Dan Skelton capped an extraordinary campaign at Perth when his horse Heltenham secured a win that gave the trainer a victory at every jumps venue in Britain for the current season. This achievement marked another high point in a year that has seen Skelton edge ever closer to his first trainer’s championship, having amassed almost £5 million in prize money while consistently challenging the dominance of long‑time rival Willie Mullins. The milestone came after Skelton collected his inaugural champion‑trainer trophy at Sandown on Saturday.
Earlier that day, he completed the remarkable feat of winning at all 41 National Hunt circuits during a trip to the Scottish Highlands. The day’s action began with narrow defeats for Tormund Giantsbane and Panic Attack, but the trainer’s fortunes turned when his brother Harry, riding the 15‑8 favourite Heltenham, timed the chase perfectly. Heltenham surged ahead in the final stages to claim the Bedmax Capercaillie Handicap Chase by one and three‑quarter lengths, sealing the historic sweep.
Speaking to Racing TV after the win, Skelton reflected on the significance of the accomplishment: "It’s quite incredible, isn’t it? I’ve just loved it. It’s something I never had on my agenda, but I realised we were only four tracks short for the season and one of them was Musselburgh.
I wasn’t planning to send a runner there because we rarely race at Musselburgh, but owner Jimmy Fyffe wanted Made U Blush to contest the meeting. I told him she’d be the sole entry, he said ‘Send her up’, and she won. That got me thinking – if we’re this close, maybe we should give the remaining venues a go." He went on to explain the odds he faced: "It took 21 runners to get a winner at Plumpton, and while Perth required a few fewer, I’m still in awe of my team and the owners who have backed us every step of the way. I love this job.
I sometimes set myself absurd or even ridiculous targets, but they keep me motivated." The Perth card also delivered a feel‑good story 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. The horse had previously disappointed at Cheltenham when pulled up in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle, but he redeemed himself north of the border, delivering Paul Nicholls’ stable its 100th victory of the season. Nicholls, speaking to the same broadcaster, said: "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 right yet, but he’s clearly a class horse. He won four of his five hurdle starts and will now move to chasing in November.
He’s a strong stayer and will be tested over three miles of fences – the future is bright for him as a chaser." Another highlight was the triumph of Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore’s mare Apple Away, who secured her place in the French Champion Hurdle after a late rally in the Fair Maid of Perth Mares’ Chase. The race had turned tense when Skelton’s Panic Attack, fresh from a Grand National exit at the third fence, surged forward and seemed to threaten Apple Away’s chances. Yet Derek Fox, aboard the 4‑1 outsider, produced a determined finishing run, pulling clear of Ruby Island by a length and a quarter to claim the win. Russell was visibly emotional after the victory: "It’s amazing – I was in tears when she crossed the line.
She’s an incredible 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 for the French Champion Hurdle in three weeks, let’s see what she can do." The day also featured a treble for trainer Olly Murphy.
His horse Gee Force Flyer captured the Welcome To The Perth Festival Maiden Hurdle, while Barlovento secured the Balnakeilly Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase. Atlantic City rounded out Murphy’s success with a win in the Scone Palace Mares’ Handicap Hurdle, underscoring the trainer’s versatility across different race types. Overall, the Perth meeting highlighted the depth of talent across the National Hunt scene and underscored Dan Skelton’s relentless pursuit of excellence.
By clinching a victory at every British jumps venue, Skelton not only etched his name in the record books but also demonstrated the power of strategic planning, owner collaboration, and a dedicated stable team. As the season draws to a close, the trainer’s sights remain firmly on the championship title, with the confidence that his historic sweep will serve as a springboard for further success in the months ahead.