Dan Skelton has etched his name into the National Hunt racing history books, achieving a remarkable and unprecedented feat by training a winner at every single jumps racecourse in Britain during the 2023/24 season. The landmark was sealed at Perth's Scottish Grand National meeting, where the 15-8 favourite Heltenham, ridden by his brother Harry, surged to victory in the Bedmax Capercaillie Handicap Chase.
A Season-Defining Achievement
The victory at Perth was the final piece of a monumental puzzle for the Warwickshire-based trainer. Having already amassed nearly £5 million in prize money in his charge towards a first trainers' championship, Skelton turned a personal ambition into reality. The achievement covers all 41 National Hunt circuits, a logistical and competitive masterclass spanning the entire country.
Speaking to Racing TV after the race, an emotional Skelton revealed the feat wasn't part of the original plan. "It's quite incredible, isn't it?" he said. "It's something I didn't ever have on the agenda." He credited owner Jimmy Fyffe for inadvertently kickstarting the quest by insisting on running Made U Blush at Musselburgh, one of the few remaining tracks where Skelton lacked a winner. That success planted the seed for the full clean sweep.
Historic Feat: Winner at all 41 British Jump Racing Tracks
Sealing Victory: Heltenham at Perth Festival
Prize Money: ~£5 million for the season
Final Track: Perth Racecourse
Perth Festival Highlights
The Perth meeting served as a fitting stage for Skelton's historic moment and provided other notable stories. Paul Nicholls' No Drama This End ended his hurdling career on a high, winning the Listed British EBF Gold Castle Novices' Hurdle. The victory offered redemption after a disappointing run at the Cheltenham Festival and marked a 100th winner of the season for jockey Harry Cobden. Nicholls confirmed the exciting prospect would now go chasing.
In the feature mares' chase, Apple Away, trained by Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore, produced a stunning late rally under Derek Fox to win the Fair Maid Of Perth Mares' Chase. The victory booked her ticket for a potential tilt at the French Champion Hurdle. "Her heart just takes her through," a tearful Russell said of her star mare.
Trainer Olly Murphy also enjoyed a successful day, securing a treble with victories for Gee Force Flyer, Barlovento, and Atlantic City across the card.
Key Takeaways
- Unprecedented Clean Sweep: Dan Skelton becomes the first trainer to saddle a winner at every British jumps track in a single season.
- Championship Charge: The historic achievement caps a phenomenal season where Skelton has fiercely challenged for his first trainers' title.
- Team Effort: Skelton heaped praise on his team and owners, calling the feat a collective effort that required dedication across the country.
- Perth Success Stories: The meeting also saw future chasing star No Drama This End bow out of hurdles with a win, and Apple Away stake her claim for international competition.
As Skelton prepares to be formally crowned champion trainer at Sandown, this unique accomplishment underscores a campaign defined by consistency, ambition, and a relentless pursuit of excellence that has redefined what is possible in a National Hunt season.