Skelton's Star Shines Bright as Panic Attack secures dramatic Gold Cup victory at Cheltenham, boosting title hopes.
Trainer Dan Skelton can finally breathe a sigh of relief as his horse Panic Attack staged an incredible comeback to claim the coveted Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham, sending shockwaves throughout the racing world. The 9-year-old mare, and Skelton's first winner of the prestigious event, demonstrated remarkable grit and determination to outpace Vicenzo by a length-and-a-half in the final stretch.
The victory not only added £91,000 to Skelton's 2025-26 total but also catapulted him within striking distance of the title leader. With his closest pursuer, Olly Murphy, still far behind, Skelton is poised to build an even more substantial lead over the next three months.
However, questions remain about whether this impressive result will be enough to secure the championship when the formidable Willie Mullins stable unleashes their full force at Cheltenham and Aintree in March and April. After years of coming close but falling short, Skelton's backers can now look forward to a more optimistic outlook.
Speaking after the thrilling victory, Skelton expressed his unbridled excitement, citing Panic Attack as a shining example of his team's hard work and dedication. "This horse is just very, very tough," he said, beaming with pride. "She's a great advertisement for our whole team."
Skelton's remarkable run has earned him top spot in the betting markets, with odds of 2-5 for a first title by Paddy Power. The momentum behind his string of horses seems to be gaining momentum, as Skelton confidently believes that his stable is now hitting peak form.
In contrast, Henry de Bromhead, trainer of the talented July Flower, drew parallels between Panic Attack and another top mare from his own stable, Put The Kettle On. "They are so different," he noted, "but both have so much ability." De Bromhead also praised jockey Darragh O'Keeffe for his outstanding performance on Panic Attack, likening him to the retiring Rachael Blackmore.
As Skelton's team basks in the glow of their dramatic victory, all eyes are now fixed on the upcoming spring festivals. Can Panic Attack and her trainer continue their winning streak, or will they fall prey to the formidable opposition that lies ahead? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Skelton's star has shone brighter than ever before.
Trainer Dan Skelton can finally breathe a sigh of relief as his horse Panic Attack staged an incredible comeback to claim the coveted Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham, sending shockwaves throughout the racing world. The 9-year-old mare, and Skelton's first winner of the prestigious event, demonstrated remarkable grit and determination to outpace Vicenzo by a length-and-a-half in the final stretch.
The victory not only added £91,000 to Skelton's 2025-26 total but also catapulted him within striking distance of the title leader. With his closest pursuer, Olly Murphy, still far behind, Skelton is poised to build an even more substantial lead over the next three months.
However, questions remain about whether this impressive result will be enough to secure the championship when the formidable Willie Mullins stable unleashes their full force at Cheltenham and Aintree in March and April. After years of coming close but falling short, Skelton's backers can now look forward to a more optimistic outlook.
Speaking after the thrilling victory, Skelton expressed his unbridled excitement, citing Panic Attack as a shining example of his team's hard work and dedication. "This horse is just very, very tough," he said, beaming with pride. "She's a great advertisement for our whole team."
Skelton's remarkable run has earned him top spot in the betting markets, with odds of 2-5 for a first title by Paddy Power. The momentum behind his string of horses seems to be gaining momentum, as Skelton confidently believes that his stable is now hitting peak form.
In contrast, Henry de Bromhead, trainer of the talented July Flower, drew parallels between Panic Attack and another top mare from his own stable, Put The Kettle On. "They are so different," he noted, "but both have so much ability." De Bromhead also praised jockey Darragh O'Keeffe for his outstanding performance on Panic Attack, likening him to the retiring Rachael Blackmore.
As Skelton's team basks in the glow of their dramatic victory, all eyes are now fixed on the upcoming spring festivals. Can Panic Attack and her trainer continue their winning streak, or will they fall prey to the formidable opposition that lies ahead? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Skelton's star has shone brighter than ever before.
His horse Panic Attack just gave me chills with its epic comeback win in the Gold Cup! 
I mean, that mare is like a phoenix rising from the ashes - it's not over yet! 
The way she outpaced Vicenzo by a length-and-a-half was pure magic. And Skelton's reaction? Adorable 
He's so proud of his team and their hard work is really paying off.
From what I've seen, Skelton's stable is on fire right now. His horses are all looking strong, and he's got some top-notch jockeys like Darragh O'Keeffe riding high. 
It's hard to imagine anyone stopping them now.
Those will be a whole different story, but I'm loving the underdog vibes right now. Who knows? Maybe Panic Attack and Skelton's team are just getting started 
omg can u beleev what just happend at cheltenham?! skeltons horse panic attack literally came out of nowher to win the gold cup its like she had a second gear or somethin! dan skelton must be over the moon right now he's been chasing that title for ages and now its looking really possible 
can't wait to see what's in store for him at the spring festivals 
skelton's odds of 2-5 for a title by paddy power are totally justified 
and I'm loving how skelton's team is supporting each other - it's like a big happy family 
! panic attack's comeback was insane, and dan skelton's confidence is totally justified 
panic attack's comeback was insane 
!
. It's amazing how much grit and determination she showed to take the win. I'm definitely keeping an eye on her now, will be interesting to see how she holds up against Willie Mullins' crew in the spring festivals 
OMG, what a comeback story! Dan Skelton's Panic Attack is literally on fire right now!!! 
With this win, Skelton is totally within striking distance of the title now. I think it's safe to say his team is hitting peak form and their chances of winning the championship are looking brighter than ever 
.
. It's also lovely to see Skelton raving about his team's hard work and dedication – they clearly have something special going on, and I'm excited to see what the rest of the season holds for them 
i mean who else can say they've outpaced vicenzo by a length-and-a-half? that's like me beating my personal best in the gym 
... just kidding, dan skelton is on fire 
dan skelton must be doing something right to keep the horse young and fierce 
Dan Skelton's horse Panic Attack just pulled off the most epic comeback EVER! I'm literally shaking with excitement 
. Can't wait to see what happens next! 
darragh o'keeffe was on fire too