A true test of stamina over hurdles, the Stayers’ Hurdle is the equivalent of the Gold Cup, using the smaller obstacles, and we’ve seen some electric performances over the years.
This used to be the feature race of day three at the Cheltenham Festival, but it now shares that with the Ryanair Chase.
Don’t let that take anything away from the value of this contest, it’s a real treat, usually served up with a high-quality winner.
Read on for Stayers’ Hurdle Betting odds, tips and free bets for the 2024 renewal.
| Race Details | |
|---|---|
| When: | Thursday, March 14th - 3:30pm |
| Winner’s Prize: | £182,878 |
| Distance: | Three-miles |
| Race Type: | Grade 1 Hurdle |
| Age: | 4-Years + |
| Course: | New Course |
| Weights: | 11st 10lb (7lb Mares allowance) |
| Where to Watch: | ITV Racing, Racing TV, Bookmaker Streams |
Stayers’ Hurdle Betting Offers & Free Bets
Stayers’ Hurdle Tips
The original feature race on this day, the emergence of the Ryanair Chase has changed that, but that doesn’t mean there is any less quality on show in the Stayers Hurdle. A division that is often wide open, leading to a great betting heat.
Check out who Alan Kelly, Charlie McCann, and Ed Quigley fancy for the Stayers’ Hurdle below!
Alan Kelly - Dashel Drasher (Each-Way)
Of the championship races at this year’s festival, this three-mile stamina test is the one most likely to throw up a shock result, as was the case 12 months ago when 33/1 chance Sire Du Berlais came home in front.
The horse to beat is clearly last year’s third, Teahupoo, who has not been seen since taking the scalp of Impaire Et Passe at Fairyhouse back in December. While Gordon Elliott’s charge is the most likely winner, I can’t resist having an each-way investment in last year’s runner-up, DASHEL DRASHER.
Having backed Rex Dingle’s mount at 66/1 last year, I was full of hope as Jeremy Scott’s charge jumped the last in front, only to be run out of it close home.
This may be a case of my heart ruling my head, but at a big price (each-way ) I am happy to be indulged regarding one of my favourite horses in training.
Charlie McCann - Teahupoo
I backed Sir Gerhard for the Stayers’ Hurdle after his Punchestown success reverting to hurdles at New Year, but the ground has gone against him, and he has little chance on soft ground although he is likely to be going as well as anything two out.
Like most people who follow the sport, I want Fergal O’Brien to break his Festival duck, and his Crambo looks like a thorough stayer who will be well suited by this stiff uphill finish. He looks sure to run well, but TEEHUPOO has an excellent record fresh, and he is taken go two places better than last year when third beaten less than a length.
The selection has not been seen since beating Impaire Et Passe in the Hatton’s Grace at the beginning of December, but he has a great record fresh, and this has been the target for twelve months.
Many thought he was an unlucky loser last year, although I am not convinced he would have beaten his stablemate, the evergreen Sire Du Berlais, with a clear run. The latter is back for more at the age of twelve this afternoon. Note no 12-year-old has ever won the race, although the teenager Zarane won the race back in 1927.
Ed Quigley - Sir Gerhard (Each-Way)
This year’s Stayers’ Hurdle fairly wide open, but the main focus of the market is Teahupoo who will be looking to go one better than last year.
The rain that has arrived in the Cotswolds in recent days is a massive help to Gordon Elliott’s charge who was touched off by Sire Du Berlais 12 months ago, and underfoot conditions should suit both of those runners.
However, both of them have vulnerabilities, and I am going to take a chance with two-time Cheltenham Festival winner SIR GERHARD running a massive race for the Willie Mullins and Paul Townend combination.
On his day, he is a class act, and although the jury is still out as to whether he gets three miles, he didn’t look like stopping on his furthest test over hurdles to date when he was a winner here of the Gallagher Novice Hurdle two years ago.
That was on very testing ground, and he wasn’t stopping as he hit the hill on that occasion.
He hated his time over fences and could easily bounce back here in a race in which I think he could easily have a class edge over many of rivals, and his trainer and jockey could hardly be in better form.
Stayers’ Hurdle Betting Odds
This year’s Stayers’ is packed with old rivals such as Flooring Porter, Sire Du Berlais, and Dashel Drasher, while a win for fan-favourite Paisley Park would bring the house down.
However, it’s the Gordon Elliott-trained Teahupoo that heads the betting, who has been kept fresh for the race, not seen since winning at Fairyhouse in early December.
What Happened Last Year?
The veteran Sire Du Berlais rolled back the years in 2023, landing the Stayers’ Hurdle at odds of 33/1 - his third win at the Festival after success in the Pertemps Final in 2019 and 2020.
Ridden by Mark Walsh for owner JP McManus, Sire Du Berlais took the lead over the final flight and stayed on strongly up the Cheltenham hill.
Stayers’ Hurdle Key Stats
- 11 of the last 12 winners had at least one previous run at Cheltenham
- Nine of the last 12 winners were rated 156 or higher
- 11 of the last 12 winners had at least two runs that season
Previous Winners of the Stayers’ Hurdle
We’ve listed the last five winners of the Stayers’ Hurdle below.
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Sire Du Berlais |
| 2022 | Flooring Porter |
| 2021 | Flooring Porter |
| 2020 | Lisnagar Oscar |
| 2019 | Paisley Park |
FAQs
What day is the Stayers' Hurdle?
The Stayers' Hurdle is on day three of the Cheltenham Festival - this year, Thursday, March 14th.
Where can you watch the Stayers' Hurdle?
You can watch the Stayers Hurdle live on ITV Racing, Racing TV, and via Bookmaker Streams.
What is the prize money for the 2024 Stayers' Hurdle?
The prize money for the winner of the 2024 Stayers' Hurdle is £182,000.
How far is the Stayers' Hurdle?
The Stayers Hurdle is run over a distance of approximately 2 miles and 7f and 213yds.
More Cheltenham Tips
Check out our tips for all the other Cheltenham Day 3 races:
