The Cheltenham Festival continues on Thursday with a day headlined by the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle, a grueling test of stamina and jumping prowess. This year’s renewal promises a fascinating clash, with last year’s victor Bob Olinger heading the market, but facing a determined challenge from a deep field of contenders. The race, worth £325,000, is set to jump at 4:00 PM and will cover two miles and seven furlongs, with twelve hurdles to negotiate.
All eyes will be on whether Bob Olinger can maintain his perfect record at the Cheltenham Festival. The 11-year-old, trained by Henry de Bromhead, secured a decisive victory in the 2025 Stayers’ Hurdle, finishing one and three-quarter lengths ahead of Teahupoo. However, the drying ground conditions leading up to the race are raising questions about the suitability for some of the leading fancies, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this championship contest.
Expert analysis suggests that Teahupoo, the 2024 winner, may be vulnerable. Daryl Jacob, speaking to Sporting Life, believes the drying ground could negate Teahupoo’s strengths, mirroring the scenario from last year when Bob Olinger’s speed proved decisive. Jacob highlighted that the race is unlikely to be run at a strong pace, potentially favoring horses with a turn of foot.
The Timeform analyst’s verdict echoes this sentiment, identifying Bob Olinger as the value call, noting the excellent record of previous winners in the race. However, they too acknowledge the depth of this year’s renewal, singling out Honesty Policy, Kabral du Mathan, and Ma Shantou as progressive horses to watch.
Contenders and Key Insights
Although Bob Olinger is a clear contender, several others are attracting attention. Kabral du Mathan, in particular, is being touted as a serious threat, with Jacob suggesting he could be the one to beat if he stays the distance. The key for Kabral du Mathan will be whether he can maintain his form over the extended trip.
Interestingly, Jacob is advocating for an each-way bet on Impose Toi, trained by Nicky Henderson. He believes the drying ground will suit Impose Toi, and a 6lb pull in the weights could allow him to reverse form from previous encounters with Ma Shantou. Jacob also points to Impose Toi’s favorable position in a potentially slowly-run race, with Nico de Boinville expected to position him well.
The Timeform Pace Guide suggests that horses racing towards the rear often perform well in this race, but notes that Bob Olinger might not acquire the ideal run of the race, while Ballyburn potentially will. This adds another tactical dimension to the contest, as jockeys will need to carefully assess the pace and position their horses accordingly.
Recent form is also crucial. Teahupoo’s last run was at Leopardstown on December 28, 2025. Impose Toi and Honesty Policy raced at Ascot on December 20, 2025, while Kabral du Mathan was last seen at Cheltenham on January 1, 2026, and Ma Shantou at the same track on January 24, 2026.
Expert Tip: An Each-Way Recommendation
Daryl Jacob is leaning towards an each-way wager on Impose Toi, currently available at 12/1. He believes the horse’s suitability to the drying ground, combined with the potential for a slowly-run race, makes him an attractive proposition. While acknowledging Kabral du Mathan as the likely winner, Jacob sees value in supporting Impose Toi each-way.
The lack of a strong pace in the race is a recurring theme in the analysis, suggesting that horses with a finishing kick could be well-placed to challenge for victory. This dynamic could favor Impose Toi, who is expected to be held up in the early stages before making his move.
The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle promises to be a thrilling contest, with a number of viable contenders. The drying ground conditions and the potential for a slowly-run race add complexity to the equation, making it a particularly challenging race to predict.
Looking ahead, the focus will shift to how the ground conditions evolve on the day of the race and how the jockeys respond to the anticipated lack of pace. The outcome will likely hinge on tactical decisions and the ability of each horse to handle the demanding course and distance. The Stayers’ Hurdle consistently delivers drama, and this year’s renewal is shaping up to be no exception.
What are your thoughts on the Stayers’ Hurdle? Share your predictions and insights in the comments below!
