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Cheltenham Festival 2025: Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle Preview
3:20pm, Tuesday 11th March 2025
The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle, a Grade 1 contest over 2 miles and 4 furlongs, is set to take place on 11th March 2025 at the Cheltenham Festival. This prestigious race highlights the top-class talent among mares in National Hunt racing.
Leading Contenders and Betting Odds
As the festival approaches, several mares have emerged as leading contenders:
- Lossiemouth – Under the guidance of Willie Mullins, Lossiemouth has shown significant potential. Initially aimed at the Champion Hurdle, recent considerations suggest a possible switch to the Mares’ Hurdle, with current odds at 4/5.
- Jade De Grugy – Another strong contender from Mullins’ yard, this six-year-old has demonstrated consistent form, with bookmakers offering odds around 5/2.
- Golden Ace – Trained by Jeremy Scott, Golden Ace has shown promise this season. Her recent performances have earned her a spot among the top contenders, with odds currently at 6/1.
- Jetara – Representing Jessica Harrington’s stable, Jetara has been making waves with her recent performances, earning her a spot as a solid each-way option at 25/1.
Race Trends and Insights
Historically, the Mares’ Hurdle has been dominated by Irish-trained horses, with Willie Mullins securing nine victories since the race’s inception in 2008. This trend bodes well for his entrants, particularly Lossiemouth and Jade De Grugy.
Age-wise, six and seven-year-old mares have fared well, aligning with the profiles of Brighterdaysahead and Jade De Grugy. Additionally, previous Cheltenham experience has proven advantageous, as many past winners had prior runs at the festival.
Trainer Dominance
Willie Mullins’ dominance in this race is noteworthy. His ability to prepare mares for this specific contest has been unparalleled, making his entries, especially Lossiemouth and Jade De Grugy, significant threats.
Betting Considerations
Given the competitive nature of the Mares’ Hurdle, punters might consider the following strategies:
- Each-Way Betting: With bookmakers often offering enhanced place terms, backing horses like Golden Ace at 14/1 could provide value.
- Non-Runner No Bet (NRNB): Several bookmakers offer NRNB on this race, ensuring stakes are refunded if the selection does not run. This option provides added security amid potential withdrawals.
- Market Movements: Monitoring late market shifts can offer insights into stable confidence and horse wellbeing, crucial in the days leading up to the race.
Conclusion
The 2025 Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle promises to be a thrilling contest, with a blend of established favourites and emerging talents set to compete. As always, punters are advised to conduct thorough analysis and consider historical trends alongside current form when making their selections.
