County Hurdle Betting Odds

On the final day of the Cheltenham Festival, all eyes will be on the main event, which happens at 3:30 pm. However, before that race takes place, there are other notable races, including the County Handicap Hurdle. Currently listed as the second race on the fourth day of the festival, it attracts many punters who are looking to increase their bankroll before the Gold Cup. You can find all of the odds for this race here at Bet UK, including the each-way markets for a handicap which should be full of chances.

About The County Hurdle

The County Hurdle has origins dating back to 1920, and since its first running at the Cheltenham Festival, it has been a key part of the betting process for many punters as it was previously the final chance to land a win before the curtain closed on Cheltenham for another year.

Classed as a premier handicap, this grade 3 race was traditionally the final race of the festival. However, due to some running order changed in 2009, it became the second race on the final day, which offers it some further esteem.

In its current form, the County Handicap Hurdle is raced on the new course, which is the same for all races on day three and day four of Cheltenham. As it's a handicap, all of the horses will carry different weights, which means no allowances will be made for mares who enter the race. The distance of the race is two miles and one furlong, and runners will need to succeed in the race.

County Hurdle Betting Tips

As part of our selection of betting tips for handicap hurdle races at the Cheltenham Festival, we offer County Hurdle betting tips which will be available ahead of the main event so you can still browse the ante-post markets. As well as this race, we'll have tips for all other races on Gold Cup day, full of trends and stats which can identify those who can finish in the top three race positions.

County Hurdle Odds

At Bet UK, we offer the latest County Hurdle odds available on the market, and they feature a wide selection of betting options, including win, each way and forecasts. Browse the odds and find the latest betting odds and decide whether you're going to place your bets on a horse to win or finish in the each-way positions.

County Handicap Hurdle Winners

The County Hurdle is an ultra-competitive race at the Cheltenham Festival and can be very difficult for a horse to win. Contested over one of the shortest distances at the festival, it can prove tricky as the hurdles come thick and fast.

As often with races on Gold Cup Day, the favourites dominate the markets, but looking back at the most recent winners, it might be better to browse further down the markets and find a strong each-way option. State Man for Willie Mullins is the most recent winner of this race at odds of 11/4, but this gbb race is known for its big-priced winners, with Belfast Banter and Wicklow Brave prime examples of those. Below we've listed the last ten winners, which could influence your options.

Recent County Hurdle Winners

2023 - Faivoir
2022 - State Man
2021 - Belfast Banter
2020 - Saint Roi
2019 - Chtibello
2018 - Mohaayed
2017- Arctic Fire
2016 - Superb Story
2015 - Wicklow Brave
2014 - Lac Fontana
2013 - Ted Veale

County Hurdle Leading Jockeys

When it comes to the County Hurdle, many of the UK and Ireland's leading jockeys have landed a win aboard top-class horses. Famously Richard Dunwoody and Timmy Murphy have managed to land wins in this race. But the most successful jockey to compete in the race is Ruby Walsh, who has four wins between 2004 and 2011.

More recently, in the County Handicap Hurdle, we have seen the same jockeys pick up wins, and if Paul Townend picks up the victory in this year's festival, he will equal the record of Ruby Walsh.

County Hurdle Winning Jockeys

2023 - Bridget Andrews
2022 - Paul Townend
2021 - Kevin Sexton
2020 - Barry Geraghty
2019 - Harry Skelton
2018 - Bridget Andrews
2017 - Paul Townend
2016 - Harry Skelton
2015 - Paul Townend
2014 - Daryl Jacob
2013 - Bryan Cooper

County Hurdle Leading Trainers

The County Hurdle is one race at the Cheltenham Festival, where we have seen domination from a set number of trainers in recent renewals. The two who stand out are Willie Mullins, with six victories since 2010, and Dan Skelton, with four wins. Willie Mullins is the winning trainer from last year, and as he's previously landed successful wins, there is the chance he has a runner who can do that again.

County Hurdle Winning Trainers

2023 - Dan Skelton
2022 - Willie Mullins
2021 - Peter Fahey
2020 - Willie Mullins
2019 - Dan Skelton
2018 - Dan Skelton
2017 - Willie Mullins
2016 - Dan Skelton
2015 - Willie Mullins
2014 - Paul Nicholls
2013 - Tony Martin

County Hurdle Betting Trends

There are some key trends to identify within the betting markets for this race, and we've listed some of them below:

Only two favourites have won in the last eleven runnings of this race.
Look for horses aged five or six, as they have won eight of the last eleven renewals.
Irish runners have won six of the last eleven races.

County Hurdle FAQs

When in the County Hurdle?

The County Hurdle is the second race on the festival's final day.

What is the weight range for the County Hurdle?

This is a handicap race which means the weight of horses won't be the same value and will vary between 10st and 12st.

Who is the favourite for the County Hurdle?

The current favourite for the County Hurdle is Filey Bay for Emmet Mullins.