The County Hurdle, a Grade 3 handicap hurdle race, is set to take place on Friday, March 14th, 2025, as part of the prestigious Cheltenham Festival.
This fiercely competitive race, run over two miles and one furlong, has become a highlight of the festival’s final day.
In 2024, the Willie Mullins-trained Absurde, ridden by Paul Townend, claimed victory at odds of 12/1, showcasing the unpredictable nature of this event.
As we look ahead to the 2025 renewal, the field is shaping up to be another thrilling contest.
With 16 horses declared to run, punters and racing enthusiasts alike are eager to uncover potential winners in this notoriously difficult race to predict.
Runners To Watch
Below are our previews and County Hurdle tips for selected runners who hold entries for the race in 2025.
Kargese
Leading the pack in the early betting markets is Kargese, trained by Willie Mullins.
This five-year-old has shown impressive form, finishing second in the 2024 Triumph Hurdle.
Mullins’ exceptional record in the County Hurdle, having won five of the last ten renewals, adds significant weight to Kargese’s chances.
Paul Townend, Mullins’ stable jockey, is set to take the ride, further boosting the horse’s prospects.
Daddy Long Legs
However, the County Hurdle is rarely straightforward, and several other contenders warrant serious consideration.
Daddy Long Legs, another Mullins-trained entry, carries top weight and could pose a threat if able to overcome the handicapper’s assessment.
Fils d’Oudairies
The Gordon Elliott-trained Fils d’Oudairies, despite being the oldest horse in the field at ten years old, brings valuable experience and could surprise if finding his best form on the day.
McLaurey
One intriguing entry is McLaurey, trained by Emmet Mullins. This six-year-old enters the race on the back of impressive victories at Leopardstown and Limerick.
Despite a significant rise in the weights, McLaurey’s progressive profile suggests there could be more improvement to come.
Valgrand
Dan Skelton, who has enjoyed considerable success in this race with four wins in the last ten years, sends Valgrand to the start.
While not the most fancied of his entries, Skelton’s prowess in preparing horses for this specific contest means Valgrand cannot be discounted.
Ethical Diamond
Ethical Diamond, another Mullins-trained runner, fits several trends and enters the race following a victory.
However, a 12-pound rating hike makes his task more challenging.
The Rest
Lark In The Mornin, trained by Joseph O’Brien, is another to consider based on trends and could offer value at longer odds.
It’s worth noting that no horse has won the County Hurdle more than once, which presents a unique challenge for last year’s winner, Absurde.
Now a seven-year-old, Absurde returns off an eight-pound higher mark but cannot be ruled out given the Mullins factor and a potential reunion with Paul Townend.
2025 County Hurdle Tips
McLaurey looks primed for a big run in the 2025 County Hurdle.
This Emmet Mullins-trained six-year-old has been catching the eye with impressive victories at Leopardstown and Limerick.
Owned by JP McManus, McLaurey took advantage of a light weight at the Dublin Racing Festival, showcasing his ability to handle competitive fields.
The County Hurdle trends favor horses aged five to eight, and McLaurey fits the bill perfectly. With Emmet Mullins’ shrewd placement and the backing of the powerful McManus operation, this improving hurdler could be well-handicapped on the day.
His recent form suggests he’s still on an upward trajectory, and the likely strong pace of the County Hurdle should suit his running style.
With the Mullins family’s excellent record in this race, McLaurey could be the one to follow the family tradition and land the spoils on Gold Cup day.
Trends
Analysis of the last 10 renewals of the County Hurdle reveals several notable trends among winners.
Horses aged five to eight have dominated, with five-year-olds showing a particularly strong record.
The majority of winners carried 11st 1lb or less, with only two exceptions in the past decade.
Recent form appears crucial, as nine of the last twelve winners had run within 80 days of the race.
In terms of ratings, 11 of the last 12 winners were rated between 134 and 141.
The Mullins family, especially Willie Mullins, has an exceptional record, training five of the last ten winners.
Dan Skelton has also emerged as a force, securing four victories in the past nine years.
Interestingly, no seven-year-old has won since 2003, and top weights have struggled, with Arctic Fire in 2017 being the first top weight winner since 1960.
The County Hurdle’s reputation as a punters’ puzzle is well-deserved, with recent winners including a 33/1 shot in 2023 and a 25/1 victor in 2015.
This unpredictability is part of what makes the race so captivating for racing fans and bettors alike.
Runners & Odds
*odds correct at time of publishing
| Number | Name | Jockey | Trainer | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Kargese | P Townend | W P Mullins | 10/3 |
| 2 | Absurde | D E Mullins | W P Mullins | 9/2 |
| 13 | Lark In The Mornin | J J Slevin | J P O’Brien | 9/2 |
| 10 | Mclaurey | M P Walsh | E Mullins | 6/1 |
| 12 | Valgrand | Harry Skelton | D Skelton | 7/1 |
| 4 | Ethical Diamond | Mr P W Mullins | W P Mullins | 11/1 |
| 8 | Ndaawi | J W Kennedy | G Elliott | 14/1 |
| 5 | Pinot Gris | K M Donoghue | G P Cromwell | 18/1 |
| 6 | Hansard | N F Houlihan | G & J Moore | 18/1 |
| 14 | Irish Panther | Cian Cullinan | E & P Harty | 18/1 |
| 1 | Daddy Long Legs | S F O’Keeffe | W P Mullins | 25/1 |
| 9 | Cracking Rhapsody | Craig Nichol | Ewan Whillans | 28/1 |
| 11 | Our Champ | Freddie Gordon | C Gordon | 33/1 |
| 3 | Fils D’oudairies | Sam Ewing | G Elliott | 40/1 |
| 15 | Spirit D’aunou | Freddie Mitchell | G & J Moore | 50/1 |
| 16 | Norman Fletcher | Sam Twiston-Davies | N A Twiston-Davies | 50/1 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Kargese appears to be a strong contender based on form and connections, the County Hurdle’s history suggests that surprises are always possible.
McLaurey and Valgrand present interesting alternatives, while it would be unwise to completely discount last year’s winner, Absurde.
As always with the Cheltenham Festival, the atmosphere and pressure of the big day can bring out career-best performances from less fancied runners.
For those looking to place a bet, considering each-way options might be prudent given the competitive nature of the race.
Keep an eye on the betting markets in the days leading up to the festival, as significant movements can often signal strong stable confidence.
Ultimately, the 2025 County Hurdle promises to be another thrilling installment of this Cheltenham Festival classic.
With a mix of established performers and promising up-and-comers, it’s a race that encapsulates the excitement and unpredictability of National Hunt racing at its finest.
BETFRED
