County Hurdle 2026 Runners

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The County Hurdle is one of the Cheltenham Festival’s most competitive handicaps and a hugely popular two-mile hurdle that often brings the curtain down on the week in thrilling fashion. Typically run at a relentless pace, it attracts a big field of talented hurdlers, including progressive novices and well-handicapped specialists from Britain and Ireland.

First run in 1920, the County Hurdle has a long and proud history at Cheltenham and has become synonymous with Festival drama. As a handicap, it’s a race where shrewd placement and well-timed runs can prove decisive, and it regularly produces close finishes in front of a packed crowd.

Run over 2 miles 1 furlong (3,382 metres) on Cheltenham’s New Course, the County Hurdle features 8 hurdles. Speed, accurate jumping and the ability to travel strongly through a large field are essential, while the demanding uphill finish can find out any weakness late on.

The race is a Premier Handicap (Cheltenham Festival Handicap Hurdle) and takes place on Friday 13th March 2026 during the Cheltenham Festival. It’s widely regarded as one of the toughest handicaps of the entire jumps season and often serves as a springboard for horses stepping up into graded company.

Notable Winners

• State Man – high-class winner who went on to establish himself as a Grade 1 performer.
• Aramax – 2022 winner for Gordon Elliott after a well-timed ride in a big field.
• Paul Carberry – a jockey with multiple notable County Hurdle successes, underlining the importance of big-race experience.
• Rooster Booster – one of the more famous winners associated with top-level hurdling quality.

Key Race Details

• Race Type: Handicap Hurdle
• Grade: Premier Handicap
• Distance: 2 miles 1 furlong (3,382 metres)
• Number of Hurdles: 8
• Location: Cheltenham Racecourse (New Course)
• Date: Friday 13th March 2026 (Cheltenham Festival – Day Four)
• Prize Money: Typically over £100,000 in total prize fund (varies year-on-year)
• Inaugurated: 1920
• Sponsor: Generally changes year-to-year

The County Hurdle remains one of the Cheltenham Festival’s most entertaining and unpredictable races, where pace, positioning and jumping are tested in a fiercely-run two-mile handicap. With a big field charging up the Cheltenham hill, it continues to provide a dramatic finale and one of the hardest puzzles of the week for punters.