Dan Skelton capped an extraordinary campaign at Perth when his horse Heltenham secured a win, giving the trainer a victory at every jumps venue in Britain for the current season. After two years of near‑misses at the hands of Willie Mullins, Skelton has now amassed close to £5 million in prize money as he pushes toward his first champion trainer title. The milestone came just after he collected a trophy at Sandown on Saturday, but the real headline was his unprecedented achievement of winning at all 41 National Hunt circuits during a trip to the Scottish Highlands. Earlier in the afternoon, his runners Tormund Giantsbane and Panic Attack were edged out, yet his brother Harry delivered the perfect ride on 15‑8 favourite Heltenham.
Timing the challenge impeccably, the horse surged ahead to claim the Bedmax Capercaillie Handicap Chase by one and three‑quarter lengths. Reflecting on the feat, Skelton told Racing TV: "It’s quite incredible, isn’t it? I’ve just loved it.
It wasn’t even on my agenda at the start of the year, but I realised there were only four tracks left and one of them was Musselburgh. I wasn’t planning to send anyone there because we rarely run there, but owner Jimmy Fyffe wanted Made U Blush to give it a go. I told him she’d be the sole runner, he said ‘Send her up’, and she won.
That made me think, if we’re this close, maybe we should try the remaining venues as well. "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 of all the owners who have backed us.
I love this job. I sometimes set myself absurd, even ridiculous, targets, but they keep me motivated." The card also featured a poignant moment for No Drama This End, who ended his hurdling career on a high note by winning the Listed British EBF Gold Castle National Hunt Novices' Hurdle, redeeming a disappointing Cheltenham run. Paul Nicholls’ six‑year‑old had started as favourite for the Turners Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, only to be pulled up by Harry Cobden, but he turned the tables north of the border, delivering JP McManus his 100th win of the season. Nicholls commented to Racing TV: "I’m very happy.
It’s 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, but he’s clearly a class horse. 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, though 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." Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore also celebrated, as Apple Away secured a place in the French Champion Hurdle by rallying late to win the Fair Maid of Perth Mares' Chase.
The race was dramatically influenced by Skelton’s Panic Attack, who had returned swiftly after being brought down at the third fence of the Grand National. Panic Attack’s presence made every yard count as the field approached the final fence, with Apple Away appearing to be out of contention. Nevertheless, Derek Fox produced a superb finishing run on the 4‑1 chance, pulling ahead to finish a length and a quarter clear of Ruby Island and clinching a second victory in the race. Russell was visibly moved: "It’s amazing – I’m in tears as she walks 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 this 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 deliver there." Olly Murphy enjoyed a personal treble on the day. 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 succeed in the Scone Palace Mares' Handicap Hurdle.
Skelton’s historic sweep underscores the depth of his operation and the collaborative spirit of owners, jockeys, and stable staff. Achieving a win at every British jumps venue in a single season is a rarity that speaks to meticulous planning, adaptability to differing track conditions, and an unwavering belief in the horses’ abilities. While the financial rewards are substantial, the personal satisfaction of ticking off the final missing circuit—Musselburgh—adds an emotional layer that few titles can match. Looking ahead, the trainer’s focus will shift to the championship race for trainer’s title, where the £5 million prize pool and the prestige of being crowned champion await.
With a roster of proven performers across hurdles and chases, and a willingness to target unconventional venues, Skelton appears poised to continue challenging the established order. His willingness to set “silly” goals, as he put it, may well become the catalyst that drives his stable to even greater heights in the coming months, as the National Hunt calendar moves toward its spring climax.
In summary, the Perth meeting not only delivered a thrilling victory for Heltenham but also marked the culmination of a season‑long quest that saw Dan Skelton rewrite the record books, inspire his team, and set a new benchmark for ambition in British jump racing.