16.50
Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle (Grade 1)
- Prize money: £146280.99
- 2m 7f 110y
- 20 runners
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Runners: 20 runners
Type: Hurdle Turf
Surface: —
Weather: —
Form: 2-652U C BF
Last run: 11 days
W: 11st 10lb
11 yo Gelding
OR: 149
| 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 |
11st 10lb |
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 |
11st 10lb |
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: 22-221 C
Last run: 49 days
W: 11st 10lb
10 yo Gelding
OR: 164
| 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 |
11st 10lb |
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 |
11st 10lb |
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 |
Form: 3-2325 C
Last run: 50 days
W: 11st 10lb
10 yo Gelding
OR: 145
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
13th 7 |
11th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 5f 0y Class 1 |
11st 7lb |
Two races this autumn (one a 2m4f Grade 2 from The Yellow Clay) were his first wins for ages and he wasn't disgraced on latest outing; third in the 2022 County and fifth in this race last year in his only two handicaps at this meeting, but he's higher in the weights today and is now an 11yo, so can't be the percentage call. |
33/1 |
|
4th 3 |
8th Feb 2026 Heavy 2m 5f 180y |
11st 8lb |
Win record has not reflected his ability for much of his career; only one success before this season's victories in a conditions race at Sligo and 2m4f Grade 2 at this venue; needs to bounce back now having been tailed off in the Long Walk at Ascot. |
9/2 |
|
1st 1 |
24th Oct 2025 Good To Yielding 2m 1f 112y |
11st 12lb |
Just one win over hurdles but has been placed plenty of times including in graded races; was fifth in the Coral Cup before a fourth in a Fairyhouse Grade 2; was runner-up in this race last year after a similar absence so has to be respected as the top-rated in the field. |
2/1 |
Form: 98-15F D
Last run: 49 days
W: 11st 10lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: —
| 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 |
11st 10lb |
prominent, soon went second, outpaced after 2 out |
9/1 |
|
7th 3 |
1st May 2025 Yielding 2m 7f 110y |
11st 10lb |
prominent, soon went second, outpaced after 2 out |
9/1 |
Form: 1-2370 C
Last run: 50 days
W: 11st 10lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 141
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 2 |
1st Jun 2026 Yielding 2m 3f 0y |
11st 6lb |
Excellent efforts in deep 3m handicap hurdles in recent weeks, with the new visor working well; still early days over fences and the form he showed in winning at Thurles suggests he could be as effective in this discipline. |
7/1 |
|
2nd 1 |
9th May 2026 Good 3m 0f 58y Class 2 |
12st 0lb |
Back hurdling (from chasing) in a first-time visor when an excellent second of 22 at Aintree (3m, good to soft) four weeks ago, always prominent; back up 2lb but a serious each-way player. |
13/2 |
|
2nd 3 |
11th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 3m 0f 149y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
Dual hurdle winner; made a bright start to chasing career when winning a 2m6f beginners' chase at Thurles in November but hasn't built on that in his two runs since and is not obviously well treated now back hurdling in a first-time visor; probably stays 3m. |
40/1 |
Form: 361136 CD
Last run: 49 days
W: 11st 10lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 147
| 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 |
11st 10lb |
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 |
10st 12lb |
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 |
|
5th 3 |
22nd Jan 2026 Heavy 2m 7f 110y |
11st 3lb |
Smart hurdler at his best; often highly tried, including at Cheltenham and Punchestown last season after he had finished third behind Rocky's Diamond in this race; anchored by a big burden in a handicap at Leopardstown at Christmas. |
16/1 |
Form: 13-271 D
Last run: 26 days
W: 11st 10lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 159
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 4 |
7th May 2026 Good To Yielding 2m 7f 0y |
11st 12lb |
Classy hurdler rated (154) some way superior to these, career highlight when winning 3m Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree just over a year ago; only fifth when attempting repeat win there last month but looks a class apart from these rivals if anyway fluent in his jumping (wasn't that on sole previous chase start back in December 2023); interesting jockey booking. |
8/11 |
|
5th 4 |
11th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 3m 0f 149y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
Well beaten at Punchestown last May and at Navan in February on sole start since; however, this race has brought out the best in him in the last two seasons, as he finished third in 2024 (good to soft) and first last year (good); could bounce back and play another leading role. |
6/1 |
Form: -611UP D
Last run: 26 days
W: 11st 10lb
10 yo Gelding
OR: 159
| 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 |
11st 10lb |
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 |
11st 10lb |
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: 1245-1
Last run: 50 days
W: 11st 10lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 153
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 4 |
30th Apr 2026 Yielding 2m 7f 110y |
11st 10lb |
Ran only once last season, winning the Coral Cup at Cheltenham when returning from a long absence; four races over fences this season; jumping has let him down since starting with an emphatic Fairyhouse win; made a mistake two out in 2m4f Grade 1 at Fairyhouse. |
7/1 |
|
3rd 3 |
5th Apr 2026 Yielding To Soft 2m 4f 0y |
11st 10lb |
Ran only once last season, winning the Coral Cup at Cheltenham when returning from a long absence; made an impressive chasing debut over a longer trip here in November; flopped in Limerick Grade 1, dropping away since after a mistake three out; out of contention when falling at the last in Grade 1 at the DRF. |
12/1 |
Form: 12-115 C BF
Last run: 26 days
W: 11st 10lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 153
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3 |
28th Apr 2026 Yielding 3m 0f 213y |
11st 10lb |
Set the early standard in the staying novice division, winning Grade 1 Kauto Star at Kempton (3m, good) at Christmas after a 2m3f beginners' win at this venue; blotted his record in Sandown Grade 1, jumped right before unseating at the sixth; redeemed himself with a stylish front-running victory in the Brown Advisory; now looks strongest of the Mullins quartet. |
11/10 |
|
1st 5 |
11th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 1f 0y Class 1 |
11st 7lb |
Set the early standard in this division, beating Kaid d'Authie on chase debut then winning Grade 1 Kauto Star at Kempton (3m, good) on Boxing Day; jumped right before unseating in Sandown Grade 1 last time and the worries today are going left-handed plus the sense that others have improved past him. |
16/1 |
Form: 24-117
Last run: 49 days
W: 11st 10lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: —
| 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 |
11st 10lb |
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: 7/6152
Last run: 60 days
W: 11st 10lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 143
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 6 |
30th Apr 2026 Yielding 2m 7f 110y |
11st 10lb |
Has been chasing since pulled up in this race last year; 66-1 chance then; an unenviable task again; first-time cheekpieces. |
66/1 |
|
2nd 3 |
12th Apr 2026 Good 2m 4f 88y |
11st 12lb |
No wins since December 2024 and three chase efforts to date have not been super encouraging; beaten 23l in a Thurles handicap last time (2m5f, yielding); nonetheless, he's the second highest rated of the field here and possibilities if putting his best foot forward. |
9/4 |
Form: -51314 D
Last run: 49 days
W: 11st 10lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 154
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 2 |
22nd Jan 2026 Heavy 2m 7f 110y |
11st 8lb |
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 |
|
6 |
27th Oct 2025 Good To Yielding 2m 7f 0y |
10st 9lb |
Made rapid progress in staying hurdles last year, winning the Grade 2 Galmoy at Gowran before finishing fourth in the Stayers' at Cheltenham; beat a subsequent winner on chasing debut at Galway on return; this is a big jump in class but jumped well then so has to be respected |
5/1 |
Form: 4-2440 C
Last run: 50 days
W: 11st 10lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 147
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 1 |
9th May 2026 Good 2m 7f 0y |
11st 10lb |
Useful sort at his best and has run well in defeat in Grade 1 company over hurdles and fences; finally got off the mark over fences at Down Royal last time over 2m4f; this trip will suit better; a big player. |
5/2 |
|
1st 4 |
12th Apr 2026 Good 2m 4f 88y |
11st 12lb |
Promising novice chaser in 2023-2024 season and ran well in Graded hurdles in winter of 2024-2025; fairly moderate form this season but he shaped better than the bare result in the Kim Muir last time when making smooth headway turning in before his effort petered out (3m3f, good); tongue tie goes back on now and this is a good opportunity. |
13/8 |
|
10th 5 |
12th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 3m 2f 70y Class 2 |
11st 7lb |
Promising novice chaser in 2023-24 season and ran well in Graded hurdles in winter 2024-25; well handicapped on his peak form but he's failed to produce it over the last 12 months; 0-9 over fences and last hurdle win was in April 2023; a major turnaround is needed in first-time cheekpieces. |
20/1 |
Form: /6114-
Last run: 412 days
W: 11st 10lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: —
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 5 |
1st May 2026 Yielding 2m 4f 55y |
11st 9lb |
One of eight for trainer; bumper and dual winning hurdler had no chance when a faller on chasing debut at Navan in January (3m, soft to heavy) and was a moderate fourth of seven here next time (2m7f, heavy); much better when seeing off better-fancied stablemate Ballygunner Castle at Naas by 0.5l last time (2m4f, soft to heavy); in the mix on handicap chase debut. |
13/1 |
|
1st 4 |
8th Mar 2026 Heavy 2m 4f 0y |
11st 12lb |
One of three for trainer; rated 143 over hurdles; dual hurdles winner was beaten 8l in 2024 Albert Bartlett; ran just once last season when 12l behind in a Fairyhouse Grade 2; looked beaten when falling on chasing debut at Navan (3m, soft to heavy); beaten 19l at Punchestown (2m7f, heavy) last time (11l in front of Supersundae). |
6/1 |
|
7 |
17th Jan 2026 Soft To Heavy 3m 0f 0y |
11st 12lb |
Fourth in a strong edition of the Albert Bartlett in 2024; failed to make an impression in a Grade 2 hurdle at Fairyhouse on his only start last season; interesting chase prospect if he can recapture top form this season. |
13/2 |
Form: 111-22 CD BF
Last run: 49 days
W: 11st 10lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 163
| 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 |
11st 10lb |
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 |
11st 10lb |
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: 433233 D
Last run: 51 days
W: 11st 10lb
11 yo Gelding
OR: 148
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 4 |
1st Nov 2025 Good 3m 0f 26y Class 1 |
11st 2lb |
11yo who appeared to be outstayed when fourth, beaten about 8l, in the Grade 1 Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown (extended 2m7f, yielding) in May; however, that was still a good performance in today's context and he's fit from the Flat; possible player for top Irish stable. |
8/1 |
|
4th 4 |
1st Nov 2025 Good 3m 0f 26y Class 1 |
11st 2lb |
11yo who appeared to be outstayed when fourth, beaten about 8l, in the Grade 1 Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown (extended 2m7f, yielding) in May; however, that was still a good performance in today's context and he's fit from the Flat; possible player for top Irish stable. |
8/1 |
|
14 (11) |
11th Oct 2025 Good 2m 2f 0y Class 2 |
8st 5lb |
Aged 11 but he's a seriously unexposed, dark horse on Flat; smart hurdles form in Grade 1s in August 2024-May 2025; three Irish maiden races are all he's contested on Flat, when runner-up twice last year (2m/1m6f) and winning by a short head this August (2m) but he's not been hit hard with this opening Flat mark and having Willie Mullins as his trainer demands respect. |
12/1 |
Form: 141-12 C
Last run: 51 days
W: 11st 3lb
6 yo Filly
OR: 149
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 2 |
2nd May 2026 Yielding 2m 4f 118y |
11st 7lb |
Last year's winner took well to fences this season, finishing second in Limerick Grade 2 over Christmas before going one better in similar company at Thurles (2m5f, yielding) in January; right at her best back hurdling in Grade 1 Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham when a clear staying-on second to Wodhooh (beaten 1l) having allowed winner first run (good); cheekpieces now fitted for the rematch. |
6/4 |
|
2nd 3 |
12th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 4f 56y Class 1 |
11st 5lb |
5-7 over hurdles; second to stablemate Lossiemouth in this last year before a Grade 1 win at the Punchestown festival, her second success at the top level; has taken well to fences this winter, finishing second in Limerick Grade 2 over Christmas before going one better in similar company at Thurles (2m5f, yielding) in January; most consistent and looks sure to go well back hurdling. |
11/4 |
|
1st 4 |
18th Jan 2026 Yielding 2m 4f 198y |
10st 12lb |
5-7 over hurdles; second to stablemate Lossiemouth at Cheltenham last March before Grade 1 win at the Punchestown festival, her second success at top level; jumped untidily at times and more broadly disappointing on chase debut at Cork; showed sufficient improvement when second at Limerick to suggest she can beat the winner's stablemate Tareze. |
2/9 |
Form: 153143 C
Last run: 26 days
W: 11st 3lb
7 yo Filly
OR: 146
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 8 |
30th Apr 2026 Yielding 2m 7f 110y |
11st 3lb |
Third in this event last year after taking the same place in Aintree Grade 1; has failed to match that form this season and has slumped 9lb in the ratings in 12 months; tailed off in Leopardstown Grade 1 won by Teahupoo; moderate fifth behind Wodhooh; a lot to prove now but could surprise. |
25/1 |
|
5th 4 |
12th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 4f 56y Class 1 |
11st 5lb |
Smart mare who was an 11l fourth to Lossiemouth in this 12 months ago before finishing third in 3m Grade 1s at Aintree and Punchestown later in the spring; hasn't quite hit the same heights this season, including 9l third to Feet Of A Dancer and Dream On Baby in Doncaster Grade 2 latest; vulnerable even if back to her very best in a change of headgear (first-time blinkers replace cheekpieces). |
25/1 |
|
3rd 1 |
24th Jan 2026 Soft 3m 0f 84y Class 1 |
11st 8lb |
Smart staying mare who won this race 12 months ago (good to soft) in game style and made the frame in three Grade 1s at the spring festivals afterwards; ran poorly against the geldings at Leopardstown four weeks ago but would have a big chance if returning to her best. |
11/4 |
Form: 23-315
Last run: 51 days
W: 11st 3lb
6 yo Filly
OR: 143
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 10 |
28th Apr 2026 Yielding 3m 0f 213y |
11st 3lb |
Won Grade 2 Arkle Trial over 2m at Cheltenham in November before finishing third in 2m1f event at Leopardstown in December; appeared not to stay the extended 2m4f in the Grade 2 mares' chase at the Cheltenham Festival; however, she was placed in a Grade 1 hurdle around this distance in France two seasons ago. |
20/1 |
|
5th 3 |
13th Mar 2026 Good 2m 4f 127y Class 1 |
11st 5lb |
Made it 2-2 over fences in the Grade 2 Arkle Trial here (2m, soft) in November before finishing third in Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown in December (2m1f, yielding; albeit no match for the first two); has won over 2m4f but faded up the hill in the 2m4f Mares' Hurdle here 12 months ago; probably needs a career-best performance if she's to run into a place. |
10/1 |
|
4 |
19th Oct 2025 Good 2m 3f 50y |
11st 7lb |
Dual bumper winner in France including a Grade 1 event and also won two hurdle races there; won a Leopardstown Grade 3 hurdle on second spell with this yard and respectable efforts in Grade 1 mares' races since; should be too good for these if jumping adequately on chasing debut. |
2/1 |
Betting Forcast
Asterion Forlonge, Bob Olinger, Colonel Mustard, Crambo, Eagle Fang, Franciscan Rock, Hiddenvalley Lake, Home By The Lee, Jimmy Du Seuil, Kitzbuhel, Lucky Place, Meet And Greet, Rockys Diamond, Sandor Clegane, Spread Boss Ted, Teahupoo, Winter Fog, Jade De Grugy, Jetara, July Flower