Paddy Power Gold Cup Tips & Odds 2026

The Paddy Power Gold Cup is the 2m 4f Premier Handicap chase at Cheltenham on Saturday 14 November 2026. Compare odds, tips and past winners.

What is the Paddy Power Gold Cup?

The Paddy Power Gold Cup has been a staple race of the National Hunt season since it was first run in 1960, and continues to attract a high-quality field each year.

The race itself is a Premier Handicap run on the Old Course at Cheltenham over two and a half miles, and in terms of a spectacle, it is among the best in the sport. A fast and furious pace is almost guaranteed as a host of well-handicapped horses challenge each other, and that ensures that it remains a hugely popular contest among both horse racing buffs, and newer followers of the sport.

Older readers will remember the race under various names including the Mackeson, Murphy's and Thomas Pink Gold Cup, and it is now run as the Paddy Power Gold Cup.

This race should not be confused with the Cheltenham Gold Cup, which takes place in March.

What happened in the 2025 Paddy Power Gold Cup?

A brilliant November Meeting continued for team Skelton as jockey Harry partnered trainer Dan's PANIC ATTACK to a 6/1 success, celebrated in trademark fashion.

The mare came from the rear to lead at the last and won going away by four lengths from the 100/30 favourite Vincenzo, with Skelton's Hoe Joly Smoke third in a 12-runner field on heavy ground.

Previous Winners Of The Paddy Power Gold Cup

The history of the Paddy Power Gold Cup

Established in 1960, the Paddy Power Gold Cup has grown into one of the best handicap races of the season, with some legendary horses crossing the line in first place.

Paddy Power Gold Cup day at Cheltenham is one of the most exciting and highly anticipated cards of the winter, with thousands descending on the Gloucestershire venue each November on the second day of the famous fixture. There are 16 fences to be jumped on the tighter Old Course at Cheltenham, and as well as being a pointer towards the Cheltenham Festival in March, it remains a massive race in its own right with plenty of prize money on offer.

Who is the most iconic winner of the Paddy Power Gold Cup?

The Paddy Power Gold Cup roll of honour is a long and illustrious one, with some excellent horses managing to cross the line in first place.

In terms of recent winners, it is Imperial Commander who stands out as the best, with the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained horse winning in 2008 before going on to win both the Ryanair Chase and the Cheltenham Gold Cup during his career.

The legendary Irish-trained Fortria is at the top of the tree though, with his wins in 1960 and 1962 part of his legendary career which also included two successes in the Champion Chase and an Irish Grand National. The Tom Dreaper-owned star also finished second in two editions of the Cheltenham Gold Cup to enter racing history, and his second success in the race in 1962 was with 12-00 on his back - ensuring he signed off as one of the best chasers of the 20th Century.

Are there any trials for the Paddy Power Gold Cup?

The Paddy Power Gold Cup comes early on in the season, so it can be difficult to find set trial races, but there are a number of options for punters to consider in the lead up to the race.

Novices' handicap chases at the Cheltenham Festival, such as the Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase, are one such option, with horses who perform well in those contests often considered for the Paddy Power Gold Cup the following season if they remain well-handicapped.

Punters are also well advised to keep a close eye on the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter, which could offer a clue or two, and the handicap races at Cheltenham during the Showcase Meeting at the same course at the end of October - with connections often using those races as the perfect prep for the big assignment during the November fixture.