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County Hurdle
14:10 Cheltenham Festival
2024-03-15
Winner: £56,270
Runners: 17
Going: Heavy
No. of hurdles: 8
Distance: 2m0f179y
The County Hurdle is a fiercely competitive handicap hurdle run over 2m1f as the second race on day four of the Cheltenham Festival. Until a change in the running order in 2009 it was staged as the final race of the festival and was known as the getting-out stakes, as it offered punters a final change to find a winner. It has witnessed some major public gambles over the years. Check the County Hurdle runners and riders ahead of the race and place your bets by clicking the odds buttons.
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14(0)
6P2852
Faivoir
-
J: Tristan Durrell
T: Dan Skelton
9
10-8
136
164
Inconsistent and Harry Skelton rides stablemate L'Eau Du Sud, but he's just 2lb higher than when winning this last year (soft) and went very close off this mark in the Imperial Cup at Sandown (2m, soft) last Saturday, when perhaps in front longer than ideal (wandered a little); firmly in calculations.
1(0)
5426-4
Pied Piper
-
J: Danny Gilligan
T: Gordon Elliott
6
12-0
156
164
Third in the 2022 Triumph Hurdle over C&D (good to soft) and beaten a head by Faivoir in this race last year (soft); ran okay behind State Man in Punchestown Grade 1 in November last time out and he's just 2lb higher than 12 months ago; every chance he'll be in the mix once more.
NR(0)
20-510
Gin Coco
-
T: Harry Fry
8
10-8
136
156
Runner-up in the Greatwood here (2m, good) in November 2022 and back on song when beating Faivoir and his four other rivals at Ascot (2m, good) last November; however, tailed off at Doncaster (2m, good to soft) in December and this is a very tough race in which to try to bounce back; unproven on soft.
NR(0)
-035P0
Aucunrisque
-
T: Chris Gordon
8
10-9
137
161
Now 1lb lower than when making all in last season's Betfair Hurdle at Newbury (2m, good) and today's drop back in trip is in his favour; however, his form has been mixed this term and his claims aren't overly compelling; has won on soft but has struggled on last two encounters with such ground.
8(0)
-7324B
Bialystok
-
J: Danny Mullins
T: W P Mullins
6
10-11
139
160
Won competitive handicap at Punchestown festival last April (2m, yielding to soft) and 3l fourth in Grade 1 Royal Bond Novices' Hurdle at Fairyhouse (2m, soft) in December; 13-2 and going well in midfield when brought down two out in hot Leopardstown handicap last month, and could be involved.
NR(0)
2110-P
Parramount
-
T: Charlie Longsdon
8
10-4
132
161
Disappointing in two hot handicap hurdles last spring and has to prove he can cut it in this sort of race; however, he was an encouraging second on last month's Flat debut following an absence and he was very impressive when winning a handicap at Fakenham (2m, soft) last March; not a forlorn hope.
9(0)
16P4
Absurde
-
J: Paul Townend
T: W P Mullins
6
10-10
138
157
High class on the Flat, winning the Ebor (1m6f, good to firm) last August; yet to transfer that ability fully to hurdles and the forecast soft ground may be a hindrance, but his Grade 1 fourth at Leopardstown (2m, soft) last month behind Ballyburn and Slade Steel was a step in the right direction (King Of Kingsfield third); has potential off this mark in view of his Flat form.
16(0)
7U-4F4
So Scottish
-
J: Donagh Meyler
T: Emmet Mullins
7
10-5
133
153
Well handicapped on his chase form and 10lb lower than when seventh in last year's Plate here (2m4f, soft), when running well for a long way before fading; hit the front travelling well entering the straight in competitive handicap hurdle at Leopardstown (2m, soft) last month, finishing fourth, and may well build on that performance; very interesting contender.
NR(0)
54-215
Hansard
-
T: Gary Moore
6
11-0
142
159
Last season's novice campaign concluded with Grade 1 fourth at Aintree (2m, good to soft) and he won at Newbury (2m, good to soft) in December on his handicap debut; beaten about 3l when fifth of nine at Ascot (2m, good) later that month, but the steady pace was against him and there will be no such issue here; has won on soft; this lightly raced 6yo retains potential.
19(0)
233U21
Mr Freedom
-
J: Marc Goldstein
T: Sheena West
5
10-2
125
153
Some solid runs in defeat this season before winning six-runner Class 3 handicap at Plumpton (2m, soft) 11 days ago; carries a 5lb penalty in this much hotter race but he did very well to finish fifth of 21 in the Fred Winter at last season's Festival (2m, soft), as his jockey reported his saddle slipped early and he was bumped after two out; could go well at a big price.
13(0)
7-2445
Petit Tonnerre
-
J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr
T: Jonjo O'Neill
6
10-8
136
161
Has gone chasing this season, posting some fair efforts without winning (four attempts); beaten about 6l by Faivoir when seventh in this last year (soft) and an each-way case can be made now 4lb lower; visor goes on.
20(0)
260227
By Your Side
-
J: Jake Coen
T: Gordon Elliott
5
10-2
129
149
Experienced 5yo who improved when runner-up in competitive handicaps in December at Fairyhouse (2m, soft) and Leopardstown (2m, heavy); he's better than he showed behind a few of these at Leopardstown last month (2m, soft; slightly hampered two out) but his form needs to go to a new level today.
6(0)
-22213
King Of Kingsfield
-
J: Jack Kennedy
T: Gordon Elliott
6
10-12
140
158
Runner-up in Grade 1 Royal Bond in December (2m, soft) before winning Leopardstown maiden (2m, yielding), and he was behind this week's Festival Grade 1 winners Ballyburn and Slade Steel when 14l third in Grade 1 at Leopardstown (2m, soft) last month; strong claims on that latest evidence.
15(0)
433-P2
L'Eau Du Sud
-
J: Harry Skelton
T: Dan Skelton
6
10-7
135
162
French 4yo Listed winner in April 2022 and, bar a blip here last November, has improved with each British run; fine second in Betfair Hurdle at Newbury (2m, heavy) last month, after which he's up 6lb but he was clear of Go Dante and Faivoir who fought out last Saturday's Imperial Cup; Harry Skelton prefers him to Faivoir; big player.
3(0)
25-122
Magical Zoe
-
J: A P Heskin
T: Henry De Bromhead
6
11-2
144
151
Runner-up in Grade 2 Mares' Novices' Hurdle over C&D (soft) at this meeting last year and has continued the good work this term, last time second of 21 on last month's handicap debut at Leopardstown (2m, soft); this lightly raced 6yo is with a leading yard and could have more to offer; respected.
NR(0)
-1P189
Encanto Bruno
-
T: Gavin Cromwell
6
11-1
143
155
Won a bumper here (2m, good) in October 2022 for John McConnell and mid-division in the Champion Bumper (2m, soft) last March; won novice hurdle on stable debut here (2m4f, good) in October but two lesser efforts have followed (soft/heavy); has something to prove on the forecast slow ground.
10(0)
16-135
Risk Belle
-
J: Jody McGarvey
T: W P Mullins
5
10-9
137
157
Beaten a neck and a nose in last season's Fred Winter (2m, soft) and won a Grade 3 against males on reappearance at Fairyhouse (2m, soft) in December; however, hasn't threatened the last twice and needs something extra.
21(0)
-7P331
Afadil
-
J: Freddie Gingell
T: Paul Nicholls
5
10-2
129
156
Won in decisive fashion at Musselburgh (1m7f, good to soft) last month, having initially failed to progress this season; 5lb higher in a tougher race today at a very different track, but he kept on well for a fair eighth in last season's Fred Winter here (2m, soft) and this 5yo may have more to offer.
NR(0)
134-81
Rare Middleton
-
T: Paul Nicholls
5
10-2
121
151
Considerable promise in short Flat career and things really clicked over hurdles at Doncaster in December (2m, good to soft; Class 4) with easy win in a first-time tongue-tie (retained); has also won on soft; it remains to be seen where the ceiling of his ability now lies, but from out of the handicap (9lb) he's 15lb higher in this red-hot race, so it's a tough ask.
2(0)
131-33
Zenta
-
J: Mark Walsh
T: W P Mullins
5
11-3
145
151
Fine third in Triumph Hurdle over C&D (soft) last March then won Grade 1 4yo hurdle at Aintree (2m1f, good to soft); just two runs this season, most recently good third of 21 on handicap debut at Leopardstown (2m, soft); improvement needed but this 5yo is unexposed and in top hands; in with a chance.
7(0)
0-1P24
Westport Cove
-
J: Michael O'Sullivan
T: W P Mullins
6
10-11
139
155
Only fourth in Listed novice hurdle at Punchestown (2m, heavy) last month and needs to raise his game, but before that he pushed his stablemate Quai De Bourbon close at Clonmel (2m, heavy) and the winner has been the hot ante-post favourite for today's Martin Pipe; unexposed and not discounted.
18(0)
212415
Samui
-
J: Sam Ewing
T: Gordon Elliott
5
10-2
130
154
Disappointing in Tipperary Grade 3 last October and absent since; however, prior to that he won a big-field 4yo handicap at Listowel (2m, good to yielding) and that form reads well; also effective on soft ground; this unexposed sort retains potential for his top trainer and is not written off.
22(0)
123584
Media Naranja
-
J: Jordan Gainford
T: Gordon Elliott
5
10-2
126
147
Third of 11 in 4yo fillies' handicap over C&D (good) last April and some fair efforts in soft-ground handicaps in Ireland this winter; with a leading trainer but she's 4lb out of the handicap and improvement is needed.
RACING POST TIP
L'Eau Du Sud
The Gordon Elliott-trained novice King Of Kingsfield certainly catches the eye having finished third behind Ballyburn and Slade Steel in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown last month, while last year's Ebor winner Absurde is a fascinating contender for Willie Mullins off what could be an advantageous mark. However, preference is for the proven handicap hurdle form of L'EAU DU SUD (nap), who was an excellent second in last month's Betfair Hurdle when clear of Go Dante and Faivoir, who were the chief protagonists in Saturday's Imperial Cup. Despite Faivoir's big run at Sandown, and the fact he won this last year, Harry Skelton rides stablemate L'Eau Du Sud and the pair can enhance Dan Skelton's tremendous record in this race. Faivoir is second choice ahead of last year's runner-up Pied Piper. Go Scottish is well treated on his chase form and could be a danger, while the in-form Mr Freedom is an interesting each-way contender at big odds.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
| Year | Horse | Previous Form | Age | Price | Trainer | Jockey |
| 2023 | Faivoir | 5-4P | 8 | 33-1 | Dan Skelton | Bridget Andrews |
| 2022 | State Man | 2-F1 | 5 | 11-4F | Willie Mullins | Paul Townend |
| 2021 | Belfast Banter | 312562 | 6 | 33-1 | Peter Fahey | K C Sexton |
| 2020 | Saint Roi | 23-51 | 5 | 11/2 | Willie Mullins | Barry Geraghty |
| 2019 | Ch’tibello | 0-5692 | 8 | 12/1 | Dan Skelton | Harry Skelton |
| 2018 | Mohaayed | 31-023 | 6 | 33-1 | Dan Skelton | Bridget Andrews |
| 2017 | Arctic Fire | 2-1142- | 8 | 20-1 | Willie Mullins | Paul Townend |
| 2016 | Superb Story | 444-12 | 5 | 8-1 | Dan Skelton | Harry Skelton |
| 2015 | Wicklow Brave | F-580P | 6 | 25-1 | Willie Mullins | Paul Townend |
| 2014 | Lac Fontana | 38-141 | 5 | 11-1 | Paul Nicholls | Daryl Jacob |
KEY TRENDS AND STATS
- Key trends
- At least one top-three finish in last two starts, 8/10
- Aged five or six, 7/10
- Officially rated 134-141, 7/10
- Carried no more than 11st 1lb, 7/10 (two of the exceptions trained by Willie Mullins)
- No previous festival form, 7/10
- Ran no more than nine times over hurdles, 6/10
Other factors
- There have been eight winning novices since 1996.
- Ireland has won five of the last ten runnings, including four for Willie Mullins. Dan Skelton accounts for four of the last five British-trained winners.
We have all the best Cheltenham Betting offers ahead of placing your bets on the McCoy Contractors County Hurdle
WHAT HAPPENED LAST YEAR - COUNTY HURDLE 2023
FAIVOIR, a well beaten eleventh the previous year, lined up off a 9lb lower mark following a couple of lesser efforts this campaign, just edged a tight battle after the last with the runner-up Pied Piper who was third in the Triumph a year earlier. Filey Bay, tried in a tongue-tie, finished second in the Betfair Hurdle off 8lb lower on much quicker ground put in a respectable performance to take third, with Sharjah, a two-time Champion Hurdle runner-up back in fourth.