The favourites for the Stayers' Hurdle

As the 2024 Cheltenham Festival draws near, the spotlight shines brightly on the highly anticipated Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle.

This Grade 1 contest is one of two features on day three of the Cheltenham Festival, often referred to as St. Patrick’s Thursday, and is a true test of speed, ability, and stamina.

With just days to go until the latest renewal, the early horse racing odds are beginning to take shape and bettors are starting to study the form guides. So, without further ado, read on as we assess the entrants for the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle and consider their chances of reigning victorious on Prestbury Park’s hallowed grounds.

Teahupoo – 2/1

With victories in the Grade 1 Hatton’s Grace Hurdle and the Grade 2 Galmoy Hurdle last season, Teahupoo entered the 2023 Cheltenham Festival as the hot favourite for the Stayers’ Hurdle.

2 amazing horses, in the race though they both are up against it to win, I think Teahupoo wins that race, but saying that I hope all horses get home safe 🙏🏻❤️

— Robbie Coombes (@RobbieCoombes15) March 8, 2024

Despite a valiant effort, he fell just short, finishing a close third behind rank outsiders Sire Du Berlais and Dashel Drasher.

However, with a recent win in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle, Teahupoo returns to Prestbury Park with renewed vigour and a strong chance of claiming victory.

Irish Point – 4/1

With the devastating news that Constitution Hill has been ruled out of the Champion Hurdle, Irish Point’s final destination at the Cheltenham Festival now hangs in the balance.

It is 50/50 between the day one feature and the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle, but the Gordon Elliott-trained horse boasts impressive form and will pose a formidable challenge if he heads down this path.

After a successful novice campaign culminating in a Grade 1 victory at the Aintree Grand National meeting, Irish Point has continued his winning streak this season with commanding performances in the Grade 3 Bottlegreen Hurdle and the top-level Jack de Bromhead Christmas Hurdle.

Crambo – 11/2

Under the guidance of local trainer Fergal O’Brien, who is amazingly still seeking his maiden Cheltenham Festival winner, Crambo emerges as a contender seeking to make a mark at Prestbury Park.

Despite a middling performance at Aintree last year, Crambo has displayed newfound prowess this season — notably clinching victory in the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot.

However, facing stiff competition from Elliott’s runners, Crambo faces an uphill battle to secure victory.

Desperate for his first Cheltenham Festival winner, O’Brien said: “I’m delighted to have a championship race contender.

“I think Cheltenham will suit Crambo and bring out some further improvement in Crambo. He needs to improve again after the Long Walk.

“There are other horses in there that have been there and got the t-shirt but Crambo has youth on his side and we think he is a very good horse so, fingers crossed.”

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Former Grand National winner Noble Yeats is fancied at odds of 8/1 for the Stayers’ Hurdle after being switched back to the smaller obstacles and winning a Grade 2 over course and distance in January, while Sir Gerhard is also 8/1 and Willie Mullins’ best chance of landing a win here.

Monkfish is another potential entry for Mullins, coming in at 11/1, while Flooring Porter (12/1) could make a dramatic return to hurdles in a bid to land a historic hat-trick of victories in this race.