March 13 / 16.00 Cheltenham

16.00

Good To Soft

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

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

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

14/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.00
  • Place: £2.10

Form: 122-22 C

Last run: 75 days

W: 11st 10lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 158

Form & Verdict
3-3 at Cheltenham including twice at the Festival (albeit fortuitously in 2022); went very close in Grade 1 Aintree Hurdle (2m4f, soft) last April and he's been a respectable second to Home By The Lee on his two starts this season (2m4f/extended 2m7f, yielding); needs something extra today but the return to Cheltenham could be a plus; not ruled out each-way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

18:05 Punchestown

Bob Olinger

11st 10lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Ended a sequence of seconds when beating Teahupoo in the 2025 Stayers' Hurdle; no match for Teahupoo at Leopardstown on seasonal debut; had that below-par rival behind when a fine third behind Home By The Lee in the Stayers'; continues to prosper despite his veteran status; can go close.

3/1

3rd

2

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Bob Olinger

11st 10lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Now 11 but he was as good as ever last March when winning this race by nearly 2l from Teahupoo (good to soft; also effective on soft); respectable second to that rival at Leopardstown in December on sole run this season and his excellent record at Cheltenham means he has to be in calculations.

7/1

6/4

  • Place: £1.50

Form: /11-12 CD

Last run: 102 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 164

Form & Verdict
Close third in this in 2023 and won it 12 months ago (soft) before following up in Grade 1 at Punchestown (2m7f, yielding), again with something to spare; just one run since but that was a fair second to Lossiemouth over an inadequate 2m4f at Fairyhouse in December, and he had the identical preparation route last season; will be tough to beat if reproducing last March's form.
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

4/1

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 911114 C

Last run: 82 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 152

Form & Verdict
Completed a four-timer (good-yielding) when storming up the hill in 3m handicap on the Old Course here in October; stayed on well for fourth in Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot (3m, good to soft) in December when the steady early pace counted against him; could improve on that latest form now he's back here, particularly if he gets a stronger gallop; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

5

2nd Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 120y

16:25 Leopardstown

The Wallpark

11st 4lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Gordon Elliott

High-class staying hurdler, rated 155; 0-5 so far chasing this term but much more encouraging run on latest when second to the classy Oscars Brother in Grade 2 Ten Up Novices' at Navan last month; jumping still requires attention but is 13lb lower than hurdles here in first handicap chase.

9/1

2nd

4

8th Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 0y

15:50 Navan

The Wallpark

11st 3lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Gordon Elliott

High-class staying hurdler, rated 155; now has serious questions to answer after his first four chase starts; remote seventh in Leopardstown event won by Koktail Divin (previously beaten by Oscars Brother at Punchestown); needs to jump a lot better than in 2m4f Gowran event; longer trip should be a help at least.

8/1

Form: 1-5131 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 151

Form & Verdict
66-1 third behind Home By The Lee and Bob Olinger in Grade 1 Savills Hurdle at Leopardstown (2m7f, yielding) in December and won the Grade 2 Galmoy at Gowran Park (3m, soft to heavy) in January to make it three wins from his six starts; good chance this very lightly raced 5yo has more to offer but a sizeable step forward is needed in today's company.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

1

8th Jun 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 1f 24y

18:48 Roscommon

Rockys Diamond

12st 3lb

J: Philip Donovan

T: Declan Queally

Classy hurdler made a bright start to his chasing career with a beginners' win at Galway (2m2f, gd-yld) followed by listed chase second at Wexford (2m7f, gd-yld); came up short in a grade 2 novice chase at Punchestown in November; poor back over hurdles the last twice and now makes handicap chase debut after 137 days off; market can guide.

11/1

6th

2

22nd Jan 2026

Heavy

2m 7f 110y

13:45 Gowran Park

Rockys Diamond

11st 8lb

J: Mr D L Queally

T: Declan Queally

Won this race last season before a creditable fourth in the Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham; flopped at Punchestown; good start to chasing career with Galway win before second at Wexford; disappointed in a Grade 2 novice chase at Punchestown; made mistakes when sent back over hurdles at Leopardstown and faded to finish a remote sixth.

3/1

OUR TIP

Form: 41343P C

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 153

Form & Verdict
Beaten about 8l when fourth in this last year and further respectable efforts in Grade 1s the next twice; however, he hasn't hit the same heights over fences this term and pulled up back over hurdles latest; tongue-tie goes back on for first time since September 2023; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(7)

8th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 200y

18:15 Fairyhouse

Buddy One

9st 8lb

J: Rory Cleary

T: Paul John Gilligan

Smart staying hurdler/chaser, midfield in BetMGM Handicap at Cheltenham in March when last seen; lightly raced on Flat, winning 1m5f Ballinrobe maiden last season, well held in Leopardstown handicap subsequently; may just need this comeback run with Galway on the horizon.

8/1

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

Form: 636113 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 147

Form & Verdict
Fifth in last year's Coral Cup here (2m5f, soft) and won Punchestown handicap (3m, soft) in November before following up in a conditions hurdle at Clonmel (3m, yielding); good third to Rocky's Diamond in Grade 2 at Gowran Park (3m, soft to heavy) last time but he'd be a surprise winner today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

18:05 Punchestown

Franciscan Rock

11st 10lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: M F Morris

Most recent of his three wins was in 2024; ran his best race for a long time when 50-1 runner-up in the BetMGM Cup at Cheltenham; remote eighth behind Teahupoo here 12 months ago; up against it.

33/1

2nd

19

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Franciscan Rock

10st 12lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: M F Morris

Fifth when 50-1 in this race in 2024 (1lb higher today) and 20l sixth when 80-1 for the Grade 1 Stayers' in 2025, close up turning for home on both occasions; not so good this season and this is a rare run without tongue-tie or other headgear; not entirely dismissed, though.

50/1

Form: 224-11 C

Last run: 71 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 153

Form & Verdict
Stayed on well for fourth in last March's Coral Cup Handicap here (2m5f, soft) and has continued to progress this season with Grade 2 wins at Ascot (extended 2m3f, good) and here (extended 2m4f, soft); he was conceding 6lb to runner-up Gowel Road last time and that rival went one better in a Grade 2 here subsequently; this lightly raced 6yo is open to further improvement for his top yard now tackling a staying trip for the first time; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

25th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 110y

Class 1

16:02 Sandown

Lucky Place

11st 10lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Dual Grade 2 winner last term; finished third at the same level on penultimate start but was behind Kabral Du Mathan and stablemate Jingko Blue in that Cheltenham race; seems set for another bronze medal at best.

11/1

Form: -22221 CD

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 148

Form & Verdict
9yo front-runner who has been better than ever and admirably consistent here this term (on ground ranging from good through to soft), going close behind Lucky Place in the 2m4f Relkeel Hurdle before winning Grade 2 Cleeve over today's C&D; however, he has something to find in this company.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

21th

2

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Gowel Road

11st 10lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Can front-run; Cheltenham regular, where he won a 3m Grade 2 last January; sixth in this in 2024 and ran creditably here on three of his first five starts this season, before a big run under Toby McCain-Mitchell at Chepstow 19 days ago; back up 2lb to his career-high mark but probably not far away.

28/1

2nd

1

21st Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 2

14:55 Chepstow

Gowel Road

12st 0lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Cheltenham regular, where he won a 3m Grade 2 last January from Monmiral; ran creditably there on three of his latest four starts but he's only 2lb off his career-high mark; cheekpieces (worn on last three starts) are off; 5lb claimer is recruited.

6/1

4th

1

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:35 Cheltenham

Gowel Road

11st 8lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Course regular who won this last year (soft); however, today's contest looks like it will take more winning, even before factoring in the 6lb penalty he carries this time around; looks vulnerable on this season's evidence.

12/1

Form: 198-15 D

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 156

Form & Verdict
Made it back-to-back wins in the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle (3m, good/good to soft) when scoring at Ascot in December; each-way claims on his best form but yet to shine at Cheltenham, having finished ninth in this last year and been soundly beaten (bad mistake) in the Cleeve Hurdle over C&D in January.
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: 2-2295 C

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
1-3 over hurdles, the win in France in 2019; has done very well in valuable handicap chases here at about 2m4f and he was running well when a final-fence faller over 3m at Doncaster in January 2023; however, there's still a stamina doubt today and also a question mark regarding the return to hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

1st Nov 2025

Good

3m 0f 45y

Class 1

14:57 Wetherby

Ga Law

11st 4lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Jamie Snowden

Looked as good as ever when third in first-time blinkers in the Grade 2 Oaksey Chase at Sandown (extended 2m6f, good) in April when last seen; however, he's won just once since November 2022 and has something to find against today's opponents; reapplied cheekpieces replace the blinkers.

7/1

4

1st Nov 2025

Good

3m 0f 45y

Class 1

14:57 Wetherby

Ga Law

11st 4lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Jamie Snowden

Looked as good as ever when third in first-time blinkers in the Grade 2 Oaksey Chase at Sandown (extended 2m6f, good) in April when last seen; however, he's won just once since November 2022 and has something to find against today's opponents; reapplied cheekpieces replace the blinkers.

7/1

3rd

5

26th Apr 2025

Good

2m 6f 164y

Class 1

14:25 Sandown

Ga Law

11st 6lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Best known for his exploits in the big 2m4f handicap chases at Cheltenham; however, even on his best form he has something to find in this field and he's been pulled up the last twice; first-time blinkers replace cheekpieces.

40/1

Form: 3-3611 D

Last run: 75 days

W: 11st 10lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 161

Form & Verdict
Creditable efforts when fifth in this in 2023 (soft) and 6l third 12 months ago (soft); won by 6l in the Savills Hurdle at Leopardstown (extended 2m7f, yielding) in December, having also landed that Grade 1 in 2022; it seems likely this 10yo will again find one or more too strong now he's having another tilt at the Stayers' Hurdle, but he can give another good account.
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: 21-166

Last run: 74 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 154

Form & Verdict
Second in last year's Supreme Novices' (2m) before 2m Grade 1 wins at Aintree and Punchestown; while he takes a big step up in trip today, his dam Annie Power was second in this race and last term's promise isn't forgotten; however, he's been extremely lacklustre in 2m Grade 1s the last twice.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

16:00 Cheltenham

Mystical Power

11st 10lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Second in last year's Supreme Novices' (2m) before 2m Grade 1 wins at Aintree and Punchestown; while he takes a big step up in trip today, his dam Annie Power was second in this race and last term's promise isn't forgotten; however, he's been extremely lacklustre in 2m Grade 1s the last twice.

16/1

6th

4

29th Dec 2024

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

14:30 Leopardstown

Mystical Power

11st 12lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: W P Mullins

Sole defeat last season when second in the Supreme Novices' at Cheltenham, made amends with Grade 1 wins at Aintree and Punchestown; never going well on his reappearance in the Fighting Fifth; likely second-best of Mullins squad.

12/1

Form: 7-2111

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 151

Form & Verdict
Completed a hat-trick (2m3f/2m4f, good to soft/soft) when getting up close home in Grade 2 National Spirit at Fontwell last month; goes up in trip and back up in grade today, with something to find, but he stayed well on the Flat early in his career and has shaped this season as though today's extra distance could prompt further improvement; clearly thriving; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

15:00 Cheltenham

Nemean Lion

11st 10lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Kerry Lee

Seemed to run well in a dramatic Fighting Fifth but was only fourth of five, admittedly not entirely disgraced, last week when favourite for a Windsor contest he'd won 12 months earlier; triple Grade 2 scorer but faces a difficult task against two exciting types in this field.

33/1

4th

1

16th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Windsor

Nemean Lion

11st 8lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Kerry Lee

Middle leg of a hat-trick when winning this last year (soft); finished close-up when last of the three finishers on reappearance in Grade 1 Fighting Fifth at Newcastle (2m1f, good to soft) in November, which was a positive performance; leading claims despite a 8lb penalty.

7/4

12

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

16:00 Cheltenham

Nemean Lion

11st 10lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Kerry Lee

Completed a hat-trick (2m3f/2m4f, good to soft/soft) when getting up close home in Grade 2 National Spirit at Fontwell last month; goes up in trip and back up in grade today, with something to find, but he stayed well on the Flat early in his career and has shaped this season as though today's extra distance could prompt further improvement; clearly thriving; interesting.

25/1

Non-runners

Langer Dan, Monmiral

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £27.30
Straight Forecast £21.28
Tricast £105.16
Trifecta £175.20

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Lucky Place

RP RATINGS:

Teahupoo

Telegraph:

The Wallpark

D Express:

Rocky's Diamond

Daily Mail:

Mystical Power

WEST COUNTRY:

Gowel Road

TOPSPEED:

Nemean Lion

POSTDATA:

Home By The Lee

LAMBOURN:

Lucky Place

The Sun:

Lucky Place

The Star:

Lucky Place

Daily Record:

Lucky Place

Daily Mirror:

The Wallpark

The Times:

Teahupoo

The Guardian:

Teahupoo