Mares Novices Hurdle

Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle

The Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, officially the Dawn Run Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, was named after the legendary mare and introduced in 2016. It now opens Day 3 of the Festival on the New Course.

The race was part of efforts to boost the number of jumping mares in training. Like the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle, Willie Mullins dominated early, winning the first five renewals, including a 1-2 in 2019 and 1-2-4-5 in 2020. More recently, however, he’s had 20 runners over the last five years with just two placed, including seven in 2025, the best finishing fourth.

Nicky Henderson is yet to win the race, with 2019 favourite Epatante finishing ninth before going on to win the Champion Hurdle. His 50/1 shot Ahorsewithnoname did finish second in 2022. British-trained horses have claimed three of the last four renewals.

 

Thursday 13.20 | 4yo+ novices | Grade 2
2 miles 1 furlong | 8 hurdles | New Course
Weight: 10st 9lb (4yo) / 11st 2lb (5yo+)
2025 Prize money: £105,000

 

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PREVIOUS WINNERS

 

YEAR	WINNER	SP
2025	Air Of Entitlement	16/1
2024	Golden Ace	10/1
2023	You Wear it Well	16/1
2022	Love Envoi	15/2
2021	Tellmesomethinggirl	5/1
2020	Concertista	9/2
2019	Eglantine Du Seuil	50/1
2018	Laurina	4/7f
2017	Let’s Dance	11/8f
2016	Limini	8/11f

 

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