In a season filled with milestones, Dan Skelton has reached new heights at Perth, where Heltenham's victory marked a historic achievement for the trainer. Skelton has now won at every jumps track in Britain this term, a feat that has earned him nearly £5 million in prize money. This accomplishment comes after being narrowly thwarted by Willie Mullins in the previous two years. Prior to receiving his first champion trainer trophy at Sandown on Saturday, Skelton achieved the impressive feat of sending out a winner at all 41 National Hunt circuits during his visit to the Highlands.
Earlier in the day, Tormund Giantsbane and Panic Attack were narrowly beaten before Skelton's brother, Harry, gave 15-8 favourite Heltenham a flawless ride, timing his challenge perfectly to secure a one and three-quarter length victory in the Bedmax Capercaillie Handicap Chase. Speaking about the achievement, Skelton expressed his awe and gratitude towards his team and the owners who have supported him throughout the season. He attributed his success to setting himself 'silly or ridiculous targets' that serve as motivators.
On the same card, No Drama This End brought his hurdling career to a perfect close, gaining redemption for his Cheltenham disappointment with a victory in the Listed British EBF Gold Castle 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle. Paul Nicholls' six-year-old was sent off as the favourite for the Turners Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival but was pulled up by Harry Cobden.
However, he made amends north of the border, giving JP McManus his 100th victory of the season. Nicholls expressed his happiness and revealed plans to switch the horse to chasing in November, citing his strength as a stayer. There was also a victory for Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore's Apple Away, who rallied late to secure a win in the Fair Maid Of Perth Mares' Chase and book her ticket to the French Champion Hurdle.
Skelton's Panic Attack had made every yard, but Apple Away, under Derek Fox, conjured up a fine finishing effort to come home a length and a quarter clear of Ruby Island. Russell praised the phenomenal mare, highlighting her attitude and guts. Olly Murphy enjoyed a treble on the card, with wins in the Welcome To The Perth Festival Maiden Hurdle, the Balnakeilly Novices' Limited Handicap Chase, and the Scone Palace Mares' Handicap Hurdle.