The William Hill Handicap Hurdle takes place on Day Four of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival and as such, now is an ideal time to register with any of our featured UK betting sites where you can benefit from a wide range of Cheltenham Festival offers such as free bets, price boosts and enhanced places on each race at the four-day meeting.
William Hill County Handicap Hurdle Preview and Best Odds
The William Hill County Handicap Hurdle, affectionately known as the “getting-out stakes” for those punters seeking a final hurrah, is a Grade 3 handicap hurdle that graces the final day of the Cheltenham Festival.
Scheduled for Friday, 14th March 2025, this fiercely competitive race covers approximately 2 miles and 1 furlong on the demanding New Course at Cheltenham. With a total prize pot of £110,000, a handsome £61,897 awaits the connections of the triumphant horse.
Leading Contenders and Betting Odds
As the festival approaches, several horses have emerged as notable contenders for this prestigious hurdle:
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Kopeck De Mee: Trained by the illustrious Willie Mullins and owned by the legendary JP McManus, Kopeck De Mee has become the talk of the town. Despite never having raced on British or Irish soil, this French import has been backed into favouritism for multiple races, including the County Hurdle, at best odds of 9/1. His three victories from five hurdle starts in France suggest a horse of considerable talent, and the betting frenzy indicates high expectations.
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McLaurey: Another promising contender from the Mullins yard and current favourite in this contest, McLaurey has attracted significant support, with odds of 8/1. His consistent performances and potential for further improvement make him a strong candidate for punters seeking value.
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Lark In The Mornin: Trained by Joseph O’Brien, this gelding has seen his odds shorten to 10/1 following a series of commendable runs. His ability to handle competitive fields and testing conditions could serve him well in the hustle and bustle of the County Hurdle.
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Karniquet: Despite a challenging run at the Dublin Racing Festival, Karniquet remains a horse of interest, with odds around 14/1. His earlier form suggests that, with a bit of luck and perhaps a tailwind, he could be in the mix.
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Pied Piper: Carrying the top weight of 12 stone, Pied Piper is a seasoned campaigner with a touch of class. While shouldering such a burden is no small feat, his experience and tenacity make him a contender worth considering at 33/1, especially for those who believe that fortune favours the brave.
Key Race Statistics and Trends
A delve into the annals of the County Hurdle reveals patterns that could guide the discerning punter:
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Age: Youth often prevails in this contest, with 10 of the last 12 winners aged between 5 and 7 years. This trend suggests that the exuberance of youth, combined with a dash of experience, is a potent mix.
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Weight: Carrying a manageable load appears advantageous, as all of the last 12 winners bore 11 stone 8 pounds or less. This statistic might prompt some to think twice before backing the heavier-laden entrants.
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Official Rating: A rating sweet spot seems to exist between 130 and 145, with 10 of the last 12 winners falling within this bracket. Horses rated too high may find the handicapper’s grip a tad too tight, while those rated too low might lack the requisite class.
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Recent Form: A solid performance leading up to the festival is a positive indicator. Notably, 8 of the past 12 winners had secured a top-three finish in their most recent outing, suggesting that arriving in form is half the battle won.
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Trainer Insights: The Mullins family has an exceptional record in this race, with Willie Mullins securing multiple victories. His knack for readying horses for the County Hurdle makes his entries particularly noteworthy.
Historical Context
First run in 1920, the County Handicap Hurdle boasts a rich history, having been a staple of the Cheltenham Festival for over a century. Traditionally the festival’s closing race until 2009, it earned the moniker “getting-out stakes” as the last opportunity for punters to recoup losses or amplify gains. The race was previously run in honour of Vincent O’Brien, a legendary trainer with 23 Cheltenham victories, underscoring its prestige.
Conclusion
The 2025 William Hill County Handicap Hurdle promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with a blend of emerging talents and seasoned warriors set to line up. While Kopeck De Mee’s burgeoning reputation has captured the imagination of many, the competitive nature of the race ensures that victory is far from a foregone conclusion. Punters would do well to consider factors such as age, weight, official rating, and recent form when making their selections. As always, a touch of humour, a dash of scepticism, and a keen eye on the trends can make the difference between a triumphant cheer and a rueful sigh.Remember, in the world of handicaps, the only certainty is uncertainty—so bet responsibly and may the best horse win!
