The first handicap on Gold Cup day at the Cheltenham Festival is the County Hurdle. This two-mile hurdles race is one of the oldest races at the entire meeting, having first been run in 1920. It's also one of the most valuable non-Grade One races at Cheltenham.
CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Fashion on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Fashion on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: In the Guinness Village on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: In the Guinness Village on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Racegoers relax before the start of racing on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Racegoers relax before the start of racing on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Racegoers relax before the start of racing on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Footballer John Terry with his wife Toni on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Footballer John Terry with his wife Toni on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Footballer John Terry with his wife Toni (L) on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Footballer John Terry with his wife Toni (L) on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Trainer Paul Nicholls and guest arrive at the track on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Trainer Paul Nicholls and guest arrive at the track on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line before Jack Kennedy (R, white cap) on Pied Piper to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line before Jack Kennedy (R, white cap) on Pied Piper to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line before Jack Kennedy (R, white cap) on Pied Piper to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line before Jack Kennedy (R, white cap) on Pied Piper to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban approach the finish line to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line before Jack Kennedy (R, white cap) on Pied Piper to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line before Jack Kennedy (R, white cap) on Pied Piper to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line before Jack Kennedy (R, white cap) on Pied Piper to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line before Jack Kennedy (R, white cap) on Pied Piper to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban (L, pink kit) approach the finish line to win The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban acknowledge the crowd following their victory in The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on Vauban acknowledge the crowd following their victory in The JCB Triumph Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend riding State Man (yellow) clear the last to win The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend riding State Man (yellow) clear the last to win The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend (L, yellow kit) on State Man approach the finish line to win The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend (L, yellow kit) on State Man approach the finish line to win The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend (L, yellow kit) on State Man looks on after crossing the finish line to win The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend (L, yellow kit) on State Man looks on after crossing the finish line to win The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on State Man celebrates after their victory in The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on State Man celebrates after their victory in The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on State Man celebrates after their victory in The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on State Man celebrates after their victory in The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on State Man celebrates after their victory in The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend on State Man celebrates after their victory in The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Racegoers on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Racegoers on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Racegoers on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Paul Townend riding State Man (yellow) clear the last to win The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: A Cheltenham sign is seen during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: A Cheltenham sign is seen during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Sean O'Keeffe (R, black and white cap) on The Nice Guy clear the last before Paul Townend (white cap) on Minella Cocooner to win The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Sean O'Keeffe (R, black and white cap) on The Nice Guy clear the last before Paul Townend (white cap) on Minella Cocooner to win The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Sean O'Keeffe on The Nice Guy celebrates after their victory in The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Sean O'Keeffe on The Nice Guy celebrates after their victory in The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: A general view of jockeys and horses running in The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard clear the last ahead of Robbie Power on Minella Indo to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard clear the last ahead of Robbie Power on Minella Indo to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore riding A Plus Tard (red) clear the last to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore riding A Plus Tard (red) clear the last to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore riding A Plus Tard (red) clear the last to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore riding A Plus Tard (red) clear the last to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore riding A Plus Tard (red) clear the last to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore riding A Plus Tard (red) clear the last to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore riding A Plus Tard (red) clear the last to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore riding A Plus Tard (L, red) clear the last to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard looks on after winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard looks on after winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore kisses the Gold Cup after riding A Plus Tard to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore riding A Plus Tard (red) clear the last to win The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on day four of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Spectators are seen in the grandstand as they watch The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Spectators are seen in the grandstand as they watch The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Spectators are seen in the grandstand as they watch The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Spectators are seen in the grandstand as they watch The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Daniel Jacob and Zambella jump the third last with Sam Coltherd and Maid O'Malley (4) on day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Daniel Jacob and Zambella jump the third last with Sam Coltherd and Maid O'Malley (4) on day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: MC O'Donovan and Lord Schnitzel jump the 3rd last in the St. James's Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase on day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: MC O'Donovan and Lord Schnitzel jump the 3rd last in the St. James's Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase on day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Daniel Jacob and Zambella jump the third last with Sam Coltherd and Maid O'Malley (4) on day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Daniel Jacob and Zambella jump the third last with Sam Coltherd and Maid O'Malley (4) on day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Mark Walsh and Elimay (3) jump the 3rd last on their way to victory in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase on day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Mark Walsh and Elimay (3) jump the 3rd last on their way to victory in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase on day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Runners and riders jump the third last in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase on day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Runners and riders jump the third last in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase on day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
The County Hurdle is one of the most historic handicap races at the Cheltenham Festival. This Grade Three is open to all hurdlers, and is run over a distance of two miles.
The race was first run in 1920, some four years before the Gold Cup. Some even saw the Gold Cup as the lead-up race to the County Hurdle, which was the feature race on day four during the 20s and 30s.
The Country Hurdle has produced many high-calibre horses down the years. 1985 County Hurdle winner, Floyd went on to win plenty of Graded honours, including two victories in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle.
Willsford won the 1989 County Hurdle, before going on to collect the Midlands Grand National and Scottish Grand National during his time over fences.
Philip Hobbs' Rooster Booster won the 2002 renewal of the County Hurdle. Rooster Booster then returned to the Cheltenham Festival 12 months later and won the Champion Hurdle.
Paul Nicholls has trained four winners of the County Hurdle since 2004, with his most recent triumph coming in 2014 with Lac Fontana.
The last six renewals of this handicap have been shared between William Mullins and Dan Skelton.
Skelton trained his first Cheltenham Festival winner in 2016, when Superb Story won the Country Hurdle. In 2018, Bridget Andrews rode Mohaayed to victory for Skelton, before Dan's brother Harry guided Ch'tibello into the winners' enclosure the following season.
Willie Mullins' is the most successful trainer in County Hurdle history, having saddled the winner five times.
Mullins' most recent success came in 2020, when well-backed favourite, Saint Roi defeated stablemate Aramon to hand Mullins a 1-2-4 in the County Hurdle. There was a big shock in the 2021 County Hurdle, as 33/1 outsider Belfast Banter headed a finish of roughiess
County Hurdle Winners
Year
Winner
2022
State Man
2021
Belfast Banter
2020
Saint Roi
2019
Ch'tibello
2018
Mohaayed
2017
Arctic Fire
2016
Superb Story
2015
Wicklow Brave
2014
Lac Fontana
2013
Ted Veale
2012
Alderwood
2011
Final Approach
2010
Thousand Stars
2009
American Trilogy
2008
Silver Jaro
2007
Pedrobob
2006
Desert Quest
2005
Fontanesi
2004
Sporazene
2003
Spirit Leader
2002
Rooster Booster
County Hurdle FAQs
When is the County Hurdle?
The 2023 County Hurdle will take place at 2:10pm on day four of the Cheltenham Festival on Friday 17th March.
What is the County Hurdle?
The County Hurdle is a handicap hurdle run at the Cheltenham Festival. This Grade Three is open to all hurdlers, and is run over a distance of two miles.
Who won the County Hurdle?
Hot favourite State Man won the 2022 County Hurdle.
Where can I watch the County Hurdle?
The 2023 County Hurdle will be shown live on ITV Racing. If you want to stream the race live on your mobile or tablet then visit our Live Streaming page for more details.
