2026 County Hurdle

[Eggs]

ENTRIES FEBRUARY 17th, WEIGHTS FEBRUARY 24th

CHELTENHAM

Friday, March 13th

THE RANDOX HEALTH COUNTY HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1)
(Premier Hcap)

For five yrs old and upwards

TWO MILES ABOUT ONE FURLONG (2m 179yds)

Penalties, after February 22nd, a winner of a hurdle race 5lb
(No penalty to increase a horse’s weight above 11st 12lb)


PLEASE NOTE: A novice horse shall only be qualified to run in this race if it has run a minimum of FIVEtimes in Hurdle Races in Great Britain, Ireland or France in accordance with paragraph 15 of the Weights and Handicapping Code


2025 Kargesse 5-11-3 3/1F. Willie Mullins - Paul Townend RPR 144 (OR 141) 16 ran

2024 Absurde 6-10-10 12/1. Willie Mullins - Paul Townend RPR 145(OR 138) 17 ran

2023 Faivoir 8-10-7 33/1. Dan Skelton - Bridget Andrews RPR 141 (OR 134) 24 ran

2022 State Man 5-11-1 11/4F. W P Mullins - Paul Townend RPR 141 (OR 149) 26 ran

2021 Belfast Banter 6-10-0 33/1 Peter Fahey - Kevin Sexton RPR 137 (OR 129) 25 ran

2020 Saint Roi 5-10-13 11/2F. W P Mullins - Barry Geraghty RPR 151 (OR 137) 24 ran

2019 Ch’tibello 8-11-5. 12/1. Dan Skelton - Harry Skelton. RPR 154 (OR 146) 24 ran

2018 Mohaayed. 6-10-8. 33/1. Dan Skelton - Bridget Andrews 3. RPR 145 (OR 139) 24 ran

2017 Arctic Fire. 8-11-12 20/1. W P Mullins - Paul Townend. RPR 163 (OR 158) 25 ran

2016 Superb Story. 5-10-12 8/1. Dan Skelton - Harry Skelton. RPR 148 (OR 138) 26 ran

2015 Wicklow Brave 6-11-4. 25/1. W P Mullins - Paul Townend. RPR 153 (OR 138) 24 ran

2014 Lac Fontana. 5-10-11. 11/1 Paul Nicholls - Daryl Jacob. RPR 149 (OR 139) 28 ran

2025 1st OR 141, 2nd OR 140, 3rd OR 146, 4th OR 143; (High OR 152, Lowest OR 127)
2024 1st OR 138, 2nd OR 135, 3rd OR 156, 4th OR 144 (High OR 156, Lowest OR 130)
2023 1st OR 134, 2nd OR 154, 3rd OR 141, 4th OR 155: (High OR 155, Lowest OR 134)
2022 1st OR 141, 2nd OR 142, 3rd OR 140, 4th OR 141: (High OR 152, Lowest OR 134)
2021 1st OR 129, 2nd OR 155, 3rd OR 140, 4th OR 139: (High OR 156, Lowest OR 129)
2020 1st OR 137, 2nd OR 149, 3rd OR 146, 4th OR 141: (High OR 150, Lowest OR 132)
2019 1st OR 146, 2nd OR 152, 3rd OR 133, 4th OR 144: (High OR 153, Lowest OR 127)
2018 1st OR 139, 2nd OR 144, 3rd OR 141, 4th OR 140: (High OR 154, Lowest OR 133)
2017 1st OR 158, 2nd OR 152, 3rd OR 135, 4th OR 140: (High OR 158, Lowest OR 135)
2016 1st OR 138, 2nd OR 145, 3rd OR 142, 4th OR 139: (High OR 152, Lowest OR 138)
2015 1st OR 134, 2nd OR 134, 3rd OR 136, 4th OR 137: (High OR 146, Lowest OR 134)
2014 1st OR 139, 2nd OR 141, 3rd OR 140, 4th OR 154: (High OR 154, Lowest OR 132)
-----------


…..2026 TREND ANALYSIS for reference;

Between them, D Skelton and W Mullins won 10 of the last 11​

Since 2015 WPM has trained six winners. P Townend usually on the right one.​

19 of the last 22 were either novices or second-season hurdlers​

Since 1991 only three previous course winners have won. Two were second-season novices​

Only two winners this century with a BHA rating in 150s.​

Six of the last 10 were ex-Flat​

Four h'cap debutants win since Thumbs Up '93. All four trained by WPM​

16 of the last 20 achieved best RPR within their last three runs​

This century only Kargese and Arctic Fire had finished in the first five at a previous Festival​

Kargese the only BF last time out to win since 2013.​

Those aged 9yrs + are 0 from 40 over the past 18 years​

Only Kargese and Arctic Fire of the last 16 won wearing any sort of headgear​

Last 14 were either novices or had already been beaten in a Cheltenham Hurdle​

Three of Dan Skelton's four winners hadn't raced since at least Boxing Day. All four had previously finished placed at least on course.​

Summary​

Race Distance - 2 miles and abt a furlong. Winner will be aged 5 or 6 yrs, a novice or else placed in Betfair Hurdle/G2. Not finished in first five in previous Festival race or WPM. No more than second season over hurdles or else Skelton/Mullins trained. If full handicap, will carry under 11 - 1 unless finished 1<strong>st</strong> or 2<strong>nd</strong> in a Class 1 Handicap Hurdle. Not more than 1lb out of the handicap. Will have had at least three previous runs this season. No more than 19 previous runs over hurdles. Likely to be rated between 134 and 139 unless Skelton/Mullins. No headgear unless Nicholls/Mullins. Either WPM or Skelton trained. Dan Skelton yet to win with a novice. Not from Seven Barrows or Cullentra. Not a previous course winner unless won on Trials Day. Only a handicap debutante if trained by WPM. May already have ran in a top hurdle race this season. Any price. Don't back a conditional who has yet to win at least Class 2 level. Has a best RPR of at least 129 achieved within last three runs. Hasn't won this before. Did I mention Willie Mullins and Dan Skelton? P Townend knows which one to pick.

Max field size down to 24 in 2026.

 

[Eggs]

….original 70 entries;

Absurde (FR)
Afadil (FR)
Anxadam (FR)
Balko d'Ange (FR)
Ballykinlar (IRE)
Bowensonfire (FR)
Bowmore (IRE)
Brendas Asking (IRE)
Brentford Hope
Bubble Dubi (FR)
Bunting (FR)
Captain Ryan Matt (IRE)
Celtic Dino (FR)
Charlus (IRE)
Cracking Rhapsody (IRE)
Faivoir (FR)
Farren Glory (IRE)
Fingle Bridge (IRE)
General Briar (IRE)
Gibbs Island
Hamlet’s Night (IRE)
Hello Neighbour (IRE)
Helnwein (IRE)
Helvic Dream (IRE)
Hot Fuss (IRE)
I Started A Joke (IRE)
Intellotto (IRE)
Its Bilbo (FR)
Jack Hyde (IRE)
Jazzy Matty (FR)
Joyeuse (FR)
Jubilee Alpha (IRE)
Jump Allen (FR)
Karbau (FR)
Khrisma (FR)
Kopeck de Mee (FR)
Lucky Manifest (IRE)
Messerschmitt (IRE)
Mondo Man
Murcia (FR)
Ndaawi
No Ordinary Joe (IRE)
Ooh Betty (IRE)
Open Secret
Pinot Gris (IRE)
Puturhandstogether (IRE)
Roc Dino (FR)
Rubber Ball
Saligo Bay (IRE)
Secret Squirrel
Serious Challenge (IRE)
Sinnatra (IRE)
Sixandahalf (IRE)
Sony Bill (FR)
Spectacularsunrise
Sticktotheplan(FR)
Storm Heart (FR)
Tellherthename (IRE)
The Kemble Brewery
Thisistheway(IRE)
Tripoli Flyer (IRE)
Tutti Quanti (FR)
Wellington Arch
Welsh Charger (IRE)
Wilful (IRE)
Williethebuilder (IRE)
Wise Eagle (IRE)
Workahead (IRE)
Wreckless Eric
Zillow

 

[Eggs]

….i think @Lobos likes Helnwein.

Alan King;

‘We decided not to run him in the William Hill Handicap Hurdle at Newbury on Saturday and provided the ground dries out he will head straight for the County Hurdle at Cheltenham. He has run some terrific races, and I would like to jump fences in the spring with him.’

 

[Eggs]

Workahead​

“I’d say it’s unlikely (he’ll run in the Unibet Champion Hurdle). He’s going to run in Gowran on Saturday in the Red Mills Hurdle and we’ve left him in (the Unibet Champion Hurdle) but I’d say he’ll more likely go for the County Hurdle.”

 

[Jrow]

On one of the paddy power podcasts recently I noticed Ruby offer up Karbau without being prompted for this race. Always worth taking notice with his off the cuff remarks

 

[ComplyOrDie]

On one of the paddy power podcasts recently I noticed Ruby offer up Karbau without being prompted for this race. Always worth taking notice with his off the cuff remarks

Have him in my notes for the Coral Cup/Martin Pipe, but not priced up for either of them right now.

 

[FinalFurlong91]

Workahead​

“I’d say it’s unlikely (he’ll run in the Unibet Champion Hurdle). He’s going to run in Gowran on Saturday in the Red Mills Hurdle and we’ve left him in (the Unibet Champion Hurdle) but I’d say he’ll more likely go for the County Hurdle.”

I was just thinking yesterday theyd be going county if he runs on saturday

Issue is his run style

Wouldnt want a front runner in a county

 

[SeanRock]

Sixandahalf is being lined up for swing at the Kelso Morebattle bonus with a view to this potentially. Gavin wants to see a spark in Scotland first & foremost.

The Leopardstown Christmas form has work out unexpectedly well.

 

[Yosser]

I was just thinking yesterday theyd be going county if he runs on saturday

Issue is his run style

Wouldnt want a front runner in a county

I sort of like him for it. Could do with a middling run this weekend to get a few lbs off though. 143+ UK tax wouldn't be interesting me at this stage

 

[YoungHustler]

On one of the paddy power podcasts recently I noticed Ruby offer up Karbau without being prompted for this race. Always worth taking notice with his off the cuff remarks

Yep, he's one of the very few I've backed for the County(not based off Ruby's comments though!).

 

[Eggs]

Yep, he's one of the very few I've backed for the County(not based off Ruby's comments though!).

….general 16-1 but if anybody wants to take a risk, 33-1 AP with BFSB.

 

[Eggs]

….Mullins re Storm Heart;

He’ll be entered in the County Hurdle and the Coral Cup. He will definitely go for one of them, but I’m not sure which one yet.

 

[Benjy23]

Hard to think he'd have a whole load in hand off a mark of around 150. Think I'd rather the 20s NRNB Coral Cup anyway.

 

[riccirich]

Hard to think he'd have a whole load in hand off a mark of around 150. Think I'd rather the 20s NRNB Coral Cup anyway.

Wouldn't be so sure. Was part of the vintage juvenile group, and was pretty closely matched a couple of times with now 152 rated kargese when giving her 7lbs. And has always looked like a step up in trip could bring about improvement given his jumping was a bit sticky at two miles.

 

[Benjy23]

Wouldn't be so sure. Was part of the vintage juvenile group, and was pretty closely matched a couple of times with now 152 rated kargese when giving her 7lbs. And has always looked like a step up in trip could bring about improvement given his jumping was a bit sticky at two miles.

Yea, Storm Heart went off fav for the Triumph as well. He's no bad number. Kargese ultimately won the County off 141. And beat Storm Heart both times they met comfortably enough mind. And off 150 if he were to have 'loads' in hand in the county he'd be pushing Champion Hurdle winning class this year! Don't think I said anything disagreeable.

And I kind of said your other point. Coral Cup would be where I'd be looking. Don't think it's a terrible bet at 20s by any means, which is why I specifically mentioned it. He'd likely go off a fair bit shorter.

 

[riccirich]

Yea, Storm Heart went off fav for the Triumph as well. He's no bad number. Kargese ultimately won the County off 141. And beat Storm Heart both times they met comfortably enough mind. And off 150 if he were to have 'loads' in hand in the county he'd be pushing Champion Hurdle winning class this year! Don't think I said anything disagreeable.

And I kind of said your other point. Coral Cup would be where I'd be looking. Don't think it's a terrible bet at 20s by any means, which is why I specifically mentioned it. He'd likely go off a fair bit shorter.

Yeah its just my own personal opinion that I think he could be very good and might actually have loads in hand, probably not in the county though i agree as i dont think he jumps well enough. Although that race probably isn't much of a jumping test with only the one hurdle at the business end so he might get away with it.

I personally wouldn't be surprised if he was rated 160+ by the end of the season, if they can finally get a clear run with him without setbacks, over two and a half to three miles. I remember being on him at punchestown and a slow jump cost him at the last, before staying on again. If he jumped it clean he might have beat kargese i think.

 

[FinalFurlong91]

Bunting is the well handicapped one from that crop of juveniles off 134

But hes a bit of a lunatic at times

 

[Wayward Lad]

Yeah its just my own personal opinion that I think he could be very good and might actually have loads in hand, probably not in the county though i agree as i dont think he jumps well enough. Although that race probably isn't much of a jumping test with only the one hurdle at the business end so he might get away with it.

I personally wouldn't be surprised if he was rated 160+ by the end of the season, if they can finally get a clear run with him without setbacks, over two and a half to three miles. I remember being on him at punchestown and a slow jump cost him at the last, before staying on again. If he jumped it clean he might have beat kargese i think.

He’s been my main CC pick @ 25/1 AP for a fair while now, yet i am not so sure what to expect of him on Saturday or/and what the plan is by running him.

On his last run he didn’t look the winner at halfway, or even at 2m IMO, in heavy ground, so either it was his class that got him through or he’s stays well (which is the camp I’m in)……however Riskaway didn’t exactly advertise the form afterwards

So whilst he may strip fitter, then why bring him back to 2m in a G3?…..sharpen him up for the CC?…….doesnt appear to help manage his mark for the CC if he wins, or maybe he runs well, gets beat by a few lengths over a trip they know is inadequate and keeps his current rating?

 

[riccirich]

He’s been my main CC pick @ 25/1 AP for a fair while now, yet i am not so sure what to expect of him on Saturday or/and what the plan is by running him.

On his last run he didn’t look the winner at halfway, or even at 2m IMO, in heavy ground, so either it was his class that got him through or he’s stays well (which is the camp I’m in)……however Riskaway didn’t exactly advertise the form afterwards

So whilst he may strip fitter, then why bring him back to 2m in a G3?…..sharpen him up for the CC?…….doesnt appear to help manage his mark for the CC if he wins, or maybe he runs well, gets beat by a few lengths over a trip they know is inadequate and keeps his current rating?

He's facing kawaboomga Saturday, so it could be easy enough to give him a quite ride and finish second or third if kawaboomga is trying and as good as many think. You'd imagine they might want to get runs into him for fitness and to sharpen him up, as he only ran once last season and once so far this season. And his jumping has been a bit slow at times so could be just good practice.

Mullins has said he'll definitely go for the Coral or county, and if you take that at face value, then it wouldnt make much sense to be winning at the weekend. He says all sorts of things though so wouldnt be a huge shock if he wins and then starts talking about Aintree. I'm hoping for a quite ride though and then a staying on second or third.

Wouldnt be too worried about the form of his Xmas run at the moment, as if a handicap is the plan then I'd say it was the sort of win you'd want as he didn't get a rise for it.

 

[Wayward Lad]

He's facing kawaboomga Saturday, so it could be easy enough to give him a quite ride and finish second or third if kawaboomga is trying and as good as many think. You'd imagine they might want to get runs into him for fitness and to sharpen him up, as he only ran once last season and once so far this season. And his jumping has been a bit slow at times so could be just good practice.

Mullins has said he'll definitely go for the Coral or county, and if you take that at face value, then it wouldnt make much sense to be winning at the weekend. He says all sorts of things though so wouldnt be a huge shock if he wins and then starts talking about Aintree. I'm hoping for a quite ride though and then a staying on second or third.

Wouldnt be too worried about the form of his Xmas run at the moment, as if a handicap is the plan then I'd say it was the sort of win you'd want as he didn't get a rise for it.

I wonder what the plan will be for Kawaboomga if he goes and wins well on Sat, upholding the William Munny and Kopek hurdle form from last season?