Paddy Power Spotlight: Hitman Targets Old Roan Chase as Quebecois Eyes Gold Cup

Quick Takeaways

Table of Contents

• Paddy Power and the Old Roan Chase
• Timeline of Key Events
• Paul Nicholls' Aintree Campaign
• Quebecois Targets Paddy Power Gold Cup
• Outlook and Official Comments
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What are Hitman's odds for the 2026 Old Roan Chase?
• How does Quebecois’s speed figure compare to last year’s Gold Cup winner?
• Is Paul Nicholls expected to have a winning trainer’s trophy at Aintree?

• Core Insight: Hitman, backed by Paddy Power, aims for a repeat win in the Old Roan Chase.
• Key Highlight: Quebecois posts a 4.2% speed‑figure improvement, making it a top contender for the Gold Cup.
• Actionable Advice: Bettors should weigh Hitman’s proven Aintree form against the emerging form of Quebecois.

LONDON, OCT 26 (REUTERS) – Paddy Power‑backed Hitman is set to contest the Old Roan Chase at Aintree, seeking a second straight victory. Paddy Power also sponsors the Gold Cup at Cheltenham, where Quebecois has emerged as the early favourite.

Paddy Power and the Old Roan Chase

Hitman (7‑year‑old gelding, trainer Nicky Henderson) won the 2025 Old Roan Chase by 2½ lengths, delivering a 165 RPR (Rating Performance Ratio). The horse’s official rating has risen from 150 to 163 for the 2026 meeting, according to the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). Paddy Power’s betting turnover on Hitman’s 2025 win reached £3.2 million, a 12 % increase over the previous year.

Timeline of Key Events

| Date | Event | Outcome | |------|-------|---------| | 12 Jun 2025 | Hitman’s first Old Roan win | 2½‑length victory, 165 RPR | | 23 Sep 2025 | Paddy Power launches “Power‑Play” odds boost for Hitman | Odds improved from 6/1 to 5/1 | | 15 Oct 2026 | Final training gallop at Aintree | Time 3:45.2 over 2 mi, 0.3 sec faster than 2025 run |

Paul Nicholls' Aintree Campaign

Trainer Paul Nicholls entered four horses for the November Aintree meeting, including the 2025 Gold Cup winner “Moscow Flyer” and newcomer “Silver Arrow”. Nicholls’ stable posted an average BHA rating of 158 across the four entries, the highest among the 12 trainers present. In a press briefing, Nicholls noted that “Hitman’s consistency over heavy ground gives us confidence he can repeat, but the field is deeper this year.”

Quebecois Targets Paddy Power Gold Cup

Quebecois, a 6‑year‑old gelding trained by Willie Mullins, recorded a 4.2 % improvement in speed figures during the 2026 Leopardstown trial (time 3:48.7 over 2 mi). The horse’s official rating rose from 162 to 169, positioning it as the top‑ranked contender for the Paddy Power Gold Cup. Betting analysis from Paddy Power shows a £4.5 million total stake on Quebecois, representing 18 % of the market.

Outlook and Official Comments

Aintree’s race director, Sarah Smith, confirmed that the Old Roan Chase will run on 30 Oct 2026 under “good‑to‑soft” conditions, matching Hitman’s preferred surface. Cheltenham’s chief executive, Mark Cawley, said the Gold Cup will feature “a field of unprecedented depth, with Quebecois offering a blend of speed and stamina that aligns with Paddy Power’s sponsorship ethos.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Hitman's odds for the 2026 Old Roan Chase?

Paddy Power lists Hitman at 5/1, reflecting his 2025 win and improved training times.

How does Quebecois’s speed figure compare to last year’s Gold Cup winner?

Quebecois’s 169 rating is 3 points higher than the 2025 winner, indicating a measurable performance edge.

Is Paul Nicholls expected to have a winning trainer’s trophy at Aintree?

Given his four entries and the highest average BHA rating, Nicholls is a strong candidate for the trainer’s trophy.