Martin Pipe 2026 Tips - Free guide to the Cheltenham Festival finale
The 2026 Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival promises excitement as amateur and conditional jockeys compete. Key trends highlight that winners often have a limited hurdle history, run in Graded races, and finish strongly in previous outings. Roc Dino is the 7/1 favorite, though Air Of Entitlement and Andashan offer value bets. Air Of Entitlement, trained by Henry De Bromhead, and Freddie Gordon's mount, Andashan, are both tipped to perform well. Noteworthy players include Irish contenders like Kel Histoire and Cousin Kate.
- Predictions and best bets for the 2026 Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle
- This handicap takes place on day four of the Cheltenham Festival on March 12th
- Air Of Entitlement (12/1) and Andashan (20/1) feature in our selections
The curtain comes down on another Cheltenham Festival with the Martin Pipe, a two-and-a-half mile handicap hurdle that's open only to amateur and conditional jockeys.
We've analysed the field set to take part in this year's race to bring you our Martin Pipe tips for 2026, including our best bets, key trends and race verdict.
Last Updated: 06.03.2026
Race Info
| Race | Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle |
| Date | Friday, March 13th, 2026 |
| Start Time | 5:20pm |
| Status | Class 2 |
| Distance | 2m4f56y |
| First Prize | £38,580 |
| Going | NA |
| Runners | 81 |
| Favourite | Roc Dino (7/1) |
2026 Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle Trends
- 10 of the last 11 winners had run no more than eight times over hurdles
- 10 of the last 11 winners carried 11-03 or more
- 10 of the last 11 winners had run in a Graded or Listed race
- 9 of the last 11 winners had never won a handicap
- 9 of the last 11 winners returned an SP of 12/1 or shorter
- 9 of the last 11 winners finished 3rd or better last time out
Wodhooh was the quintessential "Graded horse masquerading in a handicap" last season, even though she'd won a handicap previously. Many have handed a similar moniker to Roc Dino, but I thought he was fortunate to get close to El Cairos at Thurles and his French form looks pretty average.
A Pai De Nom could hardly be described as unexposed, as he's run four times in handicaps this season. The Passing Wife looked to have a strong chance before the weights were announced, but after she was handed top-weight off her British mark of 143, Gavin Cromwell seems more likely to supplement his mare for the Albert Bartlett on Gold Cup day.
2026 Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle Tips
| Bet Type | Name | Odds (6.3.26) |
|---|---|---|
| Value Bet 1 | Air Of Entitlement | 12/1 |
| Value Bet 2 | Andashan | 20/1 |
Despite riding out his claim, Freddie Gordon remains a conditional jockey, meaning he could partner ANDASHAN (20/1) in the Martin Pipe on Gold Cup day for his father, Chris.
Andashan showed promise during a light novice campaign last term, and shaped like he wanted a trip when third on his reappearance at Newbury. Chris Gordon stepped his charge up to two-and-a-half miles for the first time at Haydock in November, where Andashan ran well, only to bump into a proper handicap blot in the form of Kabral Du Mathan.
Freddie's mount went one better at Newbury in December, where he carried 11-11 to victory in a valuable 20-furlong handicap. Andashan's fresh mark of 133 will see him shoulder 11-2 in the Cheltenham Festival's final race, and he remains capable of another forward step.
Given their dominance in this contest down the years, you simply have to back at least one of the Irish raiders in the Martin Pipe. Kel Histoire is dropping down in class, and Willie Mullins' handicap debutante has to be respected. Gordon Elliott's hand this year doesn't seem particularly strong, but I Started A Joke looks to have a chance for Charles Byrnes, and Denis Hogan's prolific mare Cousin Kate is worth more than a second look.
Henry De Bromhead saddled the Martin Pipe runner-up in 2024, and the third and fourth past the post 12 months ago. His big gun this year could be AIR OF ENTITLEMENT (12/1), who was my selection when she won the Mares' Novices' Hurdle at last year's Cheltenham Festival.
Rachael Blackmore's mount got outpaced coming down the hill that day, but picked up gamely once she met the rising ground and snatched a narrow victory over Sixandahalf. Air Of Entitlement was then sent off at 9/2 to win the Grade One at Fairyhouse just over a month later, but barely feared at Aurora Vega stormed to victory.
Darragh O'Keeffe's mount ran well on her seasonal reappearance at Fairyhouse in November, finishing second in Rated Hurdle where she was giving a stone to the race-fit winner. Air Of Entitlement was then backed into joint-favouritism for the Listed Neville Hotels Premier Handicap at Leopardstown's Christmas Festival, where she weakened out of contention quickly and beat only three rivals home.
De Bromhead's horses all ran poorly over Christmas, and we know how good he is at getting his big guns ready for the Cheltenham Festival. Air Of Entitlement is a Grade Two winner at this track, and she'll be running off a workable mark of 139. She has to have a good chance.
Live Stream
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Martin Pipe 2026 FAQs
When is the Martin Pipe 2026?
The Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle will take place on day four of the Cheltenham Festival on Friday 13th March, 2026.
What time does the Martin Pipe go off?
The County Hurdle is scheduled to start at 5:20pm on March 13th.
Where can I watch the 2026 Martin Pipe?
The Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle will be shown live on ITV Racing. You can also stream the race live on a mobile device. Head to our website for more information.
Verdict
Air Of Entitlement hasn't been at her best since winning the 2025 Mares' Novices' Hurdle, but Henry de Bromhead's mare has a handy mark and will be primed for her return to Cheltenham.
Chris and Freddie Gordon will team up with Andashan, and he could turn out to be the best of the British contenders in this year's Martin Pipe.
Chris and Freddie Gordon will team up with Andashan, and he could turn out to be the best of the British contenders in this year's Martin Pipe.
Air Of Entitlement
2026 Martin Pipe
@12/1 - 5 Units
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with promo code NEWBONUS
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Andashan
2026 Martin Pipe
@20/1 - 5 Units
Bet £10 Get £10
with promo code NEWBONUS
Join betgoodwin with promo code NEWBONUS and get access to their Bet £10 Get £10 as a free ACCA welcome offer. 18+ only. T&Cs apply.
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