Mares' Hurdle 2026 Tips - Willie's mare to go one better this year?

Jon Vine

Editor

Last updated: Tue 10 Mar 2026 15:16

Jon Vine 10 Mar 2026

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Predictions and best bets for the 2026 Mares' Hurdle
This Grade One takes place on day three of the Cheltenham Festival on March 12th
Jade De Grugy (8/1) features in our selections

Expired

Could Jade De Grugy revert back to hurdles at Cheltenham? (Getty)

The Mares' Hurdle, which used to be run on Champions' Day, will now kick off a trio of Grade One races on day three of the Cheltenham Festival.

We've analysed the field set to take part in this year's race to bring you our Mares' Hurdle tips for 2026, including our best bet and race verdict.

Last Updated: 19.02.2026

Race Info

Race	Mares' Hurdle
Date	Thursday, March 12th, 2026
Start Time	2:40pm
Status	Grade One
Distance	2m4f56y
First Prize	£70,338
Going	NA
Runners	22
Favourite	Wodhooh (8/11)

2026 Mares' Hurdle Tips

Bet Type	Name	Odds (19.2.2026)
Best Bet (NRNB)	Jade De Grugy	8/1

Note: These selections are subject to change. All of my selections will be finalised once the fields have been confirmed.

The only entrant that I feel is classy enough to beat Wodhooh is JADE DE GRUGY (8/1). Willie Mullins' mare has been jumping fences this season, but Willie would need a runner if Lossiemouth does go to the Champion Hurdle, and Jade De Grugy is the most likely substitute.

Having finished second to her stablemate here at the Cheltenham Festival 12 months ago, Jade De Grugy went on to slam both Gala Marceau and Brighterdaysahead in the equivalent race at Punchestown. Mullins' mare didn't jump well on her chasing debut, but went close behind a classy rival in The Big Westerner at Limerick over Christmas, and was last seen claiming an emphatic victory at Grade Two level at Thurles.

Jade De Grugy is only rated four pounds inferior to Wodhooh, and they would sit ten pounds clear of the other likely runners in the ratings. If Lossiemouth does run here, Jade De Grugy will go to the Mares' Chase, and NRNB stipulations will see your stake returned.

Live Stream

Visit our Mares' Hurdle Live Stream page if you want to watch any race on day three of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival via a mobile or tablet.

Mares' Hurdle 2026 FAQs

When is the Mares' Hurdle 2026?

The Mares' Hurdle will take place on day three of the Cheltenham Festival on Thursday 12th March, 2026.

What time does the Mares' Hurdle go off?

The Mares' Hurdle is scheduled to start at 2:40pm on March 12th.

Who will win the 2026 Mares' Hurdle?

Lossiemouth has every chance of sealing a hat-trick in the Mares' Hurdle, but if she heads for the Champion Hurdle, then her stablemate Jade De Grugy could put it up to Wodhooh.

Where can I watch the 2026 Mares' Hurdle?

The Mares' 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

2026 Mares' Hurdle

Jade De Grugy finished second to Lossiemouth 12 months ago, and she can take down Wodhooh on Thursday.

Jade De Grugy

2026 Mares' Hurdle Best Bet

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