Stayers Hurdle Tips & Preview For 2025 – Can Gordon Elliott Make It Three In A Row?
The Stayers’ Hurdle is open to four year olds or older and is run on the new course over a distance of three miles.
There are a dozen fences to be jumped in a race that usually takes in and around six minutes to complete.
Between 2002 and 2012, the Stayers Hurdle witnessed a dominant era with Baracouda (2 wins), Inglis Drever (3 wins), and Big Buck’s (4 wins) collectively securing nine victories.
In 2024, Gordon Elliott’s Teahupoo delivered an impressive performance to claim victory under jockey Jack Kennedy, cementing his place as a top-class stayer.
Elliott, already a two-time winner of this race with Sire Du Berlais in 2023, will aim for a remarkable hat-trick in 2025 as Teahupoo returns to defend his crown.
Runners To Watch
Below are our Stayers Hurdle tips and previews for selected runners who hold entries for the race in 2025.
Teahupoo
Teahupoo is the clear favourite for this year’s renewal, with odds around 11/10 reflecting his dominance in the division.
His emphatic victory last year showcased his ability to handle Cheltenham’s unique demands, and trainer Gordon Elliott has prepared him meticulously for this defence.
While his seasonal debut saw him narrowly beaten in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle by Lossiemouth, that performance is unlikely to dent confidence.
Teahupoo thrives over staying trips and looks well-placed to become only the seventh horse to win back-to-back Stayers’ Hurdles.
Home By The Lee
Joseph O’Brien’s Home By The Lee has been in excellent form and offers a credible challenge to Teahupoo.
Despite being ten years old, he continues to perform at a high level and has proven himself over similar distances.
His previous experience at Cheltenham and consistent performances make him a strong contender for at least a place.
Langer Dan
Dan Skelton’s Langer Dan is another intriguing runner.
Known for his springtime form, including two Coral Cup victories at Cheltenham, he has the stamina and track experience required for this contest.
While his recent form hasn’t been spectacular, he often saves his best for this time of year.
Lucky Place
At just six years old, Lucky Place represents an exciting younger prospect.
Trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Nico de Boinville, he has shown promise with two wins this season.
However, his relative inexperience at this level may count against him when facing seasoned campaigners like Teahupoo and Home By The Lee.
The Wallpark and Rocky’s Diamond
Gordon Elliott’s other runner, The Wallpark, has been steadily improving this season and could be an interesting each-way option if he continues to progress.
Similarly, Rocky’s Diamond has shown flashes of quality and could spring a surprise if conditions suit.
2025 Stayers Hurdle Tips
If you’re looking for a horse to upset the odds in the 2025 Stayers’ Hurdle, Home By The Lee is an outstanding candidate.
At ten years old, Joseph O’Brien’s seasoned stayer is in the form of his life, having landed both the Lismullen Hurdle and Savills Hurdle earlier this season.
These victories underline his ability to compete at the highest level, and his proven stamina over three miles makes him a serious contender for Cheltenham glory.
Home By The Lee has shown he thrives on testing ground, which could be a key factor if rain softens the New Course before Thursday’s race.
His previous experience at Cheltenham, coupled with his consistent performances in top-tier staying hurdles, suggests he can handle the unique demands of this race.
With J.J. Slevin in the saddle, an in-form jockey who knows how to time his challenge perfectly up the famous hill, Home By The Lee offers excellent value for those looking to oppose favourite Teahupoo.
While Teahupoo remains the horse to beat, Home By The Lee’s resilience and tactical versatility could see him emerge victorious in what promises to be a fiercely competitive renewal.
TIP: Home By The Lee to Win the 2025 Stayers’ Hurdle
Prediction
The 2025 Stayers’ Hurdle promises to be a fascinating tactical affair.
With Teahupoo likely to settle mid-pack before unleashing his powerful finish up the hill, rivals such as Home By The Lee and Langer Dan will need to stay close enough to mount their challenges late on.
The pace of the race could also be influenced by front-runners like Gowel Road or Franciscan Rock, who might attempt to stretch the field early.
Ground conditions will play a crucial role; Cheltenham’s New Course can become testing if rain falls before Thursday.
This would likely favour proven stayers like Teahupoo and Home By The Lee while posing challenges for less experienced runners.
Runners & Odds
| Number | Name | Jockey | Trainer | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | Teahupoo | J W Kennedy | G Elliott | 6/4 |
| 7 | Home By The Lee | J J Slevin | J P O’Brien | 6/1 |
| 9 | Lucky Place | N de Boinville | N J Henderson | 13/2 |
| 15 | The Wallpark | M P Walsh | G Elliott | 7/1 |
| 8 | Langer Dan | Harry Skelton | D Skelton | 12/1 |
| 11 | Mystical Power | P Townend | W P Mullins | 16/1 |
| 13 | Rocky’s Diamond | Shane Fitzgerald | D Queally | 16/1 |
| 6 | Gowel Road | Sam Twiston-Davies | N A Twiston-Davies | 18/1 |
| 1 | Bob Olinger | Rachael Blackmore | H De Bromhead | 20/1 |
| 3 | Crambo | J J Burke | F O’Brien | 25/1 |
| 12 | Nemean Lion | R Patrick | Kerry Lee | 25/1 |
| 2 | Buddy One | J G Gilligan | P J Gilligan | 40/1 |
| 4 | Franciscan Rock | G Brouder | M F Morris | 40/1 |
| 5 | Ga Law | G Sheehan | Jamie Snowden | 40/1 |
| 10 | Monmiral | H Cobden | P F Nicholls | 40/1 |
Closing Thoughts
The Stayers’ Hurdle remains one of the most compelling races of the Cheltenham Festival, blending history, endurance, and drama into a single contest.
While Teahupoo appears poised to deliver Gordon Elliott a third consecutive victory in this race, surprises are not uncommon in such competitive fields.
Whether you’re backing the favourite or seeking value among outsiders like Lucky Place or Rocky’s Diamond, this year’s renewal promises excitement from start to finish.
As punters prepare for Thursday’s feature race at 4:00 PM GMT on March 13th, all eyes will be on Prestbury Park to see if Teahupoo can cement his legacy or if another contender rises to claim glory on one of jump racing’s grandest stages.
BETFRED
