It’s a new look for the Tolworth Hurdle, with the race moving from its traditional slot at Sandown to be run at Aintree and their newly announced Boxing Day meeting.
Now officially called the Formby Novices’ Hurdle, the race retains its Grade 1 status and is run over two miles with eight hurdles to negotiate.
The race is a key trial for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, with the Nicky Henderson-trained Constitution Hill the last horse to win both races in the same season.
That was Nicky Henderson’s sixth win in the race following the successes of New York Rainbow in 1992, Minella Class in 2011, Captain Conan in 2012, Royal Boy in 2014, and L’ami Serge in 2015.
Formby Novices’ Hurdle Betting Offers
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Formby Novices’ Hurdle Tips
Ten horses are set to head to post on Boxing Day for the inaugural running of the Formby Novices’ Hurdle, and it’s an ultra-competitive race with eight of the runners having won last time out.
If you need some betting pointers for the Formby Novices’ Hurdle, our top tipster Alan Kelly has a 13/2 each-way selection for the race - click on his link below for full details!
Formby Novices’ Hurdle Betting Tips & Stats Guide
Check out more from the Freebets horse racing hub, including tips, stats, market movers and today’s racecards!
Race History
The race has been run annually at Sandown Park since 1973 and was originally called the Tolworth Hurdle. However, from 2023, Aintree will now host the race, with the name changed to the Formby Novices’ Hurdle.
What Happened Last Year?
The 2023 Tolworth Hurdle was run in its traditional slot at Sandown in January, and the Paul Nicholls-trained Tahmuras landed the victory.
Despite some sketchy jumping, Tahmuras always seemed to have enough up his sleeve and ran out a cosy winner at odds of 5/2, partnered by jockey Harry Cobden.
However, Tahmuras could not strike a blow in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle two months later, finishing a disappointing 10th of the 14 runners behind the winner Marine Nationale.
When & Where Is The 2023 Formby Novices’ Hurdle?
The newly-named Formby Novices’ Hurdle will take place on Boxing Day at Aintree, with the race scheduled to be shown live on ITV Racing.
Recent Formby Novices’ Hurdle Winners
Originally called the Tolworth Hurdle, the Formby Novices’ Hurdle has been won by some high-quality horses over the years, including Desert Orchid in 1984 and Monsignor in 2000.
Check out the last five winners of the race below.
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Tahmuras |
| 2022 | Constitution Hill |
| 2021 | Metier |
| 2020 | Fiddlerontheroof |
| 2019 | Elixir Du Nutz |
FAQs
When is the 2023 Formby Novices’ Hurdle?
The 2023 Formby Novices’ Hurdle will be run on Boxing Day - Tuesday, December 26.
Where is the Formby Novices’ Hurdle run?
Aintree hosts the Formby Novices’ Hurdle.
Is the Formby Novices’ Hurdle the same race as the Tolworth Hurdle?
Yes, the Formby Novices’ Hurdle is the same race. It was originally called the Tolworth Hurdle but changed names when the race was transferred to Aintree in 2023.
