Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle Tips, Odds & Runner

The Stayers’ Hurdle: A Test of Pure Stamina

The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle is the undisputed championship for long-distance hurdlers, a gruelling three-mile test of stamina, jumping, and tactical nous. This year’s renewal is a fascinating contest, pitting last year’s winner against a host of new challengers and seasoned veterans. The market is headed by Ma Shantou at /, a horse who has been imperious this season, but with five national newspaper naps, the pressure is on.

This race has a rich history of producing memorable champions, from the legendary fourtime winner Big Buck’s to the popular Paisley Park. It’s a race that often rewards course specialists and proven stayers, with of the last winners having previously won over miles. Age is also a key factor, with of the last winners being aged between and

The Contenders: Mullins’ Favourite vs The Field

Ma Shantou (5/2) comes here with a perfect record of three wins from three starts this season. Trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, he has looked a different horse since stepping up to three miles, winning the Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park with ease in January. He is the choice of five national newspaper tipsters, a remarkable consensus for a Grade of this quality. His trainer, Willie Mullins, has won this race five times, more than any other current trainer, and boasts a 11.7% strike rate at Cheltenham over the past three years. The question is whether he can handle the unique pressure of the Cheltenham Festival on his first visit.

Teahupoo (3/1) trained by Gordon Elliott, was second in this race last year and returns to go one better. He has had a lighter campaign this season, with just one run at Fairyhouse in December, which he won comfortably. Elliott has a % strike rate at Cheltenham over the past three years, but that rises to 15% in Grade s. At 3/1, he is a serious contender and the choice of one newspaper nap.

Kabral Du Mathan 5(/1) represents Nicky Henderson, who has a fantastic 16.5% strike rate at Cheltenham over the past three years. This horse was a revelation last season, winning a Grade at Ascot, and has been prepared specifically for this race. He is the mount of Nico de Boinville, who has a 19.4% strike rate at the track. One newspaper nap backs him.

The Each-Way & Dark Horse Value

With 11 runners, most bookmakers will be paying three places, making the each-way market an attractive proposition.

Bob Olinger (7/1), trained by Henry De Bromhead, is a former Cheltenham Festival winner, having won the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle in 2021. He has been rejuvenated this season, winning a Grade at Navan, and at 7/1 he is a huge price for a horse of his class. His jockey, Rachael Blackmore, has a 17.3% strike rate at Cheltenham.

Doddiethegreat (8/1) is the Dan Skelton-trained contender. Skelton has the best strike rate of any major trainer at Cheltenham over the past three years (15.9%), and this horse has been improving with every run. He was second in the Cleeve Hurdle here in January and will be cherry-ripe for this.

Stats & Trends

Our 1-2-3 Prediction

1. Teahupoo (3/1) — He was second last year, has been prepared perfectly for this, and represents better value than the favourite.
2. Ma Shantou (5/2) — The most likely winner, but the price is short enough for a horse with no course experience.
3. Bob Olinger (7/1) — A class act on his day and a huge price for a former Festival winner