The Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt race in Ireland. It is run at Leopardstown Racecourse at the end of December during the Christmas Festival, over a distance of about 2 miles (3,219 metres) and during its running there are 8 hurdles to be jumped.
The race was originally run over 2 miles and 2 furlongs, before being reduced to its present distance in 1997. It was awarded Grade 1 status in 2008 and is seen as a key race prior to the Cheltenham Festival in March. The race is currently sponsored by the Paddy Power bookmaking company.
Records Most successful jockey (4 wins): Paul Townend - Hurricane Fly (2008), Saturnas (2016), Appreciate It (2020), Facile Vega (2022) Jack Kennedy - Abracadabras (2019), Mighty Potter (2021), Caldwell Potter (2023), Skylight Hustle (2025)
Most successful trainer (7 wins): Willie Mullins – Hurricane Fly (2008), Long Dog (2015), Saturnas (2016), Whiskey Sour (2018), Aramon (2018), Appreciate It (2020), Facile Vega (2022)
Recent Winners Year Winner Age Jockey Trainer 1996 Istabraq 4 Charlie Swan Aidan O'Brien 1997 His Song 4 Richard Hughes Mouse Morris 1998 Joe Mac 4 Charlie Swan Christy Roche 1999 Youlneverwalkalone 5 Conor O'Dwyer Christy Roche 2000 Ned Kelly 4 Norman Williamson Edward O'Grady 2001 Sacundai 4 Adrian Maguire Edward O'Grady 2002 Solerina 4 Ruby Walsh James Bowe 2003 Mariah Rollins 5 David Casey Pat Fahy 2004 Royal Paradise 4 Conor O'Dwyer Thomas Foley 2005 Mr Nosie 4 Paul Carberry Noel Meade 2006 De Valira 4 Andrew Lynch Michael O'Brien 2007 Whatuthink 5 Conor O'Dwyer Oliver McKiernan 2008 Hurricane Fly 4 Paul Townend Willie Mullins 2009 Hollo Ladies 4 Davy Condon Noel Meade 2010 First Lieutenant 5 Davy Russell Mouse Morris 2011 Cash And Go 4 Andrew Lynch Edward O'Grady 2012 Jezki 4 Robbie Power Jessica Harrington 2013 The Tullow Tank 5 Danny Mullins Philip Fenton 2014 Sizing John 4 Johnny Burke Henry de Bromhead 2015 Long Dog 5 Ruby Walsh Willie Mullins 2016 Saturnas 5 Paul Townend Willie Mullins 2017 Whiskey Sour 4 David Mullins Willie Mullins 2018 Aramon 5 Ruby Walsh Willie Mullins 2019 Abracadabras 5 Jack Kennedy Gordon Elliott 2020 Appreciate It 6 Paul Townend Willie Mullins 2021 Mighty Potter 4 Jack Kennedy Gordon Elliott 2022 Facile Vega 5 Paul Townend Willie Mullins 2023 Caldwell Potter 5 Jack Kennedy Gordon Elliott 2023 Romeo Coolio 5 Sam Ewing Gordon Elliott 2025 Skylight Hustle 5 Jack Kennedy Gordon Elliott
See also Horse racing in Ireland List of Irish National Hunt races
References Racing Post: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,