Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1) Stats
The following analysis uses the primary trends from the last 12 years (2014–2025) to evaluate the 2026 contenders.
Key 12-Year Trends (2014–2025)
Irish Dominance: 10 of the last 12 winners were trained in Ireland.
The Mullins Factor: Willie Mullins has won 11 renewals in total (5 in the last 10 years).
Official Rating: 9 of the last 12 winners were rated 150 or higher.
Age Profile: 10 of the last 12 winners were aged between 5 and 7.
Last Time Out: 9 of the last 12 winners won or finished 2nd on their previous start.
Market Strength: 9 of the last 12 winners were returned at 6/1 or shorter.
Runner Analysis & Preference List
1. Wodhooh (Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Jockey: Jack Kennedy)
Trends Fit: 10/10. The 6-year-old Irish mare is the highest-rated in the field (154) and fits every major trend. She is a previous Festival winner (2025 Martin Pipe) and has won 9 of her 10 starts over hurdles. Her only defeat came against the absent superstar Lossiemouth.
Verdict: She is the “statistically perfect” horse for this race. Her tactical versatility and Course & Distance (C&D) winning form make her the one to beat.
2. Jade De Grugy (Trainer: Willie Mullins | Jockey: Paul Townend)
Trends Fit: 9/10. Representing the most successful trainer in the race’s history. She was 2nd in this race last year (behind Lossiemouth) and is rated 150. While she has spent this season over fences, the trend of high-class mares reverting from chasing to win this race is well-established (e.g., Benie Des Dieux).
Verdict: The clear danger. As the sole representative of the Mullins yard, historical stats suggest she will be peak-fit and highly competitive on drying ground.
3. Feet Of A Dancer (Trainer: Paul Nolan | Jockey: Sean O’Keeffe)
Trends Fit: 7/10. An Irish-trained 7-year-old who won her last start (Grade 2 at Doncaster). However, she is rated 141, which is significantly lower than the typical winner’s profile of 150+. She was also beaten by Wodhooh earlier this season.
Verdict: A solid each-way contender who rarely runs a bad race but may lack the “Grade 1 engine” required to trouble the top two.
4. Take No Chances (Trainer: Dan Skelton | Jockey: Harry Skelton)
Trends Fit: 6/10. The leading British hope. She was 3rd in this race last year and is an 8-year-old, placing her just outside the ideal 5–7 age bracket. While consistent, her current rating of 145 suggests she needs a career-best performance.
Verdict: Consistent place prospect but historical stats favour the younger Irish-trained mares for the top spot.
5. Jetara (Trainer: Mrs John Harrington | Jockey: Sam Ewing)
Trends Fit: 5/10. An 8-year-old who has struggled for a win this season (0 from 4). Although Irish-trained and 4th in this race last year, she hasn’t shown the progression needed to bridge the gap to the 150-rated rivals.
Verdict: Likely to battle for minor honours but faces an uphill task to win.
6. Dream On Baby (Trainer: Emmet Mullins | Jockey: Donagh Meyler)
Trends Fit: 4/10. A 6-year-old rated 139. While she is Irish-trained and won a Listed race at Kempton in November, she has been comfortably beaten by both Wodhooh and Feet Of A Dancer in subsequent starts.
Verdict: Improvement required; stats suggest she is outclassed here.
7. Sunset Marquesa (Trainer: Joe Tizzard | Jockey: Brendan Powell)
Trends Fit: 2/10. A British-trained outsider rated 129. She fails to meet the ratings, trainer, or form trends associated with winners of this Grade 1 contest.
Verdict: The rank outsider with significant ground to make up on the principals.
Order of Preference
1. Wodhooh (Strongest trend match and class leader)
2. Jade De Grugy (The “Mullins Factor” and proven C&D form)
3. Feet Of A Dancer (Best of the rest with upward momentum)
4. Take No Chances (Reliable place candidate)
5. Jetara
6. Dream On Baby
7. Sunset Marquesa
