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2027 Top Novices' Hurdle Preview
The Top Novices Hurdle has had a Grade 1 status since being upgraded in 2016; it is scheduled to take place in April of each year at the Aintree racecourse.
It is run during the Grand National meeting, and it is open to runners aged four or older who are novices, which means no wins over hurdles before the start of the current season.
The race is run over a trip of two miles, half a furlong, in which the runners will have to contend with a total of nine hurdles.
Top Novices' Hurdle Information:
- Top Novices' Hurdle Past Winners
- Top Novices' Hurdle Trainer Statistics
- Top Novices' Hurdle Jockey Statistics
Our dedicated Aintree tips page will not only bring you predictions from the OLBG racing tipsters for the upcoming card that includes the Top Novices' Hurdle, but will also have predictions for each meeting at Aintree throughout the season, so be sure to head over there. We cover every race at the Aintree Grand National Meeting, and below you can find links to all of the races for each of Thursday, Friday & Saturday.
Best Horse Racing Betting Sites 2026
How competitive is the Top Novices' Hurdle market? When looking at the over-rounds for the last 20 renewals, the most competitive market was in 2013, when the race had an over-round of 107%. The race in 2018 was a race that was most in the bookie's favour with an over-round of 123%, whilst on average over the last 20 renewals of the Top Novices' Hurdle, the over-round has been 116%, which means the bookie expects to pay out £100 for every £116 which is bet.
Below you will find the 2027 Top Novices' Hurdle Trends. See which patterns have occurred over the recent renewals that you may be able to use for the next renewal. We also have a section that looks at the Top Novices' Hurdle Trend Analysis.
These are the top three quickest-run Top Novices' Hurdle races over the last 20 renewals:
- Storming George (3:56.66) in 2026
- Salvator Mundi (3:56.84) in 2025
- General Miller (3:57.80) in 2010
Looking at the future form, is the winner worth following next time out? Over the past 20 renewals, if you had followed the winner of the Top Novices' Hurdle next time out, then you would have backed a total of 6 winners. Backing all 19 runners who have been out since their win at SP next time out would have returned an LSP of -3.29. Remember to use the racing predictions along with the information on this page to find a bet on the 2027 Top Novices' Hurdle.
When looking over the past 20 renewals, a time of 3:56.66 was set by Storming George in 2026, trained by Neil King and ridden by Jack Quinlan, which is the quickest time over that period. The slowest winning time was set in 2018 when Lalor won in a time of 4:15.80 for trainer Kayley Woollacott, who booked Richard Johnson in the saddle.
What the expert says...
Andy Powell - Horse Racing Betting Expert - OLBG.com
Top Novices' Hurdle Past Winners
Here are the Top Novices' Hurdle past winners for the last 10 renewals. Each row details the race year, the winning horse, and the horse's age & weight. The horse's trainer and the jockey at the time of winning the Top Novices' Hurdle are also displayed, along with the starting price at which the horse was sent off.
| Year | Horse | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 3:56.66 | Storming George (IRE) 6yo 11-7 16/1 | Jack Quinlan Neil King (GB) |
| 2025 3:56.84 | Salvator Mundi (FR) 5yo 11-7 7/2 | Paul Townend W P Mullins (IRE) |
| 2024 4:11.57 | Mystical Power (IRE) 5yo 11-7 11/10F | Mark Walsh W P Mullins (IRE) |
| 2023 4:06.90 | Inthepocket (GB) 6yo 11-7 3/1F | Rachael Blackmore Henry De Bromhead (IRE) |
| 2022 3:58.39 | Jonbon (FR) 6yo 11-4 1/1F | Aidan Coleman Nicky Henderson (GB) |
| 2021 4:03.47 | Belfast Banter (IRE) 6yo 11-4 9/1 | Kevin Sexton Peter Fahey (IRE) |
| 2019 4:02.50 | Felix Desjy (FR) 6yo 11-4 7/2 | Jack Kennedy Gordon Elliott (IRE) |
| 2018 4:15.80 | Lalor (GER) 6yo 11-4 14/1 | Richard Johnson Kayley Woollacott (GB) |
| 2017 4:03.20 | Pingshou (IRE) 7yo 11-4 16/1 | Robbie Power Colin Tizzard (GB) |
| 2016 4:04.50 | Buveur DAir (FR) 5yo 11-4 11/4 | Noel Fehily Nicky Henderson (GB) |
Where have the winning runners come from?
Here are the countries where the winning trainers of the Top Novices' Hurdle have been based:
- GB: 15 winners with an additional 24 placings from 164 runners
- IRE: 5 winners with an additional 11 placings from 36 runners
2026 Top Novices' Hurdle Replay
Top Novices' Hurdle Trainer Statistics
The leading trainer in the Top Novices' Hurdle over the last 20 renewals is Nicky Henderson, who has won the race six times, with those six winners coming from General Miller (2010), Darlan (2012), My Tent Or Yours (2013), Josses Hill (2014), Buveur D'Air (2016) and Jonbon (2022). The only other trainer to have recorded multiple wins in the Top Novices' Hurdle is W P Mullins (2 wins).
Here are some of the top Novices' Hurdle trainer statistics over the last 20 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nicky Henderson | 20-6-9 | +0.36 | -1.60 |
| W P Mullins | 9-2-7 | -2.40 | +6.47 |
| Paul Nicholls | 14-1-5 | -8.00 | -6.43 |
| Gordon Elliott | 7-1-4 | -2.50 | -0.43 |
| Henry De Bromhead | 5-1-1 | -1.00 | -2.20 |
| Lucy Wadham | 4-1-1 | +11.00 | +5.40 |
| Neil King | 3-1-1 | +14.00 | +8.00 |
| John Quinn | 2-1-1 | +13.00 | +7.40 |
| Peter Fahey | 2-1-1 | +8.00 | +4.40 |
| Kayley Woollacott | 1-1-1 | +14.00 | +8.40 |
Top Novices' Hurdle Jockey Statistics
Here are some of the top Top Novices' Hurdle jockey statistics over the last 20 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brian Hughes | 7-1-2 | +2.00 | -0.48 |
| Paul Townend | 4-1-3 | +0.50 | +3.00 |
| Jack Quinlan | 3-1-1 | +14.00 | +8.00 |
| Kevin Sexton | 2-1-1 | +8.00 | +4.40 |
| Jack Kennedy | 2-1-2 | +2.50 | +1.97 |
| Mark Walsh | 2-1-1 | +0.10 | -0.31 |
| Nico de Boinville | 6-0-2 | -6.00 | -4.40 |
| Sam Twiston-Davies | 6-0-1 | -6.00 | -4.80 |
| Harry Skelton | 5-0-1 | -5.00 | -3.75 |
| Harry Cobden | 4-0-0 | -4.00 | -4.00 |
2027 Top Novices' Hurdle Trends
Favourites finishing positions (oldest to latest): 1, 3, PU, 2, 2, 3, 1, 1, 1, 4, 3, (2, 5), 6, 2, (3, 4), 1, 1, 1, 6, 4
The percentage shown is the proportion of runners who fell under that factor. High percentages are less appealing than lower ones, as you would expect them to do well.
- 20 / 20 (65%) - No bigger than 16/1
- 20 / 20 (68%) - Within the first 7 of the market
- 20 / 20 (73%) - Highest Won is not G1/LST/Cl2/Cl6
- 20 / 20 (75%) - Held an OR of 128+
- 20 / 20 (78%) - Not in a G1/LST/Cl2/Cl5-6 (Last Win)
- 20 / 20 (78%) - Ran in England (LTO)
- 20 / 20 (79%) - Achieved an RPR of 127+ (Last 3)
- 20 / 20 (82%) - Break of 16 - 118 days (Last Place)
- 20 / 20 (82%) - Not on HY/GF/FM/STD-SLW/STD (Last Win)
- 20 / 20 (84%) - No bigger than 33/1 (Career)
- 20 / 20 (84%) - Highest Placed is not G3/LST
- 20 / 20 (85%) - Off a break of 13 - 61 days
- 20 / 20 (85%) - Furthest Won 2m - 2m4f
- 20 / 20 (87%) - Not in FRA/DEU/SCO (Last Win)
- 20 / 20 (88%) - Ran in 2 - 6 races (180 Days)
Remember to use the trends listed above, along with the Aintree racing predictions, to see if you can find the winner of the Top Novices' Hurdle. Did you know that we have an OLBG Betting School section on OLBG? It is a place to help you improve your betting experience with articles covering numerous topics.
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 Top Novices' Hurdle by adding a tip on the race here.
101 Ways to find Winners in Horse Racing
Top Novices' Hurdle Trend Analysis
✅ The trend factor, which has produced 10+ winners and shows the best LSP, an LSP of +23.11, is when runners had 1 start in the past 30 days.
The course which has produced the most winners of the Top Novices' Hurdle is Cheltenham; there have been a total of 13 winners of this race who ran at Cheltenham last time out.
The race is open to both sexes, with male runners having produced a total of 20 winners from a total of 190 runners, while female runners have produced 0 winners from a total of 10 runners.
Looking at the winning odds over the last 20 renewals, the biggest-priced winner was Storming George in 2026, winning for Neil King at odds of 16/1 under the guidance of Jack Quinlan. Looking at the runners at the head of the market over the last 20 renewals, there have been 7 winning favourites in the race. Before placing your bet on the 2027 Top Novices' Hurdle, head over to see which runners the best racing tipsters are tipping today.
Route to the Top Novices' Hurdle
Many trainers target races as preparation for the Top Novices' Hurdle. These are the races which the recent winners ran in before coming here:
| Info | Last Race |
|---|---|
| 2026 - Storming George Newbury - 1st of 9 (10/3) | Get Best Odds Guaranteed At BetVictor Novices Handicap Hurdle |
| 2025 - Salvator Mundi Cheltenham - 5th of 11 (14/1) | Supreme Novices' Hurdle |
| 2024 - Mystical Power Cheltenham - 2nd of 11 (10/3) | Supreme Novices' Hurdle |
| 2023 - Inthepocket Cheltenham - 4th of 14 (9/1) | Supreme Novices' Hurdle |
| 2022 - Jonbon Cheltenham - 2nd of 9 (5/1) | Supreme Novices' Hurdle |
| 2021 - Belfast Banter Cheltenham - 1st of 25 (33/1) | County Handicap Hurdle |
| 2019 - Felix Desjy Cheltenham - 5th of 16 (11/1) | Supreme Novices' Hurdle |
| 2018 - Lalor Newbury - 13th of 24 (14/1) | Newbury Handicap Hurdle |
| 2017 - Pingshou Cheltenham - 10th of 14 (25/1) | Supreme Novices' Hurdle |
| 2016 - Buveur DAir Cheltenham - 3rd of 14 (10/1) | Supreme Novices' Hurdle |
Schedule for Thursday at the Aintree Grand National Meeting
The three-day Grand National meeting kicks off on Thursday with four Grade 1 events on the seven-race card, which features both the Aintree Hurdle and the Bowl Chase.
| Race | Last Winner | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 13:45 Aintree Anniversary 4YO Juvenile Hurdle | Mange Tout (FR) 4yo - 5/1 | Gordon Elliott Jack Kennedy |
| 14:20 Aintree Manifesto Novices Chase | Koktail Divin (FR) 6yo - 3/1 | Henry De Bromhead Darragh O'Keeffe |
| 14:55 Aintree Bowl Chase | Jango Baie (FR) 7yo - 1/1 | Nicky Henderson Nico de Boinville |
| 15:30 Aintree Foxhunters Chase | Barton Snow (IRE) 9yo - 7/4 | J J O'Shea Mr Henry Crow |
| 16:05 Aintree Aintree Hurdle | Brighterdaysahead (FR) 7yo - 13/8 | Gordon Elliott Jack Kennedy |
| 16:40 Aintree Red Rum Handicap Chase | Ryans Rocket (IRE) 8yo - 14/1 | Fergal O'Brien Jonathan Burke |
| 17:15 Aintree Nickel Coin Mares Bumper | Nans Choice (IRE) 5yo - 9/2 | Dan Skelton Harry Skelton |
Schedule for Friday at the Aintree Grand National Meeting
Day 2 of the Grand National meeting is Ladies Day or Fabulous Friday, the highlights on the track being the Melling Chase, plus there is the Topham Chase over the Grand National fences.
| Race | Last Winner | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 13:45 Aintree National Meeting 2m4f Handicap Hurdle | Wellington Arch (GB) 7yo - 6/1 | Jonjo & A J O'Neill Jonjo O'Neill Jr |
| 14:20 Aintree Mildmay Novices Chase | Gold Dancer (FR) 7yo - 100/30 | W P Mullins Paul Townend |
| 14:55 Aintree Top Novices Hurdle | Storming George (IRE) 6yo - 16/1 | Neil King Jack Quinlan |
| 15:30 Aintree Melling Chase | Grey Dawning (IRE) 9yo - 5/1 | Dan Skelton Harry Skelton |
| 16:05 Aintree Topham Chase | Will The Wise (IRE) 7yo - 9/1 | Gavin Cromwell Conor Stone-Walsh |
| 16:40 Aintree Sefton Novices Hurdle | Zeus Power (GER) 5yo - 3/1 | Joseph Patrick O'Brien J J Slevin |
| 17:15 Aintree National Meeting 2m Handicap Hurdle | Laafi (FR) 6yo - 20/1 | William Durkan Patrick M O'Brien |
Schedule for Saturday at the Aintree Grand National Meeting
The Grand National is obviously the showpiece of the Aintree meeting, and day 3 also includes three Grade 1 events, the feature of those being the Liverpool Hurdle.
| Race | Last Winner | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 12:45 Aintree Maghull Novices Chase | Mirabad (FR) 7yo - 50/1 | Dan Skelton Tristan Durrell |
| 13:20 Aintree National Meeting 3m Handicap Hurdle | Wade Out (IRE) 7yo - 18/1 | Olly Murphy Gavin Sheehan |
| 13:55 Aintree Mersey Novices Hurdle | Bossman Jack (GB) 6yo - 11/4 | Dan Skelton Harry Skelton |
| 14:30 Aintree Freebooter Handicap Chase | Mr Hope Street (IRE) 8yo - 4/1 | Dan Skelton Harry Skelton |
| 15:05 Aintree Liverpool Hurdle | Home By The Lee (IRE) 11yo - 5/1 | Joseph Patrick O'Brien J J Slevin |
| 16:00 Aintree Grand National | I Am Maximus (FR) 10yo - 9/2 | W P Mullins Paul Townend |
| 17:00 Aintree Champion Standard Open NH Flat Race | Forthfactor (IRE) 5yo - 10/1 | Dan Skelton Miss Heidi Palin |
Article Contributor Information
We are fortunate to have an excellent team of specialists and experts at OLBG. Contributing to the creation and maintenance of this Top Novices' Hurdle Preview are Andy and Darren. They both work on the Horse Racing Tips team, overseeing the tipsters and managing the tip settlement, while also creating and managing all the horse racing event previews for National Hunt Racing.
Darren Brett
Expert Guide
Andy Powell
Expert Guide
Other Principal Races at the Aintree Racecourse
Here are some other notable races at the Aintree racecourse throughout the racing season that you may be interested in.
