Owner Brian Drew had no reason to worry as Panic Attack charged to victory in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham. He is now excited to see the in-form filly take on a demanding challenge by competing in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, aiming for a remarkable double win.
Jockey Harry Skelton enjoyed celebrating at the front as the nine-year-old maneuvered up the iconic Prestbury Park hill for a memorable November triumph. Although Drew had little to cheer while flying to Perth for the Ashes Test, he is gearing up for another significant horse racing event before Christmas.
“She was performing at her peak, striking while the iron was hot,” said Drew, who recently returned from Australia. Despite Panic Attack being only nine and unfamiliar with home tracks beyond a short radius, this is the best form she’s shown in a long time, prompting them to take a chance.
Drew is no stranger to big wins, having celebrated notable successes like the King George Award with Brave Man’s Game in 2022, and strong performances from Moonracer and Un Tan Pour Toot at Cheltenham. However, the Newbury handicap has remained elusive, presenting new challenges for the Cheltenham winner.
Panic Attack carries a four-pound penalty for the Paddy Power win, in contrast to competitor Tristan Darrell, who benefits from a three-pound reduction. Drew acknowledges the race will be highly competitive, saying, “It’s a tougher challenge than Cheltenham, but if she races well and earns prize money, that will be a success. Winning would be incredible, and we’ll certainly give it our best shot.”
This latest Cheltenham victory marked Panic Attack’s seventh career win over the course, having previously impressed under Willie Mullins and David Pipe before settling with Skelton in Warwickshire. Since joining Lodge Hill, the filly has fulfilled potential previously held back by setbacks and is now thriving.
Drew reflected, “We bought her after she won a Willie Mullins bumper at Market Rasen and looked promising, though she hadn’t met expectations until now. She’s overcome her troubles, is enjoying her work with Dan, and is progressing well. We believed she had a strong chance in the Paddy Power Gold Cup, and Dan has done a fantastic job with her. She’s flying in training, happy, and improving.”
Looking ahead, Drew hopes to keep Panic Attack for another season, with plans to potentially retire her as a broodmare.
Fan Take: This update is thrilling for horse racing fans because it highlights a resilient filly defying odds to compete at the highest level, showcasing the sport’s unpredictable and inspiring nature. Panic Attack’s pursuit of a prestigious double win could energize the racing community and add a memorable chapter to the season.
