The Spa Novices' Hurdle, known for sponsorship purposes as the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle, is a Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race in Great Britain which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run on the New Course at Cheltenham over a distance of about 3 miles (2 miles 7 furlongs and 213 yards, or 4,822 metres), and during its running there are twelve hurdles to be jumped. The race is for novice hurdlers, and it is scheduled to take place each year during the Cheltenham Festival in March.
| Grade 1 race | |
| Location | Cheltenham Racecourse Cheltenham, England |
|---|---|
| Inaugurated | 2005 |
| Race type | Hurdle race |
| Sponsor | Albert Bartlett |
| Website | Cheltenham |
| Race information | |
| Distance | 2m 7f 213y (4,822 metres) |
| Surface | Turf |
| Track | Left-handed |
| Qualification | Five-years-old and up |
| Weight | 11 st 7 lb Allowances 7 lb for fillies and mares |
| Purse | £135,000 (2023) 1st: £75,965 |
| 2024 | ||
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| Stellar Story | The Jukebox Man | Dancing City |
| Previous years | ||
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| 2023 | ||
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| Stay Away Fay | Affordale Fury | Sandor Clegane |
| 2022 | ||
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| The Nice Guy | Minella Cocooner | Bardenstown Lad |
| 2021 | ||
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| Vanillier | Oscar Elite | Streets Of Doyen |
| 2020-2011 | ||
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| 2020 | ||
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| Monkfish | Latest Exhibition | Fury Road |
| 2019 | ||
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| Minella Indo | Commander Of Fleet | Allaho |
| 2018 | ||
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| Kilbricken Storm | Ok Corral | Santini |
| 2017 | ||
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| Penhill | Monalee | Wholestone |
| 2016 | ||
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| Unowhatimeanharry | Fagan | Champers on Ice |
| 2015 | ||
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| Martello Tower | Milsean | No More Heroes |
| 2014 | ||
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| Very Wood | Deputy Dan | Apache Jack |
| 2013 | ||
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| At Fishers Cross | African Gold | Inish Island |
| 2012 | ||
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| Brindisi Breeze | Boston Bob | Grand Vision |
| 2011 | ||
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| Bobs Worth | Mossley | Court in Motion |
| 2010-2005 | ||
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| 2010 | ||
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| Berties Dream | Najaf | Kennel Hill |
| 2009 | ||
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| Weapon's Amnesty | Pride of Dulcote | The Midnight Club |
| 2008 | ||
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| Nenuphar Collonges | Liskennett | The Tother One |
| 2007 | ||
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| Wichita Lineman | Air Force One | Itsa Legend |
| 2006 | ||
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| Black Jack Ketchum | Powerstation | Travino |
| 2005 | ||
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| Moulin Riche | Over The Creek | Brewster |
It was one of several new races introduced at the Festival when a fourth day was added to the meeting in 2005. For its first three runnings the event was sponsored by Brit Insurance, and it was classed at Grade 2 level. The vegetable growing company Albert Bartlett began supporting the race in 2008, and since then it has held Grade 1 status. The race was originally open to horses aged four years or older, but since 2023 four year olds have been excluded.
Records
editLeading jockey (3 wins):
- Tony McCoy – Black Jack Ketchum (2006), Wichita Lineman (2007) At Fishers Cross (2013)
Leading trainer (3 wins):
- Willie Mullins – Penhill (2017), Monkfish (2020), The Nice Guy (2022)
Winners
editSee also
editReferences
edit- thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/ – Media information pack (2010).