Dan Skelton capped off an extraordinary campaign at Perth with a win that saw him claim a victory at every jumps venue across Britain during the current season. The triumph came when his 15‑8 favourite, Heltenham, delivered a perfectly timed run to win the Bedmax Capercaillie Handicap Chase by one and three‑quarter lengths, cementing Skelton's place in racing history.
For two consecutive years Skelton had been denied the ultimate accolade by the dominance of Willie Mullins, but this season he has amassed close to £5 million in prize money as he pursues his first champion‑trainer title. Earlier on the same day, before the trophy was presented at Sandown, Skelton achieved the remarkable feat of sending out a winner at each of the 41 National Hunt circuits, a milestone he reached during a trip to the Scottish Highlands.
The afternoon began with near‑misses as Tormund Giantsbane and Panic Attack were edged out, but the day was redeemed when his son, Harry Skelton, guided Heltenham to a decisive victory. Speaking to Racing TV after the race, Dan Skelton expressed his amazement: "It’s quite incredible, isn’t it?
I’ve just loved it. It wasn’t even on my agenda, but I realised we were only four tracks short for the season, and one of those was Musselburgh." He went on to explain how a last‑minute entry for Made U Blush at Musselburgh, prompted by owner Jimmy Fyffe, turned into a winning effort that sparked the idea of completing the circuit sweep. "I told Jimmy we’d only have one runner there, and he said ‘Send her up.’ She won, and that gave me the belief we could try for the remaining venues," Skelton said.
He noted that it took 21 runners to secure a win at Plumpton, but only a few fewer at Perth, adding, "I’m in awe of my team and all the owners who have backed us. I love this job; I sometimes set myself absurd 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 win in the Listed British EBF Gold Castle National Hunt Novices' Hurdle, avenging a disappointing run at Cheltenham.
Paul Nicholls' six‑year‑old had been the favourite for the Turners Novices' Hurdle at the Festival but was pulled up by Harry Cobden. In Scotland, however, the horse delivered a 100th seasonal victory 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 improve him in the autumn. He’s a class horse, won four of five hurdle starts, and will transition to chasing in November. He’ll stay over three miles and will be an exciting chaser." Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore celebrated a win with Apple Away, who rallied late to secure the Fair Maid of Perth Mares' Chase and earned a place in the French Champion Hurdle.
The race turned dramatic when Skelton’s own Panic Attack, fresh from a Grand National exit at the third fence, set a relentless pace that seemed to leave Apple Away out of contention. Yet Derek Fox produced a brilliant finish from the 4‑1 shot, pulling clear by a length and a quarter from Ruby Island for a second victory in the event. Russell was moved to tears, saying, "She is the most phenomenal mare. I thought she was beaten, but her heart carried her through.
She has the guts and attitude of a champion. We’ve entered her for the French Champion Hurdle three weeks from now – let’s see what she can do." Olly Murphy enjoyed a personal treble on the day. He rode Gee Force Flyer to win the Welcome To The Perth Festival Maiden Hurdle, then guided Barlovento to victory in the Balnakeilly Novices' Limited Handicap Chase, and finally saw Atlantic City succeed in the Scone Palace Mares' Handicap Hurdle.
Each win highlighted Murphy’s versatility across different race types and distances. Overall, Skelton’s achievement of winning at every British jumps venue this term is a testament to his strategic acumen, the dedication of his training staff, and the unwavering support of owners and jockeys. The feat required careful placement of horses, willingness to travel to less‑frequented tracks like Musselburgh, and the patience to wait for the right moment when a single runner could deliver a win.
It also underscores the depth of talent within his stable, from seasoned campaigners like Heltenham to emerging stars such as Apple Away. Looking ahead, Skelton will aim to convert his circuit‑wide success into a championship title, while his connections will target major spring festivals with the horses that have proven their mettle this season. The narrative of perseverance, strategic risk‑taking, and a bit of serendipity will continue to shape his journey, and racing fans will be watching closely to see whether this historic season culminates in the ultimate accolade for the trainer and his team.