The Mares Champion Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race in Ireland which is open to mares aged four years or older. It is run at Punchestown Racecourse over a distance of about 2 miles and 4 furlongs (), and during its running there are twelve hurdles to be jumped. The race is scheduled to take place each year in late April or early May.
The race was first run in 2004. It was initially a Listed race, was awarded Grade 3 status in 2006, and then fast-tracked to Grade 1 in 2013. It was initially contested over 2 miles and 2 furlongs, and was increased to the present distance in 2017.
Records Most successful horse (2 wins): Annie Power – 2014, 2015 Benie Des Dieux - 2018, 2019
Leading jockey (8 wins): Paul Townend – Tarla (2010), Glens Melody (2013), Whiteout (2016), Benie Des Dieux (2018, 2019), Echoes In Rain (2023), Lossiemouth (2024), Jade De Grugy (2025)
Leading trainer (12 wins): Willie Mullins - Tarla (2010), Glens Melody (2013), Annie Power (2014, 2015), Whiteout (2016), Benie Des Dieux (2018, 2019), Stormy Ireland (2021), Echoes In Rain (2023), Lossiemouth (2024), Jade De Grugy (2025), Place De La Nation (2026)
Winners Year Winner Age Jockey Trainer 2004 Stashedaway 7 I J Power Michael O'Brien 2005 Blazing Liss 6 Davy Russell John E Kiely 2006 Brogella 6 Ruby Walsh Frances Crowley 2007 Grangeclare Lark 6 Roger Loughran Dessie Hughes 2008 Oscar Rebel 6 Davy Russell W J Burke 2009 Voler La Vedette 5 S W Flanagan Colm Murphy 2010 Tarla 4 Paul Townend Willie Mullins 2011 Shop Dj 6 Davy Russell Peter Fahey 2012 Mae's Choice 6 Paul Carberry Gordon Elliott 2013 Glens Melody 5 Paul Townend Willie Mullins 2014 Annie Power 6 Ruby Walsh Willie Mullins 2015 Annie Power 7 Ruby Walsh Willie Mullins 2016 Whiteout 5 Paul Townend Willie Mullins 2017 Apple's Jade 5 Bryan Cooper Gordon Elliott 2018 Benie Des Dieux 7 Paul Townend Willie Mullins 2019 Benie Des Dieux 8 Paul Townend Willie Mullins no race 2020 2021 Stormy Ireland 7 Danny Mullins Willie Mullins 2022 Marie's Rock 7 Nico de Boinville Nicky Henderson 2023 Echoes In Rain 7 Paul Townend Willie Mullins 2024 Lossiemouth 5 Paul Townend Willie Mullins 2025 Jade De Grugy 6 Paul Townend Willie Mullins 2026 Place De La Nation 5 Danny Mullins Willie Mullins
See also Horse racing in Ireland List of Irish National Hunt races
References Racing Post , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,