Haldon Gold Cup 2026: Confirmed Runners and our Preview.
The 2026 Haldon Gold Cup will look a little different this year, with the Grade 2 feature moved from Exeter to Aintree following concerns over ground conditions.
Originally scheduled to take place at Exeter on Friday, 6 November, the race will now be staged at Aintree as part of a rearranged two-day meeting. The decision was made after a prolonged dry spell left the ground at Exeter unsuitable for safe jump racing.
Despite the change of venue, the £100,000 Haldon Gold Cup remains one of the biggest attractions of the early National Hunt season. Six runners are set to contest the two-mile handicap chase, with Mirabad heading the betting ahead of JPR One.
Who is the Betting Favourite to Win Haldon Gold Cup 2026?
According to Oddschecker, Mirabad is the favourite to win the 2026 Haldon Gold Cup, priced at 6/4 in the latest available betting. JPR One is his closest challenger at 3/1, followed by Rubaud at 13/2 for Friday’s Grade 2 contest at Aintree.
The race takes place at 3pm, having been relocated from Exeter due to unraceable ground conditions.
When Is the Haldon Gold Cup 2026?
The 2026 Haldon Gold Cup takes place on Friday, 6 November, at Aintree Racecourse. The race was transferred from Exeter after the West Country Weekend fixtures were cancelled because of unsuitable ground conditions. Aintree will instead host the Haldon Gold Cup meeting, with the Grade 2 contest retaining its £100,000 prize money.
The race is run over two miles and is a limited handicap chase, attracting some of the most interesting early-season two-mile chasers.
Haldon Gold Cup 2026 Confirmed Runners
Mirabad – 6/4
Mirabad heads the betting for Dan Skelton after an encouraging return to action in the Panoramic Hurdle at Carlisle, where he finished second.
The seven-year-old enjoyed a successful campaign last season, most notably winning the Maghull Novices' Chase at Aintree during the Grand National Festival. He produced an impressive performance that day, making up ground late on before pulling clear of his rivals.
A return to Aintree should therefore suit him, particularly given his previous success at the course. He also brings Grade 1-winning chasing form into the contest, making him a major contender despite carrying top weight.
JPR One – 3/1
JPR One is the second favourite for Joe Tizzard after an impressive victory in a competitive handicap at Cheltenham in October.
The eight-year-old demonstrated that he remains a high-class performer over fences and should appreciate returning to a two-mile contest.
However, he faces a significant challenge against Mirabad, with the favourite set to receive six pounds from him. JPR One will need to reproduce his Cheltenham performance if he is to challenge for victory.
Rubaud – 13/2
Paul Nicholls is represented by Rubaud, who is set to return to chasing after finishing fourth in the Panoramic Hurdle.
The switch back over fences could bring about an improvement, particularly as he has previously demonstrated his ability over obstacles.
Rubaud has plenty of experience at a high level and should not be dismissed, although he will need to improve on his latest effort to trouble the market leaders.
Stencil – 9/1
Stencil makes his first start for trainer Tom George in the Haldon Gold Cup. The five-year-old is an interesting addition to the field, with connections hoping a change of yard can help him fulfil his potential over fences.
He faces a demanding assignment against more established chasers, but his age gives him scope for further development. At 9/1, he is one of the more intriguing outsiders.
Brookie – 10/1
Brookie represents Anthony Honeyball and arrives after finishing fourth in a competitive handicap at Ascot.
The six-year-old has shown enough ability to suggest he can be competitive in this company, although he will need to improve on that latest performance.
His recent run should have helped bring him forward fitness-wise, but this represents another tough test against several experienced rivals.
Daytime Dreaming – 16/1
Daytime Dreaming completes the field for trainer Tom Ellis, with Jack Andrews expected to take the ride. The eight-year-old has won twice over fences and arrives as the outsider of the six runners.
He faces a difficult task against the more established names, but his previous chasing victories show that he has the ability to compete over this sort of distance. He will need to produce one of his best performances to upset the market leaders.
Haldon Gold Cup Handicap Chase Betting Trends
Recent Oddschecker data suggests Brookie and Mirabad are joint favourites among punters, each attracting 27% of the total bets received. Rubaud follows closely with 22.0%, while JPR One accounts for 15% of bets. Daytime Dreaming has attracted the least support so far, receiving 7% of bets.
