The Greatwood Hurdle is one of the leading two-mile handicap hurdles of the National Hunt season. Run at Cheltenham in November, it regularly attracts improving hurdlers alongside established performers with experience in major handicaps.
The 2026 Unibet Greatwood Hurdle takes place on Sunday 15 November at 3.30pm, the final day of the Cheltenham November Meeting.
The race has produced several outstanding horses since its introduction in 1987. Celtic Shot and Rooster Booster subsequently won the Champion Hurdle, while Sizing Europe developed into one of the finest two-mile chasers of his generation.
Alexei won the 2025 renewal for trainer Joe Tizzard and jockey Brendan Powell, defeating Helnwein and Luccia.
The Greatwood Hurdle provides an early opportunity to assess the leading handicap hurdlers and identify horses capable of progressing into Graded company later in the season.
Greatwood Hurdle 2026: Race Overview
The Greatwood Hurdle is a Premier Handicap run over approximately two miles and half a furlong on Cheltenham’s Old Course.
The race features eight hurdles and takes place on the Sunday of the November Meeting.
| Race detail | Greatwood Hurdle 2026 |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday 15 November 2026 |
| Scheduled time | 3.30pm |
| Racecourse | Cheltenham |
| Course | Old Course |
| Current sponsor | Unibet |
| Race classification | Premier Handicap |
| Distance | Approximately 2m ½f |
| Obstacles | Eight hurdles |
| Surface | Turf |
| Previous winner | Alexei (2025) |
The scheduled time is subject to any changes to the official raceday programme.
The Greatwood Hurdle is a handicap, meaning the runners carry different weights according to their official ratings and the race conditions.
This gives improving horses the opportunity to compete against more established hurdlers.
Unlike a championship hurdle, where horses generally compete at level weights, the Greatwood requires runners to demonstrate that they remain competitive under their allocated handicap marks.
Cheltenham’s Old Course
The Old Course is left-handed and undulating, with a demanding uphill finish.
Horses need to jump accurately, maintain their position through the race and conserve enough energy to finish strongly.
The relatively short distance means runners cannot afford to lose substantial ground through jumping mistakes.
The climb to the finish can also expose horses that have raced too freely or used too much energy in the early stages.
Our Cheltenham Racecourse guide explains the track’s layout, racing characteristics and major meetings.
Famous Greatwood Hurdle Winners
The Greatwood Hurdle has an impressive history of producing horses capable of competing at the highest level.
Several winners have subsequently achieved success at the Cheltenham Festival, while others have established themselves as outstanding handicap performers.
Celtic Shot: The inaugural winner
Celtic Shot won the first Greatwood Hurdle in 1987 for trainer Fred Winter and jockey Peter Scudamore.
He subsequently won the 1988 Champion Hurdle, establishing the Greatwood’s reputation as a race capable of producing championship performers.
His victory was particularly significant because the race was still relatively new to the National Hunt calendar.
Celtic Shot remains one of its most important historical winners.
Rooster Booster: Greatwood and Champion Hurdle winner
Rooster Booster won the 2002 Greatwood Hurdle carrying 11st 12lb for trainer Philip Hobbs and jockey Richard Johnson.
The grey subsequently developed into one of the outstanding hurdlers of his generation.
He won the 2003 Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham and became one of the most popular horses in British jump racing.
His success demonstrated that a horse capable of winning a competitive handicap under a substantial weight could develop into a championship performer.
Rooster Booster’s ability to travel strongly and quicken off a demanding pace made him particularly effective over two miles.
Detroit City: Triumph Hurdle and Greatwood winner
Detroit City won the 2006 Greatwood Hurdle for Philip Hobbs and Richard Johnson.
He carried 11st 12lb to victory, matching the weight carried by Rooster Booster four years earlier.
Detroit City had already won the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and subsequently added the Greatwood to his achievements.
He was also a talented performer on the Flat, winning the Cesarewitch Handicap at Newmarket.
His versatility made him one of the most interesting winners in the race’s history.
Sizing Europe: From hurdling to Champion Chase glory
Sizing Europe won the 2007 Greatwood Hurdle for Irish trainer Henry de Bromhead and jockey Timmy Murphy.
He subsequently won the Irish Champion Hurdle in 2008 before developing into an outstanding chaser.
His greatest achievements over fences included victory in the 2011 Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham.
Sizing Europe also won the Arkle Challenge Trophy in 2010.
His career demonstrated that a successful Greatwood Hurdle winner could develop into a leading performer in another discipline.
Khyber Kim: A leading hurdler for Nigel Twiston-Davies
Khyber Kim won the 2009 Greatwood Hurdle for Nigel Twiston-Davies.
He followed that success with victory in the International Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Khyber Kim subsequently finished second to Binocular in the 2010 Champion Hurdle before winning the Aintree Hurdle.
His progression from handicap company to championship races remains one of the strongest examples of the Greatwood’s importance as an early-season form guide.
Menorah: A high-class winner in 2010
Menorah won the 2010 Greatwood Hurdle for Philip Hobbs and Richard Johnson.
He carried 11st 12lb and subsequently won the International Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Menorah had already established himself as a high-class novice hurdler, winning the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival earlier that year.
He later developed into a successful chaser, winning several major races over fences.
His Greatwood victory was an important stage in a career that demonstrated considerable versatility.
I Like To Move It: Victory under 12 stone
I Like To Move It won the 2022 Greatwood Hurdle carrying 12st for Nigel Twiston-Davies.
He was ridden by the trainer’s son, Sam Twiston-Davies.
The victory was particularly notable because carrying top weight in a competitive two-mile handicap requires a horse to possess considerable ability.
I Like To Move It became the second horse to win the race under 12st, following Leotard in 1993.
His performance demonstrated that a high handicap rating does not necessarily prevent a talented horse from winning the Greatwood.
Recent Greatwood Hurdle Winners
The Greatwood has produced a varied collection of winners in recent seasons.
| Year | Winner | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | North Hill Harvey | Dan Skelton | Harry Skelton |
| 2017 | Elgin | Alan King | Wayne Hutchinson |
| 2018 | Nietzsche | Brian Ellison | Danny McMenamin |
| 2019 | Harambe | Alan King | Tom Bellamy |
| 2020 | The Shunter | Emmet Mullins | Robbie Power |
| 2021 | West Cork | Dan Skelton | Harry Skelton |
| 2022 | I Like To Move It | Nigel Twiston-Davies | Sam Twiston-Davies |
| 2023 | Iberico Lord | Nicky Henderson | Nico de Boinville |
| 2024 | Burdett Road | James Owen | Harry Cobden |
| 2025 | Alexei | Joe Tizzard | Brendan Powell |
The recent results illustrate the different types of horses capable of winning the Greatwood.
The Shunter won in 2020 carrying 10st, while I Like To Move It succeeded under 12st two years later.
Burdett Road won as a four-year-old in 2024, demonstrating that younger horses can compete successfully against more experienced hurdlers.
Alexei’s victory in 2025 added another improving horse to the roll of honour.
Greatwood Hurdle 2025: Alexei’s Victory
Alexei won the 2025 Greatwood Hurdle for trainer Joe Tizzard and jockey Brendan Powell.
The five-year-old started as the 10/3 favourite and carried 11st 4lb.
He travelled strongly through the race before making his challenge in the closing stages.
Alexei moved into contention approaching the final hurdle and finished strongly to defeat Helnwein by six lengths.
Luccia finished third.
The race took place on soft ground, making the ability to travel comfortably and finish strongly particularly important.
Alexei’s performance demonstrated the value of identifying a horse with sufficient speed to compete over two miles and enough stamina to handle Cheltenham’s uphill finish.
His victory also ended a lengthy sequence of favourites failing to win the race.
What can we learn from the 2025 result?
Alexei’s victory provides several useful considerations for the 2026 renewal.
His ability to travel strongly in a competitive field allowed Brendan Powell to delay his challenge until the closing stages.
The winner also demonstrated that a horse does not need to lead throughout to secure a good position at Cheltenham.
Helnwein’s second-place finish showed that horses racing prominently can remain competitive, particularly when they jump accurately and maintain their rhythm.
The different running styles of the leading finishers highlight the importance of assessing the likely pace rather than relying on a rigid preference for front-runners or hold-up horses.
Key Greatwood Hurdle Trials
The Greatwood Hurdle does not have one dominant trial.
Its winners arrive through different routes, including early-season handicaps, novice hurdles and major races from the previous spring.
Some horses make their seasonal reappearance in the Greatwood, while others have already competed during October or early November.
The most useful preparation depends on the horse’s experience, handicap mark and previous performances.
Cheltenham’s October Meeting
The Cheltenham Showcase Meeting provides an early opportunity to assess horses returning to action.
A run at the Showcase can demonstrate a horse’s current fitness and suitability for Cheltenham.
However, the conditions may differ substantially from those encountered in November.
Ground conditions, race distance and the strength of opposition must all be considered.
A horse that performs well in October may face a higher handicap mark in the Greatwood.
Previous Cheltenham form
Previous performances at Cheltenham are particularly relevant.
The Old Course presents challenges that are difficult to replicate at flatter racecourses.
Horses that have already demonstrated their ability to handle the undulations, jump accurately and finish strongly have valuable experience.
However, a previous course victory should not be considered in isolation.
A horse that won a slowly run novice hurdle may face a much more demanding test in a competitive Greatwood.
The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival can provide useful form for horses progressing into handicap company.
Menorah won the Supreme in 2010 before winning the Greatwood later that year.
A horse with strong novice form may possess the class required to overcome a demanding handicap mark.
However, novice form must be assessed against the horse’s current rating and the strength of the opposition.
The Greatwood presents a different challenge because experienced handicap hurdlers can exploit weaknesses in jumping and race positioning.
The International Hurdle
The International Hurdle at Cheltenham is an important subsequent target for high-class Greatwood winners.
Khyber Kim won both races in 2009, while Menorah completed the same double in 2010.
Old Guard also won the Greatwood and International Hurdle in 2015.
These results demonstrate that a successful Greatwood performance can provide a strong foundation for a campaign in Graded hurdle races.
The International Hurdle is a different test because the handicap conditions no longer apply.
A horse that wins the Greatwood under a favourable weight may need to improve again to compete successfully against established championship performers.
Greatwood Hurdle Betting Trends
The Greatwood Hurdle has produced winners at a wide range of prices.
The handicap conditions create opportunities for improving horses, while established performers can remain competitive despite carrying substantial weights.
Historical trends are useful when they help explain the demands of the race, but they should not replace an assessment of the individual runners.
Age of previous winners
Horses aged four to six have enjoyed considerable success in the Greatwood.
Recent examples include Burdett Road, who won as a four-year-old in 2024, and Alexei, who won as a five-year-old in 2025.
Younger horses can improve rapidly during the early stages of their hurdling careers.
Their official ratings may not yet reflect their full ability, particularly when they have limited experience in handicaps.
Older horses should not be dismissed automatically.
West Cork won as a seven-year-old in 2021, while The Shunter was also seven when successful in 2020.
The important consideration is whether a horse remains competitive relative to its current handicap mark.
Handicap weights
The Greatwood has been won by horses carrying a wide range of weights.
I Like To Move It carried 12st to victory in 2022, matching the achievement of Leotard in 1993.
Rooster Booster, Detroit City and Menorah each won under 11st 12lb.
At the other end of the handicap, The Shunter won carrying 10st in 2020.
These results demonstrate that weight alone is not a reliable reason to support or oppose a runner.
A high-class horse may possess sufficient ability to overcome a substantial weight, while an improving runner can benefit from a favourable handicap mark.
Our guide to horse racing handicap ratings explains how official marks affect the weights horses carry.
Previous course form
Cheltenham experience is useful because the course places particular demands on a horse’s jumping and stamina.
A runner with strong previous form at Cheltenham has demonstrated its ability to cope with the track.
However, the circumstances of that performance matter.
A horse that won over two miles on good ground may face a different challenge if the Greatwood takes place on soft or heavy ground.
Previous form should be assessed alongside the likely race conditions.
Recent form and seasonal reappearances
The Greatwood regularly attracts horses making their first appearance of the National Hunt season.
A lack of recent racing does not automatically count against a runner.
Some trainers prepare their horses specifically for the race and have them ready to perform well following a break.
Other horses benefit from a recent outing.
The key is to examine the trainer’s preparation, the horse’s previous record after an absence and the circumstances of its latest performance.
A horse that has repeatedly performed well following a break may not need a recent run to demonstrate its fitness.
Starting prices and favourites
The Greatwood has produced several long-priced winners.
Nietzsche won at 20/1 in 2018, while Harambe returned at 16/1 the following year.
Old Guard won at 12/1 in 2015, and West Cork returned at 11/1 in 2021.
Alexei’s success as the 10/3 favourite in 2025 demonstrated that well-supported runners can also win the race.
The important question is whether the available odds accurately reflect a horse’s chance of winning.
A long price does not automatically represent value, just as a short price does not necessarily make a horse a poor selection.
Greatwood Hurdle: Leading Trainers and Jockeys
The Greatwood Hurdle has been won by several of the most successful trainers and jockeys in British and Irish National Hunt racing.
Its history includes established championship performers, successful handicap specialists and improving horses beginning their careers at the highest level.
Philip Hobbs: Four Greatwood victories
Philip Hobbs has trained four Greatwood Hurdle winners.
His victories came with Rooster Booster in 2002, Detroit City in 2006, Menorah in 2010 and Garde La Victoire in 2014.
All four horses demonstrated considerable ability beyond ordinary handicap company.
Rooster Booster subsequently won the Champion Hurdle, while Detroit City had already won the Triumph Hurdle.
Menorah developed into a successful chaser, and Garde La Victoire also progressed over fences.
Hobbs’ record demonstrates his ability to prepare high-class hurdlers for the demands of Cheltenham.
Martin Pipe: Four victories
Martin Pipe also trained four Greatwood Hurdle winners.
His successes came with Liadett in 1990, Valfinet in 1992, Lady Cricket in 2000 and Shooting Light in 2001.
Pipe’s record in major National Hunt handicaps was particularly strong during the 1990s and early 2000s.
His ability to identify suitable races and prepare horses to perform at their best made him one of the most successful trainers in the history of the Greatwood.
Paul Nicholls: Three victories
Paul Nicholls has trained three Greatwood Hurdle winners.
Brampour won in 2011, followed by Old Guard in 2015 and another success in 2016.
Old Guard subsequently won the International Hurdle at Cheltenham, demonstrating his ability to progress from handicap company into Graded races.
Nicholls’ record reflects the importance of identifying horses whose handicap marks leave them competitive against established performers.
Nigel Twiston-Davies: Three victories
Nigel Twiston-Davies has enjoyed considerable success in the Greatwood.
Khyber Kim won in 2009, while I Like To Move It added another victory in 2022.
The trainer’s record includes horses capable of carrying substantial weights and competing successfully at a higher level.
Khyber Kim subsequently finished second in the Champion Hurdle and won the Aintree Hurdle.
I Like To Move It’s 2022 success under 12st was one of the most impressive weight-carrying performances in the race’s recent history.
Dan Skelton and Harry Skelton
Dan Skelton trained North Hill Harvey to win the 2016 Greatwood and West Cork to win in 2021.
Both horses were ridden by Harry Skelton.
North Hill Harvey won as a five-year-old, while West Cork was seven when successful.
The victories demonstrated the stable’s ability to prepare horses at different stages of their careers for a competitive early-season handicap.
Harry Skelton’s record also illustrates the importance of judgement and race positioning around Cheltenham’s Old Course.
Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville
Nicky Henderson trained Iberico Lord to win the 2023 Greatwood Hurdle under Nico de Boinville.
Iberico Lord subsequently won the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury in February 2024.
His progression demonstrated how a successful Greatwood performance can lead to further success in valuable handicap hurdles.
Henderson’s experience with high-class hurdlers makes his runners particularly interesting when they enter the race with relatively unexposed form.
James Owen and Harry Cobden
James Owen trained Burdett Road to win the 2024 Greatwood Hurdle under Harry Cobden.
The four-year-old carried 11st 10lb and made all the running.
Burdett Road’s victory was particularly notable because he successfully combined an aggressive running style with the stamina required to finish strongly up Cheltenham’s hill.
His performance demonstrated that a prominent runner can win the Greatwood when allowed to establish a suitable rhythm.
Joe Tizzard and Brendan Powell
Joe Tizzard trained Alexei to win the 2025 Greatwood Hurdle, with Brendan Powell in the saddle.
Alexei travelled strongly before producing an impressive finish to defeat Helnwein.
The victory was an important success for the stable and demonstrated the value of preparing an improving hurdler for a major early-season target.
How to Analyse the Greatwood Hurdle 2026
The Greatwood Hurdle is a competitive handicap in which small differences in jumping, pace and race positioning can have a significant effect on the result.
The following factors should be considered when the 2026 declarations become available.
Assess the handicap mark
The first consideration is whether a horse remains well treated relative to its current ability.
A horse that has improved since its previous handicap run may possess an advantage if its official rating has not fully reflected that improvement.
However, a recent victory can result in a substantial rise in the weights.
Compare each runner’s current mark with its previous winning ratings, the strength of its opposition and the circumstances of its recent performances.
A horse’s finishing position alone does not provide enough information to establish whether it remains well handicapped.
Examine the likely pace
The Greatwood is run over a relatively short distance, making race pace particularly important.
A field containing several front-runners may produce a stronger early gallop than one with few horses likely to contest the lead.
A strong pace can benefit horses that settle behind the leaders and finish strongly.
Conversely, a prominent runner may gain an advantage if allowed to establish a comfortable rhythm.
Burdett Road’s 2024 victory demonstrated the effectiveness of front-running tactics, while Alexei’s 2025 success showed how a horse can win after travelling behind the leaders.
Our horse racing pace maps guide explains how to assess the likely running styles of horses in a race.
Check jumping accuracy
The Greatwood features eight hurdles.
A horse that loses momentum through repeated jumping mistakes may struggle to recover its position in a competitive field.
Previous performances should be examined for evidence of jumping errors, particularly when the horse has been racing at a strong pace.
A runner that jumps fluently under pressure may be better suited to the Greatwood than one that relies on making up ground between hurdles.
Assess the going
Ground conditions can substantially affect the demands of a two-mile handicap hurdle.
Soft ground places greater emphasis on stamina, while quicker conditions can suit horses with tactical speed.
Previous performances should be assessed in relation to the ground rather than simply the race distance.
Our explanation of the going in horse racing covers the different ground descriptions and their significance.
Consider the trainer’s preparation
The timing of a horse’s previous run can provide useful information.
Some horses perform particularly well following a break, while others improve significantly after their seasonal debut.
A trainer’s comments may help establish whether the Greatwood has been a long-term target.
However, comments should be assessed alongside the horse’s form and previous record after an absence.
Compare the available odds
The final stage is to compare the horse’s chance of winning with the available price.
A runner can have an excellent chance of winning without representing value at its current odds.
Equally, a horse with several questions to answer may still be worth considering if the market has underestimated its prospects.
The most effective approach is to assess the race independently before comparing the prices.
Betting on the Greatwood Hurdle
The Greatwood Hurdle attracts considerable betting interest because it is one of the first major handicap hurdles of the winter season.
The competitive nature of the race creates several betting considerations, particularly around each-way terms, ante-post markets and the availability of different prices.
Win betting
A win bet requires the selected horse to finish first.
The potential return depends on the available odds and the stake.
For example, a £10 win bet at 10/1 returns £110 in total if successful, including the original £10 stake.
Our horse racing odds guide explains how betting prices work and how to calculate potential returns.
Each-way betting
Each-way betting is popular in competitive handicaps because it combines a win bet with a place bet.
A £10 each-way bet costs £20 in total.
The place part of the bet is settled according to the bookmaker’s advertised terms, which depend on factors including the number of runners and the market.
Some bookmakers offer additional places on major handicaps, although these offers can come with reduced place fractions or other conditions.
Compare the full each-way terms rather than looking only at the number of places.
Ante-post betting
Ante-post markets allow bets to be placed before the final declarations.
The potential advantage is securing a price before the market changes.
However, ante-post bets are normally lost if the selected horse does not participate, unless the bookmaker’s specific terms provide otherwise.
This is particularly relevant to the Greatwood because a horse’s participation may depend on its handicap mark, fitness, ground preferences and alternative engagements.
Waiting for the final declarations provides greater certainty about the runners.
Comparing bookmakers
Different bookmakers can offer different prices and each-way terms on the same race.
Our comparison of horse racing betting sites explains the main features to consider when choosing a bookmaker, including racing markets, withdrawals and betting features.
The bookmaker sponsoring the race does not automatically offer the most competitive price.
Greatwood Hurdle Facts
The Greatwood Hurdle has been a major part of Cheltenham’s autumn programme since 1987.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First running | 1987 |
| Inaugural winner | Celtic Shot |
| Racecourse | Cheltenham |
| Course | Old Course |
| Distance | Approximately 2m ½f |
| Current classification | Premier Handicap |
| Current sponsor | Unibet |
| Leading trainers | Martin Pipe and Philip Hobbs, four wins each |
| 2025 winner | Alexei |
The race has had several sponsorship names during its history.
It should not be confused with the Greatwood Gold Cup, which is a separate handicap chase held at Newbury.
The Greatwood Hurdle is also distinct from the Champion Hurdle, which takes place at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
Greatwood Hurdle FAQs
When is the Greatwood Hurdle 2026?
The 2026 Greatwood Hurdle takes place on Sunday 15 November at Cheltenham. The race is scheduled to start at 3.30pm.
Where is the Greatwood Hurdle held?
The race takes place on the Old Course at Cheltenham Racecourse in Gloucestershire.
How far is the Greatwood Hurdle?
The race is run over approximately two miles and half a furlong.
How many hurdles are jumped in the Greatwood Hurdle?
The race features eight hurdles.
Is the Greatwood Hurdle a Grade 3 race?
The Greatwood Hurdle is currently classified as a Premier Handicap. Older records and race reports may describe previous renewals as Grade 3 handicaps.
Who won the Greatwood Hurdle in 2025?
Alexei won the 2025 renewal for trainer Joe Tizzard and jockey Brendan Powell. Helnwein finished second and Luccia was third.
Who has trained the most Greatwood Hurdle winners?
Martin Pipe and Philip Hobbs share the leading trainer record with four victories each.
Has a Greatwood Hurdle winner also won the Champion Hurdle?
Yes. Celtic Shot won the Greatwood in 1987 before winning the Champion Hurdle in 1988. Rooster Booster won the Greatwood in 2002 and the Champion Hurdle in 2003.
Is the Greatwood Hurdle the same as the Greatwood Gold Cup?
No. They are separate races. The Greatwood Hurdle is a two-mile handicap hurdle at Cheltenham, while the Greatwood Gold Cup is a handicap chase held at Newbury.
Can I bet on the Greatwood Hurdle before the final declarations?
Ante-post markets may be available before the final declarations. However, a horse that does not run will normally result in a losing ante-post bet unless the bookmaker’s terms provide otherwise.
Summary of the Greatwood Hurdle 2026
The Greatwood Hurdle takes place at Cheltenham on Sunday 15 November 2026 and is one of the major early-season handicap hurdles.
Its history includes outstanding winners such as Celtic Shot, Rooster Booster, Detroit City, Sizing Europe and Khyber Kim, while Alexei’s 2025 victory added another notable name to the race’s roll of honour.
Previous Cheltenham form, handicap ratings, jumping accuracy and the likely pace are important considerations when assessing the 2026 runners.
The race also provides a valuable form reference for the International Hurdle and other major two-mile hurdle races later in the National Hunt season.
