"Why the Controversy? Cheltenham Festival Change Sparks Debate Among Lossiemouth Backers"

Published on October 17, 2025 at 03:24 PM
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THE LATEST change to Cheltenham Festival that could affect superstar mare Lossiemouth has left some punters asking: “What on earth is the point?”

In a bid to give the four days of the biggest meeting all year more balance, the Mares’ Hurdle, won the past two seasons by Willie Mullins’ awesome hurdler, will move from Tuesday to Thursday.

Cheltenham Festival 2024: Day OneIf Lossiemouth goes for a third straight Mares’ Hurdle this year she’ll be doing it on the Thursday and not the opening TuesdayCredit: Getty

And the Plate Handicap Chase will make the reverse switch to Tuesday, day one.

It means there will now be four handicaps run on ‘Champion Day’ – the Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, Ultima, Plate and National Hunt Chase.

The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, Arkle Chase and Champion Hurdle will remain on day one.

Some punters who had already bought tickets for the Tuesday expecting to see four Grade 1s were peeved by the decision.

Especially as, with the Mares’ and Champion Hurdle previously on the same day, Lossiemouth is, barring injury, certain to run in one of them.

But now they could miss out on the chance to see one of the best horses in training should Mullins opt to run her in the Mares’.

Because the Mares’ race is now moving to St Patrick’s Day, it will be run over the more stamina-sapping New course and have a revised distance of 2m4f 56y.

The Ryanair Chase will also move to 4pm, with the Stayers’ Hurdle switching to 3.20pm the same day.

The Mares’ Hurdle switch is the latest in a line of changes, which have included .

Explaining the changes, Jon Pullin, Head of Racing at The Jockey Club & Clerk of the Course at Cheltenham Racecourse, said: “The race programme at The Festival is one of constant evolution and we are always looking at ways to enhance the experience for all stakeholders.

“We made a number of significant changes to the race programme ahead of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival and were pleased with the impact that these made in the first year.

“As a result, we aren’t making any further significant changes to the programme for 2026 but will be amending the running order by switching the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle to St Patrick’s Thursday and the TrustATrader plate will move to the opening day.

“Having previously been run on Champion Day, the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle was always somewhat in the shadow of the Unibet Champion Hurdle.

“This has been particularly evident in recent years since it was elevated to Grade One status and taking place as the race immediately before the Unibet Champion Hurdle on the card.

“The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle is the pinnacle of a very successful mares’ programme that has been developed by the industry over the last 20 years.

“In this time, we have seen the number of mares training in Great Britain increase from 18 per cent to almost 25 per cent and some of the most memorable moments at The Festival include performances by mares such as Honeysuckle and Epatante.

“By moving to St Patrick’s Thursday, we feel the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle will receive more attention and receive the coverage a race of its status merits.

“We also believe this change enhances the overall race programme across The Festival, with each of the four days now having at least three Grade One contests.”

Some punters were fine with the changes – but others weren’t convinced.

One asked if those with tickets for the Tuesday could apply for a refund.

While another reacting to the news wrote on X: “What on earth is the point in moving the Mares’ Hurdle? It’s just stupid.”

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