Aintree opens the new jumps season with the 2026 Old Roan Chase, a Grade Two Limited Handicap featuring past winners like Kauto Star. Hitman seeks to repeat his 2025 success, with rivals Boombawn, Master Chewy, and Imperial Saint all in contention. Despite questions over leading runners, Prairie Wolf, who ended last season in strong form and is attractively handicapped, is the recommended each-way bet for the race.
Odds and betting predictions for the 2026 Old Roan Chase
This Grade Two takes place at Aintree on Sunday 25th October
We're backing Prairie Wolf each-way at 14/1
Aintree racecourse. (Getty)
Aintree hosts its first major meeting of the new jumps season on Sunday. A strong card is headlined by the Old Roan Chase, a Grade Two Limited Handicap that's been won by legendary chasers like Albertas Run, Kauto Star and three-time winner, Monet's Garden.
On his fourth appearance in the race, Hitman finally claimed his first Graded win in last year's Old Roan. Freddie Gingell's mount was well beaten on his two starts after that and fell on his most recent outing in the Topham Handicap Chase here at Aintree.
Three horses that Hitman beat in last year's Old Roan feature prominently in the betting for Sunday's renewal. Boombawn could only finish fourth, but the Dan Skelton factor sees him head the early betting for Sunday's contest. Runner-up Master Chewy looks set for another crack at Hitman, as does Imperial Saint, who finished fifth as the favourite 12 months ago and was last seen running in the Grand National.
Jamie Snowden has entered second-season novice Wendigo, who has the Coral Gold Cup on his radar. Harry Cobden will ride Bluey for Emma Lavelle, while Jack Tudor renews his partnership with Prairie Wolf for Sue Smith and Joe Parkinson.
Harry Derham has entered the enigmatic Teddy Blue. Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies' stalwart Matata will be looking to defy top weight. Insurrection for runs for new trainer Nick Schofield, while Riskintheground, Etalon and Matterhorn bolster Dan Skelton's squad.
2026 Old Roan Chase Tips
Boombawn wasn't beaten far in this race 12 months ago, and Dan Skelton's nine-year-old is ten pounds lower in the handicap for Sunday's assignment. Imperial Saint can never be ruled out around Aintree, but I fear that this trip will prove a little short for him now, and we don't know how much that run in the Grand National has taken out of him.
Wendigo also wants a bit further, and connections have one eye on the Coral Gold Cup. Bluey was progressive last year and could take another step forward. Top weights have a poor record in the Old Roan, but Matata is far too classy to be ruled out.
Jack Tudor riding Prairie Wolf (red cap) clear the last to win The BetVictor Home Of The Saturday Superboost Handicap Chase at Newbury. (Getty)
I've talked myself into an each-way punt on PRAIRIE WOLF (14/1), who ended last season in fantastic form. Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith's nine-year-old beat Josh The Boss over this course and distance before taking down that same rival up at Newcastle at the end of February.
Prairie Wolf ended his season on a winning note too. Jack Tudor's mount took on several course specialists at Newbury but jumped for fun and was produced perfectly to claim a cosy victory over Twinjets, Scarface and Heltenham.
All three went on to win on their very next start, making the five-pound rise that Prairie Wolf received for that Newbury triumph seem rather lenient. His trainers haven't had a winner for over 180 days, which is slightly off-putting, but Prairie Wolf seemed to love the track at Aintree when winning here on Boxing Day, and nine-year-olds have a strong recent record in this valuable handicap.
18+ New customers only. Bet £20 (or more) EVS (2.0) or greater Get 2 x £5 Free Bets. 1 x £5 Free Bet paid automatically & following £5 Free Bet after 24hrs. Min Free Bet odds 4/1 (5.0) on accumulators Trebles & upwards. Expires after 24hrs. Full T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org
Horse Racing Editor • 15+ Years of Experience, Horse Racing Analyst & Tipster
Jon has been a sports writer and tipster for over 15 years. Over the last decade, he has become completely immersed in all things horse racing. Every race is a puzzle that he is eager to solve.
Favourite races over jumps would include the Brown Advisory Chase (RSA) at the Cheltenham Festival and the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury. On the flat, the Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown is the race that excites most each season.
Favourite horses of all time include Vautour, Laurens, Road To Respect, Topofthegame, Saint Calvados and Elegant Escape.
