Cheltenham 2025 – Stayers’ Hurdle preview

The Stayers' Hurdle is probably our least favourite Champion race of the week. That's probably because it is a boring race over three miles that isn't too entertaining to watch.

Long gone are the days of Big Buck's and Inglis Drever, when we could get attached to a horse in this race, put our flag in the sand, and think that's the best stayer in the business.

Back-to-back?

Whenever we get a returning horse for a race, we hope they can do it back-to-back and cement their legacy, and that is what Teahupoo will aim to do for this year's renewal.

Last year, he was given a very easy season and was left alone for most of the year so that Gordon could get him primed for a tilt at this race, which he was well-fancied for the year before.

That kind of tactic isn't for everyone, as we all like to see our favourite horses run a lot throughout the year. Still, you can say what you want because that tactic worked a treat as Teahupoo was by far the best horse in the Stayers' Hurdle last year and he did run out a very cosy winner.

He was expected to win last year's race as he was the 5/4F, and he is probably expected to do the double this year as he has been laid out with this race being his main goal for the season and if it works for the second year in a row, then Gordon has found the key to this horse and it can't be disputed.

This season, he didn't manage to win the Hatton's Grace as he was firmly put in his spot by Lossiemouth, which isn't a bad thing as that horse is a fantastic mare, and she showcased her ability when winning the Mares' Hurdle on Day one.

The main issue I have with Teahupoo is that he seems quite ground-dependent, and I don't think the ground will be as soft as he'd like it. He could be just too good and the ground won't be an issue, but at the prices, would you want to take that chance?

Top free bets for the Stayers' Hurdle

The key players

The Wallpark come from the same stable as Teahupoo and has been a revelation over the summer period, winning four on the bounce in handicap company before finishing 4th/10 in a Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot behind Crambo. This horse could still be progressing, as he started his winning spree off a mark of 129 over 2m 3f, and he is now officially rated 152.

However, I have a serious problem with the Long Walk Hurdle form, as I do not rate Crambo. That winner is very good at Ascot, but anywhere else he doesn't confirm that form. I'm not writing this lad off at all, but he's not a horse I'd be having a bet on, especially at odds of 9/2 or even shorter.

Home By The Lee is a strange horse, and on a going day he could win this race, but for some reason, he doesn't show his best at Cheltenham. He has been in this race a couple of times before and hasn't managed to get his head in front.

This year, he won twice, beating Bob Olinger on both occasions, but he won races before the Festival and didn't deliver on the big day. However, Joseph O'Brien has made a good start to the Festival this year, so you have to take that into consideration.

It wouldn't be a Cheltenham race preview if Langer Dan didn't get a mention in a race he was in. This horse is a horse who apparently only shows his best form when the sun is out in the spring.

I do not believe that for one moment, it's clear as day that Dan Skelton primed this horse for the Cheltenham Festival countless times, and he managed to swindle the handicapping system two years in a row in the Coral Cup. Dan has come out and said this year he has been worse than ever during the winter months and they're not expecting much from him.

It would not surprise me if this horse came out and won this race. The stayer's division is woeful, and this horse showed Grade 1 form last spring after winning the Coral Cup when he was second to Impaire Et Passe on two occasions. The main question is does he stay the trip on a stiff track, well we know he handles the track, so the former is the main question. I think he's worth a few quid each way if he ‘miraculously' returns to form.

The other runners

There are some interesting other runners in this race like Bob Olinger and Mystical Power, but I don't think they're worth getting too invested in and writing too much about, but they deserve a quick mention.

The latter has not been seen over a trip this far, so it's strange to see him turn up here and Bob Olinger has never really looked like an out-and-out stayer.

The British public might fancy Gowel Road at a price, but I think the form of last time out isn't worth the paper it's written on.

Cheltenham Festival 2025 betting guides

• Cheltenham 2025: Which trainers and jockeys to back
• Cheltenham 2025: Expert tips and trends to follow
• Cheltenham 2025: A beginner's guide
• Cheltenham 2025: Race-by-race schedule
• Racing form cards explained
• Top horse racing betting tips for beginners
• Horse racing 101: The best betting guide for beginners
• Betting odds explained

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