Cheltenham Festival 2025: Mares’ Hurdle Preview

The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle, a Grade 1 event, is set to captivate audiences on Tuesday, 11th March 2025, at 3:20 pm during the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival. This race, spanning two miles and four furlongs, is exclusively for mares aged four years and older, providing a platform to showcase their hurdling prowess.

Cheltenham Festival 2025: Mares’ Hurdle Preview – 3.20pm

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Confirmed Runners and Latest Odds (as of 11th March 2025):

• Lossiemouth – 8/11
• Jade De Grugy – 6/1
• July Flower – 8/1
• Joyeuse – 11/1
• Kala Conti – 14/1
• Take No Chances – 33/1
• Jetara – 33/1
• Dysart Enos – 33/1
• Queens Gamble – 40/1
• Gala Marceau – 50/1
• Casa No Mento – 150/1

Leading Contenders:

• Lossiemouth: Trained by the formidable Willie Mullins, Lossiemouth returns to defend her title, having clinched victory in this race last year. Her decision to sidestep the Champion Hurdle in favour of this event has raised eyebrows, but it underscores her strong prospects here. With odds of 8/11 at leading bookmaker Boylesports, she is the clear favourite, and her impeccable jumping and consistent form make her the one to beat.  
• Jade De Grugy: Another gem from the Mullins stable, Jade De Grugy is priced at 6/1. Her performances this season have been impressive, and she poses a legitimate threat to her stablemate. Her tactical versatility could play a pivotal role in navigating the challenges of Cheltenham.
• Joyeuse and July Flower: These mares are listed at 11/1 and 8/1 respectively, and have shown flashes of brilliance in their careers. While they may not have the accolades of the top two, their tenacity and potential for an upset cannot be dismissed. 

Race Analysis:

The Mares’ Hurdle often serves as a tactical chess match, with trainers and jockeys plotting strategies to exploit the unique demands of the Cheltenham course. Lossiemouth’s decision to focus on this race, avoiding a clash with the likes of Constitution Hill in the Champion Hurdle, suggests a calculated move to secure a win.  

Jade De Grugy’s presence adds an intriguing dynamic, potentially setting up a Mullins versus Mullins showdown. The mid-field contenders, such as Joyeuse and July Flower, will be aiming to capitalize on any missteps from the favourites, making for an unpredictable and thrilling contest.

Historical Context:

Since its inception in 2008, the Mares’ Hurdle has been dominated by Willie Mullins, who has secured nine victories in this event, including six consecutive wins with the legendary Quevega.  This dominance underscores Mullins’ expertise in preparing mares for this specific challenge, and his entrants are invariably ones to watch.

Insight:

While Lossiemouth’s odds suggest she’s more of a lioness among kittens, the unpredictability of this contest means that even the most confident feline can occasionally be outfoxed. So, as punters sharpen their pencils and study the form, it’s worth remembering that in racing, as in life, the only certainty is uncertainty.

Conclusion:

The 2025 Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle promises to be a captivating spectacle, with Lossiemouth leading a talented field. Her quest to retain the title adds a layer of narrative intrigue, while challengers like Jade De Grugy are poised to seize any opportunity. As the mares line up at the start, fans and punters alike will be on the edge of their seats, anticipating a race that epitomizes the thrill and unpredictability of the Cheltenham Festival.