No Panic! Skeltons strike for Paddy Power Gold Cup glory

Panic Attack proved the latest example of Dan Skelton’s excellence when targeting a big 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 three declared runners for the stable, with Hoe Joly Smoke staying-on for third and Riskintheground eventually a non-runner.

Rounding the bend on the slightly reconfigured track, last year’s winner Il Ridoto stayed on the inside with Vincenzo, while a host of others, including Panic Attack, looked for fresher ground out wide.

This year’s race was run in memory of Edward O’Grady, the last Irish trainer to win the race, with Tranquil Sea back in 2009, and Paul Nolan’s Conyers Hill briefly looked like playing a major role in the finish for Ireland before flattening out up the hill.

Skelton asked for a big leap from Panic Attack at the last and while she picked up there just marginally in front, the 6-1 shot eventually pulled four lengths clear of 100-30 favourite Vincenzo who stuck on for second ahead of Hoe Joly Smoke and Conyers Hill for minor honours.