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Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle Preview and Best Odds

The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle gets underway at 4pm on Day Three of the Cheltenham Festival and as such, why not treat yourself to the best Cheltenham free bets, enhanced prices, price boosts and cash-back offers which you can find when registering with any of our featured UK betting sites today.

 

 

Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle Preview and Best Odds

 

The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle, a cornerstone of the Cheltenham Festival, is the premier long-distance hurdle race in the National Hunt calendar. Scheduled for Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 4:00 PM, this Grade 1 contest challenges elite hurdlers over a grueling 3-mile (2 miles, 7 furlongs, and 213 yards) course, comprising 12 hurdles on Cheltenham’s demanding New Course.​

 

 

Leading Contenders and Betting Odds

As the festival approaches, several horses have distinguished themselves as principal contenders:​

  • Teahupoo: Trained by Gordon Elliott, Teahupoo is the defending champion and current favourite, with odds ranging from 4/5 to 11/10. His authoritative victory in the 2024 Stayers’ Hurdle and a subsequent wide-margin win at Punchestown underscore his dominance in the division. Despite a sole start this season resulting in a defeat to Lossiemouth at Fairyhouse, Elliott has strategically kept Teahupoo fresh, a tactic that has previously yielded success. His proven stamina and class make him the horse to beat. ​

  • Home By The Lee: Priced between 6/1 and 13/2, this Joseph O’Brien-trained gelding has shown consistent form, including victories in the Lismullen Hurdle and the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown. His experience and resilience position him as a formidable challenger to the favourite. ​

  • Lucky Place: Available at 8/1 to 9/1, Lucky Place has demonstrated significant improvement this season, securing wins in the Coral Hurdle and the Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham. His upward trajectory and proven course form make him a compelling each-way prospect. ​

  • The Wallpark: Offered at 12/1, The Wallpark, another from Gordon Elliott’s yard, has a profile mirroring his stablemate Teahupoo. With four consecutive wins, including a notable performance at Cheltenham, he presents value, especially for place considerations. ​

  • Rocky’s Diamond: Priced at 14/1 to 16/1, this five-year-old has made a significant impact, highlighted by a third-place finish in the Christmas Hurdle and a victory in the Galmoy Hurdle. His rapid progression suggests he could be a dark horse in this competitive field.

 

 

Key Race Statistics and Trends

Analyzing historical data provides valuable insights:

  • Age: The race typically favors horses aged six to eight, with nine of the last ten winners falling within this bracket.This trend underscores the advantage of peak maturity and experience in enduring the race’s demands. ​

  • Recent Form: A strong lead-up is crucial; eight of the past ten winners secured a top-three finish in their most recent outing, indicating the importance of entering the race in peak form. ​

  • Course Experience: Familiarity with Cheltenham’s unique contours is beneficial. Notably, eight of the last ten winners had previous festival experience, with several having recorded victories on the course. ​

  • Graded Success: Proven quality at the highest level is a common denominator; nine of the last ten winners had previously triumphed in a Graded hurdle over at least three miles, highlighting the necessity for established stamina and class. ​

 

 

Historical Context

Inaugurated in 1912, the Stayers’ Hurdle has evolved into the definitive test for long-distance hurdlers. The race has witnessed multiple repeat champions, with legends like Big Buck’s securing four consecutive victories from 2009 to 2012, and Inglis Drever achieving a hat-trick of wins between 2005 and 2008. These feats underscore the race’s prestige and the exceptional endurance required to succeed. ​

 

 

Conclusion

The 2025 Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle promises a compelling contest, blending seasoned performers with emerging talents. Teahupoo’s status as the defending champion and current favourite is well-deserved, given his impressive track record. However, credible threats abound, with Home By The Lee’s consistency, Lucky Place’s upward momentum, and The Wallpark’s strikingly similar profile to past winners all adding depth to the field. Punters should weigh factors such as age, recent form, course experience, and proven stamina when making their selections. As always, it’s advisable to consult reputable bookmakers for the latest odds, free bet bonuses, enhanced places and price boosts.