In 2015 the Cheltenham Racecourse Executive decided that the Cheltenham Festival would benefit from a new novice hurdle race restricted to just mares and fillies and introduced the Dawn Run Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.
This two-mile one-furlong race was first run in 2016, and so far, it has been dominated by Irish runners who have won six of the eight races to date.
Read on for Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle betting odds, tips, and free bets for the 2024 race.
| Race Details | |
|---|---|
| When: | Thursday, March 14th - 4:50pm |
| Winner’s Prize: | £59,084 |
| Distance: | Two-miles & one-furlong |
| Race Type: | Grade 2 Hurdle |
| Age: | 4-Years+ |
| Course: | New Course |
| Weights: | 10st 9lbs (4yo), 11st 2lbs (5yo+) Penalties – 3lbs for winners of a class 2 weight for age (WFA) hurdle or class 1 handicap hurdle, 5lbs for winners of a class 1 WFA hurdle |
| Where To Watch? | Racing TV, Bookmaker Streams |
Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle Betting Offers & Free Bets
Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle Tips
The Mares Novice Hurdle is a relatively new Cheltenham Festival race but one that is growing in stature.
Since first being run in 2016, it’s been dominated by Irish-trained horses, but the 2022 and 2023 renewals did see UK winners - who will come out on top in 2024?
Our top tipster, Alan Kelly, has his Nap of the Day running in the race on Thursday!
Alan Kelly - Brighterdaysahead (NAP)
Both Jade De Grugy and Dysart Enos are unbeaten over hurdles and are clearly very talented mares. However, I think the Gordon Elliott-trained Brighterdaysahead could turn out to be the next standard bearer for leading owners Gigginstown House Stud as the daughter of Kapgarde appears to have the world at her feet.
The five-year-old has yet to be extended in two Bumper wins and three over hurdles, the most recent being a bloodless victory in a Navan Listed race last month. While this is easily the stiffest test to date for Jack Kennedy’s mount, connections will be very disappointed if the mare loses her unbeaten record in this Grade 2 contest.
Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle Betting Odds
This year’s Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle is set to be a thrilling contest, with four horses putting their unbeaten record on the line - Brighterdaysahead for trainer Gordon Elliott, Jade De Grugy for Willie Mullins, the Henry de Bromhead-trained Majestic Force, and Dysart Enos for local trainer Fergal O’Brien.
What Happened Last Year?
You Wear It Well put in a dominating performance in 2023, making all at odds of 16/1 under jockey Gavin Sheehan for trainer Jamie Snowden.
The short-priced favourite, Luccia, could only finish fourth for trainer Nicky Henderson.
Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle Key Stats
- All eight previous winners were aged 5 or 6
- All eight previous winners had at least two runs over hurdles
- Seven of the last eight winners had at least one win that season
Previous Winners of the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle
Looking for the most recent winners of the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle? The table below lists the last five winners.
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2023 | You Wear It Well |
| 2022 | Love Envoi |
| 2021 | Telmesomethinggirl |
| 2020 | Concertista |
| 2019 | Eglantine Du Seuil |
FAQs
When is the Mares' Novices' Hurdle?
The 2024 Mares' Novices' Hurdle will take place on Thursday, March 14th, at 4:50pm - the sixth race on day three of the Cheltenham Festival.
What is the Mares' Novices' Hurdle also known as?
The Mares' Novices' Hurdle is also known as the Dawn Run Mares' Novices' Hurdle.
How many times has Willie Mullins won the Mares' Novices' Hurdle?
Willie Mullins has trained the winner of the Mares' Novices' Hurdle on five occasions - Limini in 2016, Let's Dance in 2017, Laurina in 2018, Eglantine du Seuil in 2019, and Concertista in 2020.
More Cheltenham Tips
Check out our tips for all the other Cheltenham Day 3 races:
