County Hurdle 2023 Racecard

The County Handicap Hurdle falls on the Friday of the Cheltenham Festival, usually known as Gold Cup day. First run in 1920, it was traditionally the meeting’s curtain-closer. It is still run on the fourth and final day, but following a reshuffle of the schedule in 2009, it has been moved from being the last race, to being the second.

2:10 Fri 17 Mar COUNTY HURDLE Distance: 16f 179y Age: 5yo + Prize: £100,000 Going: Gd/Sft Analyst's Verdict Willie Mullins has compiled a fine record in this race in recent years, and as one of a 4-pronged attack, the highly-admirable SHARJAH could provide the Closutton handler with further success. Twice a runner-up in the Champion Hurdle, he's run well all 3 starts in Graded company so far this term and this sort of mark may well be within reach. Low-mileage stablemate Hunters Yarn is a major threat however along with Betfair Hurdle second Filey Bay. Pembroke and Pied Piper complete the shortlist.

ENTRY FORM	SILKS	HORSE JOCKEY & TRAINER	AGE WGT		ODDS
1		1. SHARJAH (FR) J: Mr P. W. Mullins T: W. P. Mullins, Ireland	10 12-0		BET
Smashing 10-y-o who has twice finished runner-up in Champion Hurdle and whilst he may not be quite the force of old, he's acquitted himself with plenty of credit all 3 starts in Graded events this campaign. Very interesting connections pitch him in here on just his second start in handicaps.
2		2. PIED PIPER J: Davy Russell T: Gordon Elliott, Ireland	5 11-13		BET
Smart sort (third in last season's Triumph) who won a C&D conditions' event and a Down Royal Grade 2 in the autumn. Bounced back from a poor run at Leopardstown over Christmas when 6½ lengths fourth to State Man in Irish Champion last month and he's respected given his good record here.
3		3. WINTER FOG (IRE) J: Kieran Callaghan T: W. P. Mullins, Ireland	9 11-11		BET
9-y-o who boasts some very solid form in big-field handicaps (fourth in last year's Pertemps) and had little trouble dropping back to 2m as he made a winning debut for Willie Mullins at Leopardstown over Christmas. Mark has risen considerably but he's very low-mileage for his age.
4		4. SAINT SAM (FR) J: Jack Foley T: W. P. Mullins, Ireland	6 11-11		BET
Useful novice hurdler during 2020/21 season who didn't always convince with his jumping over fences. Back on track over hurdles this term, albeit unable to justify cramped odds having raced freely in small field event at Leopardstown (18.3f) 12 days ago. Return to big-field scenario may well help.
5		5. FIRST STREET J: Nico de Boinville T: Nicky Henderson	6 11-11		BET
Mighty efforts in Betfair and this race last term and resumed with a win in the Gerry Feilden at Newbury (2m) in November. Matched that level when keeping-on third in Grade 2 Relkeel here (2½m) on New Year's Day and whilst below that level in Kingwell last time, this rates more suitable. Had wind op
6		6. BALLYADAM (IRE) J: Rachael Blackmore T: Henry de Bromhead, Ireland	8 11-7		BET
Runner-up in 2021 Supreme on debut for this yard and following mixed bag last winter returned to form when fifth from 4 lb lower mark in this race 12 months ago. Confirmed himself in good heart back from an absence when third in Leopardstown handicap last month and he rates an each-way player.
7		7. AUCUNRISQUE (FR) J: Tom Cannon T: Chris Gordon	7 11-6		BET
Upwardly-mobile as a novice (Grade 2 winner) and, following bright start over fences, took his form up another notch when landing Betfair Hurdle by a length from Filey Bay, well ridden under conditions that tested speed to the full. 9 lb higher here but boasts smashing attitude and not dismissed.
8		8. HUNTERS YARN (IRE) J: P. Townend T: W. P. Mullins, Ireland	6 11-6		BET
Three-time bumper winner who opened his account at third attempt over hurdles at Naas (15.9f) in January and improved further to land listed novice at Navan (2m) 5 weeks ago. Excellent yard has won 2 of last 3 renewals of this race and this low-mileage sort is shortlisted making handicap debut.
9		9. PRAIRIE DANCER (IRE) J: Brendan Powell T: Joseph Patrick O'Brien, Ireland	5 11-3		BET
Improved over hurdles last summer, third in Galway Hurdle prior to scoring unchallenged at Listowel (2m) in September. Struggled up in grade thereafter, well-beaten fifth behind Marine Nationale in Royal Bond over Christmas. This more suitable and yard no stranger to success at this meeting.
10		10. GLORY AND FORTUNE (IRE) J: Stan Sheppard T: Tom Lacey	8 11-3		BET
Much improved hurdler last season, bagging Betfair Hurdle from 1 lb lower mark prior to a creditable fourth in Champion Hurdle. Doesn't arrive here in same groove though, not convincing with his jumping over fences late on last year and well held in first-named race 5 weeks ago.
11		11. HIGHWAY ONE O TWO (IRE) J: Mr Freddie Gordon T: Chris Gordon	8 11-2		BET
Like many from this yard, returned in excellent form in the autumn, adding to his tally from an 8 lb lower mark at Ascot (15.9f) in October. Overfaced in Christmas Hurdle next start and he could finish only midfield in Betfair Hurdle on his most recent outing. Likely vulnerable to a few again here.
12		12. ANNA BUNINA (FR) J: B. W. Harvey T: John McConnell, Ireland	7 11-2		BET
Classy mare who tasted success twice over hurdles last year and added to her tally on Flat at Killarney (14f) in August. Shade underwhelming around Christmas but back on track in recent weeks, respectable second in Grade 3 Quevega Mares' Hurdle (20.4f) last time. Mark looks about right, however.
13		13. MILKWOOD (IRE) J: Sam Twiston-Davies T: Neil Mulholland	9 11-0		BET
Ran a stormer when third in this race 2 years ago prior to landing Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr a month later. Somewhat typically been lightly raced since, shaping encouragingly on back of 3 months off when fourth at Wetherby (19.7f) 4 weeks ago. Return to this shorter trip a plus. Hood fitted.
14		14. FILEY BAY (IRE) J: M. P. Walsh T: Emmet Mullins, Ireland	7 11-0		BET
Another very good advert for his shrewd yard, bagging handicaps at Doncaster/Wincanton prior to big career-best effort when runner-up to Aucunrisque in last month's Betfair Hurdle, comfortably faring best of those held up. Long way clear of remainder then and 8 lb higher mark looks well within reach
15		15. PINKERTON (IRE) J: Sean Flanagan T: Noel Meade, Ireland	7 11-0		BET
Bumper/maiden hurdle winner during 2021/22 campaign. Progressed again in handicaps this season, beaten only by another unexposed sort at Fairyhouse (2m) in December. Small-field scenario likely didn't play to his strengths at Limerick (20f) next time and this rates more suitable.
16		16. PATH D'OROUX (FR) J: Keith Donoghue T: Gavin Patrick Cromwell, Ireland	6 11-0		BET
Bumper/maiden hurdle winner who struggled to make an impact in pair of Grade 1s in December. Returned to form back in calmer waters to land Navan novice (15.7f, soft) in January (3 main market rivals fell) but it remains relatively early days with him now attentions switch to handicaps.
17		17. PETIT TONNERRE (FR) J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr. T: Jonjo O'Neill	5 10-13		BET
Made winning handicap debut for this yard 13 months ago and even better form in defeat this campaign, not seen to best effect in Lanzarote on penultimate start and quickly back to best when fifth at Ascot (19.2f) 4 weeks ago. Remains relatively unexposed at around 2m and eased 1 lb ahead of this.
18		18. HIGHLAND CHARGE (IRE) J: Sam Ewing T: Noel Meade, Ireland	8 10-12		BET
Confirmed himself a useful performer over hurdles when taking Naas Grade 3 this time last year. Fairly low-key start over fences initially this term but this more suitable than latest assignment in Grade 2 Boyne Hurdle in February. Handicap debut.
19		19. GANAPATHI (FR) J: Alan Doyle T: Patrick Neville	7 10-9		BET
Bumper/hurdles winner who landed pair of small-field novice chases for Willie Mullins last summer. Has seemingly found his level in that sphere though and others make more appeal on balance ahead of this return to timber. Cheekpieces added to usual tongue tie.
20		20. MAGNOR GLORY (IRE) J: M. J. M. O'Sullivan T: Terence O'Brien, Ireland	7 10-9		BET
Steadily progressive 7-y-o who surpassed previous form to land Listowel handicap (2m) in September, deserving of extra credit given he came from further back than other principals. Presumably kept fresh for a tilt at this and excellent value claimer takes off handy 3 lb.
21		21. PEMBROKE J: Harry Skelton T: Dan Skelton	6 10-9		BET
Bumper winner who left hurdles debut form in his wake when landing back-to-back novice contests late last year. Progressed further when second in Grade 2 over 2½m here in January and another worth a look from this sort of mark for yard that has landed this race twice since 2018.
22		22. GIN COCO (FR) J: Jonathan Burke T: Harry Fry	7 10-8		BET
Lightly-raced 7-y-o who made light of lengthy absence to land Fontwell maiden for this yard 12 months ago prior to good second on handicap bow at Punchestown (2m). Absent since finishing fine second in Greatwood Hurdle here in November (clear of remainder). That unlikely to prove his limit.
23		23. FAIVOIR (FR) J: Bridget Andrews T: Dan Skelton	8 10-7		BET
Talented hurdler/chaser who finished midfield in this race 12 months ago before good fifth in Aintree handicap final start. Returned with creditable fourth at Kempton (2m) over Christmas but not in anything like the same form when pulled up in last month's Betfair Hurdle. Others make more appeal.
24		24. GLAN (IRE) J: L. P. Dempsey T: Gordon Elliott, Ireland	8 10-7		BET
Big effort on back of a short break to land 17-runner Fairyhouse handicap (2m) last April. Proved more miss-than-hit either side of another good run in Galway Hurdle, pulled up in race won by Magnor Glory when last seen in September.
25		25. WONDERWALL (IRE) J: Sean Bowen T: Richard Spencer	7 10-7		BET
Useful bumper performer and reached a similar level in 3 starts over hurdles, in process of running well when falling last in listed race at Huntingdon last February. Promise sole start over fences at Newbury in November and whilst absent since he remains unexposed. Cheekpieces on for handicap bow.
26		26. LUTTRELL LAD (IRE) J: Harry Cobden T: Tom Lacey	7 10-6		BET
Useful bumper winner and of a similar standard over hurdles last season. Did disappoint on Flat for previous yard last summer but best not judged too harshly on recent return/yard debut at Kelso, (rider lost irons early). Still, this looks a big ask.
Betting Forecast : 13/2 6.5 FILEY BAY, 9/1 9 HUNTERS YARN, 11/1 11 SHARJAH, 11/1 11 GIN COCO, 11/1 11 PEMBROKE, 14/1 14 AUCUNRISQUE, 18/1 18 PIED PIPER, 18/1 18 WINTER FOG, 18/1 18 PATH D'oroux, 22/1 22 FIRST STREET, 22/1 22 WONDERWALL, 28/1 28 BALLYADAM, 28/1 28 MAGNOR GLORY, 28/1 28 PETIT TONNERRE, 33/1 33 MILKWOOD, 33/1 33 SAINT SAM, 40/1 40 PINKERTON, 50/1 50 HIGHWAY ONE O TWO, 50/1 50 GLAN, 50/1 50 PRAIRIE DANCER, 66/1 66 ANNA BUNINA, 66/1 66 GLORY AND FORTUNE, 66/1 66 FAIVOIR, 66/1 66 HIGHLAND CHARGE, 80/1 80 GANAPATHI, 100/1 100 LUTTRELL LAD, 498/1 498 TEDDY BLUE

The County Hurdle is a Grade 3 race open to horses aged five years and over, and like the preceding race on the Friday card, the Triumph Hurdle, it is raced on the New course, over a distance of just under 2 miles and 1 furlong, and features eight hurdles.

Being a handicap, horses competing in the County Hurdle are subject to a graded system of weights, according to form, age and sex.

In theory, this means a more level playing field and increased competition, allowing less accomplished horses a better chance than they might otherwise have.

The top weight is usually 11 stone 12 pounds, although the bottom weight can vary depending on the strength of the competitors.

As a Grade 3 handicap, the County Hurdle is of a more accessible standard than many of the elite races during the Festival, which makes it a popular race for stables of all sizes in their quest for a Festival win.

Consequently, it usually features in excess of 25 runners, with a record field of 30 going to post in 2005.

The large field also makes it a formidable race for bettors, albeit often a lucrative one for those lucky enough to pick a winner (being a handicap of more than 15 runners, bookies will also pay out on four places at a quarter of the odds, as standard).

Since the turn of the millennium, only one favourite and two joint-favourites have been victorious in the County Hurdle, during which time six horses have won at odds of 20/1 or greater.

Between 1995 and 2016, the race was known as the Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle, in honour of the great Irish trainer who retired in 1994, having recorded a total of 23 Cheltenham Festival victories – though none of them came in this race.

Unusually for a race with such a long CV, that is not restricted to horses of a specific age, there have been no multiple winners of the County Hurdle in its entire 99-year history.

Its most famous winner this century is probably Rooster Booster – Philip Hobbs’ popular grey gelding, who won in 2002, and went on to finish first and second respectively in the 2003 and 2004 renewals of the Champion Hurdle, all under jockey Richard Johnson .

The title of most successful trainer in the County Hurdle is jointly-held at present, and will likely be contested for a number of years yet, given both parties are still very much at large in the National Hunt sphere.

Willie Mullins , who trained Thousand Stars (2010), Final Approach (2011), Wicklow Brave (2015) and Arctic Fire (2017), and Paul Nicholls, who trained Sporazene (2004), Desert Quest ( 2006), American Trilogy (2009) and Lac Fontana (2014) both have four wins apiece. The 2019 success of Ch’tibello provided Dan Skelton with a third win in the race.

Ruby Walsh is the jockey with the most wins, also with four – two of which were achieved in conjunction with Wilie Mullins: Sporazene (2004), Desert Quest (2006), American Trilogy (2009) and Final Approach (2011).

Special mention should also be given to Jonjo O’Neill , who achieved the feat of winning the race both as a jockey, with Path of Peace (1982) and Jobroke (1986), and again as a trainer with Master Tern (2000).

County Hurdle FAQs

What is the distance of the County Hurdle?

2 miles and 179 yards

How many obstacles are jumped in the County Hurdle?

8

What day of the festival is the County Hurdle?

Day 4

What time is the County Hurdle?

14:10

What weights are carried for the County Hurdle?

As it is a traditional National Hunt handicap hurdle, weights range from 11 st 12 lb for the top weight, to 10 st for the bottom weight.

What is the purse for the County Hurdle?

£100,000 (2019)

Who is the leading jockey in the County Hurdle?

Ruby Walsh

Who is the leading trainer in the County Hurdle?

Willie Mullins and Paul Nicholls, with four wins apiece

Who won the County Hurdle?

You can check out our County Hurdle results page here to see a list of previous winners.

Where can I compare the odds for the County Hurdle?

Click the link to visit our County Hurdle Odds Comparison page.