Are you ready for the 2025 Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival?
This prestigious race stands as a cornerstone of the Festival, showcasing the finest juvenile hurdlers in National Hunt racing as they compete for glory. Not only is there much to expect from the upcoming contest – giving contenders the chance to surprise the Triumph Hurdle 2025 odds – but the previous seasons have also let racing enthusiasts and fans in on some spectacular horseracing action.
So, as we approach this year’s Festival and gear up for the 2025 Triumph Hurdle, let’s explore the race whilst taking a look back over previous champions.
An overview of the race
The Triumph Hurdle is the opening race on the festival’s final day each year, and for 2025, this will take place on Friday March 14 at 1.20 pm (GMT).
The Triumph Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race that’s exclusively for four-year-old novice hurdlers – who aren’t yet ready to take on the demands of longer, jump-heavy courses.
The race covers approximately two miles and one furlong on Cheltenham’s New Course, and features eight hurdles.
Due to the novice age of the horses in this race, it has a rich history of highlighting future champions. The total prize money for the 2025 race is £150,000.
The 2025 contenders
As the festival approaches, several juveniles have emerged as leading contenders for the 2025 Triumph Hurdle. Some notable names include:
- Lulamba: Trained by Nicky Henderson, Lulamba is the favourite to win the Triumph Hurdle after a striking debut and emphatic victory in a Juvenile Hurdle at Ascot.
- East India Dock: This horse has demonstrated consistent form, securing three consecutive wins over timber in the Grade 2 Triumph Trial at Cheltenham.
- Sainte Lucie: Representing Willie Mullins’ yard, Sainte Lucie impressed with an 11-length victory in a juvenile maiden hurdle at Punchestown. Following this performance, her odds for the Triumph Hurdle have been significantly reduced, reflecting her potential as a strong contender.
Previous winners
Reflecting on the past few years, the Triumph Hurdle has been dominated by some notable performances, including:
- 2024, Majborough: Trained by Mullins and ridden by Mark Walsh, Majborough secured last year’s victory at odds of 6/1.
- 2023, Lossiemouth: Also under the guidance of Mullins, with Paul Townend aboard, Lossiemouth clinched the race after going in as the 11/8 favourite.
- 2022, Vauban: More Mullins’ success took place in 2022 with Vauban, ridden by Townend, who won the race at 6/4 odds.
- 2021, Quilixios: Trained by Henry de Bromhead and piloted by Rachael Blackmore, Quilixios emerged victorious with odds of 2/1.
- 2020, Burning Victory: 2020 also saw triumph for Mullins, with Townend steering Burning Victory to a win at 12/1 odds.
These past results clearly underscore Willie Mullins’ dominance in the Triumph Hurdle, highlighting his exceptional training acumen in preparing juvenile hurdlers for this prestigious event – and potentially indicating who might be in running for this year’s race odds
—With a blend of established trainers and emerging talents vying for glory, the 2025 Triumph Hurdle is set to light up the final day of the Cheltenham Festival in March. Fans and enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating which juvenile will etch their name alongside the illustrious list of past champions.
