Joint press release
Cheltenham Racecourse, together with the British Horseracing Authority, have today confirmed that the new Grade 2 Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Steeple Chase to be run at The Festival 2021 will replace the Listed Novices’ Handicap Chase, which was traditionally run on the opening day.
A decision as to which race would be replaced by the inaugural running of the 2m 4f Grade 2 mares’ chase was made after consultation with key stakeholders, including trainers from Britain and Ireland over several months.
Recognising the importance of the Listed Novices’ Handicap Chase to the Jump racing season, the BHA Jump Pattern Committee has given permission for the race to be staged at Sandown Park as part of the Paddy Power Imperial Cup meeting just days before The Festival.
The new Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase, which will be registered as The Liberthine Mares’ Chase, will be run on Gold Cup day, with the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Steeple Chase moving to the Wednesday and the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle moving to the opening day.
Cheltenham Racecourse Clerk of the Course, Simon Claisse, explained:
“We’re looking forward to being able to bring the Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase into the racing calendar for The Festival 2021. Not only is this a great example of the sport working together to boost the mares’ race programme in Britain to benefit the industry, but we also now have an improved mares’ population providing quality competition.
“Deciding which race to replace was not an easy decision and it was important that we took into account all the factors and feedback we received. But when we evaluated the other Novice Chase opportunities at The Festival, as well as the importance of maintaining the current balance of Chases and Hurdles over the four days, this was considered the best option.”
Paul Nicholls, the 11-times Champion Trainer, said:
“I fully support the introduction of the Mares’ Chase, and the positive impact that it will have on the racing industry.
“There will certainly be plenty of good mares in both Britain and Ireland to contest it and I hope to have a good candidate in Laurina. It looks like the obvious race for her, and she already has good form at Cheltenham so it will definitely be a potential target for her come March.
“It will no doubt have been a tough decision in choosing which of the races to lose, but in this case at least those horses will have lots of opportunities elsewhere.”
Ruby Walsh, winner of 59 races at The Festival, added:
“The Mares’ Chase will prove a great addition to The Festival, especially when it beds in over a three or four year period. Jumps horses rarely have a financial value when they finish racing but for owners who are lucky enough to have a good mare, they can be worth a considerable amount as brood mares and thus owners get some return on their investment.
“Therefore the need for mares-only races is paramount for the value of unraced fillies, to encourage owners to buy them as racehorses. Having the Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase to go along with the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle adds to the attraction of purchasing a filly. Cheltenham are showing their support to the breeding industry by adding this race and in my opinion showing a loyalty to the whole horseracing industry and not just the sport.”
Ruth Quinn, Director of International Racing and Racing Development at the BHA, said:
“The addition of a Grade 2 Mares’ Chase at The Festival is another tangible, positive step in the efforts being made to encourage owners and trainers to continue to enhance the population of quality Jumping mares. Having such a tempting target to aim for is sure to have a long-term impact on breeders, owners and trainers when it comes to thinking about buying a mare or keeping a mare in training and campaigning her over fences.
“It has been a considered process as to which race should be removed to make way for the Mares’ Chase and it is positive news that we will be retaining the Listed Novices’ Handicap Chase as a key target for the relevant sector of the horse population, running it just a few days earlier at Sandown Park.”
Paul Mallon, Paddy Power’s Head of Brand, said:
“The race is brilliant in providing further opportunities to those racing mares under Jump rules and hopefully the winners of our race will go on to emulate the great Dawn Run by scooping the Cheltenham Gold Cup.”
Notes to editors:
- The Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase will be registered as The Liberthine Mares’ Chase, after former Cheltenham Racecourse Chairman Robert Waley-Cohen’s classy mare. Robert was Chairman of the racecourse from 2011 – 2019.
2. The Festival will take place from Tuesday 16 – Friday 19 March 2021.
3. Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Steeple Chase
Paddy Power: 6 Salsaretta, 8 Elfile, Put The Kettle On, 10 Elimay, Happy Diva, 14 Benie Des Dieux, Stormy Ireland, 20 Annie Mc, Laurina, Magic Of Light, Robin De Carlow, Shattered Love, 25 bar
