Dan Skelton capped an extraordinary campaign at Perth when his horse Heltenham triumphed, giving the trainer a win at every jumps venue across Britain during the current season. After two years of near‑misses at the hands of Willie Mullins, Skelton is now on the brink of his first champion‑trainer title, having amassed close to £5 million in prize money. The milestone came just after he lifted a trophy at Sandown on Saturday, but the true highlight was his achievement earlier in the day: a winner at all 41 National Hunt circuits, a feat he completed during a trip to the Scottish Highlands.

While Tormund Giantsbane and Panic Attack fell short in tight finishes, the trainer’s own brother, Harry Skelton, guided the 15‑8 favourite Heltenham to a perfectly timed run, securing the Bedmax Capercaillie Handicap Chase by one and three‑quarter lengths. Speaking to Racing TV, Skelton reflected on the accomplishment: "It’s quite incredible, isn’t it?

I’ve just loved it. It’s something I never had on the agenda, but I noticed there were only four tracks missing for the season and one of them was Musselburgh. I wasn’t going to bother because we rarely send runners there, but owner Jimmy Fyffe wanted Made U Blush to contest Musselburgh. I told him she’d be the only runner.

‘Send her up,’ he said, and she won. Then I thought, maybe if we’re this close we should give it a go. "It took 21 runners to get a winner at Plumpton. Luckily it took a few fewer at Perth, but I’m in awe of my team and all the owners who have backed us.

I love this job. I sometimes set myself silly or 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 claiming the Listed British EBF Gold Castle National Hunt Novices' Hurdle.

The six‑year‑old, trained by Paul Nicholls, had been a favourite in the Turners Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham, only to be pulled up by Harry Cobden. Yet north of the border he delivered a 100th victory of the season for future JP McManus number one.

Nicholls commented, "I’m very happy. It was 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. 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 I’m not sure where we’ll start. He’s only run five times over hurdles, won four, and will be an exciting chaser in the 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 turned dramatic when Skelton’s Panic Attack, fresh from an early exit at the Grand National, appeared to dominate the final stages, seemingly leaving Apple Away out of contention. Yet Derek Fox produced a spirited finish from the 4‑1 chance, pulling ahead by a length and a quarter over Ruby Island to claim a second win in the event.

Russell was visibly moved: "It’s amazing, I’m in tears as she walks out. 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 – we’ve entered her in the French Champion Hurdle three weeks from now. Let’s see if she can deliver there." Olly Murphy enjoyed a personal treble on the day. He guided Gee Force Flyer to victory in the Welcome To The Perth Festival Maiden Hurdle, then saw Barlovento take the Balnakeilly Novices' Limited Handicap Chase, and finally watched Atlantic City succeed in the Scone Palace Mares' Handicap Hurdle.

Overall, the Perth meeting underscored Skelton’s relentless ambition and the depth of talent within his stable. By targeting every circuit and refusing to settle for incremental progress, he has not only secured a historic sweep but also positioned himself as a genuine contender for the champion‑trainer crown. The combination of strategic race placement, owner confidence, and the unwavering dedication of his jockeys and support staff has turned a season that began with modest expectations into a landmark campaign that will be remembered in National Hunt history.

The ripple effects of this achievement will likely influence training strategies across the sport, as peers assess how a focused, goal‑oriented approach can yield unprecedented results.