The JCB Triumph Hurdle is the leading juvenile hurdle race at Cheltenham, held over 2 miles and a furlong. Key trainers like N Henderson (7 wins) and W Mullins (4 of the last 5) dominate this race. Fillies under 14/1 have a strong record, with 5 winners from 26 runners. Lightly raced horses with strong recent form tend to thrive.
📊 Key Trends & Winning Profile
✅ Trainer Impact: N Henderson – 7 winners since 1985, W Mullins – 4 of last 5.
✅ Form Stamina: 17 of last 18 flat runners raced at 1m4f+.
✅ Recency: 26 of last 26 winners ran 18–55 days prior.
✅ Last Run: 10 of last 12 not outside top 2 in GB/IRE hurdles.
✅ Market Guide: 15 of last 20 from front four in the market.
✅ Odds-On Rarity: Only one odds-on winner since 1974.
✅ Hurdle Starts: Only two of last 17 had over three hurdle runs.
✅ Age Profile: 4-year-olds dominate this race.
🏇 Recent Winners & Trends Analysis
| Year | Winner | Age | OR | SP | Trainer | Jockey | Last Race (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Majborough | 4 | 139 | 6/1 | W Mullins | M Walsh | 3rd Leop G1 (41) |
| 2023 | Lossiemouth | 4 | 142 | 11/8F | W Mullins | P Townend | 2nd Leop G1 (41) |
| 2022 | Vauban | 4 | 146 | 6/4F | W Mullins | P Townend | 1st Leop G1 (41) |
| 2021 | Quilixios | 4 | 147 | 2/1 | H de Bromhead | R Blackmore | 1st Leop G1 (40) |
| 2020 | Burning Victory | 4 | – | 12/1 | W Mullins | P Townend | 1st G3 F’house Hdle (20) |
🔍 Key Takeaways:
✅ Proven form over 2m4f is critical.
✅ Horses rated 138–155 have the best strike rate.
✅ Lightly raced novices with 3–4 chase runs are key.
✅ The market is usually a decent guide – no winner in the last 10 years bigger than 12/1.
✅ Horses that won or placed last time out are preferred.
✅ Five-year-olds struggle unless particularly well-handicapped.
🎯 Expert Verdict: Who to Bet On?
The key profile is a 4-year-old, with strong recent form over a similar trip, rated between 138 and 155. Horses with experience in big fields and at Cheltenham (or similarly undulating tracks) are particularly strong contenders.
📈 Best Bets for JCB Triumph Hurdle 2025 – Top Selections
| Horse | Odds | Trainer | Age | OR | RPR | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| East India Dock | 6/1 | James Owen | 4 | 146 | 155 | Strong novice form, ideal profile. |
| Hello Neighbour | 8/1 | Gavin Cromwell | 4 | 145 | 144 | Proven over the trip, lightly raced. |
| Sainte Lucie | 10/1 | W Mullins | 4 | 131 | 139 | Consistent form, each-way value. |
| Blue Lemons | 12/1 | W Mullins | 4 | – | 135 | Lightly raced, open to improvement. |
| Lulamba | 14/1 | N Henderson | 4 | 140 | 144 | Strong novice hurdle form. |
✅ East India Dock
✅ Rated 146 – Ideal for this race.
✅ Strong novice hurdle form.
✅ Big field experience.
💪 Verdict: Solid contender – ticks most of the key trends.
✅ Hello Neighbour
✅ Experienced in strong fields.
✅ Proven over 2m4f+.
✅ Ideal age and rating.
💪 Verdict: Top class – Looks the most likely winner.
✅ Sainte Lucie
✅ Trained by W Mullins – Strong Festival record.
✅ Good recent form.
✅ Each-way value.
💪 Verdict: Each-way player – Strong recent form.
🚫 Runners to Avoid
❌ Opec – Poor recent form.
❌ Pappano – Lacks experience over fences.
❌ Place De La Nation – Low rating and inconsistent.
💰 Each-Way Value
➡️ Lulamba (14/1) – Progressive novice – Unexposed over trip.
➡️ Sainte Lucie (10/1) – Class form, could improve further.
➡️ Hello Neighbour (8/1) – Ideal OR, big-field form.
✅ Best Trend Fit: East India Dock
✅ Perfect age profile.
✅ OR of 146 – Ideal for a novice hurdle.
✅ Experience in Graded races.
✅ Strong form over 2m4f.
🏆 Top Selection: East India Dock – Best profile fit and ideal OR.
💼 Best Each-Way Bet: Sainte Lucie – Well-handicapped and improving.
🚀 Dark Horse: Hello Neighbour – Potential to surprise.