Date | Friday, March 19, 2021 |
Start Time | 13:55 (GMT+0) |
Distance | 2m 1f |
Type | Hurdle |
Prize | £100,000 |
Where to Watch | Cheltenham live stream at MansionBet |
Horses’ Age | 5+ Years. |
The Randox Health County Handicap Hurdle is a Grade 3 National Hunt race, part of the annual Cheltenham Festival, taking place on the fourth and final day of the event. In 2020, the race turned a 100-years-old, with the inaugural County Handicap Hurdle dating back to 1920.
The race used to be the closer on the third and then-final day of the festival. Things changed in 2009 though, when a fourth day was added to the race card. The County Hurdle was moved to the second slot of the Festival’s fourth day, where it remains to this day.
The County Handicap Hurdle: Tips and Predictions
As a handicapped race, the County Hurdle offers a level field, which makes for a fascinating competition. Moreover, looking at historical information only confirms the well-balanced nature of the field. Only one of the past 12 winners has been a favourite, and only three were in the bookies’ top three.
Clearly, the County Hurdle is a race where any horse has a chance to come out on top. Nevertheless, there are some clear trends. Two names have dominated the recent history of the competition: Willie Mullins and Dan Skelton.
Mullins has trained five champions since 2010, while Skelton has trained three of the past five winners. Any contestant fielded by either of these trainers will generate significant betting interest.
It’s worth mentioning that every single winner since 2009 was rated 134 or higher, with at least one previous win over hurdles. They all had at least one win over distances of two miles or longer.
Once the County Handicap Hurdle field is revealed, you can use these tips and trends to narrow down your options.
County Handicap Hurdle: Betting Odds
Horses | Current Odds |
Ganapathi | 8/1 |
Blue Lord | 17/2 |
Proschema | 17/2 |
Soaring Glory | 17/2 |
Third Time Lucki | 9/1 |
Goshen | 10/1 |
Grand Roi | 10/1 |
Thedevilscoachman | 11/1 |
Drop The Anchor | 12/1 |
Saldier | 12/1 |
Master Mcshee | 12/1 |
Irascible | 12/1 |
Verdana Blue | 12/1 |
Fifty Ball | 12/1 |
The Shunter | 14/1 |
Magic Tricks | 14/1 |
Capodanno | 14/1 |
Sky Pirate | 14/1 |
Dreal Deal | 14/1 |
Buzz | 14/1 |
Pipesmoker | 16/1 |
Tegerek | 16/1 |
Cadzand | 16/1 |
You Raised Me Up | 16/1 |
Dysart Diamond | 18/1 |
Cayd Boy | 18/1 |
Darasso | 18/1 |
Champagne Gold | 18/1 |
Lucky One | 18/1 |
Edwardstone | 18/1 |
The County Handicap Hurdle: Recent Winners
Year | Horse | Jockey | Trainer |
2020 | Saint Roi | Barry Geraghty | Willie Mullins |
2019 | Ch’tibello | Harry Skelton | Dan Skelton |
2018 | Mohaayed | Bridget Andrews | Dan Skelton |
2017 | Arctic Fire | Paul Townend | Willie Mullins |
2016 | Superb Story | Harry Skelton | Dan Skelton |
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