Dan Skelton capped an extraordinary campaign with a win at Perth, sealing a flawless record of triumphs at every jumps venue across Britain this season. After two years of near‑misses at the hands of Willie Mullins, Skelton has now amassed close to £5 million in prize money as he pushes toward his first champion‑trainer title. The crowning moment arrived on a Saturday at Sandown, where he collected his inaugural trophy. Earlier that day, he completed the astonishing feat of sending out a winner at all 41 National Hunt circuits, a milestone achieved during a visit to the Scottish Highlands.
In the afternoon race, his runners Tormund Giantsbane and Panic Attack fell just short, but his brother Harry Skelton delivered a perfect ride on the 15‑8 favourite Heltenham. Timing the run impeccably, Harry guided Heltenham to a one‑and‑three‑quarter‑length victory in the Bedmax Capercaillie Handicap Chase, sealing the historic sweep.
Speaking to Racing TV, Skelton reflected on the achievement: "It’s quite incredible, isn’t it? I’ve just loved it. It’s something I never had on my agenda, but I realized we were only four tracks short for the season, and one of those 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.
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 tracks a go." He added, "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.
I love this job. I sometimes set myself seemingly ridiculous 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 capturing the Listed British EBF Gold Castle ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle, redeeming a disappointing Cheltenham outing. Paul Nicholls’ six‑year‑old had entered the Turners Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham as the favourite, only to be pulled up by Harry Cobden. In Scotland, however, the same horse delivered JP McManus his 100th win of the season.
Nicholls praised the effort: "I’m very happy. It was nice to finish on a good note. I know I can improve him in the autumn.
It hasn’t been easy to get him right, but he’s a class horse. He won four of five hurdle starts and will switch to chasing in November. He’s a strong stayer and will stay three miles over fences; we’ll decide where to start him.
He’ll be an exciting chaser." Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore also celebrated, as Apple Away secured a ticket to the French Champion Hurdle by rallying late to win the Fair Maid of Perth Mares’ Chase. The race had turned tense when Skelton’s Panic Attack, returning swiftly after a Grand National exit at the third fence, seemed to dominate the final stretch, leaving Apple Away appearing out of contention.
Yet Derek Fox produced a spirited finish from the 4‑1 chance, edging Ruby Island by a length and a quarter to claim his second victory of the day. Russell was emotional: "It’s amazing – I was in tears as she came round. 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 for the French Champion Hurdle in three weeks; let’s see what she can do." Olly Murphy enjoyed a personal treble on the card. He first rode Gee Force Flyer to victory in the Welcome To The Perth Festival Maiden Hurdle, then guided Barlovento to win the Balnakeilly Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase, and finally saw Atlantic City deliver a strong performance in the Scone Palace Mares’ Handicap Hurdle.
Overall, the Perth meeting highlighted the depth and versatility of Skelton’s operation. Achieving a winner at every National Hunt track in a single season is a rarity, underscoring meticulous planning, a talented stable of jockeys, and the unwavering support of owners who trust the trainer’s vision. The accomplishment also reflects a broader trend in British jump racing, where emerging trainers are challenging established powerhouses by targeting specific milestones and leveraging data‑driven approaches to race placement. Skelton’s journey this term illustrates how perseverance, strategic risk‑taking, and a willingness to chase seemingly impossible goals can reshape a career.
By seizing the opportunity at Musselburgh, despite traditionally avoiding that venue, he demonstrated that flexibility and responsiveness to owner input can unlock new pathways to success. His acknowledgment of the team’s role – from stable staff to jockeys and owners – reinforces the collaborative nature of the sport. Looking ahead, Skelton’s next objectives will likely involve consolidating his champion‑trainer ambitions while maintaining the momentum that has propelled him across the country’s 41 circuits. With a substantial prize‑money haul already in the bank and a growing reputation for delivering results in diverse conditions, the trainer is well‑positioned to challenge for top honors in the forthcoming season.
The Perth victory, and the historic sweep it completed, will remain a benchmark for future trainers aspiring to leave a similar mark on British National Hunt racing.