Anxiety attack proved the latest example of Dan Skelton's quality when targeting a huge prize as she ran away from her rivals up the Cheltenham hill to win the Paddy Power Gold Cup.
Off the track for 280 days, the nine-year-old was the choice of Harry Skelton from 3 declared runners for the steady, with Hoe Joly Smoke staying-on for 3rd and Riskintheground eventually a non-runner.
Rounding the bend on the a little reconfigured track, in 2015's winner Il Ridoto remained on the within with Vincenzo, while a host of others, consisting of Panic Attack, tried to find fresher ground out large.
Panic Attack wins the Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase What a big success that is for the Skeltons! #ITVRacing|@DSkeltonRacing|@harryskelton89 pic.twitter.com/qxwyh6I5xJ
- ITV Racing (@itvracing) November 15, 2025
This year's race was run in memory of Edward O'Grady, the last Irish fitness instructor to win the race, with Tranquil Sea back in 2009, and Paul Nolan's Conyers Hill briefly looked like playing a major function in the finish for Ireland before flattening out up the hill.
Skelton asked for a big leap from Anxiety attack at the last and while she got there just marginally in front, the 6-1 shot eventually pulled four lengths clear of 100-30 preferred Vincenzo who stuck on for second ahead of Hoe Joly Smoke and Conyers Hill for small honours.
"When she could not make the Plate last year I believed this would be the race for her and then I was umming and ahhing over whether we got a prep run into her and I'm delighted we didn't in the end," said the fitness instructor.
"My eye was actually drawn to Hoe Joly Smoke kipping down due to the fact that he was getting a dream run before missing the last, but Panic Attack was definitely dazzling.
Jockey Harry Skelton and trainer Dan Skelton after Anxiety Attack ยด s triumph (David Davies/PA)
"We had to ride her in there a bit today so it was a bit new to her, however I'm to bits and Harry gave her a terrific trip.
"The group have done an astounding job to get her all set. We didn't have a run entering into this which left me nervous, however I knew there was a bit left in her mark.
"I have actually got her late in her profession but she's a fantastic mare.
"We've been second in this race a couple of times and I have actually never ever left a racecourse more dissatisfied than when Spiritofthegames got beat as his owner was one of our biggest advocates."
Harry Skelton in pleased state of mind (David Davies/PA)
On future strategies, he added: "She will not return in December and I have actually a couple of ideas.
"I think she is most likely to go to Doncaster for the mares' chase over Christmas and after that if all goes to plan returned here for the mares' chase in the spring."
Anxiety attack's victory indicated the return of Harry Skelton's 'aeroplane' celebration on a weekend that might provide double pleasure, with better half Bridget at home anticipating the couple's second child.
"Bridget is due today and I don't understand what is taking place. I hope whatever is OK and maybe that has actually put her into labour who understands, hopefully they are all great," the jockey stated.
"Everyone has actually been groaning to me and asking where the event has actually been so I believed I finest provide something."