Horse Racing stats man, Andy has contributed to OLBG for 18 years - An Ipswich fan and F1 fanatic, he also contributes EFL football and Motor Sport opinion.
2025 Close Brothers Mares Hurdle Preview
The Close Brothers Mares Hurdle grew in strength during the period when OLBG took up the sponsorship and developed the supporting 'OLBG Mares Road to Cheltenham' programme. Now a Grade 1 contest and with the Mares Novice race having been added to the festival in 2016, mares racing in the UK is looking stronger than ever.
Below we highlight some pointers, looking at trends and discussing the form to help you to find the winner of the Close Brothers Mares Hurdle. Who are our racing tipsters tipping to win this year's Close Brothers Mares Hurdle? You can find their picks on the Cheltenham tips page or the main daily racing picks page. Additionally, have a read of the Best Bookies for the Cheltenham Festival to get the most out of your bettings.
Close Brothers Mares Hurdle Information:
- Close Brothers Mares Hurdle Past Winners
- Close Brothers Mares Hurdle Trainer Statistics
- Close Brothers Mares Hurdle Jockey Statistics
Why not use the trends shortlist below to help you narrow down the field and then head over to the dedicated Cheltenham tips page to see which runners are being supported by the OLBG expert racing tipsters to find yourself a bet? We cover every race at the Cheltenham Festival and below you can find links to all of the races for each of Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday.
How competitive is the Close Brothers Mares Hurdle market? When looking at the over-rounds for the last 17 renewals, the most competitive market was in 2022 when the race had an over-round of 115%. The race in 2009 was a race that was most in the bookie's favour with an over-round of 127%, whilst on average over the last 17 renewals of the Close Brothers Mares Hurdle, the over-round has been 121%, which means the bookie expects to pay out £100 for every £121 which is bet.
Close Brothers Mares Hurdle Trends:
Looking at the future form, is the winner worth following next time out? From the past 17 if you had followed the winner of the Close Brothers Mares Hurdle next time out then you would have backed a total of 9 winners. Backing all 13 runners who have been out since to win at SP next time out, would have returned an LSP of +16.86. Before placing your bet on the 2025 Close Brothers Mares Hurdle see which other runners today are being backed on the racing predictions page.
The runner that holds the record over the past 17 renewals for the slowest time in the race was set in the 2024 renewal when Lossiemouth from W P Mullins under the guidance of Paul Townend, won in a time of 5:10.38, whilst at the other end of the spectrum, Quevega, trained by W P Mullins and ridden by R Walsh set the quickest time of 4:44.60 in the 2014 renewal.
These are the top three quickest-run Close Brothers Mares Hurdle over the last 17 renewals:
- Quevega (4:44.60) in 2014
- Vroum Vroum Mag (4:45.00) in 2016
- Maries Rock (4:45.40) in 2022
What the expert says...
| Mares Hurdle 11 Mar @ 15:20 - AntePost | ||
|---|---|---|
| Brighterdaysahead | 2.10 | |
| Jade De Grugy | 6.00 | |
| Lossiemouth | 6.00 | |
| Kargese | 11.00 | |
| Golden Ace | 13.00 | |
Close Brothers Mares Hurdle Past Winners
Here are the Close Brothers Mares Hurdle past winners for the last 10 renewals. Each row details the year of the race, the horse which won along with the age & weight of the horse. The trainer of the horse at the time of winning the Close Brothers Mares Hurdle as well as the jockey is also displayed along with the starting price the horse was sent off.
| Year | Horse | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 5:10.38 | Lossiemouth (FR) 5yo 11-5 8/13F | Paul Townend W P Mullins (IRE) |
| 2023 5:05.13 | Honeysuckle (GB) 9yo 11-5 9/4F | Rachael Blackmore Henry De Bromhead (IRE) |
| 2022 4:45.40 | Maries Rock (IRE) 7yo 11-5 18/1 | Nico de Boinville Nicky Henderson (GB) |
| 2021 4:56.51 | Black Tears (GB) 7yo 11-5 11/1 | Jack Kennedy Mrs Denise Foster (IRE) |
| 2020 5:08.73 | Honeysuckle (GB) 6yo 11-5 9/4 | Rachael Blackmore Henry De Bromhead (IRE) |
| 2019 5:00.26 | Roksana (IRE) 7yo 11-5 10/1 | Harry Skelton Dan Skelton (GB) |
| 2018 5:10.10 | Benie Des Dieux (FR) 7yo 11-5 9/2 | R Walsh W P Mullins (IRE) |
| 2017 4:50.20 | Apples Jade (FR) 5yo 11-5 7/2 | B J Cooper Gordon Elliott (IRE) |
| 2016 4:45.00 | Vroum Vroum Mag (FR) 7yo 11-5 4/6F | R Walsh W P Mullins (IRE) |
| 2015 4:51.10 | Glens Melody (IRE) 7yo 11-5 6/1 | Paul Townend W P Mullins (IRE) |
Where have the winning runners come from?
Here are the countries where the winning trainers of the Close Brothers Mares Hurdle have been based:
- IRE: 14 winners with an additional 19 placings from 85 runners
- GB: 3 winners with an additional 14 placings from 154 runners
- FR: 0 winners with an additional 1 placing from 5 runners
Close Brothers Mares Hurdle Trainer Statistics
The leading trainer in the Close Brothers Mares Hurdle over the last 17 renewals is W P Mullins who has won the race ten times with those ten winners coming from Quevega (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014), Glens Melody (2015), Vroum Vroum Mag (2016), Benie Des Dieux (2018) and Lossiemouth (2024). The only other trainer to have recorded multiple wins in the Close Brothers Mares Hurdle is Henry De Bromhead (2 wins).
Here are some of the top Close Brothers Mares Hurdle trainer statistics over the last 17 renewals (R = Runners, W = Winners, P = Places including winners, Win LSP is based on 1pt Win and EW LSP is based on 0.5pt Win & 0.5pt Place):
| Trainer | R-W-P | Win | EW |
|---|---|---|---|
| W P Mullins | 37-10-18 | -8.85 | -7.75 |
| Henry De Bromhead | 8-2-4 | -1.50 | +3.90 |
| Nicky Henderson | 19-1-4 | +0.00 | -4.47 |
| Dan Skelton | 6-1-2 | +5.00 | +1.80 |
| Gordon Elliott | 6-1-4 | -1.50 | +0.30 |
| Donald McCain | 5-1-1 | +16.00 | +8.00 |
| Mrs Denise Foster | 1-1-1 | +11.00 | +6.60 |
| Alan King | 8-0-2 | -8.00 | -3.70 |
| Harry Fry | 8-0-2 | -8.00 | -4.30 |
| Mrs John Harrington | 8-0-1 | -8.00 | -7.50 |
Close Brothers Mares Hurdle Jockey Statistics
There are two leading jockeys in the Close Brothers Mares Hurdle over the last 17 renewals with both Paul Townend and Rachael Blackmore who have both won the race two times. Paul Townend winners have been with Glens Melody (2015) and Lossiemouth (2024). Rachael Blackmore's winners have been with Honeysuckle (2020 & 2023).
Here are some of the top Close Brothers Mares Hurdle jockey statistics over the last 17 renewals (R = Runners, W = Winners, P = Places including winners, Win LSP is based on 1pt Win and EW LSP is based on 0.5pt Win & 0.5pt Place):
| Jockey | R-W-P | Win | EW |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Townend | 10-2-7 | -1.38 | -0.67 |
| Rachael Blackmore | 6-2-4 | +0.50 | +4.40 |
| Harry Skelton | 6-1-2 | +5.00 | +1.80 |
| Nico de Boinville | 5-1-1 | +14.00 | +6.80 |
| Jack Kennedy | 4-1-3 | +8.00 | +5.05 |
| Aidan Coleman | 9-0-0 | -9.00 | -9.00 |
| Daryl Jacob | 8-0-1 | -8.00 | -7.50 |
| Paddy Brennan | 7-0-0 | -7.00 | -7.00 |
| Danny Mullins | 6-0-1 | -6.00 | -3.90 |
| Robbie Power | 6-0-2 | -6.00 | -5.00 |
2025 Close Brothers Mares Hurdle Trends
Favourites finishing positions (oldest to latest): 3, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, F, 1, 3, 3, F, 2, 2, 4, (1, 7), 1
The percentage shown is the percentage of the total number of runners who fell under that factor. High percentages are less appealing than lower ones as you would expect them to do well.
- 17 / 17 (43%) - No bigger than 20/1
- 17 / 17 (57%) - Achieved a TS of 116+ (Non-Hcps)
- 17 / 17 (57%) - Carried 153 - 162lbs (Last Win)
- 17 / 17 (59%) - Within the first 8 of the market
- 17 / 17 (60%) - Held an OR of 125+ (Last Win)
- 17 / 17 (64%) - Won within last 3 starts
- 17 / 17 (73%) - No more than 0 falls (Career)
- 17 / 17 (75%) - Placed within last 2 starts
- 17 / 17 (77%) - Made 2 - 7 starts (1 Year)
- 17 / 17 (77%) - Made 7 - 22 starts (Career)
- 17 / 17 (78%) - No bigger than 10/1 (LTO)
- 17 / 17 (79%) - Achieved an RPR of 128+ (Last Win)
- 17 / 17 (80%) - Highest Won is not G3/Cl4-5
- 17 / 17 (80%) - Beaten no more -12½l (Debut)
- 17 / 17 (81%) - Held an OR of 129+
Remember to use the trends listed above along with the Cheltenham racing predictions to see if you can find the winner of the Close Brothers Mares Hurdle. If there is anything that you do not understand in this blog, please leave a comment or head over to the Horse Racing Terms and Abbreviations article which is available in the OLBG Betting School section.
Are you already a member? If not, then why not? With over £6,000 given away each month in the tipster competition, why not get involved? Remember, It is completely FREE! So, head over to the registration page to sign up today! If you are already a member, then share your thoughts on the Close Brothers Mares Hurdle by adding a tip on the race here.
Close Brothers Mares Hurdle Trend Analysis
The trend factor which had produced 9+ winners and shows the best LSP, an LSP of +1.90 is when runners finished in 1st last time out. The worst performing factor that has failed to produce a single winner is when runners had recorded 1 career fall, when backing these the trend shows a record of 0-48.
The course which has produced the most winners of the Close Brothers Mares Hurdle is Punchestown, there has been a total number of 7 winners of this race who ran at Punchestown last time out.
Looking over the past renewals, these are the stallions whose offspring have produced multiple winners of the Close Brothers Mares Hurdle:
- Robin Des Champs (6 Wins)
- Great Pretender (2 Wins)
- Sulamani (2 Wins)
These are the stallions whose offspring have not produced a winner of the Close Brothers Mares Hurdle despite multiple attempts:
- Kayf Tara (0 Wins from 10 runners)
- Midnight Legend (0 Wins from 10 runners)
- Flemensfirth (0 Wins from 8 runners)
- Alflora (0 Wins from 7 runners)
- Beneficial (0 Wins from 7 runners)
Looking at the winning odds over the last 17 renewals, the biggest-priced winner was Whiteoak in 2008, winning for Donald McCain at odds of 20/1 under the guidance of Jason Maguire. Looking at the runners at the head of the market over the last 17 renewals there have been 9 winning favourites in the race. Ahead of the 2025 Close Brothers Mares Hurdle why not head over to the best racing tipster page to see what the tipsters are backing today?
Schedule for Tuesday at the Cheltenham Festival
Prepare for the ROAR of the Cheltenham Festival on the opening day when the tape goes up for the Supreme Novices Hurdle, the feature on Tuesday is the Champion Hurdle.
| Race | Last Winner | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 13:30 Cheltenham Supreme Novices Hurdle | Slade Steel (IRE) 6yo - 7/2 | Henry De Bromhead Rachael Blackmore |
| 14:10 Cheltenham Arkle Challenge Trophy | Gaelic Warrior (GER) 6yo - 2/1 | W P Mullins Paul Townend |
| 14:50 Cheltenham Ultima Handicap Chase | Chianti Classico (IRE) 7yo - 6/1 | Kim Bailey David Bass |
| 15:30 Cheltenham Champion Hurdle | State Man (FR) 7yo - 2/5 | W P Mullins Paul Townend |
| 16:10 Cheltenham Close Brothers Mares Hurdle | Lossiemouth (FR) 5yo - 8/13 | W P Mullins Paul Townend |
| 16:50 Cheltenham Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle | Lark In The Mornin (GER) 4yo - 9/1 | Joseph Patrick O'Brien J J Slevin |
| 17:30 Cheltenham National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup | Corbetts Cross (IRE) 7yo - 15/8 | Emmet Mullins Mr Derek O'Connor |
Schedule for Wednesday at the Cheltenham Festival
The dust has settled on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival and now on to day two. The feature on the second day is the Queen Mother Champion Chase. We also have the cross country scheduled on Wednesday, a race like Marmite, some love it and some don't!
| Race | Last Winner | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 13:30 Cheltenham Baring Bingham Novices Hurdle | Ballyburn (IRE) 6yo - 1/2 | W P Mullins Paul Townend |
| 14:10 Cheltenham Brown Advisory Novices Chase | Fact To File (FR) 7yo - 8/13 | W P Mullins Mark Walsh |
| 14:50 Cheltenham Coral Cup | Langer Dan (IRE) 8yo - 13/2 | Dan Skelton Harry Skelton |
| 15:30 Cheltenham Queen Mother Champion Chase | Captain Guinness (IRE) 9yo - 17/2 | Henry De Bromhead Rachael Blackmore |
| 16:10 Cheltenham Cross Country Chase | Delta Work (FR) 10yo - 11/10 | Gordon Elliott Keith Donoghue |
| 16:50 Cheltenham Johnny Henderson Grand Annual | Unexpected Party (FR) 9yo - 12/1 | Dan Skelton Harry Skelton |
| 17:30 Cheltenham Champion Bumper | Jasmin De Vaux (FR) 5yo - 9/2 | W P Mullins Mr P W Mullins |
Schedule for Thursday at the Cheltenham Festival
Halfway through the festival and onto day three where the Stayers Hurdle is the feature race. A hurdle race to test the stamina and see how can last best up the Cheltenham hill.
| Race | Last Winner | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 13:30 Cheltenham Turners Novices Chase | Grey Dawning (IRE) 7yo - 5/2 | Dan Skelton Harry Skelton |
| 14:10 Cheltenham Pertemps Network Final | Monmiral (FR) 7yo - 25/1 | Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden |
| 14:50 Cheltenham Ryanair Chase | Protektorat (FR) 9yo - 17/2 | Dan Skelton Harry Skelton |
| 15:30 Cheltenham Stayers Hurdle | Teahupoo (FR) 7yo - 5/4 | Gordon Elliott Jack Kennedy |
| 16:10 Cheltenham Festival Plate | Shakem UpArry (IRE) 10yo - 8/1 | Ben Pauling Ben Jones |
| 16:50 Cheltenham Mares Novices Hurdle | Golden Ace (GB) 6yo - 10/1 | Jeremy Scott Lorcan Williams |
| 17:30 Cheltenham Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup | Inothewayurthinkin (IRE) 6yo - 13/8 | Gavin Cromwell Mr Derek O'Connor |
Schedule for Friday at the Cheltenham Festival
The final day of the festival and feature race that we have all been waiting for, the Cheltenham Gold Cup in which the Irish have been fairly dominant in recent years.
| Race | Last Winner | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 13:30 Cheltenham Triumph Hurdle | Majborough (FR) 4yo - 6/1 | W P Mullins Mark Walsh |
| 14:10 Cheltenham County Handicap Hurdle | Absurde (FR) 6yo - 12/1 | W P Mullins Paul Townend |
| 14:50 Cheltenham Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle | Stellar Story (IRE) 7yo - 33/1 | Gordon Elliott Sam Ewing |
| 15:30 Cheltenham Cheltenham Gold Cup | Galopin Des Champs (FR) 8yo - 10/11 | W P Mullins Paul Townend |
| 16:10 Cheltenham Foxhunter Chase Challenge Cup | Sine Nomine (GB) 8yo - 8/1 | Fiona Needham Mr John Dawson |
| 16:50 Cheltenham Mrs Paddy Power Mares Chase | Limerick Lace (IRE) 7yo - 3/1 | Gavin Cromwell Keith Donoghue |
| 17:30 Cheltenham Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle | Better Days Ahead (IRE) 6yo - 5/1 | Gordon Elliott Danny Gilligan |
Article Contributor Information
We are blessed with an excellent team of specialists and experts at OLBG. Contributing to creating and maintaining this Close Brothers Mares Hurdle Preview are at hand, Andy and James. They both work on the Horse racing tips team team looking after the tipsters and managing the tips settlement, whilst also creating and managing all of the horse racing event previews for National Hunt Racing.
James Banting
Tipster Competition Assistant
Andy Powell
Content Editor
