Close Brothers and Cheltenham Festival 2026
Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle 2026
Day three, St Patrick's Thursday, saw our named race the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle, take place at 2.40 pm live on ITV1.
Wodhooh, ridden by Jack Kennedy and trained by Gordon Elliott, delivered an impressive performance to secure the win, holding off a strong challenge from Jade De Grugy. The victory marked the first success of this year’s Festival for both jockey and trainer.
Holly Peppard (groom) with winner Wodhooh.
Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle 2025
Last year's Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle saw Lossiemouth retain her crown and add her name to the roll of honour for a second consecutive year.
Lossiemouth, ridden by Paul Townend and trained by Willie Mullins, claimed the victory by an impressive seven and a half lengths ahead of stablemate Jade De Grugy, ridden by Danny Mullins, who come in second.
Lossiemouth
Roll of honour
The Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer |
| 2026 | Wodhooh | Jack Kennedy | Gordon Elliot |
| 2025 | Lossiemouth | Paul Townend | Willie Mullins |
| 2024 | Lossiemouth | Paul Townend | Willie Mullins |
| 2023 | Honeysuckle | Rachael Blackmore | Henry de Bromhead |
| 2022 | Marie’s Rock | Nico de Boinville | Nicky Henderson |
| 2021 | Black Tears | Jack Kennedy | Denise Foster |
| 2020 | Honeysuckle | Rachael Blackmore | Henry de Bromhead |
The Close Brothers Novices' Handicap Chase
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer |
| 2019 | A Plus Tard | Rachael Blackmore | Henry de Bromhead |
| 2018 | Mister Whitaker | Brian Hughes | Mick Channon |
| 2017 | Tully East | Denis O’Regan | Alan Fleming |
| 2016 | Ballyalton | Brian Hughes | Ian Williams |
