Mares Novices Hurdle Runners
Mares Novices Hurdle Runners
The latest betting odds for the 2026 Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, as well as trainer, confirmed jockey, age and form for each of the runners.
You can also find all the latest Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle free bets through oddschecker.
Mares' Novices' Hurdle 2026 Runners
Find the latest Mares' Novices' Hurdle odds and likely runners right here. Oddschecker updates this page in real-time, meaning you’ll always see the freshest Mares' Novices' Hurdle odds as they move.
The Mares' Novices' Hurdle is one of the leading novice contests for mares at the Cheltenham Festival. Introduced to enhance opportunities for mares in National Hunt racing, it has quickly become a key target for top trainers in Britain and Ireland.
First run in 2016, the Mares' Novices' Hurdle has grown in prestige and regularly features highly progressive young mares with championship potential. Several winners and placed horses have gone on to compete at the highest level in open Grade 1 company.
Run over 2 miles and 179 yards (3,382 metres), the race is staged on Cheltenham’s New Course and features eight hurdles. The stiff uphill finish places emphasis on stamina as well as speed, while accurate jumping under pressure is essential in this competitive Festival environment.
The race holds Grade 2 status and takes place on Thursday 12th March 2026 during the Cheltenham Festival.
Notable Winners
- Let's Dance – the inaugural winner in 2016 for Willie Mullins.
- Epatante – won in 2019 before later landing the Champion Hurdle.
- Love Envoi – an impressive winner in 2022 who went on to compete at the top level.
- Brighterdaysahead – a high-class winner who advertised the race’s growing quality.
Key Race Details
- Race Type: Novices' Hurdle (Fillies & Mares)
- Grade: Grade 2
- Distance: 2 miles and 179 yards (3,382 metres)
- Number of Hurdles: 8
- Location: Cheltenham Racecourse (New Course)
- Date: Thursday 12th March 2026 (Cheltenham Festival)
- Prize Money: Typically over £120,000 in total prize fund (varies year-on-year)
- Inaugurated: 2016
The Mares' Novices' Hurdle provides a major platform for emerging female talent in the hurdling division. With many runners improving rapidly through the season, it often produces future Grade 1 contenders and remains one of the most competitive novice events of the Festival week.
Cheltenham Mares' Novices' Hurdle FAQs
1. Who are the confirmed runners for the Mares' Novices' Hurdle?
The market for the 2026 renewal is headed by several exciting novice mares from leading British and Irish yards. Final fields will be confirmed closer to the Festival once entries and declarations are finalised.
2. When are Mares' Novices' Hurdle runners officially confirmed?
Final declarations are made 48 hours in advance of the race. For the 2026 Mares' Novices' Hurdle, final declarations will be made at 10:00am on Tuesday 10th March 2026.
3. How many horses usually run in the Mares' Novices' Hurdle?
The race typically attracts between 12 and 24 runners, with large competitive fields common since its introduction in 2016.
4. What age group tends to perform best in the Mares' Novices' Hurdle?
Most winners have been aged five or six, as the race is restricted to novice mares still early in their hurdling careers.
5. Which trainers have the best record in the Mares' Novices' Hurdle?
Willie Mullins has enjoyed significant success in this race since its inception, while other leading Irish and British trainers regularly target it with high-quality novice mares.
Who is the favourite to win the 2026 Cheltenham Mares' Novices' Hurdle?
| Mares' Novices' Hurdle Odds | Best Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Bambino Fever | 11/10 | Betfred |
| Oldschool Outlaw | 11/2 | Ladbrokes |
| Carrigmoornaspruce | 11/1 | bet365 |
| La Conquiere | 16/1 | Unibet |
