory, but his brother‑trained favourite Heltenham, starting at 15‑8, delivered a perfectly timed run to capture the Bedmax Capercaillie Handicap Chase by one and three‑quarter lengths. Reflecting on the accomplishment, Skelton told Racing TV: "It’s quite incredible, isn’t it?
I’ve just loved every minute of it. It wasn’t even on my radar at the start of the year, but when I realised we were only four tracks short, I decided to give it a go. One of those missing venues was Musselburgh. Normally we don’t send any runners there, but owner Jimmy Fyffe wanted to try Made U Blush at Musselburgh.
I told him we’d only have one runner – he said ‘send her up’ and she won. That sparked the idea that maybe we could finish the circuit. "It took 21 runners to get a winner at Plumpton, and a few fewer at Perth, but I’m in awe of my team and the owners who have backed us all the way. I love this job.
I sometimes set myself absurd or lofty targets, but they keep me motivated." The card also featured a poignant moment for No Drama This End, whose hurdling career ended on a high note with a win in the Listed British EBF Gold Castle National Hunt Novices' Hurdle, redeeming a disappointing performance at Cheltenham earlier in the season. Paul Nicholls’ six‑year‑old had entered the Turners Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival as the favourite but was pulled up by jockey Harry Cobden. In contrast, the same horse turned up north of the border to give JP McManus his 100th win of the season.
Nicholls spoke to Racing TV after the race: "I’m very happy. It was nice to finish on a good note. I know I can get him much better in the autumn. It hasn’t been easy to get him right yet; he’s 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 we haven’t decided where to start. He’s only run five times over hurdles, winning four, and he’ll be an exciting chaser in the future." Another highlight was the triumph of Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore’s Apple Away, who secured her place in the French Champion Hurdle after a late rally 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 at the final fence, threatening Apple Away’s chances. Yet Derek Fox produced a superb finishing effort on the 4‑1 chance, pulling clear by a length and a quarter from Ruby Island to claim a second victory in the contest. Russell was visibly moved: "It’s amazing – I was in tears when she crossed the line.
She’s a phenomenal mare. I thought she was beaten, but her heart carried her through. I’ve never had a filly with her attitude and guts. "Allez Français.
She’s now entered in the French Champion Hurdle, just over three weeks away. Let’s see what she can do there." Olly Murphy enjoyed a personal treble on the day. His horse Gee Force Flyer won the Welcome To The Perth Festival Maiden Hurdle, followed by Barlovento’s success in the Balnakeilly Novices' Limited Handicap Chase, and Atlantic City’s victory in the Scone Palace Mares' Handicap Hurdle, rounding off a memorable card for the trainer.
Overall, Skelton’s historic sweep underscores not only his skill as a trainer but also the depth of his operation, the dedication of his staff, and the unwavering support of owners who have trusted his judgment throughout the season. Achieving a winner at every British jumps venue in a single campaign is a rare feat that speaks to meticulous planning, strategic placement of horses, and an ability to adapt to the unique challenges each track presents. From the flat, fast gallops of Plumpton to the undulating, often testing turns of Perth, Skelton’s horses have demonstrated versatility and resilience. The accomplishment also highlights the collaborative nature of National Hunt racing.
Owners like Jimmy Fyffe, who pushed for a solitary runner at Musselburgh, and jockeys such as Harry Cobden and Derek Fox, who executed perfectly timed rides, all contributed to the historic outcome. Moreover, the success of horses like Heltenham, Apple Away, and the various winners for Olly Murphy illustrates the breadth of talent across different distances and disciplines – from novice hurdles to seasoned chasers. Looking ahead, the focus now shifts to the upcoming French Champion Hurdle, where Apple Away will test herself against continental competition, and to the autumn campaign where Skelton hopes to convert his record‑breaking season into a championship title. With the momentum of a historic sweep behind him, Dan Skelton appears poised to continue challenging the established order in British National Hunt racing, aiming for further accolades and perhaps setting new benchmarks for future trainers to aspire to.