Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle |
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| Grade 1, Cheltenham 16:00 £325,000 guaranteed, 4yo plus, 2m 7f 213y, Class 1 |
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Few races at the Cheltenham Festival carry quite the same sense of durability and stamina as the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle, and this year’s renewal promises another compelling chapter with 13 contenders still standing their ground for the day three centrepiece.
At its heart lies a familiar rivalry. The last two winners, Teahupoo and Bob Olinger, are both set to return, each seeking to tilt the balance back in their favour after sharing the honours in the past two seasons.
Teahupoo, trained by Gordon Elliott, produced a commanding performance to capture the Grade One prize in 2024, stamping his authority on the division in emphatic fashion. Twelve months later, however, it was Bob Olinger who stole the spotlight, Henry de Bromhead’s seasoned campaigner rolling back the years to claim a third Cheltenham Festival victory for the same Robcour ownership.
Teahupoo is exceptional at Leopardstown! 😍
— BETDAQ (@BETDAQ) December 28, 2025
pic.twitter.com/KWrfuP4SDA
This time Teahupoo arrives with the momentum. Three runs this season have yielded three victories, and he heads the market as he attempts to reclaim the crown that slipped from his grasp last year. Bob Olinger, meanwhile, prepares for his defence having had just a single outing this term, finishing a seven-length runner-up to Teahupoo at Leopardstown during the Christmas Festival.
Robbie Power, racing manager to Robcour, is understandably optimistic about the dual assault.
“The Stayers’ Hurdle is a very competitive race but Teahupoo and Bob Olinger go there in great form.
“Teahupoo won his third Hatton’s Grace and was very impressive when he beat Bob Olinger at Leopardstown at Christmas. I thought Bob ran an exceptionally good race on his first start of the season and it’s always been the plan with him to go Leopardstown at Christmas then Cheltenham in March as he’s 11 now.
“He’s in unbelievable form at home and Henry is really happy with him. Davy Roach, who rides him out every day, feels he’s as good as he’s ever been.
“The two of them go there giving us a great chance. Obviously they were first and second last year and the ground could have a big bearing on it – the drier the ground the better Bob Olinger’s chances, while the easier the ground the more it favours Teahupoo. Hopefully it’s one race we have plenty of angles covered in.”
Elliott also holds a strong supporting card in Honesty Policy, who advertised his credentials when finishing third behind Impose Toi in Ascot’s Long Walk Hurdle. The latter, owned like Honesty Policy by JP McManus, could yet take a different route, however, with the Pertemps Final on the same day offering an alternative engagement where he would shoulder top weight.
Dan Skelton is set to test the boundaries of Kabral Du Mathan’s stamina as the progressive hurdler steps up to three miles for the first time, while Emma Lavelle’s Ma Shantou brings strong course credentials, having already won three times at Cheltenham and earning his place in the line-up with victory in the Cleeve Hurdle over this very course and distance in January.
Elsewhere, Willie Mullins relies on Ballyburn as his lone representative, Shark Hanlon sends the ever-popular Hewick, and Joseph O’Brien’s stalwart Home By The Lee is poised to contest the race for the fifth consecutive year.
As well as Impose Toi, Nicky Henderson could be represented by Doddiethegreat, while Gowel Road, Gwennie May Boy and Feet Of A Dancer complete the list of acceptors for what looks set to be another searching examination of stamina on the Festival stage.
Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle
£325,000 guaranteed, 4yo plus, 2m 7f 213y, Class 1
13 remaining entries
Going: Good to Soft
NO. FORM HORSE AGE TRAINER JOCKEY
1 15-223 Ballyburn 8 11-10 W P Mullins
2 /221-2 Bob Olinger 11 11-10 Henry De Bromhead
3 -23453 Doddiethegreat 10 11-10 Nicky Henderson
4 037442 Gowel Road 10 11-10 Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies
5 196-7P Gwennie May Boy 8 11-10 Christian Williams
6 8-7145 Hewick 11 11-10 John Joseph Hanlon
7 UP-641 Home By The Lee 11 11-10 Joseph Patrick O'Brien
8 111-23 Honesty Policy 6 11-10 Gordon Elliott
9 -21112 Impose Toi 8 11-10 Nicky Henderson
10 222-11 Kabral Du Mathan 6 11-10 Dan Skelton
11 7-1011 Ma Shantou 7 11-10 Emma Lavelle
12 22-111 Teahupoo 9 11-10 Gordon Elliott
13 43-121 Feet Of A Dancer 7 11-3 Paul Nolan
STAYERS' HURDLE PAST RESULTS
Year Winner Age/Wt Trainer Jockey SP Ran
2025 Bob Olinger 10 11-10 Henry De Bromhead Rachael Blackmore 8/1 13
2024 Teahupoo 7 11-10 Gordon Elliott Jack Kennedy 5/4F 12
2023 Sire Du Berlais 11 11-10 Gordon Elliott Mark Walsh 33/1 11
2022 Flooring Porter 7 11-10 Gavin Cromwell Danny Mullins 4/1 10
2021 Flooring Porter 6 11-10 Gavin Cromwell Danny Mullins 12/1 15
2020 Lisnigar Oscar 7 11-10 Rebecca Curtis Adam Wedge 50/1 15
2019 Paisley Park 7-11-10 Emma Lavelle Aidan Coleman 11/8F 18
2018-WINNER-PENHILL 7-11-10 Owner-Tony Bloom; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-Paul Townend; SP-12/1
2ND-Supasundae 8-11-10 Owner-Ann & Alan Potts Limited; Trainer-Jessica Harrington IRE; Jockey-Robbie Power; SP-6/1
3RD-Wholestone 7-11-10 Owner-Simon Munir & Isaac Souede; Trainer-Nigel Twiston-Davies; Trainer-Aidan Coleman; SP-14/1
15 ran, Time-6m 20.40s; Dist-2, 3 9/4 Fav Sam Spinner (5th)
2017 NICHOLS CANYON 7-11-10 Owner-Andrea & Graham Wylie; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-10/1
2ND-Lil Rockerfeller 6-11-10 Owner-Davies Smith Govier & Brown; Trainer-Neil King; Jockey-Trevor Whelan; SP-33/1
3RD-Unowhatimeanharry 9-11-10 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Harry Fry; Jockey-Noel Fehily; SP-5/6 Fav
12 ran, Time-5m 49.60s; Dist-3⁄4, 31⁄2
2016 THISTLECRACK 8-11-10 Owner-John & Heather Snook; Trainer-Colin Tizzard; Jockey-Tom Scudamore; SP-Evens Fav
2ND-Alpha Des Obeaux 6-11-10 Owner-Gigginstown House Stud; Trainer-Mouse Morris IRE; Jockey-Bryan Cooper; SP-8/1
3RD-Bobs Worth 11-11-10 Owner-The Not Afraid Partnership; Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey-David Bass; SP-33/1
12 ran, Time-5m 42.60s; Dist-7, 22
2015-COLE HARDEN 6-11-10 Owner-Jill & Robin Eynon; Trainer-Warren Greatrex; Jockey-Gavin Sheehan; SP-14/1
2ND-Saphir Du Rheu 6-11-10 Owner-The Stewart Family; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Sam Twiston-Davies; SP-5/1 Fav
3RD-Zarkandar 8-11-10 Owner-Chris Giles & Potensis Bloodstock Ltd; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Noel Fehily; SP-6/1
16 ran, Time-5m 40.70s; Dist-3¼, 3¼
2014-MORE OF THAT 6-11-10 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Jonjo O’Neill; Jockey-Barry Geraghty; SP-15/2
2ND-Annie Power 6-11-03 Owner-Susannah Ricci; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-11/8 Fav
3RD-At Fishers Cross 7-11-10 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Rebecca Curtis; Jockey-A P McCoy; SP-9/1
10 ran, Time-5m 49.50s; Dist-1½, 5
2013-WINNER-SOLWHIT 9-11-10 Owner-Top Of The Hill Syndicate; Trainer-Charles Byrnes IRE; Jockey-Paul Carberry; SP-17/2
2ND-Celestial Halo 9-11-10 Owner-The Stewart Family; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Daryl Jacob; SP-40/1
3RD-Smad Place 6-11-10 Owner-Mrs Peter Andrews Trainer-Alan King; Jockey-Wayne Hutchinson; SP-9/1
13 ran, Time-6m 24.94s; Dist-2½, 3 9/4 Fav Oscar Whisky (PU)
2012-WINNER-BIG BUCK’S 9-11-10 Owner-The Stewart Family; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP- 5/6F
2ND-Voler La Vedette 8-11-03 Owner-Mrs M Brophy; Trainer-Colm Murphy IRE; Jockey-Andrew Lynch; SP-20/1
3RD-Smad Place 5-11-10 Owner-Mrs Peter Andrews; Trainer-Alan King; Jockey-Robert Thornton; SP-20/1
11 ran, Time-5m 44.20s; Dist-1¾, 7
2011-WINNER-BIG BUCK’S 8-11-10 Owner-The Stewart Family; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP- 10/11F
2ND-Grands Crus 6-11-10 Owner-Roger Stanley & Yvonne Reynolds III; Trainer-David Pipe; Jockey-Tom Scudamore; SP-7/2 3RD-Mourad 6-11-10 Owner Teahon Consulting Limited; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-Paul Townend; SP-8/1
13 ran, Time-5m 50.80s; Dist-13⁄4, 23⁄4
2010-WINNER-BIG BUCK’S 7-11-10 Owner-The Stewart Family; Trainer-Paul Nichols; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-5/6 Fav
2ND-Time For Rupert 6-11-10 Owner-Littlecote Racing Partnership; Trainer-Paul Webber; Jockey-Will Kennedy; SP-16/1
3RD-Powerstation 10-11-10 Owner-Fat Frog Syndicate; Trainer-Eamon O’Connell IRE; Jockey-Andrew McNamara; SP-33/1
14 ran, Time-5m 49.40s; Dist-3.25, 11
2009-WINNER-BIG BUCK’S 6-11-10 Owner-The Stewart Family; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-6/1
2ND-Punchestowns 6-11-10 Owner-Judy Wilson; Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey-Barry Geraghty; SP-100/30
3RD-Powerstation 9-11-10 Owner-Fat Frog Syndicate; Trainer-Eamon O’Connell IRE; Jockey-Andrew McNamara; SP-25/1
14 ran, Time 5m 57.00s; Dist 1.75, 17 10/11 Fav Kasbah Bliss (4th)
2008-WINNER-INGLIS DREVER 9-11-10 Owner-Andrea & Graham Wylie; Trainer-Howard Johnson; Jockey-Denis O’Regan; SP-11/8 Fav
2ND-Kasbah Bliss 6-11-10 Owner-Henri De Pracomtal; Trainer-Francois Doumen FR; Jockey-Christophe Pieux; SP-9/1
3RD-Kazal 7-11-10 Owner- Joseph Comerford; Trainer-Eoin Griffin IRE; Jockey-Barry Geraghty; SP-12/1
17 ran, Time-5m 52.90s; Dist-1, 7
2007-WINNER-INGLIS DREVER 8-11-10 Owner-Andrea & Graham
Wylie; Trainer-Howard Johnson; Jockey-Paddy Brennan; SP-5/1
2ND-Mighty Man 7-11-10 Owner-Joss Hanbury; Trainer-Henry Daly; Jockey-Richard
Johnson; SP-100/30
3RD-Blazing Bailey 5-11-10 Owner-Three Line Whip; Trainer-Alan King;
Jockey-Robert Thornton; SP-8/1
14 ran, Time-5m 46.50s; Dist-3/4, 4 2/1 Fav Black Jack Ketchum (Fell)
2006-WINNER-MY WAY DE SOLZEN 6-11-10 Owner-B Winfield,
A Longman, J Wright & C Fenton; Trainer-Alan King; Jockey-Robert
Thornton; SP-8/1
2ND-Golden Cross 7-11-10 Owner-P Johnson; Trainer-Michael Halford IRE;
Jockey-Johnny Murtagh; SP-5/1
3RD-Mighty Man 6-11-10 Owner-Joss Hanbury; Trainer-Henry Daly; Jockey-Richard
Johnson; SP-4/1 Fav
20 ran, Time-5m 38.40s; Dist-hd, 4
2005-WINNER-INGLIS DREVER 6-11-10 Owner-Andrea & Graham
Wylie; Trainer-Howard Johnson; Jockey-Graham Lee; SP-5/1
2ND-Baracouda 10-11-10 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Francois Doumen FR;
Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-6/5 Fav
3RD-Rule Supreme 9-11-10 Owner-John Fallon; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE;
Jockey-David Casey; SP-4/1
12 ran, Time-5m 48.40s; Dist-3, 3/4
2004-WINNER-IRIS’S GIFT 7-11-10 Owner-Robert Lester; Trainer-Jonjo
O’Neill; Jockey-Barry Geraghty; SP-9/2
2ND-Baracouda 9-11-10 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Francois Doumen FR;
Jockey-Thierry Doumen; SP-8/11 Fav
3RD-Crystal D’Ainay 5-11-10 Owner-Tony & Jeni Fisher; Trainer-Alan
King; Jockey-Robert Thornton; SP-8/1
10 ran, Time-5m 49.80s; Dist-1½, 13
2003-WINNER-BARACOUDA 8-11-10 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Francois Doumen
FR; Jockey-Thierry Doumen; SP-9/4 Jt Fav
2ND-Iris’s Gift 6-11-10 Owner-Robert Lester; Trainer-Jonjo O’Neill;
Jockey-Barry Geraghty; SP-7/1
3RD-Limestone Lad 11-11-10 Owner-James Bowe; Trainer-James Bowe IRE;
Jockey-Paul Carberry; SP-9/4 Jt Fav
11 ran, Time-5m 41.25s; Dist- 3/4, 5
2002-WINNER-BARACOUDA 7-11-10 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Francois Doumen
FR; Jockey-Thierry Doumen; SP-13/8 Fav
2ND-Bannow Bay 7-11-10 Owner-Linda Shanahan and Sue Magnier; Trainer-Christy
Roche IRE; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-2/1
3RD-It Takes Time 8-11-10 Owner-David Johnson; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Tony
McCoy; SP-12/1
16 ran, Time-6m 01.70s; Dist-nk, 13
2001 Cancelled
2000-WINNER-BACCHANAL 6-11-10 Owner-Lady Lloyd-Webber; Trainer-Nicky
Henderson; Jockey-Mick Fitzgerald; SP-11/2
2ND-Limestone Lad 8-11-10 Owner-James Bowe; Trainer-James Bowe IRE; Jockey-Shane
McGovern; SP-3/1
3RD-Behrajan 5-11-10 Owner-The Behrajan Partnership; Trainer-Henry Daly;
Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-8/1
10 ran, Time-5m 36.60s; Dist-1, 3 5/2 Fav Lady Rebecca (6th)
1999-WINNER-ANZUM 8-11-10 Owner-The Old Foresters Partnership; Trainer-David
Nicholson; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-40/1
2ND-Le Coudray 5-11-10 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Aidan O’Brien
IRE; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-2/1 Jt-Fav
3RD-Lady Rebecca 7-11-05 Owner-Kinnersley Optimists; Trainer-Venetia
Williams; Jockey-Norman Williamson; SP-3/1
12 ran, Time-5m 51.7s; Dist-nk, 2½ 2/1 Jt-Fav Deano’s Beeno
(9th)
1998-WINNER-PRINCEFUL 7-11-10 Owner-Robert Hitchins; Trainer-Jenny Pitman;
Jockey-Rodney Farrant; SP-16/1
2ND-Splendid Thyne 6-11-10 Owner-John Glavanoni; Trainer-Terry Casey;
Jockey-Warren Marston; SP-10/1
3RD-Ocean Hawk 6-11-10; Owner-Matt Archer & Jean Broadhurst; Trainer-Nigel
Twiston-Davies; Jockey-Carl Llewellyn; SP-5/1 9 ran, Time-5m 45.9s; Dist-2,
4 6/4 Fav Paddy’s Return (5th)
1997-WINNER-KARSHI 7-11-10 Owner-Lord Vestey; Trainer-Henrietta Knight;
Jockey-Jamie Osborne; SP-20/12ND-Anzum 6-11-10 Owner-The Old Foresters
Partnership; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-25/1
3RD-Paddy’s Return 5-11-10 Owner-Paddy O’Donnell; Trainer-Ferdy
Murphy; Jockey-Richard Hughes; SP-20/1
17 ran, Time-5m 43.9s, Dist-2½, 2 9/2 Fav Escartefigue (5th)
1996-WINNER-CYBORGO 6-11-10 Owner-County Stores (Somerset) Ltd; Trainer-Martin
Pipe; Jockey-David Bridgwater; SP-8/1
2ND-Mysilv 6-11-05 Owner-Elite Racing Club; Trainer-Charlie Egerton;
Jockey-Jimmy McCarthy; SP-16/1
3RD-What A Question 8-11-05 Owner-Joy Valentine; Trainer-Mouse Morris
IRE; Jockey-Conor O’Dwyer; SP-33/1
19 ran, Time-5m 47.3s, Dist-3/4, 10 4/1 Fav Derrymoyle (4th)
LADBROKES WORLD HURDLE ROLL OF HONOUR
(Ladbrokes World Hurdle from 2005, bonusprint.com
Stayers’ Hurdle
2004, Bonusprint Stayers’ Hurdle 1991-2003, Waterford Crystal Stayers’ Hurdle
1978-90, Lloyds Bank Hurdle 1972-77)
Year Winner Age/Wt Jockey Trainer Owner SP Ran
1995 Dorans Pride 6-11-10 Shane Broderick Michael Hourigan IRE Tom Doran
11/4F 11
1994 Balasani 8-11-10 Mark Perrett Martin Pipe Mark Smith 9/2JF 14
1993 Shuil Ar Aghaidh7-11-05 Charlie Swan Paddy Kiely IRE Mrs Paddy Kiely
20/1 12
1992 Nomadic Way 7-11-10 Jamie Osborne Barry Hills Robert Sangster 15/2
17
1991 King’s Curate 7-11-10 Mark Perrett Stan Mellor C J Ells 5/2F
15
1990 Trapper John 6-11-10 Charlie Swan Mouse Morris IRE Jill Fanning
15/2 22
1989 Rustle 7-11-10 Michael Bowlby Nicky Henderson Robert Waley-Cohen
4/1 21
1988 Galmoy 9-11-10 Tommy Carmody John Mulhern IRE Miss D Threadwell
2/1F 16
1987 Galmoy 8-11-10 Tommy Carmody John Mulhern IRE Miss D Threadwell
9/2 14
1986 Crimson Embers 11-11-10 Stuart Shilston Fulke Walwyn Sally Smart
12/1 19
1985 Rose Ravine 6-11-05 Ricky Pusey Fulke Walwyn Sally Smart 5/1F 22
1984 Gaye Chance 9-11-10 Sam Morshead Mercy Rimell Mary Curtis 5/1 14
1983 A Kinsman 7-11-12 Geordie Dun John Brockbank Mrs John Brockbank
50/1 21
1982 Crimson Embers 7-11-12 Stuart Shilston Fulke Walwyn Sally Smart
2/1F 11
1981 Derring Rose 6-11-12 John Francome Fred Winter Peter Savill 3/1
14
1980 Mountrivers 6-11-12 Tommy Ryan Edward O’Grady IRE B Burser
7/1 19
1979 Lighter 6-11-12 Philip Blacker John Edwards G Smith 14/1 14
1978 Flame Gun 6-11-12 Mr Niall Madden Edward O’Grady IRE Mary
Kenny 14/1 13
1977 Town Ship 6-11-12 Tommy Carberry Peter Easterby Pat Muldoon 5/2
11
1976 Bit Of A Jig 8-11-12 Dessie Hughes Mick O’Toole IRE Mrs Mick
O’Toole 2/1F 12
1975 Brown Lad 9-11-12 Tommy Carberry Jim Dreaper IRE Mrs Peter Burrell
7/4F 12
1974 Highland Abbe 8-11-12 Richard Smith Les Kennard Mrs K Hankey 15/2
15
1973 Moyne Royal 8-11-12 David Mould Arthur Pitt E Cook 10/1 8
1972 Parlour Moor 8-11-12 Macer Gifford Tom Jones Charlotte Monckton
13/2 11













