The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle, is a Grade 1 hurdle race which is 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 on the big stage, 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.
Race Details | |
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When: | Tuesday 14th March, 4:10pm |
Prize: | £120,000 |
Distance: | Two-miles four-furlongs |
Race Type | Hurdle |
Age: | 4-Years+ |
Course | Old Course |
Weights: | 10st 10lb (4yo), 11st 5lb (5yo+) |
Where to watch? | ITV, Racing UK, Bookmaker Streams |
Mares’ Hurdle Betting Tips
Right now, the uncertainty around runners in this contest makes the Mares’ Hurdle an impossible puzzle to solve. However, when the picture has cleared, and we know what horses will head to the race, our tipsters will be able to guide you through their thoughts on the Mares’ Hurdle, and whether the title will remain in the UK, or go back to its regular home of Ireland.
Mares’ Hurdle Betting Odds (January Update)
The 2023 Mares’ Hurdle could shape up to be one of the very best we’ve ever seen, if some of those potentially running in the race, decide to turn up. The include former Champion Hurdle winner Epatante, and reigning two-time Champion Hurdler Honeysuckle.
Last year’s winner Marie’s Rock heads the betting market, generally available around 9/4, while Irish runners Love Envoi and Brandy Love are both behind her at 4/1.
What Happened in 2022?
A race usually filled with Irish dominance went the way of Britain in 2022, when Marie’s Rock came up the Cheltenham hill to take the Mares’ Hurdle for trainer Nicky Henderson and jockey Nico de Boinville.
She won by one and three quarter lengths, and was a big price winner for this race, returning with an SP of 18/1.
Mares Hurdle Key Race Stats
This one usually goes to the Irish, but in 2022, we did see an English winner of the contest, with Marie’s Rock coming home in front for the Nicky Henderson team.
- 8 of the last 10 winners came from the first 2 in the betting market
- 9 of the last 10 winners won on their last run before the Mares’ Hurdle
Previous Winners of the Mares Hurdle
2022 - Marie’s Rock
2021 – Black Tears
2020 – Honeysuckle
2019 – Roksana
2018 – Bénie Des Dieux