Cleeve Hurdle
Get expert Cleeve Hurdle tips, in-depth racecards, and compare odds for the Grade 2 hurdle race at Cheltenham.
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The Betfair Cleeve Hurdle is a prestigious Grade 2 hurdle race run at Cheltenham Racecourse on Festival Trials Day. The race is run over three miles and there are twelve hurdles to be jumped. This race is worth approximately £40,000 to the winning connections. The race is open to horses aged five and older.
Cleeve Hurdle Odds & Runners
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Cleeve Hurdle Racecard
Betfair Cleeve Hurdle (Grade 2) (GBB Race)
Crambo returned to form when taking his second Long Walk shortly before Christmas and he has to be respected on the back of that performance. However, the strength of that form can be questioned and a chance is taken on STRONG LEADER. Olly Murphy's gelding disappointed when last at Ascot, but a subsequent wind operation suggests that better can be expected. The eight-year-old was an eyecatching third in this race 12 months ago and he is the one to beat if back to his best. The rest all need to improve, but Gowel Road and Monmiral are capable of making the frame.
Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.
New bettors; Code SPORT; Wager deposit & bonus 8x; Max qualifying bet stake=initial bonus; Valid 60 days; Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply; T&C apply; 18+
New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.
Cleeve Hurdle Overview
The Betfair Cleeve Hurdle is a prestigious Grade 2 hurdles race that sees many aspiring young horses turn up to compete for this £40,000 first prize. In the old days, this race would have been viewed as a stepping-stone towards the Stayers’ Hurdle just six weeks further down the line back over the same course and distance.
Notable winners of this race in the past include Paisley Park (three times), Unowhatimeanharry, Thistlecrack and Big Bucks. As already mentioned, this race sets the ultimate in gold standards for the Stayers’ Hurdle at the main Festival six weeks later.
All bar three of the last twenty winners went to that exact race on their next outing with five of those going on to win the main prize at the Festival in March (2008, 2009, 2012, 2016 & 2019).
Cleeve Hurdle Betting Trends and Statistics
There are two leading trainers in the Cleeve Hurdle in recent times with both Paul Nicholls and Emma Lavelle who have both won the race on three occasions. Paul Nicholls winners have been with Big Bucks (2009 & 2012) and Saphir Du Rheu (2015). Emma Lavelle winners have been with the brilliant Paisley Park (2019, 2020 & 2022).
Other trainers who have recorded multiple wins in the Cleeve Hurdle are Alan King (2) and Nick Williams (2).
Sam Twiston-Davies (jockey) has a decent record in the race. He has won the race twice and been placed in it on another two occasions. Harry Cobden has also won the race previously. Johnny Charron won the race on his only ever ride in it (Gold Tweet 2023).
A couple of jockeys to avoid in this race include Daryl Jacob (0 from the last 5 attempts), and Gavin Sheehan (0 from his last three attempts).
Cleeve Hurdle History
The Cleeve Hurdle was first run in 1983 across 2 miles, 5 furlongs, and 110 yards. The event was classified as listed level in the 1980s before being upgraded to Grade 1 status in 1991. Its name was originally given as the Bishops Cleeve Hurdle but was later shortened to its current guise.
The race was then downgraded to Grade 2 status in 2004 but was extended to the current length in 2005. It was noted by some that the modified Cleeve Hurdle was replacing the long-distance hurdle that was run at Haydock Racecourse on Peter Marsh day. The race is now considered the leading trial for the Stayers’ Hurdle that takes place at the Cheltenham Festival.
Cleeve Hurdle Winners
Cleeve Hurdle FAQ
Who won the Cleeve Hurdle in 2025?
Locally trained Gowel Road, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies scored by 2 1/4L as a 5/2 joint favourite under trainer’s son Sam.
What is the prize money for the Cleeve Hurdle?
The first prize is usually worth around £40,000 to winning connections.
When is the Cleeve Hurdle?
The McCoy Contractors Cleeve Hurdle is run on Festival Trials Day each year which is on the final Saturday in January.
How many hurdles are there to be jumped in the Cleeve Hurdle?
There are usually twelve flights of hurdles to be jumped in this significant Cheltenham trial.
How many horses race in the Cleeve Hurdle?
On average there are between eight and twelve runners that compete in this race each year. Many of the runners are specialised at this sort of trip so come back to try again year after year.
Which horses are eligible for the Cleeve Hurdle?
Any horse aged five and older is eligible to run in the Cleeve Hurdle.
