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: 2026
Winner: Wodhooh
Jockey: Jack Kennedy
Trainer: Gordon Elliot
Year: 2025
Winner: Lossiemouth
Jockey: Paul Townend
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Year: 2024
Winner: Lossiemouth
Jockey: Paul Townend
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Year: 2023
Winner: Honeysuckle
Jockey: Rachael Blackmore
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead
Year: 2022
Winner: Marie’s Rock
Jockey: Nico de Boinville
Trainer: Nicky Henderson
Year: 2021
Winner: Black Tears
Jockey: Jack Kennedy
Trainer: Denise Foster
Year: 2020
Winner: Honeysuckle
Jockey: Rachael Blackmore
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead
The Close Brothers Novices' Handicap Chase
Year: 2019
Winner: A Plus Tard
Jockey: Rachael Blackmore
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead
Year: 2018
Winner: Mister Whitaker
Jockey: Brian Hughes
Trainer: Mick Channon
Year: 2017
Winner: Tully East
Jockey: Denis O’Regan
Trainer: Alan Fleming
Year: 2016
Winner: Ballyalton
Jockey: Brian Hughes
Trainer: Ian Williams
