The Mares' Hurdle is one of the most anticipated races of the Cheltenham Festival and a popular betting target for Irish punters from the moment autumn form unfolds. This guide covers the market, ante-post strategy and how to approach Mares' Hurdle betting in 2027.
About the Mares' Hurdle
Run on Champion Day (Tuesday) of the Cheltenham Festival, the Mares' Hurdle is a 2 mile 1 furlong Grade 1 mares' hurdle race. The Mares' Hurdle is restricted to mares and attracts Ireland's best female hurdlers. Ireland has dominated this race, with Closutton and Mullins-trained mares leading the market in most recent seasons. The small-field format often makes the win market the best value over each-way.
Main Betting Markets
- Win market: Outright winner — the most popular market. Prices typically available from the autumn.
- Each-way betting: 4 places at 1/4 odds for large-field races. Each-way value exists when field sizes reach 12 or more runners.
- Ante-post: Pre-festival markets available months in advance. Best value typically before the Dublin Racing Festival in February.
- To be placed: Some bookmakers offer 'each-way only' or place-only markets for punters who want lower-risk exposure to competitive races.
Ante-Post Strategy
Irish-trained horses are consistent Cheltenham performers across multiple races. Looking at the form guide in autumn — first-season novices and Grade 2 winners — often surfaces potential Cheltenham contenders before the market has fully priced them. The Dublin Racing Festival in February is the last major reference point before the spring ante-post market becomes fully focused on specific Cheltenham prices.
Responsible Betting
Festival ante-post bets can sit for months before settlement. Set a festival budget across all races. Contact the Gambling Awareness Trust at 1800 753 753 or visit gamblingcare.ie. 18+ only.
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Compare Betting Odds →Frequently Asked Questions
The Cheltenham Festival 2027 is expected to take place in the third week of March 2027, running Tuesday to Friday. Exact dates will be confirmed by the Jockey Club. The Gold Cup is traditionally run on the Friday.
Yes — ante-post markets for most of the 28 Cheltenham Festival races are available from the autumn onwards. Some races have markets open from the previous season. Non-runner risk applies — if your selection is withdrawn, most ante-post bets are lost unless non-runner money-back is offered.
Standard each-way terms at Cheltenham are 4 places at 1/4 odds for championship races with 8 or more runners. Terms vary by race type and field size — always check with your bookmaker before placing.
Irish punters bet most heavily on races with strong Irish-trained runners: the Champion Hurdle, Cheltenham Gold Cup, Supreme Novices' Hurdle, Arkle Trophy and the novice hurdle races. St Patrick's Thursday is the peak day for Irish betting volume.