Supreme Novices' Hurdle Betting Odds, Event Info, Champions and Favourites to Win

Race Details:

Date: 2026.03.10
Grade: 1
Open To: Horses Aged Four Years and Older
Track: Grass
Length: 3,298 metres
Location: United Kingdom


The Supreme Novices Hurdle traditionally kicks off the Cheltenham Festival and sets the tone for the week ahead.

This Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race is run on the Old Course at Cheltenham Racecourse in England. The event is open to horses aged four years and older, but as it is specifically designed for novice hurdlers, winning horses typically do not return to defend their titles.

The race covers nearly 3,300 meters and features eight hurdles that must be cleared. The purse for this event is usually just over 100,000 GBP.

2025 Winner:

Kopek Des Bordes
Jockey: Paul Townend
Trainer: Willie Mullins

History:

The Supreme Novices Hurdle was originally known as the Gloucestershire Hurdle and was first contested in 1946. It has long been regarded as the premier novice hurdle in the National Hunt calendar, with many winners going on to become future Grade 1 champions over hurdles or fences.
The race is famous for the iconic Cheltenham Roar, the thunderous cheer from the crowd that marks the beginning of the Festival each year.

Betting Odds & Tips:

The Supreme Novices Hurdle attracts intense betting interest due to its status as the Festival's curtain-raiser. Common wager types include Win, Each-Way, Forecast, and Tricast.
Form in key trial races such as the Tolworth Hurdle and the Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle often provides strong indicators.
Trainers Willie Mullins and Nicky Henderson have dominated recent editions, with Mullins in particular producing multiple winners from his powerful Irish stable.
The pace of the race is often fierce, favoring horses with both speed and strong finishing ability. The Old Course's shorter run-in means timing a late surge is crucial.
Weather and Going conditions also play a big part, with softer ground favoring proven stayers.

Fun Fact:

The winner of the Supreme Novices Hurdle is traditionally greeted by an eruption of the Cheltenham Roar, symbolizing the start of four days of world-class racing and celebration at Prestbury Park.

Key Takeaways:

- The Supreme Novices Hurdle is a Grade 1 race for novice hurdlers over 3,300 meters on Cheltenham's Old Course.
- It serves as the traditional opening event of the Cheltenham Festival.
- Willie Mullins and Paul Townend continue to dominate the race in recent years.
- The Cheltenham Roar adds unmatched atmosphere and anticipation to this celebrated Festival opener.


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