The Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival promises to be a spectacle for any horse racing enthusiast. Scheduled for Thursday, March 13th, 2025, this celebrated race will kick off at 1:20 pm, marking the beginning of the third day’s thrilling action at one of the UK’s premier racing events. The race unfolds on the New Course, a venue known for capturing the storied tradition of Cheltenham with the bravado of spirited competition.
Sensing the thrill of hooves thundering down the stretch, those tuning in will witness a compelling Grade 2 National Hunt hurdle race. The course spans approximately 2 miles and 1 furlong and is tailored for talented mares and fillies aged four and over. Competitors will have the task of clearing eight formidable hurdles, a challenge that echoes the test of skill and endurance that this race represents.
This race, often remembered by its registered title, the Dawn Run Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, pays homage to the only mare to have achieved victory in both the Champion Hurdle and the Gold Cup. Sponsored since 2022 by Ryanair, this event attracts the finest participants and is a highlight for the trainers and owners who meticulously prepare their promising young horses.
March weather at Cheltenham can bring an unpredictable mix of sunshine, wind, and rain, or even a dusting of snow. While it sets a vivid backdrop, those venturing to witness the race might prefer to check forecasts and bundle up in attire suited for the elements, akin to preparing for opening day in spring with a touch of winter still in the air.
With ITV broadcasting live, and full coverage available through Racing TV, the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle is accessible to both spectators at the racecourse and those enjoying the spectacle from afar. If you’re setting your betting sights on this race, consider what’s on the line—stakes can run high, and selecting favorites or up-and-comers can shine under the spotlight.
A glance at the likely contenders includes a selection of well-prepared mares, with Willie Mullins, a fixture in the winner’s circle, having a strong hand in the field. His expertise, racking up multiple victories in past iterations of the race, is anticipated to feature prominently. Notable entries include horses like Sixandahalf, Magic Mccolgan, and Siog Geal, each with their unique racing lineage and traits that seasoned trainers and aspiring bettors alike will want to scrutinize.
The roster may also feature well-regarded trainers such as Jamie Snowden and Henry De Bromhead, who aim to capture the spotlight once more. Each horse will have its turn under the keen eye of the trainers and the crowd, shimmering in the March light and dressed for glory.
This spectacle is more than just a race; it is part of a cultural phenomenon rooted deeply within the racing heritage, a meeting point where tradition and modern horse training methods bask in shared admiration. As betting unfolds, those eager to dive in can acquaint themselves with the nuances of wagering decisions, the environment imparting layers of strategy and thrill akin to a well-played hand in any fabled game.
For new fans and seasoned enthusiasts, the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle stands as a hallmark of skill, tradition, and the unyielding spirit of the equestrian world. The anticipation builds, and as the date edges nearer, all eyes will be watching for which mare dances over the hurdles and charges towards the winner’s post.
