The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle race was introduced to the Cheltenham Festival in 2005 and is run over two miles and five furlongs for promising horses in the staying hurdle and chase divisions of the future.
It was initially given Grade 2 status but when the current sponsor Albert Bartlett took over it became a Grade 1. Many people now jokingly refer to it as ‘The Potato Race’.
The contest has produced familiar named winners such as like Gold Cup winner Bobs Worth, Unowhatimeanharry and Penhill – all of them had other big days in the sun afterwards.
Two trainers leading the way in the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle over the last 16 renewals with two winners apiece are Willie Mullins and Jonjo O’Neill.
| Race Details | |
|---|---|
| When: | Friday 18th March, 2.30pm |
| Prize: | £125,000 |
| Distance: | Three-miles |
| Race Type | Grade 1 Hurdle |
| Age: | 4-Years+ |
| Course | New Course |
| Weights: | 10st 11lbs (4yo), 11st 7lb (5yo+), 7lb allowance for fillies and mares |
| Where to watch? | ITV, Racing UK, Bookmaker Streams |
| Key Betting Stats: | Eight of the last ten winners were aged either six or seven years old.
Only two favourites have won in the last ten renewals. |
The Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle is a very tough stamina test for novice hurdlers. The horses that run here often go onto become strong stayers, and if they have the quality, either Stayers Hurdle or Gold Cup cotenders in the future.
As the Cheltenham Festival draws closer, we will update this page with our full betting preview, the latest odds for the race and any other key info that punters need before they place their bets.
Previous Winners of the Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle
2021 – Vanillier
2020 – Monkfish
2019 – Minella Indo
2018 – Kilbricken Storm
2017 – Penhill
* Betting odds correct at the time of writing
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