Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle
Martin Pipe Hurdle
The Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle closes the Festival and is restricted to apprentice (conditional) jockeys. It attracts a big, tightly rated field, usually between 135–145.
Named after Martin Pipe, 15-time champion trainer with 34 Festival winners, the race has produced future Festival stars such as Sir Des Champs, Don Poli, and Galopin Des Champs, all trained by Willie Mullins. Stamina is vital, with an end-to-end gallop. Since the rating ceiling rose to 145 in 2012, winners often come from the top of the handicap.
No horse older than seven has won, and lightly raced hurdlers, often novices, dominate. Sir Des Champs (2011) is the only favourite to win, with 10 of 17 winners sent off at double-figure odds. David Pipe is still chasing his first success (0–23).
Friday 17.20 | 4yo+ | Listed
2 miles 4½ furlongs | 10 hurdles | New Course
Weight: 10st – 11st 10lb (handicap)*
2025 Prize money: £75,000
PREVIOUS WINNERS
| YEAR | WINNER | SP |
| 2025 | Wodhooh | 9/2 |
| 2024 | Better Days Ahead | 5/1 |
| 2023 | Iroko | 6/1 |
| 2022 | Banbridge | 12/1 |
| 2021 | Galopin Des Champs | 8/1 |
| 2020 | Indefatigable | 25/1 |
| 2019 | Early Doors | 5/1 |
| 2018 | Blow by Blow | 11/1 |
| 2017 | Champagne Classic | 12/1 |
| 2016 | Ibis Du Rheu | 14/1 |
| 2015 | Killultagh Vic | 7/1 |
| 2014 | Don Poli | 12/1 |
| 2013 | Salubrious | 16/1 |
| 2012 | Attaglance | 20/1 |
| 2011 | Sir Des Champs | 9/2f |
| 2010 | Pause and Clause | 14/1 |
| 2009 | Andytown | 25/1 |
