Dan Skelton capped an extraordinary campaign at Perth, where his horse Heltenham secured a win that gave the trainer a victory at every jumps venue in Britain for the current season. After two years of narrow defeats at the hands of Willie Mullins, Skelton is now edging close to the £5 million prize‑money mark that will likely see him crowned champion trainer for the first time. The achievement was preceded by a historic moment earlier in the day when Skelton sent out a winner at all 41 National Hunt circuits during a trip to the Highlands. That feat placed him in an exclusive club of trainers who have managed to win on every British jumps track in a single term.
The afternoon race saw two of his runners, Tormund Giantsbane and Panic Attack, fall just short of the finish line. Yet the day belonged to his brother‑trainer Harry, who piloted the 15‑8 favourite Heltenham with flawless timing.
The horse surged forward in the final stages to clinch the Bedmax Capercaillie Handicap Chase by one and three‑quarter lengths, sealing the historic sweep. When asked by Racing TV about the milestone, Skelton expressed disbelief and delight.
"It’s quite incredible, isn’t it? I’ve just loved it. It wasn’t even on my radar at the start of the season, but when I realised there were only four tracks left, I thought we’d give it a go.
One of those was Musselburgh, a venue we rarely visit. Owner Jimmy Fyffe wanted Made U Blush to run there, and I told him we’d only have a single runner.
He said, ‘Send her up,’ and she won. That win sparked the idea that we could finish the circuit. It took 21 runners to secure a win at Plumpton, and a few fewer at Perth, but I’m in awe of my team and the owners who have backed us every step of the way.
I love this job; sometimes I set myself seemingly impossible targets, but they keep me motivated." The card also featured a poignant farewell 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. The six‑year‑old, trained by Paul Nicholls, had previously been the favourite for the Turners Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham, only to be pulled up by Harry Cobden. Yet north of the border the horse delivered a 100th seasonal victory for his soon‑to‑be JP McManus‑ridden stable.
Nicholls reflected on the win: "I’m very happy. It’s 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 exactly right, but he’s a class horse. He won four of his five hurdle starts and will now head for the fences in November.
He’s a strong stayer and will stay three miles over fences; we’ll decide where to debut him as a chaser. He’s an exciting prospect for the future." Another highlight came from Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore, whose mare Apple Away secured a ticket to the French Champion Hurdle by rallying late to win the Fair Maid of Perth Mares' Chase. The race turned on a dramatic moment when Skelton’s Panic Attack, returning swiftly after being brought down at the third fence of the Grand National, surged past the final fence, threatening Apple Away’s chances.
Yet Derek Fox produced a determined run on the 4‑1 shot, pulling ahead to finish a length and a quarter clear of Ruby Island, delivering a second win for the mare. Russell was visibly moved: "It’s amazing – I was in tears as 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 such attitude and guts. Allez Français – we’ve entered her in the French Champion Hurdle three weeks from now; let’s see if she can repeat the performance." 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, followed by Barlovento’s win in the Balnakeilly Novices' Limited Handicap Chase, and capped the day with Atlantic City’s success in the Scone Palace Mares' Handicap Hurdle. Overall, the Perth meeting underscored Skelton’s relentless ambition and the depth of his operation.
By securing a win at every British jumps venue, he not only etched his name into the record books but also demonstrated the collaborative spirit of owners, jockeys, and stable staff who share his vision. As the season draws to a close, the trainer’s focus now shifts to the remaining high‑profile targets, including the French Champion Hurdle for Apple Away and the upcoming chase campaign for his newly converted chasers. The momentum generated at Perth suggests that Skelton’s historic sweep is just one chapter in what promises to be a landmark year for his stable.