Paddy Power Gold Cup Runners: Il Ridoto Bidding To Be First ‘Back-to-Back’ Winner Since 1994

The 2025 Paddy Power Gold Cup runners are starting to take shape with 15 horses left ahead of Saturday’s big Cheltenham race. 

These entries are topped by last year’s winner IL RIDOTO, who will be looking to be the first ‘back-to-back’ winner since 1994 – and is also making his fourth appearance in the race.

See below the 16 Paddy Power Gold Cup runners, with the final declarations out on Thursday 13th November.

The race, which is worth £91k to the winner, is also set to be shown on a bumper ITV Racing schedule on Saturday, that also includes two races from Wetherby.

Paddy Power Gold Cup Runners, Betting Odds and Trainers

Note: Paddy Power Gold Cup betting odds are subject to change

Il Ridoto Bidding To Become First ‘Back-to-Back’ Paddy Power Gold Winner Since Bradbury Star

Twelve months ago the Paul Nicholls-trained Il Ridoto was romping away with the Paddy Power Gold Cup and he’s back for more this Saturday.

Now aged eight, this part-owned Alex Ferguson chaser returns rated only a pound higher.

But did have jockey Freddie Gingell claiming 3lbs last year, so is really 4lbs worse off. Harry Cobden rides this time.

Since landing this pot last year, Il Ridoto hasn’t won a race either – which is why his handicap rating is pretty much the same from last season.

Like last year, he’s also had the same preparation, when second at Chepstow last month – a race he was fifth in last year.

If Il Ridoto can repeat the dose from last year, he’ll be looking to be the first ‘back-to-back’ Paddy Power Gold Cup winner since Bradbury Star in 1993/94.

But it’s worth pointing out Cyfor Malta won this race twice in 1998 and 2002.

Il Ridoto was also fourth in the 2022 Paddy Power Gold Cup aged just five and third in 2023 – meaning this will be his fourth run in the race.

The bookies are taking no chances on this proven horse in the race – making him one of the market leaders.

WATCH: Il Ridoto Winning The 2024 Paddy Power Gold Cup 

Paul Nicholls Has Won The Last Two Paddy Power Gold Cups (Four In Total)

Il Ridoto’s handler is Paul Nicholls and last year’s win gave the former champion trainer his second win on the bounce in this race.

He took the prize in 2023 too with Stage Star and in total has won the race four times.

With Al Ferof (2012) and Caid Du Berlias (2014) the other Ditcheat winners.

Il Ridoto is set to be the only Paddy Power Gold Cup runner for Paul Nicholls this year.

Nicholls has saddled 14 placed horses (four winners, Il Ridoto, Stage Star, Al Ferof & Caid Du Berlais) from his last 49 runners in the race.

Can Paddy Power Gold Cup Runner Jagwar Give JP McManus A First Win In The Race?

There aren’t many big jump races in the UK and Ireland that have eluded the famous green and gold silks of JP McManus.

However, Saturday’s Paddy Power Gold Cup is one.

McManus is yet to win this Cheltenham November Meeting showcase race with his two runners in the race last year unplaced (In Excelsis Deo and Janidil).

While in 2021 he had the fourth Dostal Phil.

But, if the 2025 Paddy Power betting odds are anything to go by – JP McManus has a top chance of breaking his duck.

He’s got one of the big fancies in the market – JAGWAR, who is two-from-two here at Cheltenham.

With his last outing, when taking the TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March (watch below).

Another possible 2025 Paddy Power Gold Cup runner Thecompanysergeant was back in second that day – but is only a pound better off this time.

Only FOUR Winning Paddy Power Gold Cup Favourites Since 2002

At the moment, the already mentioned Il Ridoto and Jagwar are at the head of the market – but this hasn’t been a great race for the favourite.

Since 2002, we’ve only had four winning jollies and just one in the last ten renewals.

This was the Paul Nicholls-trained Stage Star in 2023.

But we have seen 12 of the last 23 favourites placed.

Just ONE Irish-Trained Winner In Recent Times

When looking at the 2025 Paddy Power Gold Cup runners there are also several possible Irish entries.

At this stage Theatre Native (Henry De Bromhead), The Other Mozzie (Gavin Cromwell), Conyers Hill (Paul Nolan), Thecompanysergeant (Gavin Cromwell) and Coming Up Easy (Henry De Bromhead) are the potential runners from Ireland.

However, the race has only seen ONE winner from the Emerald Isle in recent times.

This was the Edward O’Grady-trained Tranquil Sea in 2009 (watch below).

But it’s a nice touch by the race sponsors and Cheltenham to honour O’Grady in the race title this year, with the Irish trainer sadly dying in July 2025.

Dan Skelton Eyes First Paddy Power Gold Cup Winner With Panic Attack, Hoe Joly Smoke and Riskintheground

Finally, the 2025 Paddy Power Gold Cup runners could also feature a strong hand from trainer Dan Skelton, who is having a good time of it of late.

Skelton has Panic Attack, Hoe Joly Smoke and Riskintheground entered at this stage – as he tries to win the race for the first time.

Twelve months ago, he saddled Madara to be 4th and Protektorat to be sixth – with the last-named also runner-up in 2021.

Of his possible 2025 runners, brother Harry has been booked to ride Panic Attack, with useful 3lb claimer Tristan Durrell on Riskintheground and Kielan Woods on Hoe Joly Smoke.

Paddy Power Gold Cup 2025 Race Details

📅Date: Saturday 15th November 2025
⌚Time: 2:20pm
🏇Racecourse: Cheltenham
💰Winner: £91,120
📺 TV: ITV / Racing TV

Paddy Power Gold Cup Winners (Last 5)

WATCH: Stage Stage Winning The Paddy Power Gold Cup in 2023 (Surviving a late blunder)