Find out everything you need to know about the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival, including what it is, the date, time, and runners.
With Cheltenham Festival not far away, you might be curious about which race dates you should add to your calendar. Well, in this article, we’ve pulled together everything you need to know about the 2026 Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham – including the date and time, and where to watch it if you’re not able to be there in person.
For more information about the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle and the entire 2026 Festival, check out our Cheltenham races guide.
What is the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham?
Introduced in 2016, the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle goes by a couple of names: its registered title, the Dawn Run Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, is in honour of the celebrated mare who remains the only horse to win both the Champion Hurdle and the Gold Cup, while it is also currently run under the title of the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, who have sponsored the event since 2022.
Open to mares and fillies aged four and over, it is a Grade 2 National Hunt hurdle race spanning across a distance of approximately 2 miles 1 furlong with 8 hurdles needing to be jumped over the course of the race.
What date is the Cheltenham Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle?
Taking place on day three of the Cheltenham Festival 2026 schedule, the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle is scheduled for Thursday 12th of March.
Given the time of year, this can result in uncertain weather conditions whether that be sunshine, wind, rain, or potentially even snow. To avoid getting caught out, it’s important to check the forecast beforehand and wear suitable clothing if you’re planning on attending the event in person.
What time is the Cheltenham Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle?
The Cheltenham Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle will start at 1:20 pm on Thursday 12th of March, making it the first event to occur on Day Three (St Patrick’s Thursday), which is the penultimate day of the festival. It is followed by the Jack Richards Novices’ Chase (2 pm).
Where does the Cheltenham Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle take place?
The Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle will take place on the New Course at Cheltenham Racecourse. As the opening race of day three, it’s the first race of the festival to be run on the New Course.
How can you watch the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham?
For those who are unable to enjoy the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham Racecourse, you’ll still be able to watch it live on ITV on the 12th of March at 1:20 pm. Alternatively, if you’ve got a Racing TV subscription, you can also watch full festival coverage there.
The Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle horses and jockeys at Cheltenham 2026
Superstar Irish trainer Willie Mullins has entered more than 50 horses for this year’s novice and juvenile races at Cheltenham, but he’ll be eyeing success in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle with Bambino Fever, who’s currently the ante-post favourite to win.
Meanwhile, 2025’s winning trainer, Henry de Bromhead, is hoping to claim a third career win in the race with Echoing Silence. If he’s successful, he’ll be one step closer to equalling Mullins’ record of training five winners in the race.
Finalised race jockey information has yet to be released, but the complete roster of horses expected to feature at this year’s Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle includes:
Bambino Fever | Oldschool Outlaw | Echoing Silence |
Venusienne | Carrigmoornaspruce | La Conquiere |
Place De La Nation | Ellen Kelly | Future Prospect |
La Valserine | Highland Crystal | Seo Linn |
Wonderful Everyday | Eremenko | Full Of Life |
Kingston Queen | Poetisa | Switch From Diesel |
Dream Shadow | Aqua Force | Diamond Du Berlais |
Khrisma | Al Fonce | Heron In The Park |
Jackie Hobbs | Nirisque | Riskabahia |
Viscountess Nelson | Charisma Cat |
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Who are the favourites for the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle?
As the race approaches, we’ll list the favourite competitors from the finalised list to help you find the ideal horse for your wager. Make sure to check back closer to the date of the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle for the latest odds.
Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle expert tips
We’ll bring you commentary from horse racing experts once the final list of competitors is confirmed. For now, hold tight and conduct your own research into the speculated names, and remember to come back closer to the Festival for our tips, picks, and advice.
How to bet on the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham?
Whether you’re hoping for beginner’s luck or are a seasoned horse racing bettor, here at Betway, we make it easy to get stuck in and bet on the horse racing events at Cheltenham Festival – including the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle! You can take your pick from placing a race win bet on your chosen horse or opting for each way odds, which includes a win bet and a place bet for horses finishing in a top 3 position.
For further information, be sure to check out our complete Cheltenham Festival guide, or take a look at our full range of horse racing antepost odds if you’re ready to get started.
