March 14 / 15.30 Cheltenham

15.30

Soft

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

  • Prize money: £182877.5
  • 2m 7f 213y
  • Class 1
  • 12 runners
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Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

Form: 12-052

Last run: 77 days

W: 11st 10lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 153

Form & Verdict
Grade 1 novice hurdle winner in 2020 and, having been somewhat patchy over fences, he reverted to hurdles last spring and posted a Grade 2 win (2m4f, yielding to soft) and a near-miss in the Grade 1 Champion Stayers at Punchestown (2m7f, good to yielding); each-way claims on that form but not at the same level on either Irish run this season (fences/hurdles).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

1st May 2025

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

18:00 Punchestown

Asterion Forlonge

11st 10lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

towards rear, good headway on inner when not fluent 3 out, challenging after 2 out, outpaced approaching last, ran on and went second inside final 110yds, no match for winner

12/1

2nd

1

1st May 2025

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

18:00 Punchestown

Asterion Forlonge

11st 10lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

towards rear, good headway on inner when not fluent 3 out, challenging after 2 out, outpaced approaching last, ran on and went second inside final 110yds, no match for winner

12/1

Form: 43115P C

Last run: 77 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 153

Form & Verdict
Third in the Martin Pipe here last March (2m4f, soft) and continued to progress in handicaps last year, defying top weight in big field here (3m, soft) in November; struggled in two Irish Grade 1s in December and has to prove he can cut it in this company, but he's capable of better than those last two performances and maybe a break will have helped; not ruled out each-way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

40

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Buddy One

10st 2lb

T: Paul John Gilligan

Reserve; far better known as a smart hurdler, runner-up at this meeting in 2023 and 2024, with latter race the 3m Grade 1; below form over jumps over the last year, however, and he looks poorly handicapped (particularly from 4lb wrong) judged on his results over fences.

100/1

11th

5

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Buddy One

11st 8lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Third in the 2m4f Martin Pipe at this meeting in 2023; creditable fifth in last year's Grade 1 Stayers' here but he's not really sparked since, including over fences; 6lb lower now than his peak British mark; equipped with cheekpieces on latest outing (stiff task) and today.

40/1

6th

1

26th Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 6f 111y

14:35 Galway

Buddy One

12st 2lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Interfered with early when tailed off on the Flat last time; didn't run too badly in the Galway Plate the time before when mistakes didn't help, but this smart hurdler has yet to reach the same heights over fences; respected but others appeal more.

9/2

Form: 17-131 D

Last run: 82 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 157

Form & Verdict
Highly progressive second-season hurdler who won the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot (3m, good) in December by a short head from Paisley Park; he needs a bigger performance on today's first outing since but this 7yo keeps finding the necessary further improvement, as his excellent seven-from-ten strike-rate attests; versatile ground-wise; entitled to plenty of respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

1st May 2025

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

18:00 Punchestown

Crambo

11st 10lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

prominent, soon went second, outpaced after 2 out

9/1

7th

3

1st May 2025

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

18:00 Punchestown

Crambo

11st 10lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

prominent, soon went second, outpaced after 2 out

9/1

Form: 6-3134 C

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 10lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 156

Form & Verdict
Ran a stormer at 40-1 when close second to Sire Du Berlais in this race last year (soft); in solid form this term, winning the Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury (3m, good to soft) before making the frame in the Grade 1 Long Walk at Ascot (3m, good) and Grade 2 Cleeve here (3m, good to soft); he's 11 now and needs to build on this season's efforts, but his cause may be aided if he's back on soft ground; he's an each-way possible once more.
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: 3-9133 CD

Last run: 76 days

W: 11st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 156

Form & Verdict
Made all in this in 2021 (good to soft) and 2022 (soft) and reverts to hurdles after some mixed chase form this season; not beaten far when fourth to Sire Du Berlais in this race last year but he wasn't at his peak in that campaign and needs to get back to his very best to regain his crown.
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: 15P-35 D

Last run: 77 days

W: 11st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 155

Form & Verdict
Disappointing in Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown last time and on a comeback mission today; however, he won that same race by 3l last season and did well to finish a close fifth to Sire Du Berlais in this contest 12 months ago given his bad blunder at the sixth flight; best form on soft/yielding; might not be far away if returning to form now in blinkers.
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

Form: 17F-23

Last run: 61 days

W: 11st 10lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 154

Form & Verdict
Progressive hurdler in 2019-20 novice campaign and high-class chaser subsequently, winning a 2m4f Grade 1 novice, but this 10yo was below par in Grade 2 chase at Kempton in January latest; something to prove in hot company now back hurdling and a shorter trip may be preferable; cheekpieces are added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

27th Dec 2024

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 100y

15:00 Leopardstown

Janidil

11st 10lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: W P Mullins

visibility reduced by fog, slowly away, towards rear, fell 3rd

40/1

3

27th Dec 2024

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 100y

15:00 Leopardstown

Janidil

11st 10lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: W P Mullins

visibility reduced by fog, slowly away, towards rear, fell 3rd

40/1

7th

5

16th Nov 2024

Good

2m 4f 44y

Class 1

14:20 Cheltenham

Janidil

11st 0lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

Has a poor strike-rate since winning a Grade 1 novice chase in April 2021 and current mark reflects a decline in his form; absent since disappointing in a Galway festival race that looked a good opportunity for him (was best in at the weights); new headgear needs to make a difference.

25/1

Form: 44-721 CD

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 152

Form & Verdict
2022 Grand National winner who was fourth in that same Aintree race last April; back hurdling with tongue tied this winter and stayed on strongly to win the Grade 2 Cleeve here (3m, good to soft) in January, beating Paisley Park (who gave 6lb) by a head; also effective on soft/heavy; others possess stronger hurdle form but he may be capable of better in this sphere, especially now back in the cheekpieces worn for his National win (also worn last spring); could go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

28th Dec 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 80y

14:00 Leopardstown

Noble Yeats

11st 10lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Emmet Mullins

midfield early, pressed leaders after 4th, lost position and dropped to rear when pushed along briefly after 6th, dropped to last and pushed along after 7th, reminders and struggling after 8th

13/2

6

28th Dec 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 80y

14:00 Leopardstown

Noble Yeats

11st 10lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Emmet Mullins

midfield early, pressed leaders after 4th, lost position and dropped to rear when pushed along briefly after 6th, dropped to last and pushed along after 7th, reminders and struggling after 8th

13/2

19th

1

13th Apr 2024

Heavy

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Noble Yeats

11st 12lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Emmet Mullins

2022 Grand National winner and fourth in it (again on good to soft) last year when he was hard work from out the back and never got near the leaders; hurdling on last three starts, winning a Grade 2 but coming up well short when the cheekpieces (which had served him well hitherto) were restored at Cheltenham one month ago; just 1lb lower than last year but his strength of stamina will presumably be well served by a slog in the mud.

20/1

Form: 37-222 CD BF

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 10lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 157

Form & Verdict
Won this in 2019 and third to Flooring Porter in 2021 and 2022; only seventh last year but this 12yo has been performing highly creditably this season and has gone close on all three starts, in the Long Distance Hurdle (behind Dashel Drasher who was receiving 6lb), the Long Walk (behind Crambo) and the Cleeve (behind Noble Yeats who was receiving 6lb); each-way chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found
OUR TIP

Form: 4113-7 CD

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 10lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 159

Form & Verdict
Now a 12yo and can't keep going forever; has run just once this season, when soundly beaten in the Grade 2 Boyne Hurdle at Navan last month, but that same 2m5f contest was used as his prep outing prior to his 33-1 win in this race last season (soft); followed up Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree (3m, good to soft); has an excellent record at the Festival, with form figures reading 411201, and no surprise if he plays a leading role once more.
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: 92P-F1 C

Last run: 74 days

W: 11st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 155

Form & Verdict
Won Champion Bumper in 2021 (good to soft) and Grade 1 novice hurdle (2m5f, soft) back here the following March; his chasing career was very mixed and he's unproven at 3m under rules, but he won in tidy style back over hurdles at Punchestown on New Year's Eve (2m3f, heavy; conditions race) and this fascinating contender could be a player if tapping back into his early promise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

20th Apr 2025

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Sir Gerhard

11st 10lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: W P Mullins

Former top-notcher who has understandably lost some of his old zip at the age of ten, but didn't run too badly in a Grade 3 last time and cheekpieces are fitted for his first handicap of any description; can't be ruled out.

14/1

6th

3

20th Apr 2025

Good

1m 7f 195y

Class 2

16:05 Plumpton

Sir Gerhard

11st 10lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: W P Mullins

Former top-notcher who has understandably lost some of his old zip at the age of ten, but didn't run too badly in a Grade 3 last time and cheekpieces are fitted for his first handicap of any description; can't be ruled out.

14/1

3

15th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

13:55 Gowran Park

Sir Gerhard

11st 5lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Former dual Grade 1 winner whose wins also include a beginners chase here; good bit below best in two runs at Punchestown this season, dropping away tamely last time; hard to be confident in now.

7/2

Form: 1134-1 D

Last run: 102 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 162

Form & Verdict
Favourite for this last year (soft) when close third behind Sire Du Berlais and Dashel Drasher; not quite at his best next time when 3l fourth in Grade 1 Champion Stayers at Punchestown; has run just once this season, when showing very classy form to win the Grade 1 Hatton's Grace at Fairyhouse (2m4f, soft) in December for the second successive season; only seven and may be a stronger sort than 12 months ago, which could enable him to come out on top.
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

Non-runners

Champ

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Teahupoo

The Guardian:

Noble Yeats

SPOTLIGHT:

Sire Du Berlais

WEST COUNTRY:

Crambo

Daily Mail:

Flooring Porter

POSTDATA:

Paisley Park

The Times:

Teahupoo

Telegraph:

Teahupoo

Daily Mirror:

Teahupoo

The Sun:

Teahupoo

TOPSPEED:

Sire Du Berlais

D Express:

Noble Yeats

The Star:

Noble Yeats

Daily Record:

Noble Yeats