The two-and-a-half mile Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle brings the curtain down on the Cheltenham Festival and gives the conditional jockeys a chance to showcase their talents on the big stage.
The race was introduced in 2009 and is named in honour of Martin Pipe, who notched up thirty-four Festival winners over the years before handing over the training baton to his son David.
It’s not an easy race to dissect, albeit if you find a capable jockey who resists the temptation to ‘go too fast’ in this race, you have half a chance.
Read on for Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle betting odds, tips and free bets.
| Race Details | |
|---|---|
| When: | Friday, March 15th - 5:30pm |
| Winner’s Prize: | £39,022 |
| Distance: | Two-miles & four-furlongs |
| Race Type: | Handicap Hurdle |
| Age: | 4-Years+ |
| Course: | New Course |
| Weights: | Handicap |
| Where to Watch? | Racing TV, Bookmaker Streams |
Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle Betting Offers & Free Bets
Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle Tips
The final race on Gold Cup Day and the finale of the Cheltenham Festival itself, the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle is typically a fast and furious affair.
Conditional jockeys are in action here, so one popular strategy is to look for the best conditionals, especially those snapped up for rides from stables they wouldn’t usually ride for.
As the Cheltenham Festival draws to a close, check out Charlie McCann’s tip for the Martin Pipe below.
Charlie McCann - Waterford Whispers (Each-Way)
Sonigino was my original selection for the Festival getting out stakes, but he must carry 11st 110lbs and I think trainer Henry de Bromhead can bookend the meeting with WATERFORD WHISPERS (Each-Way) having landed the curtain-raiser with Slade Steel on Tuesday.
The selection has not been seen since finishing runner-up over Christmas and this has likely been the aim for his astute connection since. A rating of 133 looks fair although he is hardly thrown in from a mark of 133, although I do feel this extended two-and-a-half miles on soft ground will suit.
The Irish have been second best to the British in the handicaps – at least at the time of writing – but I do think this particular prize will head across the Irish Sea with Quai De Bourbon – trained by history-making Willie Mullins – 100 not out – considered the chief threat, although he must give the winner 7lbs.
Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle Betting Odds
Like many of the handicaps at the Cheltenham Festival, many horses will have been layed out for this race, with many lurking on potentially low handicap marks.
A popular choice with punters this week has been the Henry de Bromhead-trained Waterford Whispers.
Having won the opening race of the Festival with Slade Steel in the Supreme Novices’, can de Bromhead win the lucky last on the final day?
What Happened Last Year?
The finale of the 2023 Cheltenham Festival saw the famous JP McManus silks in the winners enclosure as Iroko landed the Martin Pipe Hurdle for training duo Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero.
Seemingly in trouble approaching the final flight, Iroko and jockey Aidan Kelly powered up the Cheltenham hill to take the win in a thrilling finish.
Previous Winners of the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle
You can check out the last five winners of the Martin Pipe in the table below.
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Iroko |
| 2022 | Banbridge |
| 2021 | Galopin Des Champs |
| 2020 | Indefatigable |
| 2019 | Early Doors |
FAQs
What distance is the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle?
The Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle is 2 miles and 4 furlongs and it is the last race of the Cheltenham Festival.
Who won the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle in 2023?
The Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero-trained Iroko won the race in 2023.
More Cheltenham Tips
Check out our tips for all the other Cheltenham Day 4 races:
