Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle Tips 2026 – Cheltenham 1:20 Preview & Best Bets - (2026)

Updated: 02/04/2026

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⭐ Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle Tips

WIN: Bambino Fever
MAIN DANGER: Oldschool Outlaw
VALUE BET: Carrigmoornaspruce
OUTSIDER: Echoing Silence

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Race Overview – Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (1:20 Cheltenham)

The Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, registered as the Dawn Run Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, opens day three of the Cheltenham Festival.

Run over 2m1f on the New Course, the race has quickly become one of the most competitive mares’ contests of the week, regularly featuring leading prospects from the powerful Irish yards.

The Willie Mullins team has a particularly strong hand again this year, headed by Bambino Fever, a high-class bumper performer who has already shown significant promise over hurdles.

Her biggest rival could be Oldschool Outlaw, who previously defeated her earlier in the season and has continued to progress since.

With several progressive mares lining up, this looks another fascinating renewal of the race.

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⭐ Main Selection – Bambino Fever

Bambino Fever is taken to confirm her reputation as one of the most exciting mares in training.

The Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old was a standout bumper performer and has already begun to translate that ability to hurdles.

Although she was beaten on her hurdling debut by Oldschool Outlaw, she looked a much more polished performer when winning impressively on her latest start.

With Paul Townend in the saddle and further improvement expected, Bambino Fever looks capable of taking revenge and landing this Grade 2 prize.

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⚠️ Main Danger – Oldschool Outlaw

Oldschool Outlaw deserves plenty of respect after defeating Bambino Fever earlier in the season.

Trained by Gordon Elliott, the six-year-old has been extremely impressive since switching to hurdles and produced a dominant performance when winning a Grade 3 on her latest start.

She travels strongly through her races and has shown a determined attitude in the closing stages.

If continuing her rapid progression, Oldschool Outlaw could easily make this a very close contest once again.

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💰 Value Bet – Carrigmoornaspruce

For those seeking an each-way option, Carrigmoornaspruce looks particularly interesting.

The Declan Queally-trained mare finished runner-up in a Grade 1 contest last time and now returns to a race restricted to mares.

Her consistent form and proven ability at this level make her a solid contender, and she could be one of the strongest finishers if the pace is strong.

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🐎 Dark Horse – Echoing Silence

Echoing Silence could be the one to outrun her odds.

The Henry De Bromhead-trained mare has been steadily improving and has already shown she possesses plenty of stamina.

That extra stamina could be an advantage if the race becomes a strong test up the Cheltenham hill.

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Other Contenders

Charme De Faust
Lightly raced four-year-old who looked very promising when winning at Thurles and could improve further.

Kingston Queen
A Grade 2 winner who always runs with determination, though she may need a career-best effort to win.

Manganese
Unbeaten in four starts and clearly talented, though this represents a major step up in class.

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Predicted Finishing Order

1. Bambino Fever
2. Oldschool Outlaw
3. Carrigmoornaspruce
4. Echoing Silence

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Final Verdict

The Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle often produces future Grade 1 mares and the 2026 renewal looks particularly strong.

While Oldschool Outlaw already holds a victory over her main rival, Bambino Fever appears to be improving rapidly and could turn the tables with further progress.

If she produces the same level of performance shown last time out, she could prove very difficult to beat in the 1:20 at Cheltenham.

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Best Bets Summary

WIN: Bambino Fever
EACH WAY: Carrigmoornaspruce
DANGER: Oldschool Outlaw
OUTSIDER: Echoing Silence

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