09/01/2025

Cheltenham Still the Target for Maughreen as Mares' Novices' Hurdle Favourite Nears Return

Excitement is building for leading Cheltenham Festival contender Maughreen, who is expected to make her hurdles debut in the coming weeks. Despite a year-long absence from the track and no public experience over hurdles, the six-year-old is already the 5-1 favourite for the Grade 2 Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle on March 13.

Trained by Willie Mullins, who has won the race five times, most recently with Concertista in 2020, Maughreen has the pedigree and early form to justify her position at the top of the market. Out of a dam who is a half-sister to the legendary Faugheen, Maughreen’s explosive 11-length victory in a mares’ bumper at Punchestown last January cemented her as a top prospect.

Her performance in that race had made her a leading ante-post contender for the Champion Bumper at last year’s Cheltenham Festival before a minor setback ruled her out. Now owned by the Closutton Racing Club, her hurdles campaign has been delayed by unseasonably dry ground, but club manager James Fenton is confident she’s ready to hit the ground running.

“Maughreen is doing very well, and we’re thrilled with her progress,” Fenton said. “The ground has held us up, but she’s a big mare, and we didn’t want to take any risks. Willie will decide where she starts, but I’d expect her to run before the end of the month.”

Fenton added that Paul Townend has been heavily involved in Maughreen’s preparation, with schooling sessions highlighting her natural jumping ability. “She’s always been a natural jumper. Even at home, she’d prick her ears before a hurdle and take it on confidently. Her schooling has been very professional, and we’re just waiting for the right conditions to get her started.”

The Punchestown bumper she won has produced plenty of subsequent winners, further boosting her credentials. “The form from that race is stacking up well, but we still don’t know how good she could be. What we do know is that she’s showing us all the right signs, and the aim is to have her ready for Cheltenham in top form.”

With plenty of time to prepare and a careful approach being taken, Maughreen’s debut over hurdles is eagerly anticipated. All eyes will now be on the calendar as Mullins selects the perfect race to launch her season. For fans and connections alike, the ultimate goal remains clear: a triumphant appearance in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.

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