Max McNeill, a leading owner and Cheltenham board member, advocates for an end to the perceived easier option for mares in the Champion Hurdle, urging for changes to the race structure.
Max McNeill, a prominent horse owner and member of the Cheltenham board, is advocating for a revision of racing options available for mares that allows them to avoid the prestigious Champion Hurdle. He criticizes the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle as a 'cop out,' suggesting that it provides an easier path for top mares like Lossiemouth to bypass more challenging competition in the Champion Hurdle. This criticism highlights a growing frustration among punters and racegoers who yearn for more competitive racing formats.
The current situation has seen high-caliber mares, traditionally expected to compete in the Champion Hurdle, opting instead for the Mares’ Hurdle, perceived as less competitive. Lossiemouth, who has been forefront in this situation, is currently the favorite to continue her winning streak in the Mares’ Hurdle, having already triumphed in the prior two editions. McNeill’s comments reflect a broader desire in the racing community for the Cheltenham Festival to reevaluate its race structures to enhance competition and integrity of its celebrated events.
As the Cheltenham Festival continues to be a cornerstone of horse racing in the UK, calls for reform from influential figures like McNeill may lead to significant changes in how races are structured, particularly for mares. With the Mares' Hurdle moved to a different schedule for 2026, the implications of these suggestions could reshape future strategies for owners and trainers alike, ultimately affecting the competitive landscape of this prestigious racing festival.
