Cheltenham Festival Revises Schedule: Mares’ Hurdle Moves to Thursday

The Cheltenham Festival has undergone significant changes, most notably moving the prestigious Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle from Tuesday to Thursday. This adjustment marks the first time since 2009 that the Grade One race will not be held on Champion Hurdle day. The race will now feature alongside the Ryanair Chase and the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle, taking place on the New Course at 14:40 on March 14, 2024.

Traditionally, the mares’ hurdle has been overshadowed by the Unibet Champion Hurdle, which takes place earlier on the same day. Jon Pullin, head of racing at the Jockey Club and Cheltenham’s clerk of the course, emphasized that this change allows the Mares’ Hurdle to shine in its own right. He noted, “Having previously been run on Champion Day, the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle was always somewhat in the shadow of the Unibet Champion Hurdle.”

The distance of the Mares’ Hurdle will also increase, now exceeding two and a half miles, compared to its previous length of just under that mark. This decision aims to enhance the race’s profile and ensure it receives the recognition it deserves.

Changes to Other Races and Start Positions

Alongside the shift of the Mares’ Hurdle, the TrustATrader Plate will move to Tuesday’s card, becoming the sixth race of the day. This reorganization aims to create a more balanced distribution of high-profile races throughout the festival, with each day now featuring at least three Grade One contests.

In addition to these schedule adjustments, Cheltenham has announced modifications to the starting positions for several races to minimize false starts. Pullin explained the challenges associated with the three-mile-and-half-a-furlong chase start on the Old Course, which is now being replaced by the three-mile-one-furlong start. This change will affect three races, ensuring a smoother approach to the starting line without compromising the excitement of the competition.

The three-mile-two-furlong start on the New Course will also be removed, as the more spacious three-mile-two-and-a-half-furlong start is expected to improve the approach to the starting tapes.

Furthermore, maximum field sizes for certain races will be reduced. The Coral Cup and County Hurdle will be limited to 24 runners, while the Champion Bumper will allow a maximum of 22 participants. These measures reflect a commitment to safety and fair competition at the prestigious event.

The changes at the Cheltenham Festival aim not only to elevate the profile of the Mares’ Hurdle but also to enhance the overall experience for spectators and participants alike. With these adjustments, the Festival promises an exciting four days of top-level racing.