Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle Tips, Odds & Runners

The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle

The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle, registered as the David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle, is one of the premier races for female hurdlers in National Hunt racing. Run as a Grade 1 contest at the Cheltenham Festival, it showcases the very best mares over hurdles and has become a key target for top trainers and owners looking to campaign elite mares at the highest level.

Introduced in 2008 and named in honour of legendary trainer David Nicholson, the race was created to provide a championship-level opportunity specifically for mares during the Festival. Contested over approximately 2 miles and 4 furlongs on Cheltenham’s New Course, it demands a blend of speed, stamina, and precise jumping, as runners tackle a series of hurdles up the famous undulating track before the demanding climb to the finish.

Over the years, the race has grown in prestige and often features dominant champions who return to defend their crown. The event has produced some outstanding performances and has helped elevate the profile of mares within National Hunt racing. Sponsored by Close Brothers, the race continues to attract the strongest mares from Britain, Ireland, and beyond, making it one of the highlights of St Patrick’s Thursday at the Cheltenham Festival.

The Contenders: Elliott’s Nap vs The Field

Wodhoohll (1/1) -  Has won nine of her ten hurdle starts (including last year's Martin Pipe over C&D), with her only defeat coming at the hands of Lossiemouth in the Grade 1 Aintree Hurdle (2m4f, good to soft) last spring; has looked every bit as good when landing Grade 2 Ascot Hurdle (2m3f, good to soft) and a 2m4f Grade 3 at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting (gave weight and beat Feet Of A Dancer just over 2l) this season; will be hard to beat.

Jade De Grugy (12/5) -f5-7 over hurdles; second to stablemate Lossiemouth in this last year before a Grade 1 win at the Punchestown festival, her second success at the top level; has taken well to fences this winter, finishing second in Limerick Grade 2 over Christmas before going one better in similar company at Thurles (2m5f, yielding) in January; most consistent and looks sure to go well back hurdling.

Take No Chances (15/1) -  Won Grade 2 mares' event at Ascot before finishing third to Lossiemouth in this and the Aintree Hurdle (Wodhooh 8l ahead in second) last spring; has slightly bettered those RPRs in defeat on all four outings this season and she's an each-way player again.

Our 1-2-3 Prediction

1. Wodhoohll (1/1) - will be hard to beat.

2. Jade De Grugy (12/5) - most consistent and looks sure to go well back hurdling.

3. Take No Chances (15/1) - she's an each-way player