Dan Skelton’s extraordinary campaign added another glittering chapter 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. This achievement caps a year that has seen Skelton inch ever closer to the ultimate prize of champion trainer, a goal he has pursued with relentless determination. After enduring narrow defeats at the hands of Willie Mullins in the previous two campaigns, Skelton’s stable has now amassed close to £5 million in prize money.
The financial haul reflects not only the quality of his horses but also the consistency of performances across the country’s National Hunt circuit. The recent triumph at Perth was preceded by a landmark moment earlier in the day when Skelton sent out a winner at all 41 National Hunt tracks during a trip to the Scottish Highlands, a feat that few trainers have ever managed. The afternoon at Perth began with two near‑misses: Tormund Giantsbane and Panic Attack both fell just short of the finish line.
Yet the day belonged to Heltenham, the 15‑8 favourite trained by Skelton’s brother Harry. Riding with impeccable timing, Harry guided Heltenham to a decisive one‑and‑three‑quarter‑length victory in the Bedmax Capercaillie Handicap Chase. The win was a perfect illustration of the partnership between trainer and jockey, and it cemented the historic set. When asked about the accomplishment by Racing TV, Skelton expressed a mixture of disbelief and gratitude.
“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. I realised there were only four tracks left for us to win at, and one of those was Musselburgh,” he explained.
He recounted how owner Jimmy Fyffe insisted on running Made U Blush at Musselburgh, despite the trainer’s initial reluctance. “I told him I’d only have one runner there. He said, ‘Send her up,’ and she won. That sparked the idea that maybe we should try the remaining venues as well.” Skelton noted the difficulty of the task, recalling that it took 21 starters to secure a win at Plumpton, while Perth required fewer attempts.
“I’m in awe of my team and of all the owners who have backed us. I love this job.
I sometimes set myself seemingly impossible targets, but they keep me motivated,” he added. The card also featured a poignant moment for No Drama This End, who concluded his hurdling career on a high note by capturing the Listed British EBF Gold Castle ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle. The horse had previously disappointed at Cheltenham when pulled up in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle, but he rebounded north of the border, delivering trainer JP McManus his 100th win of the season. Paul Nicholls, the trainer of No Drama This End, shared his thoughts with Racing TV: “I’m very happy.
It’s nice to finish on a good note. I know I can bring him back stronger in the autumn.
It hasn’t been easy to get him right, but he’s a class horse. He won’t run over hurdles again; he’ll switch to chasing in November.” Nicholls praised the gelding’s stamina and potential, predicting a future as a top‑class chaser over three miles. Another highlight was the performance of Apple Away, owned by Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore.
The mare clinched a ticket to 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 a Grand National exit at the third fence, seemed to dominate the final stretch, threatening Apple Away’s chances.
Yet Derek Fox produced a brilliant finish, guiding Apple Away home by a length and a quarter ahead of Ruby Island, securing the mare’s second victory of the meeting. 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 her attitude and guts.” She added, “Allez Français.
We’ve entered her in the French Champion Hurdle, just over three weeks away. Let’s see what she can do there.” 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 partnered Barlovento to win the Balnakeilly Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase, and finally guided Atlantic City to success in the Scone Palace Mares’ Handicap Hurdle. His string of wins underscored the depth of talent present at the meeting.
Overall, the Perth meeting showcased the breadth of British National Hunt racing, from historic milestones to emotional farewells and promising futures. Skelton’s set‑completion will be remembered as a testament to perseverance, strategic planning, and the collaborative spirit between trainers, owners, and jockeys.
As the season progresses, the racing community will watch keenly to see how these horses and connections build on their recent successes, whether it be in the upcoming French Champion Hurdle, the autumn chasing campaign, or the next chapter of Skelton’s pursuit of the champion trainer title.