The Grade 1 Turners Novices’ Hurdle has possibly never been so competitive. An enormous, full field of 22 has been declared for this year’s renewal, with so many chancing their top level prospects.
GG tipster Joe Napier previews this year’s renewal and gives his verdict among a packed line-up.
2026 Turners Novices’ Hurdle Runners
Despite the big field, the definite place to start is No Drama This End. Paul Nicholls’ grey has drawn Denman comparisons and his performances have been promising in that regard. He did well to control the Challow Hurdle from start to finish at Newbury, but this is a different contest altogether.
Ballyfad and King Rasko Grey tie in closely on form from Ireland. Both have potential up in trip, though the former should confirm form with the latter. King Rasko Grey’s stablemate Sober must only have been a narrow second choice among the Willie Mullins contingent too. Patrick Mullins takes the ride on the classy flat performer.
Skylight Hustle and I’ll Sort That are also Grade 1 winners already. Declan Queally charge is particularly interesting in this context given how gutsy he is and that should stand him in good stead. Skylight Hustle has been kept fresh and is a very plausible improver.
Act Of Innocence goes for Nicky Henderson for the same connections as Old Park Star. He took in the same prep race as Shishkin last time, with equally successful results.
So many more could be worthy of mention, with Sortudo adding further depth to the Mullins challenge. Bossman Jack is on a roll for Dan Skelton, while at massive prices, Came From Nowhere is probably ahead of his increasing mark and worthy of a Graded run. Hurricane Pat bumped into Old Park Star last time, but is not without a hope up in trip where he won’t have to take on a clear favourite in a small field.
2026 Turners Novices’ Hurdle Racecard
13:20 Cheltenham
Good To SoftTurners Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (Registered As The Baring Bingham Novices’ Hurdle) (GBB Race)
- First Prize: £84405
- 2m 5f 0y
- Class 1
- 21 runners
- Win time: 5m 3s
11/1 (Won)
- Win: £12.00
- Place: £3.60
10/1
- Place: £3.60
50/1
- Place: £12.70
150/1
15/2
18/1
50/1
80/1
33/1
11/1
50/1
80/1
13/2
100/1
33/1
17/2
50/1
150/1
5/2F
33/1
8/1
Non-runners
Came From Nowhere
+o+e Betting Returns
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £129.20 |
| Straight Forecast | £113.61 |
| Tricast | £5274.17 |
| Trifecta | £5321.20 |
Selections
2026 Turners Novices’ Hurdle Trends
The Turners Novices’ Hurdle has been won by four odds-on favourites since 2017. However, with that trend miles out the window given the openness of this renewal, which trends could be worth following?
- Eight of the last ten winners have been trained in Ireland
- Eight of the last ten winners have been six years old
- The last double-figure odds winner was in 2017
- Only two horses at double-figure odds have even placed in the last five renewals
2026 Turners Novices’ Hurdle Tips
An immensely competitive Grade 1. No Drama This End will be tested like never before and Ballyfad may possess the stronger form having finished second in a Dublin Racing Festival Grade 1. He was collared only on the line and should appreciate this step up in trip. There is no shortage of dangers though, with high-class flat horse Sober dangerous if his jumping holds up early, while I’ll Sort That should not be underestimated. Came From Nowhere and Hurricane Pat are interesting of the outsiders.
FAQs
When and where is the Turners Novices’ Hurdle run?
The Turners Novices’ Hurdle will take place at Cheltenham racecourse on Wednesday 11 March, 2026 at 1.20pm.
How can I watch the Turners Novices’ Hurdle on Wednesday?
The Turners Novices’ Hurdle will be shown live on ITV Racing at 1.20pm.
When were the Turners Novices’ Hurdle tips published?
The tips for the Turners Novices’ Hurdle were published at 1pm on Tuesday 10 March.
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