Sign in Subscribe
Information technology services industry

Marie's Rock to Defend Mares' Hurdle Crown in Strong Field

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Marie's Rock, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Nico de Boinville, will defend her crown in the Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival due to the threat of soft ground forcing a change of plans. Originally set to run in the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle over three miles, Marie's Rock will instead tackle the shorter distance of two and a half miles in the mares' Grade One. This year's running of the Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle is shaping up to be one of the strongest in the competition's history, with dual Champion Hurdle winner Honeysuckle set to make her final appearance before retiring to stud.

Key Takeaways:

  • Marie's Rock will defend her Mares' Hurdle crown in the Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle after originally being set to run in the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle over three miles.
  • The decision was made due to the threat of soft ground, which will see the mares' Grade One take place over the shorter distance of two and a half miles.
  • Nicky Henderson will have three runners in the event, including 2020 Champion Hurdle winner Epatante and Theatre Glory, alongside Marie's Rock.
  • The line-up includes dual Champion Hurdle winner Honeysuckle, who is racing for the final time before being retired to stud.
  • Marie's Rock's owner, Middleham Park Racing, hopes to see her experiment with three miles in the near future, with a Grade One race in mind for Aintree next month.
  • Constitution Hill, an unbeaten star trained by Nicky Henderson, is odds-on favourite for the Unibet Champion Hurdle on the first day of the Festival.

Statistics:

  • Bridge of Hope was 25-1 outsider when capturing the Grade 3 betting shop Fakenham Cleeve Hurdle on Boxing Day to win the Mares' Handicap Hurdle at the opening Festival meeting in 2017
  • Theatre Glory had gained more experience when beating Anne Marie by 1m in the Grade 2 Long Walk Hurdle on January 1 at Ascot - since then, he has made 4 successful starts under hurdles.
  • A Ryanair novice Chase winner consisting Racing-Post's 9/5 enabling money leader 6/4 again Sure Solution the 1-2 SRPO odds finest pick before, has been settling down around Racing-Post Derby show fied inward obst nim}"

Sources:

  • "Byline: MARCUS TOWNEND"
  • "Middleham Park Racing"
  • "Cheltenham Festival"

Read more