The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle splits the final card at the Cheltenham Festival as a full field of 22 runners line up to etch themselves in Prestbury Park staying folklore.
The three-mile contest was inaugurated in 2005 when a fourth day was introduced to the Festival, and it was elevated to Grade 1 status in 2008.
As the Irish continue their strong breeding of excellent staying thoroughbreds, it’s no surprise that they have taken nine of the last twelve runnings of the race officially known as the Spa Novices’ Hurdle.
2026 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle Runners
Doctor Steinberg leads the Willie Mullins contingent with Paul Townend aboard seeking to give Closutton their fifth win in the race since 2017. The son of Doctor Dino was an eight-length winner of the Grade 1 Nathaniel Lacy last time out, albeit in a weak renewal. That took his record over hurdles to three from three and while the majority of Doctor Dino’s thrive over shorter, there is stamina in his pedigree for this trip.
Thedeviluno was second to Doctor Steinberg at Navan in December but he improved on that next time out when taking the Grade 2 River Don over three miles at Doncaster in good style. With form figures of 6222121, this consistent gelding looks assured to run a promising race. The Passing Wife was second to Thedeviluno on hurdles debut but stepping up beyond two miles for the first time, he was a nine-length winner in a Maiden Hurdle last time out.
Thespinningyarn steps up from lesser company here compared to some, but this son of Order Of St George, from the family of 2019 Stayers’ Hurdle second Sam Spinner, looks well suited to thus step up in trip. Patrick Mullins won this last season and gets the leg up on Espresso Milan, who’s unbeaten in two starts for Willie Mullins since joining from Fergal O’Brien.
You’d have to go some way down in the market to find a fancied British-trained runner as Mondoui’boy has attracted support of late for Ben Pauling, who’s given glowing reports regarding this son of Castle Du Berlais of late. Moneygarrow was disappointing early on this season, but he’s now two from two for the Skelton’s since having wind surgery.
2026 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle Racecard
15:20 Cheltenham
SoftAlbert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (Registered As The Spa Novices’ Hurdle) (GBB Race)
- First Prize: £87021.55
- 2m 7f 213y
- Class 1
- 22 runners
- Win time: 5m 59s
20/1 (Won)
- Win: £23.20
- Place: £6.20
28/1
- Place: £7.10
11/1
- Place: £3.70
14/1
12/1
22/1
40/1
18/1
13/2
50/1
80/1
11/1
14/1
28/1
9/4F
25/1
25/1
100/1
14/1
28/1
80/1
50/1
+o+e Betting Returns
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £428.60 |
| Straight Forecast | £476.90 |
| Tricast | £6359.81 |
| Trifecta | £5228.60 |
Selections
The Guardian:
ThedevilunoDaily Mirror:
ThedevilunoThe Star:
ThedevilunoTOPSPEED:
Doctor SteinbergD Express:
Doctor SteinbergThe Sun:
Doctor Steinberg2026 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle Trends
If you require some trends to narrow down the field, here are four crucial ones for the Albert Bartlett.
- No favourite has won since 2013
- The last nine winners have been aged 6 or 7
- Six of the last seven winners have been trained in Ireland
- Eight of the last ten winners have gone off at double-figure prices
2026 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle Tips
Eight of the last ten winners of the Albert returned at a double figure SP and the progressive Mondoui’boy can spring another surprise for a yard that were agonisingly beat into second in the 2024 renewal of the Albert Bartlett. His convincing seven-length success in a historically smart Ascot Novice last time out has worked out well, and he can improve for this step up in trip. Road Exile looked in desperate need of a stamina laden trip when second to Sober in the Moscow Flyer last time out and he can give another good account for Gordon Elliott and Gigginstown who won this with Stellar Story in 2024. Doctor Steinberg is entitled to run well here for a yard who have an excellent record in this race, he’s beating several of the re-opposing rivals but there is the suspicion that he might not have the required stamina for this contest.
FAQs
When and where is the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle run?
The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle will take place at Cheltenham racecourse on Friday 13 March, 2026 at 3.20pm.
How can I watch the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle on Friday?
The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle is shown live on ITV Racing at 3.20pm.
When were the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle tips published?
The tips for the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle were published at 1.45pm on Thursday 12 March.
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