The Stayers’ Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle run over three miles at the Cheltenham Festival. It is one of the biggest races on Day 3 and represents the ultimate test of stamina for the top staying hurdlers in training. A competitive field is set to line up for the 2026 renewal, including former winners, British challengers, and several high-class Irish contenders. But who will stay the trip best and come out on top? Keep reading for our expert Stayers’ Hurdle predictions and betting tips.
Stayers Hurdle Preview
Teahupoo returns for a second whack at the Stayers Hurdle after finishing a second-place favourite last year. Gordon Elliott’s market leader has bounced back since then, smashing the Christmas Hurdle in December ahead of several runners in this field. That performance reaffirmed his status as one of the leading staying hurdlers in training. The nine-year-old is in a great position to go one better than last year.
Dan Skelton’s Kabral Du Mathan is an intriguing entrant after progressing rapidly this season. The six-year-old caught the eye when winning impressively at Haydock before following up with a strong performance in the Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham. Most of his best form has come over shorter trips, but his finishing effort at Cheltenham suggested that a step up in distance could unlock further improvement. If he stays the three miles, Kabral Du Mathan could prove a dangerous outsider in a competitive renewal.
Ma Shantou could be the best of the British-trained runners. His victory in the Cleeve Hurdle demonstrated both course form and staying power. Those are two attributes that are often decisive in this race. What is even better is that Emma Lavelle’s entrant does not look like he has stopped improving just yet. If he develops again from that run, he could emerge as a serious contender for the places.
Willie Mullins has a fascinating contender in Ballyburn. The talented eight-year-old showed top-class ability earlier in his career and has continued to compete at a high level in good company. He finished third behind Teahupoo in the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown in December and looks like the step up to three miles could suit. With proven Cheltenham form and Grade 1 ability, Ballyburn could emerge as a genuine challenger if he sees out the trip strongly.
Last year’s winner Bob Olinger will attempt to defend his title for Henry de Bromhead. The experienced eleven-year-old produced a brilliant late surge to deny Teahupoo at Cheltenham twelve months ago. That was his third Festival victory. He reappeared this season when finishing second behind Teahupoo at Leopardstown over Christmas and should strip fitter for that run. If conditions suit and the pace collapses late on, Bob Olinger has already shown he possesses the stamina and class required to strike again up the Cheltenham hill.
Nicky Henderson’s runner Impose Toi has been one of Britain’s most consistent staying hurdlers this season. He enjoyed a superb campaign, winning the Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury before stepping up again to land the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot. He followed that with a solid effort when second in the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham in January. With strong recent form and proven stamina over three miles, he looks a serious contender.
Honesty Policy adds further strength to Gordon Elliott’s hand. The improving stayer showed strong form earlier this season when finishing third in the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot. He has continued to develop over the extended three-mile trip. With solid staying credentials and experience against top-class opposition, he could emerge as a major contender if the favourites fail to deliver their best performances.
Stayers Hurdle Predictions
One of our best Cheltenham predictions is for Ma Shantou to win this race. Course form is worth its weight in gold at the Festival, and Ma Shantou has it in droves. Emma Lavelle’s sole runner produced a strong staying performance to land the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham in January. That is a race that has often proven to be a key trial for the Stayers’ Hurdle. He travelled strongly throughout that contest before asserting late on, suggesting that the three-mile trip on this track suits him perfectly. A pair of handicaps, including the Pertemps, reflect even better. If he produces a similar effort here, he could prove extremely difficult to pass in the closing stages.
Ballyburn could be the pick of the bunch in the each-way betting. He has gone toe-to-toe with Teahupoo twice this season, losing by a nose at Fairyhouse back in November. He then finished third behind the same rival in the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown. Willie Mullins’ runner clearly possesses the class to compete with the market leaders. The return to Cheltenham could bring out further improvement. If he settles well and sees out the three-mile trip, Ballyburn looks capable of running a big race at a solid price.
Stayers’ Hurdle Trends and Key Stats
Age trends show a clear pattern in this event. Ten of the last 12 winners were aged between six and eight, which includes six 7-year-olds. However, there have been occasional exceptions, with two of the last three renewals won by horses aged 10 or older. However, the SP betting markets have not always been a reliable guide either. Only three of the last 12 winners started as favourites, and only one odds-on favourite has won in the last six runnings.
Form, ratings, and stamina are key indicators for success in this race. Five of the last 12 winners won on their previous start, and 11 had already run at Cheltenham. A whopping seven of the previous winners had already won at the track. Nine of the last 12 were rated 156 or higher. Proven stamina also plays a major role. 13 of the last 16 winners have already won over three miles or further, and 11 of the last 14 have landed a Grade 1 or Grade 2 hurdle before the Festival.
Stayers’ Hurdle Betting Tips
Ma Shantou is a very attractive 15/2 in the horse racing betting. Emma Lavelle’s runner arrives in excellent form after winning the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham earlier this year. That is a race that has often proven to be a key trial for the Stayers’ Hurdle. His strong finishing effort that day suggested he relishes the three-mile trip on this track, and his previous handicap success at the Festival also highlights how well he handles the unique demands of Cheltenham. At that price, he looks like a strong option for anyone looking for value in the win market.
Ballyburn could be one of the most appealing selections when betting each way. Willie Mullins’ runner has already shown he can compete with the very best in this division. He pushed Teahupoo close at Fairyhouse before finishing third behind the same rival in the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown. His class is unquestionable. If he improves again for the step up to three miles, he could easily outrun his current odds and challenge for the places.
Teahupoo is another obvious contender for those looking for a safer option, worth 11/4 with our online betting site. Gordon Elliott’s star stayer has already proven himself at the very top level. His dominant display in the Christmas Hurdle showed he remains one of the leading horses in this division. If he reproduces that level of form at Cheltenham, he will once again be extremely difficult to beat and looks a solid inclusion in many betting strategies.
