Dan Skelton’s extraordinary campaign hit yet another milestone at Perth, where his horse Heltenham secured a victory that gave Skelton a winner at every jumps venue in Britain for the current season. This achievement caps a year that has seen Skelton edge ever closer to the top of the National Hunt training ranks, amassing close to £5 million in prize money as he chases his first champion‑trainer title.
The day began with a dramatic showdown at the Highlands circuit. Earlier in the afternoon Skelton’s runners Tormund Giantsbane and Panic Attack were edged out in tight finishes, but the trainer’s perseverance paid off when his 15‑8 favourite Heltenham delivered a perfectly timed run.
The Bay gelding surged clear in the final stages to win the Bedmax Capercaillie Handicap Chase by one and three‑quarter lengths, sealing Skelton’s historic sweep. Speaking to Racing TV after the race, Skelton could barely contain his excitement.
“It’s quite incredible, isn’t it? I’ve just loved every minute of it. I never imagined I’d end the season with winners at all 41 National Hunt tracks,” he said. He explained that the final missing venue was Musselburgh, a track he rarely visits.
“Jimmy Fyffe wanted Made U Blush to run there, and I told him we’d only have one runner. He said ‘Send her up’, and she won. That sparked the idea that we could actually finish the set.” Skelton recalled the long road to Plumpton, where it took 21 of his entries to finally produce a winner.
“Perth required fewer runners, but I’m still in awe of the team, the owners, and everyone who believed in us,” he added. “I love this job. I sometimes set myself absurd targets, but they keep me motivated.” The card at Perth offered several other memorable moments. No Drama This End, a hurdler trained by Paul Nicholls, capped his career with a triumph in the Listed British EBF Gold Castle National Hunt Novices’ Hurdle.
The six‑year‑old had been a favourite for the Turners Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, only to be pulled up by Harry Cobden, but he rebounded north of the border to give JP McManus his 100th win of the season. Nicholls expressed his satisfaction: “I’m very happy.
It’s great to finish on a high note. I know the horse will improve in the autumn. He’s a class horse, and while he won’t return to hurdles, he’ll be a top‑class chaser from November onward. He’s a strong stayer, likely to stay three miles over fences, and his future looks very bright.” In the Fair Maid of Perth Mares’ Chase, Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore celebrated a dramatic victory with Apple Away.
The mare, who had previously been a contender in the French Champion Hurdle, rallied late to win by a length and a quarter over Ruby Island. The win came despite a tense finish in which Skelton’s Panic Attack, fresh from a Grand National exit at the third fence, appeared to threaten Apple Away’s chances. Derek Fox, aboard Apple Away, produced a strong finish to secure the win. Russell could not hold back her emotions: “I’m in tears.
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.” She added, “Allez Français – we’ve entered her for the French Champion Hurdle in three weeks.
Let’s see what she can do there.” Olly Murphy enjoyed a personal treble on the day. His first win came with Gee Force Flyer in the Welcome To The Perth Festival Maiden Hurdle. He then added a victory with Barlovento 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 highlighted the depth and resilience of Skelton’s operation.
From the early disappointment of narrowly beaten horses to the ultimate satisfaction of completing a historic set, the trainer’s ambition and his team’s dedication shone through. The achievement not only underscores Skelton’s skill in preparing winners across a wide range of distances and conditions but also cements his place among the leading trainers in British National Hunt racing. As the season draws to a close, the focus now shifts to the remaining festivals, where Skelton will aim to convert his impressive earnings into the coveted champion‑trainer title, while his owners and jockeys look forward to adding more laurels to an already remarkable year.