With Harry Skelton at Newcastle to partner The New Lion, Durrell was called up ride the stable’s Coral Gold Cup contender Panic Attack and the pair struck for a 16-1 success
Dan Skelton heaped praise on jockey Tristan Durrell after he saved the day on Panic Attack in the Coral Gold Cup.
The trainer and his jockey brother Harry Skelton felt The New Lion had the BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle in the bag before he took a late tumble at Newcastle. His big rival Constitution Hill, the 6-4 favourite, tipped up at the second flight as Golden Ace took advantage of mishaps in a Grade One once more.
With the Skeltons concentrating on Newcastle, jockey Tristan Durrell was on duty for the stable at Newbury, where he was booked to ride Panic Attack (16-1) in the feature.
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And the mare bounced out of her Paddy Power Gold Cup triumph a fortnight ago for a ready victory over Three Card Brag (25-1), The Changing Man (8-1) and Gorgeous Tom (16-1).
Panic Attack was trying 3m 2f for the first time, carrying a 4lb penalty for her recent Cheltenham exploits. “I cannot believe it,” Durrell said.
“I felt a bit of pressure after the disappointment up at Newcastle with The New Lion, I just wanted to try and make it a bit of a better day for everyone – I can’t believe we’ve won it.
“It’s an unbelievable performance from the mare and brave of Dan to put her in this. We thought she’d go well but it’s a massive ask to win the Paddy Power and then come here.
“It’s an amazing team and I’m very proud to be a part of it.”
Panic Attack’s task was made slightly easier when 4-1 favourite Myretown made it no further than the ninth fence, as fellow leading fancy Resplendent Grey ran a lacklustre race. “Tristan gave her an absolutely phenomenal ride,” said Dan Skelton, adding £142,375 to his ever-growing prize money total at the top of the 2025-6 trainers’ table.
“He is the most improved rider I have anything to do with in a short space of time. He deserves it. He is riding fantastically and it’s a sign that if you work hard you get your chances.
“The horse took off at the last, she was brilliant. She probably jumped it so big to give herself a fill (of air) but she’s a credit to herself to do that just 14 days later.”
