The Mares Novices’ Hurdle is the penultimate race on Day Three at the 2020 Cheltenham Festival but it may be worth the wait for punters.
In recent years, this race has been kind to racegoers – Limini and Laurina have both justified favouritism to claim victory in this Grade 1 race.
First held in 2016, there isn’t much history to go by but there are a few key trends to consider when betting on the Mares Novice Hurdle. Just remember: Willie Mullins is the one to follow in mares’ races at the Cheltenham Festival.
Mares Novice Hurdle Trends & Statistics
It might not be the biggest horse racing betting event of the week but the 2020 Mares Novices’ Hurdle has all the makings of a classic. Here are the most important race trends:
- 4/4 winners were five years old.
- 4 out of 4 winners had been shorter than 12/1 on all previous starts.
- All 4 winners had at least 41 days off prior to Cheltenham.
- 4/4 had ran it a Class 2 or better last time out.
- All 4 winners had won a Class 3 or better over hurdles.
- 4 out of 4 winners raced without any headgear.
- All 4 winners were trained by Willie Mullins.
Top Trainers For The Mares Novice Hurdle
Willie Mullins has trained the winner of all four renewals of this race and you’d be hard pressed to back against him making it five in a row this year.
Lamarckise and Dolcita both have lofty reputations and Mullins will be quietly confident of claiming another victory in this race, as well as the Mares Hurdle on Day One of the Festival.
Henry de Bromhead trains ante post favourite Minella Melody and she could be the main danger to Mullins’ dominance. Stablemate to fan favourite Honeysuckle, Minella Melody is one of the rising mares in horse racing.
Mares Novice Hurdle Prize Money
According to various sources, the Mares Novices’ Hurdle prize fund for 2020 will be around £90,000.
Most horse racing followers will be expecting Willie Mullins to claim the bulk of the winnings with top spot but could we see a shock on Day 3 at the Festival?
*Credit for the photo in this article belongs to Alamy*
