Paddy Power Gold Cup 2026: The Early Contenders for Cheltenham’s November Showpiece

The countdown is on to one of the biggest handicap chases of the National Hunt season, with the Paddy Power Gold Cup returning to Cheltenham Racecourse on Saturday 14th November 2026.

Taking place on the second day of Cheltenham’s three-day November Meeting, the prestigious race will once again bring together some of Britain’s most exciting chasers as they compete for a share of the £160,000 prize fund.

Last year’s renewal saw Dan Skelton’s Panic Attack produce an impressive performance under Harry Skelton, finishing four lengths clear of favourite Vincenzo, with stablemate Hoe Joly Smoke taking third.

With less than three weeks remaining until the 2026 contest, attention is now turning towards the leading contenders, including Cheltenham Festival winner Meetmebythesea, Paul Nicholls’ Quebecois and several horses with previous experience in the race.

Meetmebythesea Leads the Early Paddy Power Gold Cup Market

One of the most exciting horses heading towards this year’s Paddy Power Gold Cup is Meetmebythesea, trained by Ben Pauling and owned by JP McManus.

The six-year-old enjoyed a memorable afternoon at the Cheltenham Festival in March, winning the Grade 2 Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase under Ben Jones. Sent off at 9/1, Meetmebythesea produced an excellent round of jumping before finishing four and three-quarter lengths clear of Willie Mullins’ Gold Dancer.

That performance immediately established him as a promising young chaser, particularly over intermediate distances. His victory also demonstrated an ability to handle the demanding Cheltenham finish, something that could prove valuable when he returns in November.

Pauling has identified the Paddy Power Gold Cup as his principal early-season target, with Meetmebythesea installed as the 4/1 favourite by the sponsors following the trainer’s recent stable update.

Ground conditions could be particularly important for the gelding, who struggled on heavy ground at Newbury last season before returning to winning form on a much sounder surface at Cheltenham.

Should conditions prove suitable, Meetmebythesea has every chance of extending his impressive record over fences.

Quebecois Looking to Give Paul Nicholls Another Victory

Paul Nicholls has enjoyed considerable success in the Paddy Power Gold Cup, winning consecutive renewals with Stage Star in 2023 and Il Ridoto in 2024.

The 14-time champion trainer could have another interesting contender in Quebecois, who has been specifically targeted at this year’s race following his recent seasonal return.

The seven-year-old made his first appearance of the campaign at Newton Abbot on Saturday 17th October, finishing second behind El Capitaine in an intermediate chase over approximately two miles and five furlongs.

Despite leading approaching the final fence, Quebecois was caught in the closing stages and eventually beaten by one and three-quarter lengths.

Nicholls subsequently confirmed that the Paddy Power Gold Cup would be his next target, expressing satisfaction that the handicapper had reduced his rating by 1lb following the defeat.

Quebecois has already shown considerable ability over fences, and his recent appearance should leave him better prepared for the challenge awaiting him at Cheltenham.

Nicholls has also previously suggested that particularly soft ground would not suit the gelding, making the weather during the build-up another important consideration.

Blueking d’Oroux Could Make His Mark for Dan Skelton

Dan Skelton enjoyed an outstanding 2025 renewal when Panic Attack landed the Paddy Power Gold Cup, and the champion trainer could have another leading contender in Blueking d’Oroux.

Previously trained by Paul Nicholls, Blueking d’Oroux joined Skelton’s Warwickshire operation ahead of the 2026/27 National Hunt season following a productive novice chasing campaign.

His most notable performance came at Aintree in April, when he finished second to Koktail Divin in the Grade 1 Manifesto Novices’ Chase over two miles and four furlongs.

That performance demonstrated his ability to compete at a high level, while his experience over a similar distance makes the Paddy Power Gold Cup an intriguing possibility.

Skelton has already identified Cheltenham’s November feature among several potential targets for Blueking d’Oroux, although other races, including the 1965 Chase at Ascot, remain under consideration.

With strong Grade 1 form and a new trainer renowned for preparing horses for major handicaps, Blueking d’Oroux is certainly one to monitor as the final field begins to take shape.

Vincenzo Could Return After Last Year’s Runner-Up Finish

Few horses in the early Paddy Power Gold Cup betting possess more relevant experience than Vincenzo, who came agonisingly close to winning the race twelve months ago.

Trained by Sam Thomas, Vincenzo was sent off as the 100/30 favourite for the 2025 contest and appeared to hold a strong chance approaching the final fence.

However, Panic Attack produced a powerful finish to move clear on the run-in, leaving Vincenzo to settle for second place.

Although ultimately beaten by four lengths, his performance demonstrated an ability to handle the unique demands of Cheltenham’s Old Course, particularly the combination of jumping, stamina and the testing uphill finish.

The gelding subsequently remained a prominent contender in Cheltenham’s valuable handicap chases, and he features among the early market principals for another possible November appearance.

Whether he can improve upon last year’s effort will depend on his preparations and handicap mark, but his previous performance gives him an obvious claim should connections decide to return.

Jagwar Remains an Interesting Contender

Another horse attracting attention in the early betting is Jagwar, trained by Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero.

The JP McManus-owned gelding established himself as a talented handicap chaser during the 2024/25 season, recording an impressive victory in the TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March 2025.

That victory came over a similar distance to the Paddy Power Gold Cup and demonstrated his ability to produce a strong performance in a competitive Cheltenham handicap.

Jagwar had been among the leading contenders for last year’s November contest but ultimately did not take part, leaving connections without the opportunity to test him in the race.

His 2026 Grand National appearance ended when he unseated his rider, and a return to a shorter trip could present a different challenge this autumn.

Although his participation has not been confirmed, Jagwar’s previous Cheltenham Festival victory makes him a horse worth keeping in consideration.

Hoe Joly Smoke Has Previous Cheltenham Experience

Dan Skelton could also be represented by Hoe Joly Smoke, who finished third behind stablemate Panic Attack in last year’s Paddy Power Gold Cup.

The eight-year-old was held up during the early stages of the 2025 race before making progress approaching the home straight, eventually finishing behind Panic Attack and Vincenzo.

He subsequently returned to Cheltenham for the December Gold Cup, once again demonstrating his suitability for competitive handicap company.

His more recent appearances have come over hurdles, including a victory at Bangor-on-Dee in September 2026 before finishing second at Kelso later that month.

Although those performances offer limited evidence about his current chasing form, Hoe Joly Smoke has already demonstrated that he can handle Cheltenham’s demanding two-and-a-half-mile trip.

He remains another interesting possibility should Skelton elect to target the race again.

Can Dan Skelton Build on His 2025 Success?

Dan Skelton’s victory with Panic Attack was one of the standout moments of last year’s November Meeting, with the mare producing a superb performance following a lengthy absence from the racecourse.

Ridden by the trainer’s brother Harry, Panic Attack moved into contention approaching the final fence before accelerating clear of her rivals to secure an impressive four-length victory.

She subsequently completed a remarkable double by also winning the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury later that month, reinforcing the strength of her handicap chasing form.

However, an immediate defence of her Cheltenham title does not currently appear to be the main objective. Skelton outlined plans earlier this month to begin her season at Carlisle in November before potentially returning to Newbury for another Coral Gold Cup challenge.

That could leave the trainer relying on the likes of Blueking d’Oroux or Hoe Joly Smoke as he attempts to secure consecutive Paddy Power Gold Cup victories.

What Will Decide the 2026 Paddy Power Gold Cup?

The Paddy Power Gold Cup is contested over two miles, four furlongs and 44 yards on Cheltenham’s Old Course, with runners required to negotiate 16 fences.

Unlike championship races in which every runner carries a similar weight, the handicap format means each horse’s allotted weight could significantly influence its chances of victory.

Ground conditions will also be closely monitored ahead of the race, particularly by connections of horses such as Meetmebythesea and Quebecois, who have both demonstrated preferences for better conditions.

The next major developments will come when the handicap weights are published on Wednesday 4th November, followed by the confirmation stage on Monday 9th November. Final declarations are scheduled for Thursday 12th November.

With proven Cheltenham performers and exciting young chasers among the potential runners, this year’s Paddy Power Gold Cup promises to be another highly competitive renewal of one of the autumn’s most prestigious National Hunt races.

Paddy Power Gold Cup 2026 FAQs

When is the 2026 Paddy Power Gold Cup?

The 2026 Paddy Power Gold Cup takes place on Saturday 14th November at Cheltenham Racecourse. It is the feature race on the second day of the November Meeting, which runs from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th November.

What time is the 2026 Paddy Power Gold Cup?

The race is currently scheduled to begin at 2:20pm on Saturday 14th November 2026.

Who is the early favourite for the 2026 Paddy Power Gold Cup?

Meetmebythesea, trained by Ben Pauling, is the early market favourite after winning the Grade 2 Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival. He was priced at 4/1 with the race sponsors in the latest trainer update.

Who won the 2025 Paddy Power Gold Cup?

Panic Attack won the 2025 Paddy Power Gold Cup for trainer Dan Skelton and jockey Harry Skelton, finishing four lengths ahead of Vincenzo, with Hoe Joly Smoke taking third.

How much is the 2026 Paddy Power Gold Cup worth?

The 2026 Paddy Power Gold Cup has a total prize fund of £160,000, with £91,120 awarded to the winning horse.

When will the 2026 Paddy Power Gold Cup runners be confirmed?

The confirmation stage takes place on Monday 9th November, with the final runners and riders due to be declared on Thursday 12th November 2026.