Mares Hurdle 2026 Runners
Mares Hurdle 2026 Runners
The latest betting odds for the 2026 Mares’ Hurdle, as well as trainer, confirmed jockey, age and form for each of the runners.
You can also find all the latest Mares’ Hurdle free bets through oddschecker.
Mares' Hurdle 2026 Runners
Find the latest Mares' Hurdle odds and likely runners right here. Oddschecker updates this page in real-time, meaning you’ll always see the freshest Mares' Hurdle odds as they move.
The Mares' Hurdle is one of the feature races on St Patrick’s Thursday at the Cheltenham Festival and is the most prestigious Grade 1 hurdle contest restricted to mares in National Hunt racing. It provides elite female hurdlers with their own championship target at the Festival.
First run in 2008, the Mares' Hurdle was introduced to strengthen opportunities for top-class mares at the highest level. Since its inauguration, it has grown into a highly competitive and respected Grade 1 contest, often featuring runners who could also compete in open championship company.
Run over 2 miles and 4 furlongs (4,023 metres), the Mares' Hurdle is staged on Cheltenham’s New Course and features 10 hurdles. The extended two-and-a-half-mile trip places emphasis on stamina as well as tactical speed, with the climb to the Cheltenham hill regularly proving decisive.
The race holds Grade 1 status and takes place on Thursday 12th March 2026 during the Cheltenham Festival. It regularly attracts leading trainers from Britain and Ireland and has become a key championship race for mares in the modern jumps calendar.
Notable Winners
- Quevega – the most dominant mare in Festival history, winning six consecutive renewals (2009–2014).
- Apple's Jade – a three-time Grade 1 winner who landed the 2018 Mares' Hurdle in impressive fashion.
- Benie Des Dieux – winner in 2019 and 2020, showcasing class and resilience at the highest level.
- Honeysuckle – won the Mares' Hurdle in 2020 before going on to Champion Hurdle glory.
Key Race Details
- Race Type: Championship Hurdle (Mares Only)
- Grade: Grade 1
- Distance: 2 miles and 4 furlongs (4,023 metres)
- Number of Hurdles: 10
- Location: Cheltenham Racecourse (New Course)
- Date: Thursday 12th March 2026 (Cheltenham Festival – St Patrick’s Thursday)
- Prize Money: Typically over £125,000 to the winner (varies year-on-year)
- Inaugurated: 2008
The Mares' Hurdle remains the definitive championship test for elite mares over intermediate hurdles — demanding stamina, slick jumping, and tactical positioning before the famous Cheltenham hill challenge.
Cheltenham Mares' Hurdle FAQs
1. Who are the confirmed runners for the Mares' Hurdle?
The 2026 Mares' Hurdle entries will feature leading British and Irish-trained mares targeting Grade 1 Festival success. The market is expected to take shape throughout the season as trial races are completed.
2. When are Mares' Hurdle runners officially confirmed?
Final declarations are made 48 hours in advance of the race. For the 2026 Mares' Hurdle, final declarations will be confirmed at 10:00am on Tuesday 10th March 2026.
3. How many horses usually run in the Mares' Hurdle?
Recent renewals have typically featured between 8 and 16 runners, depending on seasonal targets and ground conditions at the Festival.
4. What age group tends to perform best in the Mares' Hurdle?
Mares aged between 6 and 8 have traditionally performed strongly in this race, combining maturity with peak racing ability over the intermediate trip.
5. Which trainers have the best record in the Mares' Hurdle?
Willie Mullins has been the most successful trainer in the history of the Mares' Hurdle, responsible for multiple winners including the legendary Quevega.
Who is the favourite to win the 2026 Cheltenham Mares' Hurdle?
| Cheltenham Mares' Hurdle Odds | Best Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Lossiemouth | 1/1 | Sky Bet |
| Wodhooh | 5/4 | Sky Bet |
| Jade De Grugy | 5/1 | bet365 |
| Feet of a Dancer | 12/1 | bet365 |
