The Close Brothers 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.
Mares’ Hurdle Betting Offers & Free Bets
| Race Details | |
|---|---|
| When: | Tuesday, March 12th, 4:10pm |
| Prize: | £120,000 |
| 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 Tips
Always a popular betting contest, the Mares’ Hurdle has been a profitable race for favourite backers - will that theme continue in 2024, though?
Check out Alan Kelly’s horse racing tips and Charlie McCann’s free racing tips to see what they think of this contest.
More Cheltenham Tips
Check out our Cheltenham Day 1 tips for each race on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival:
- Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Tips
- Arkle Challenge Trophy Tips
- Ultima Handicap Chase Tips
- Champion Hurdle Tips
- Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Tips
- National Hunt Chase Tips
Mares’ Hurdle Betting Odds
Check back nearer the time for the latest Mares’ Hurdle odds and betting chat.
Looking for some betting offers in the meantime? Check out our Cheltenham Free Bets page for all the latest ones!
What Happened Last Year?
The 2023 Mares’ Hurdle saw a fairytale ending for the high-class Honeysuckle, who took victory in her final-ever race.
The two-time Champion Hurdle winner teamed up with Rachael Blackmore to make it four from four at Prestbury Park, sparking scenes of jubilation.
Sent off the 9/4 joint-favourite, Honeysuckle battled bravely up the Cheltenham hill to edge out Love Envoi by a length and a half, with Queens Brook back in third.
Mares Hurdle Key Race Stats
This one usually goes to the Irish, but in 2022, we saw an English-trained winner, with Marie’s Rock coming home in front for the Nicky Henderson team.
- 9 of the last 11 winners came from the first two in the betting market
- 9 of the last 11 winners won on their last run before the Mares’ Hurdle
Previous Winners of the Mares Hurdle
Check out the last five winners of the Mares’ Hurdle in the table below.
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Honeysuckle |
| 2022 | Marie’s Rock |
| 2021 | Black Tears |
| 2020 | Honeysuckle |
| 2019 | Roksana |
FAQs
What time is the Mares Hurdle at Cheltenham?
The Mares Hurdle is scheduled to be run at 4:10pm.
What day is the Mares Hurdle run at Cheltenham?
The Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham takes place on the first day of the meeting, which in 2024, will be Tuesday, 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.
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