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County Handicap Hurdle
Here are the latest County Handicap Hurdle Tips, Odds, and Racecards for the Cheltenham Festival. Find our betting trends, statistics, and past winners here.
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The County Handicap Hurdle is the second race on the final day of racing at the Cheltenham Festival. It is a Premier Handicap National Hunt hurdle that was first run in 1920. The race used to be the final race at the festival but a change to the schedule in 2009 saw it moved to the second race on the fourth day. It had held Grade 3 status until 2022 when it was reclassified as a Premier Handicap by the British Horseracing Authority for the 2023 meeting.
County Handicap Hurdle Racecard
William Hill County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
Having dominated this contest with nine victories in the past 10 seasons between them, this could be fought out between Willie Mullins and Dan Skelton once more. Sinnatra has proved consistent in five outings over hurdles and an official rating of 133 on his handicap debut looks workable. However, the six-year-old does lack the experience of a big field at this higher level and preference is for Grade 1 winner MURCIA. The Wille Mullins-trained mare arrives on the back of a solid fourth at Leopardstown and she appears to be the most solid proposition. Stablemate Karbau was far from disgraced on his reappearance when second in a Grade 3 at Naas 47 days ago and is a feasible alternative, while the progressive Bowensonfire is at top of his game and merits respect in his hat-trick bid.
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County Handicap Hurdle Overview
The County Handicap Hurdle is a handicap run over 2 miles and 179 yards on the new course on the fourth and final day of the Festival, normally as the second race on the card. During the race, there are eight hurdles to be jumped with the winner’s prize winner likely to be in the region of £62,000.
County Handicap Hurdle Betting Trends and Statistics
- Willie Mullins is very much the trainer to follow here having won 8 of the past 16 runnings. However, the best of the British counterparts is Dan Skelton who has trained four of the past ten renewals and anything he saddles is noteworthy.
- Ireland has a very good record and has taken 13 of the past 19 runnings.
- Novices or second-season hurdlers have won 20 of the last 25 renewals including last year’s winner Kargese.
- Horses that have run on the flat seem to do well here with 14 of the past 22 winners ex-flat racers.
- The optimum age appears to be 5 or 6 years of age with 20 of the past 27 winners falling into that age bracket.
- Nicky Henderson has a poor record in the race which reads 0-35 this century whilst Gordon Elliott is 0-26 in the last 13 years.
- Three favourites have obliged in the last six years but there have been plenty of big-priced winners over the years.
County Handicap Hurdle History
The County Handicap Hurdle was first run in 1920. The legendary Irish trainer Vincent O’Brien who retired in 1994 had his name added to the title in honour of his career between 1995 and 2016. The race was for many years the traditional last race of the Festival but following a new running order in 2009 was moved to its current spot as second race on the final day.
County Handicap Hurdle Winners
County Handicap Hurdle FAQ
Who won the County Handicap Hurdle in 2025?
Kargese won the 2025 County Handicap Hurdle. The winning jockey was Paul Townend and the victorious trainer was Willie Mullins.
What is the prize money for the County Handicap Hurdle?
The prize money for the winner in 2025 was £62,000.
When is the County Handicap Hurdle?
The County Handicap Hurdle is the second race on the fourth day of the Cheltenham Festival.
How many hurdles are in the County Handicap Hurdle?
There are eight hurdles to be jumped in total.
How many horses race in the County Handicap Hurdle?
There were 16 runners in the 2025 County Handicap Hurdle.
Which horses are eligible for the County Handicap Hurdle?
The race is open to horses aged five years or older.
