March 16 / 15.30 Cheltenham

15.30

Soft

Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £197695.65
  • 2m 7f 213y
  • Class 1
  • 11 runners
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Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

50/1 (Won)

Form: -455P4 CD

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 10lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 152

Form & Verdict
11yo who hasn't been at his best on his four runs since November; however, he was a fair fourth in the Grade 2 Boyne Hurdle over an inadequate 2m5f at Navan last month and was as good as ever as recently as last April, beating Flooring Porter to win a Grade 1 at Aintree (3m, good to soft); has an excellent record at the Cheltenham Festival, with Pertemps Final wins in 2019 and 2020 (including on soft) and a fine second in the 2021 Stayers' Hurdle; no surprise to see a big performance now back up in trip and back here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

2nd May 2024

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

18:00 Punchestown

Sire Du Berlais

11st 10lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Gordon Elliott

Enjoyed the season of his life last year, winning at Cheltenham and Aintree before finishing a close third in this race; only seen out twice this season and stayed on well to finish a decent fifth in the Stayers Hurdle; comes here fresher than most and no surprise should he play a big hand.

10/1

7

2nd May 2024

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

18:00 Punchestown

Sire Du Berlais

11st 10lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Gordon Elliott

Enjoyed the season of his life last year, winning at Cheltenham and Aintree before finishing a close third in this race; only seen out twice this season and stayed on well to finish a decent fifth in the Stayers Hurdle; comes here fresher than most and no surprise should he play a big hand.

10/1

Form: 19-611 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 163

Form & Verdict
9-1 for last season's Champion Hurdle when tailed off and reportedly unsuited by the good to soft going (although he won a Grade 3 on yielding ground earlier last season); 2-2 this term having been upped in trip, winning the Grade 1 Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse (2m3f, soft) then the Grade 2 Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran (3m, soft to heavy); did it easily last time and he's a leading contender granted suitable ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

18:05 Punchestown

Teahupoo

11st 10lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Stayers' Hurdle winner at Cheltenham in 2024; second to Bob Olinger last year; experienced a rare off day when bidding to regain his crown last month, lost place at eighth and ran into traffic when rallying; despite that, strong chance of winning this race for the third time and adding to this season's Grade 1 wins at Fairyhouse and Leopardstown; blinkered for the first time.

7/4

6th

11

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Teahupoo

11st 10lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

He has a very strong record in this race with a close third in 2023 (soft), a win in 2024 (soft) and a solid second to Bob Olinger 12 months ago (good to soft); won three Grade 1s since, latest the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown (2m7f, good to yielding) where he beat Bob Olinger by 7l (albeit with that rival lacking a recent outing, unlike this fellow); has had a break prior to running in this race in each of the last two seasons; leading player.

11/4

Form: P-1222 C

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 10lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 153

Form & Verdict
Won the Grade 1 Ascot Chase in February 2021 and both subsequent wins have come over hurdles; creditable second in Grade 2 hurdle race here the last twice, most recently behind Gold Tweet in the Cleeve over C&D, but it seems likely this front-runner will again come up short.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 213y

Class 2

15:50 Cheltenham

Dashel Drasher

12st 1lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Jeremy Scott

Hasn't been running badly over fences this season but he's clearly not the force of old and he would prefer softer ground for this return to hurdling.

10/1

6th

1

16th Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 213y

Class 2

15:50 Cheltenham

Dashel Drasher

12st 1lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Jeremy Scott

Hasn't been running badly over fences this season but he's clearly not the force of old and he would prefer softer ground for this return to hurdling.

10/1

Form: 212-44 CD

Last run: 78 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 162

Form & Verdict
Not at the top of his game when fourth on both outings this term but it wasn't a bad run in the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle when last seen and this race has brought out the best in him in each of the last two seasons, with commanding all-the-way wins (good to soft/soft); reportedly had a small setback in January but he's following the same route for the third consecutive season, with a break between the Christmas Hurdle and this race, and he'll be tough to catch if producing his peak form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

24th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 1f 56y

Class 1

14:25 Cheltenham

Flooring Porter

11st 4lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Dual Stayers' Hurdle winner; has not reached quite the same level in five starts over fences but he still won the Kerry National at Listowel (3m, soft) when last seen in September 2024, making all and barely coming off the bridle; hard to weigh up after a long absence but conditions should suit and he'd be no forlorn hope if ready to roll.

12/1

3

25th Sep 2024

Good

2m 7f 180y

16:20 Listowel

Flooring Porter

11st 4lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Dual Stayers' Hurdle winner and fine second in latest renewal in March; had three runs over fences last season, all over 3m; won at Cheltenham, jumped poorly when not enjoying going right-handed at Punchestown, and then fair third in Leopardstown Grade 1; found 2m1f much too sharp at Killarney in July on handicap debut; trip will suit.

8/1

5th

2

19th Jul 2024

Good

2m 1f 0y

15:40 Killarney

Flooring Porter

11st 11lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

raced in last, soon outpaced and detached, some headway when mistake 3 out, weakened 2 out

9/4

Form: 26-O11 D

Last run: 78 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 157

Form & Verdict
Only sixth in this race last season but has shown improved form this term, winning the Grade 2 Lismullen Hurdle at Navan (2m4f, yielding) and following up in the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown (3m, soft) in December last time out; has finished powerfully the last twice and the Cheltenham hill should play to his strengths; firmly in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

15:05 Aintree

Home By The Lee

11st 10lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

11yo who was running in the Stayers' Hurdle for the fifth time when making the breakthrough in that Cheltenham Grade 1 last month (3m, good); pulled up in this race on both visits to Aintree and 33-1 when winning at the Festival, but it was certainly no fluke judged on the pick of his career exploits and he's the one to beat if repeating that latest form.

7/1

1st

6

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Home By The Lee

11st 10lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Two-time Grade 1 winner, latterly in 2024, who landed the Grade 2 Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park in January, showing he retains considerable spark at the age of 11; he's run well in this race previously but has found Grade 1 races tough over the last 12 months; could have same problem today.

33/1

OUR TIP

Form: /111-1 CD

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 157

Form & Verdict
Won two Grade 2 novice hurdles here in late 2021, including over C&D when readily beating subsequent Grade 1 winner Gelino Bello; made it 4-4 over hurdles (on ground from soft-good) when defying 428-day layoff in the Grade 2 Boyne Hurdle at Navan last month; has reportedly had a setback since and the bounce factor is a concern on this second run back from a long absence, but here's a lot to like otherwise; has the potential to be a major player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

11th Feb 2024

Heavy

2m 5f 0y

14:45 Navan

Blazing Khal

11st 8lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

towards rear throughout, weakened quickly 3 out, pulled up after 2 out

11/8

6th

2

16th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:30 Cheltenham

Blazing Khal

11st 10lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

Won two Grade 2 novice hurdles here in late 2021, including over C&D when readily beating subsequent Grade 1 winner Gelino Bello; made it 4-4 over hurdles (on ground from soft-good) when defying 428-day layoff in the Grade 2 Boyne Hurdle at Navan last month; has reportedly had a setback since and the bounce factor is a concern on this second run back from a long absence, but here's a lot to like otherwise; has the potential to be a major player.

11/4

1st

2

12th Feb 2023

Yielding

2m 5f 0y

14:40 Navan

Blazing Khal

11st 8lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

travelled strongly, held up in rear, headway 3 out, joined leader going best before last, led when ridden and stayed on after last, won going away

15/8

Form: 3-3121 CD

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 156

Form & Verdict
French challenger who relished the step up in trip when winning the Grade 2 Cleeve Hurdle over C&D (soft) in January on his first British start; travelled really well and could have more to offer given that he is unexposed over a staying distance; supplemented at a cost of £14,787 for this race and could be involved if conditions suit (unraced on good/good to soft ground).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 1

16:00 Cheltenham

Gold Tweet

11st 10lb

J: Clement Lefebvre

T: Gabriel Leenders

Impressive in Grade 2 Cleeve Hurdle here (3m, soft) in January 2023 and 7l runner-up in Grade 1 chase in France (3m3f, heavy) in November this term; rain would be a plus for this French raider but he was soundly beaten in the 2024 Betfair Chase on his last British start and would be a shock winner.

100/1

4th

4

23rd Nov 2024

Good

3m 1f 125y

Class 1

15:05 Haydock

Gold Tweet

11st 10lb

J: Gabin Meunier

T: Gabriel Leenders

French-trained 7yo who has run just twice in Britain and one of those was a clear career best, when landing the Grade 2 Cleeve Hurdle in January 2023 (3m, soft); it's possible the return to Britain will prompt another surge in his form, and he's a Grade 2 chase winner in France, but others have far more substance to their chase form and he's been below par this autumn.

20/1

4th

4

23rd Nov 2024

Good

3m 1f 125y

Class 1

15:05 Haydock

Gold Tweet

11st 10lb

J: Gabin Meunier

T: Gabriel Leenders

French-trained 7yo who has run just twice in Britain and one of those was a clear career best, when landing the Grade 2 Cleeve Hurdle in January 2023 (3m, soft); it's possible the return to Britain will prompt another surge in his form, and he's a Grade 2 chase winner in France, but others have far more substance to their chase form and he's been below par this autumn.

20/1

Form: 45-122 C

Last run: 102 days

W: 11st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 162

Form & Verdict
Won the Supreme Novices' here in 2019 and has added three staying Grade 1s more recently; neck second to Teahupoo in Grade 1 Hatton's Grace at Fairyhouse in December and the subsequent break isn't an issue as he goes very well fresh; only fifth in this last year (soft) having travelled well and there's a suspicion he'll again be vulnerable to stronger stayers at this stiff track; better ground than 12 months ago would probably aid his cause.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

23rd Nov 2023

Yielding

2m 6f 0y

12:10 Thurles

Klassical Dream

11st 12lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

jumped well, made all, travelled strongly, faced challenge but going easily after 2 out

1/4

1st

3

27th Apr 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 7f 130y

17:25 Punchestown

Klassical Dream

11st 10lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Top-class stayer has won this race for the past two years, beating Ashdale Bob last occasion; just two starts this season, running Teahupoo to a neck in the Hattons Grace on return but was well below his best in the Stayers Hurdle having had an interrupted preparation; Paul Townend's pick.

3/1

9th

8

16th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:30 Cheltenham

Klassical Dream

11st 10lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Won the Supreme Novices' here in 2019 and has added three staying Grade 1s more recently; neck second to Teahupoo in Grade 1 Hatton's Grace at Fairyhouse in December and the subsequent break isn't an issue as he goes very well fresh; only fifth in this last year (soft) having travelled well and there's a suspicion he'll again be vulnerable to stronger stayers at this stiff track; better ground than 12 months ago would probably aid his cause.

8/1

Form: 3-2342

Last run: 78 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 153

Form & Verdict
Ran really well when third in the Coral Cup Handicap at last year's Festival (2m5f, soft) and runner-up to Klassical Dream in the Grade 1 Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown (2m7f, good to yielding) last April; another big run in second to Home By The Lee in the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown (3m, soft) last time but may find a few too good today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

30th Jul 2025

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:40 Galway

Ashdale Bob

11st 4lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Mrs John Harrington

Former Grade 2-winning hurdler and came good in second stint chasing last summer with wins at Kilbeggan (beating Thecompanysergeant) and a Grade 3 novice event at this venue; warmed up with fourth behind Gaelic Arc at Kilbeggan; other younger rivals are preferred.

20/1

1

16th Jun 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 51y

19:48 Kilbeggan

Ashdale Bob

11st 12lb

J: Conor Smithers

T: Mrs John Harrington

10yo a former Grade 2-winning hurdler and came good in second stint chasing last summer with wins in C&D beginners' and in Grade 3 Galway novice; stiffer task on return in February, none too fluent and soon beaten in Grade 2 Kempton novice; cheekpieces worn the last twice now discarded for handicap debut and may just need this.

10/1

5th

1

22nd Feb 2025

Good

2m 4f 110y

Class 1

13:50 Kempton

Ashdale Bob

11st 7lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mrs John Harrington

10yo who returns from a break and possibly isn't the force of old (3m Grade 1 hurdle runner-up in December 2022) but he's won when back over fences for his last two starts, most recently a Grade 3 novice at Galway (2m2f, good) last August; not ruled out in view of his back-class.

5/1

Form: 561351

Last run: 103 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Four-time French hurdle winner, the latest by 9l in a Grade 2 at Auteuil (extended 2m5f, heavy) in December; supplemented at a cost of £14,787 for this race and the way he powered clear last time suggests he has staying potential, despite his two French attempts over 3m/3m1f not working out well; however, improvement is very much needed on this first British start.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

16th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:30 Cheltenham

Henri Le Farceur

11st 10lb

J: Felix De Giles

T: Hugo Merienne

Four-time French hurdle winner, the latest by 9l in a Grade 2 at Auteuil (extended 2m5f, heavy) in December; supplemented at a cost of £14,787 for this race and the way he powered clear last time suggests he has staying potential, despite his two French attempts over 3m/3m1f not working out well; however, improvement is very much needed on this first British start.

25/1

Form: 3-5213 CD BF

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 10lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 160

Form & Verdict
11yo who was a below-par third behind Gold Tweet in the Grade 2 Cleeve Hurdle over C&D last time, but went there after a Grade 1 win in the rescheduled Long Walk at Kempton (3m, soft) in December; won this race in 2019 (good to soft) and was third in both 2021 and 2022; each-way claims once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £105.36
Tricast £3095.99

Selections

POSTDATA:

Blazing Khal

RP Ratings:

Teahupoo

The Times:

Gold Tweet

The Guardian:

Flooring Porter

Daily Mail:

Home By The Lee

WEST COUNTRY:

Dashel Drasher

TOPSPEED:

Paisley Park

SPOTLIGHT:

Sire Du Berlais

The Sun:

Teahupoo

Daily Record:

Gold Tweet

Telegraph:

Blazing Khal

D Express:

Blazing Khal

The Star:

Flooring Porter

Daily Mirror:

Home By The Lee