Mares’ Hurdle, Odds, Tips Free Bets & Betting Offers
Craig Jones
The Mares’ Hurdle is a Grade 1 hurdle race open to mares aged four years or older. Also known as the David Nicholson Hurdle, the race has a relatively short history, and shocks are rare.
It gives mares a chance to shine at the Cheltenham Festival and, crucially, is positioned at two miles and four furlongs, which puts it right in the middle of both championship hurdle races - the two-mile Champion Hurdle and three-mile Stayers’ Hurdle.
The race is famous for the exploits of the Willie Mullins-trained Quevega, who won the race for six consecutive years from 2009 to 2014.
Read on to find our Mares’ Hurdle betting offers, tips, odds and Cheltenham free bets for the 2026 race.
| Race Details | |
|---|---|
| When: | Thursday, March 12th - 2:40pm |
| Winner’s Prize: | £67,524 |
| Distance: | Two-miles & four-furlongs |
| Race Type: | Grade 1 Hurdle |
| Age: | 4-Years+ |
| Course: | Old Course |
| Weights: | 10st 10lb (4yo), 11st 5lb (5yo+) |
| Where to Watch? | ITV Racing, Racing TV, Bookmaker Streams |
Mares’ Hurdle Betting Offers & Free Bets
We have a range of betting offers and free bets available on the Cheltenham Festival below.
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Mares’ Hurdle Betting Odds
A race that's left betting sites puzzled as participation from some of the top guns is far from certain here, with other targets also a possibility. Here's a look at the current betting market.
Mares’ Hurdle Betting Tips
JADE DE GRUGY looks the value against short-priced favourite Wodhooh in the Mares' Hurdle. A previous Grade 1 winner who returns to hurdles after a spell over fences, she has the class to make this far more competitive than the market suggests.
Recommendation: Jade de Grugy - 7/2 with William Hill
Check out Alan's and Charlie's Cheltenham Festival tips via the links below.
What Happened in 2025?
Lossiemouth defended her crown with ease as she landed the 2025 Mares' Hurdle, making it back to back wins in the race for her.
Mares’ Hurdle Key Race Stats
- 11 of the last 13 winners came from the first two in the betting market
- 10 of the last 13 winners won on their last run before the Mares’ Hurdle
- 12 of the previous 13 winners had at least 3 previous wins over hurdles
Previous Winners of the Mares’ Hurdle
Check out the last five winners of the Mares’ Hurdle in the table below.
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Lossiemouth |
| 2024 | Lossiemouth |
| 2023 | Honeysuckle |
| 2022 | Marie’s Rock |
| 2021 | Black Tears |
FAQs
What time is the Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham?
The Mares' Hurdle is scheduled to be run at 2:40pm.
What day is the Mares' Hurdle run at Cheltenham?
The Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham takes place on the third day of the meeting, which in 2026, will be Thursday, March 12th.
How far is the Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham?
The Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham is ran over a distance of two miles and four furlongs.
More Cheltenham Tips
Check out our tips for all the other Cheltenham Day 1 races:
