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.
This has been a Willie Mullins benefit thanks to Quevega’s six wins, although he’s also won it with Glens Melody (2015), Vroum Vroum Mag (2016), Benie Des Dieux (2018). The legendary mare Quevega will always be synonymous with this race though after she won it an unparalleled six times on the bounce.
Two winners have come from the Gordon Elliott yard (one under the care of Denise Foster, last year in the shape of Black Tears) whilst Honeysuckle won this for Henry De Bromhead and Rachel Blackmore in 2020.
| Race Details | |
|---|---|
| When: | Tuesday 15th March, 3.40pm |
| 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 |
What Happened in 2021?
In the 2021 Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle, Black Tears (11/1) rallied in the last strides to earn trainer Denise Foster her maiden Cheltenham Festival victory.
Current Favourites
The main contenders, according to the latest odds, are:
Black Tears – 8/1 with Coral*
Trainer – Gordon Elliott | Jockey – Jack Kennedy | Age 7
An incredibly gutsy winner of this last year, she denied Concertista in the final strides, reversing form with the runner up from Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting. An uber consistent horse and smooth traveller, she was second in the Coral Cup the year before and clearly enjoys the Festival, so expect her to take a big hand once again.
- 8/1 Black Tears to win the Mares Hurdle at Coral cta_button_2
Concertista– 10/1 with bet365*
Trainer – Willie Mullins | Jockey – Tbc | Age 8
A runaway winner of the Dawn Run two years beforehand, Concertista didn’t put a foot wrong on her first two starts last season and had this year’s Mares’ Hurdle won at every stage bar the line, when nailed by Black Tears. She was below par again at Punchestown in the Mares’ Champion Hurdle afterwards and starts this season with something to prove, for all her talent is obvious.
- 10/1 Concertista to win the Mares Hurdle at bet365* cta_button_2
Telmesomethinggirl – 10/1 with Unibet
Trainer – Henry De Bromhead | Jockey – Rachael Blackmore | Age 7
Capped off a magical festival for connections when romping home with the Dawn Run, putting the race to bed with a brilliant turn of foot. Quite a few of her rivals disappointed but she was a deeply impressive winner (five and a half lengths clear at the line). A step up to 3 miles at Punchestown didn’t work out but she looks sure to be pointed at this race.
* Odds correct at 12/12/21
Mares Hurdle Key Race Stats
This one usually goes to the Irish. Apart from the 2008 winner Whiteoak, Roksana is the only other British trained winner, and even then Annie Power was in control when falling at the last.
- 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
2021 – Black Tears
2020 – Honeysuckle
2019 – Roksana
2018 – Bénie Des Dieux
2017 – Apples Jade
2016 – Vroum Vroum Mag
2015 – Glens Melody
2014 – Quevega
2013 – Quevega
2012 – Quevega
* Cheltenham betting odds 2022 correct at the time of writing
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