Mares’ Hurdle Trends: Jade De Grugy fits the bill

| Wednesday 11th March 2026, 13:33

Wednesday 11th March 2026, 13:33

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Historically run on the Old Course on Day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival, the Mares’ Hurdle was moved to Day 3 for the first time this year and is going to be the third race on the card on Thursday. It was first run in 2008 and Willie Mullins has dominated since, tasting success 11 times, with the excellent Quevega record six-consecutive wins from 2009 to 2014.

Some of the trends might be skewed with this in mind but, nevertheless, there will be some relevant ones which could help us punters in our search for winners. A field of seven has been declared for the 2026 edition and we are going to take a look at some key trends ahead of the off.

Mares' Hurdle Details

Race: Mares' Hurdle (14:40)
Date: March 12
Distance: 2m4½f
Race Type: Mares only Grade 1
Class/Grade: Grade 1

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Mares' Hurdle Odds

Mares' Hurdle Key Historical Trends

Age:

Fourteen of the 18 winners were between the ages of five and seven, only Quevega and Honeysuckle have managed to buck that trend.

Horses who fit the trend for the 2026 race

Wodhooh (154)
Jade De Grugy (150)
Feet Of A Dancer (144)
Dream On Baby (141)
Sunset Marquesa (129)

Official ratings:

Thirteen of the 18 winners had ratings in excess of 150 and all but one of them were rated 140 or higher.

Horses with ratings of 150+ for the 2026 race

Wodhooh (154)
Jade De Grugy (150)

Horses with ratings in excess of 140 for the 2026 race

Feet Of A Dancer (144)
Take No Chances (145)
Dream On Baby (141)
Jetara (145)

Recent form:

Nine of the last 10 winners finished in the first three last time out and the only exception was a faller. Six of those managed to win, which could be significant.

Last time out winners ahead of the 2026 race

Woodhooh (154)
Jade De Grugy (150)
Feet Of A Dancer (144)

Top three finish ahead of the 2026 race

Take No Chances (145)
Dream On Baby (141)
Jetara (145)
Sunset Marquesa (129)

Number of previous runs:

Eight out of the last 10 winners had between four and 12 previous starts over hurdles

Horses who fit the trend for the 2026 race

Jade De Grugy (150)
Wodhooh (154)
Dream On Baby (141)
Sunset Marquesa (129)

Trainer trends:

Willie Mullins is the trainer to watch in this race, as he has come out on top in 11 of the 18 renewals.

2026 Entries for Mullins

Jade De Grugy (150)

Common prep races:

Irish Champion Hurdle (Lossiemouth, Honeysuckle x2)
No prep run (Quevega x5)

Applicable horses

N/A

Market trends:

Seven of the last 10 winners were shorter than 5/1

Horses in this price range for the 2026 race

Wodhooh (8/11)
Jade De Grugy (3/1)

Final Shortlist

Jade De Grugy
Wodhooh
Feet Of A Dancer

Mares' Hurdle - Winner

Jade De Grugy

3/1

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Odds correct at time of publishing.

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