Panic Attack ran ‘beautiful National trial’ at Cheltenham

A tilt at the Randox Grand National is under consideration for Panic Attack following her fine effort in defeat at the Cheltenham Festival on Friday.

The 10-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic season for Dan Skelton and owner Bryan Drew, completing a major handicap double with wins in the Paddy Power Gold Cup and Coral Gold Cup before dominating a Listed contest at Newbury early in the new year.

She was no match for defending champion Dinoblue in Friday’s Mares’ Chase, but boxed on to chase home both her and the high-class Only By Night and she could now bid for glory in the world’s most famous steeplechase at Aintree on April 11.

Skelton said: “She ran beautifully and jumped immaculately – she’s a phenomenal jumper and we’re very proud of her.

“I thought she ran a beautiful Grand National trial over two and a half miles. She couldn’t quite win on decent ground, but sometimes that’s how the cookie crumbles.

“You’d love to see her jumping round Aintree wouldn’t you? The dream is alive.”