See who the 2026 Cheltenham Stayers’ Hurdle runners are. Learn who’s going in as favourites and how you can pick out a horse when betting on the Stayers’.
The Stayers’ Hurdle is the most elite staying hurdlers’ event, taking place on Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival. With many famous winners in its history, such as four-time winner Big Buck’s and three-time victor Inglis Drever, it’s certainly attracted some incredibly talented competitors.
Since the race is open to horses aged four and up, the Stayers’ Hurdle tends to include a good spread of experience and exciting youngsters. As we edge closer to the 2026 edition, it’s good to see who may be lining up to follow in the footsteps of these already legendary horses.
So, let’s dive into who’ll be running in the next Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Or, if you’re ready to bet on the event, explore all the latest Cheltenham odds.
What is the lineup for the Cheltenham Stayers’ Hurdle 2026?
The Stayers’ Hurdle appears to have some strong competition among its 2026 entrants, with a mix of experiences setting up an interesting dynamic:
Kabral Du Mathan
Teahupoo
Honesty Policy
Bob Olinger
Ma Shantou
Ballyburn
Impose Toi
Theleme
Wodhooh
Hewick
Hiddenvalley Lake
Home By the Lee
Iberico Lord
The Yellow Clay
Potters Charm
Feet Of A Dancer
Flooring Porter
Nurse Susan
Doddiethegreat
French Ship
Mystical Power
Strong Leader
Gowel Road
Ahoy Senor
Buddy One
Fransciscan Rock
Gwennie May Boy
Lavida Adiva
North Lodge
Who are the favourites among the Stayers’ Hurdle runners?
Now that we’ve run through the competitors, let’s discuss who the toughest runners will be heading into 2026:
Teahupoo
As the winner of the 2024 Stayers’ Hurdle, Teahupoo is a serious contender. With a recent victory in the Christmas Hurdle that saw him beat Bob Olinger, the nine-year-old has continued to show himself to be one of the top staying hurdlers. As he’s also won in three out of the four races he competed in during 2025, he’s maintained an incredible run of form heading into the Cheltenham Festival.
Honesty Policy
Despite finishing third at Ascot in December 2025, Honesty Policy has won three of the six races he has competed in – and he’s placed in those he’s not won. In fact, his outing at Ascot was the lowest finish in the six-year-old’s career. After showing good progression in 2025, Honesty Policy could kick on further with a win at Cheltenham in the Stayers’.
Bob Olinger
As the reigning champion of the Stayers’ Hurdle, Bob Olinger is arguably the horse to beat in 2026. With three Cheltenham victories to his name already, can the 11-year-old manage to put in another top-level performance?
Kabral Du Mathan
Ever since Dan Skelton became his trainer, Kabral Du Mathan has certainly made some improvements, notably winning in Cheltenham’s January meeting and at Haydock in November. After showing impressive levels of speed, posting the quickest time in each of the last four-furlong segments, Kabral Du Mathan has got more than enough pace to compete at the top.
Wodhooh
With Wodhooh winning in the 2025 Martine Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle, she’s got a recent proven ability to win at the Cheltenham Festival. Winning eight out of her last nine races, she’s in a fine vein of form that sets her up well for the Stayers’ Hurdle.
Ma Shantou
After boasting an elite performance in the Pertemps Network Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham racecourse in January, Ma Shantou has put himself firmly in contention for the Stayers’ Hurdle. Having also won three out of the last four races, being in strong form puts him in a strong position to challenge for the win.
How to identify a contender for the Stayers’ Hurdle
Picking out contenders for a race can be difficult to do, but looking into the past can reveal a lot more than you think about what makes a successful horse. Stayers’ Hurdle trends and stats can assist in your betting strategies, highlighting key indicators for who might be successful in the next edition of the event.
Though they may not be guarantees as to who will end up winning the race, they can give you a leg up on other bettors who aren’t doing the research. Whether it’s past form or success rates of the favourites, knowing how the Stayers’ Hurdle has panned out in the past is certainly a useful tool to have in your arsenal.
How to bet on the Cheltenham Stayers’ Hurdle
Now that we’ve given you an idea about who’s competing in the Stayers’ Hurdle and who the favourites appear to be, placing a bet may be on your mind. If so, Betway has everything you need to have a smooth betting experience.
With our guide on how to bet on the Cheltenham Festival, you can learn everything you need to know about Stayers’ Hurdle betting, alongside many other races too!
Stayers’ Hurdle FAQs
When is the Cheltenham Stayers’ Hurdle?
The Stayers’ Hurdle takes place on the third day of Cheltenham in the 3:20pm slot. The 2026 edition sees it fall on Thursday 12th March, between the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle and the Ryanair Chase.
What is the prize money for the Stayers’ Hurdle?
The prize money for the Stayers’ Hurdle stood at a total of £325,000 in 2025, with the 2026 pot looking like it will be a similar amount. Holding the second highest prize fund of any race on Cheltenham Day 3, it’s only beaten by the Ryanair Steeple Chase.
Who has won the Stayers’ Hurdle?
A collection of previous winners of the Stayers’ Hurdle have etched their names into the history books, including serial champions such as Big Buck’s, who is closely followed by Inglis Drever, and recent two-time winner Flooring Porter.
