Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Hurdle Tips & Odds
The Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle is the final race on day four of the Cheltenham Festival taking place at 17:20 on Friday 13th March 2026. Read More
You can see the latest Martin Pipe odds here for the festival finale, and come race day we will have one of our Cheltenham tips for the race and racecard available. If you need any help with placing a bet then we have information and guidelines on how to open an account with one of our leading betting sites.
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About The Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle
The Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle is the 28th and final race of the Cheltenham Festival, and brings the final day, Gold Cup Day, to a close. The race is exclusively for conditional jockeys and is run over a distance of two miles, four furlongs and 56 yards.
The Martin Pipe was introduced to the festival in 2009 and was named in honour of the legendary trainer Martin Pipe, who retired from training in 2006. It was initially the penultimate race of the festival, but switched places with the Grand Annual ahead of the 2019 Cheltenham Festival as part of the BHA’s review into horse welfare at the festival. The race has proven to be a surprising launch pad for Cheltenham Gold Cup contenders, and each of Sir Des Champs (2011 winner), Don Poli (2014) and Killultagh Vic (2015) have figured prominently in the betting for the showpiece since winning this race - with Sir Des Champs finishing second to Bobs Worth in the 2013 Gold Cup.
After a bad case of seconditis gripped his team in 2025, it was a welcome winner in the finale for Gordon Elliott as his wondermare WODHOOH bounded to glory to cap off the 2025 Festival.
Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle Tips
We display Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle tips from our very own longshot specialist, Raceolly, plus the best and most respected tipsters from the Racing Post and national newspapers. The expert views of @RoadCheltenham will also be available to read the night before Gold Cup day here on HorseRacing.Net.
Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle Key Trends
- No favourite has won in the last 10 renewals
- Four of the last 10 winners have been aged six years old
- Eight of the last 10 winners have been trained in Ireland
- All of the last 10 winners have carried 11st 3lbs or more
Previous Winners Of The Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle
| Year | Winner | Winning Jockey | Winning Trainer | Starting Price | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Wodhooh | Danny Gilligan | Gordon Ellliott | 9/2 | 11-3 |
| 2024 | Better Days Ahead | Danny Gilligan | Gordon Ellliott | 5/1 | 11-7 |
| 2023 | Iroko | Aidan Kelly | Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero | 6/1 | 11-5 |
| 2022 | Banbridge | Mark McDonagh | Joseph O'Brien | 12/1 | 11-3 |
| 2021 | Galopin Des Champs | Sean O'Keeffe | Willie Mullins | 8/1 | 11-9 |
| 2020 | Indefatigable | Rex Dingle | Paul Webber | 25/1 | 11-9 |
| 2019 | Early Doors | Jonjo O'Neill Jr | Joseph O'Brien | 5/1 | 11-10 |
| 2018 | Blow By Blow | Donagh Meyler | Gordon Elliott | 11/1 | 11-10 |
| 2017 | Champagne Classic | J J Slevin | Gordon Elliott | 12/1 | 11-3 |
| 2016 | Ibis Du Rheu | Jack Sherwood | Paul Nicholls | 14/1 | 11-7 |
Frequently Asked Questions About The Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle
When is the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle?
The race takes place at 17:20 on Friday 13th March 2026.
Where can I watch the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle?
Watch the race live on ITV1 and Racing TV who also offer options to stream the race via their streaming services.
Alternatively, most betting sites offer a free live horse racing stream allowing you to watch the race after you've placed a bet.
Who is the most iconic winner of the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle?
Although the race is only a decade old, a few winners of the Martin Pipe have gone on to bigger and better things, including the 2014 winner, Don Poli. He showed plenty of stamina when clearing away to win by four and a half lengths, and it was no surprise to see him sent chasing the following season, producing a fine novice campaign which culminated in winning the 2015 RSA Chase.
Don Poli was quickly considered a key contender for the 2016 Gold Cup, and he got his campaign off to a fine start, defeating Grand National winner Many Clouds in a listed contest at Aintree and winning the Christmas Chase at Leopardstown. Don Poli could only finish third in the Gold Cup, and after placing at both Aintree and Punchestown on his next two starts, he arguably hasn’t been the same since, switching to Gordon Elliott from Willie Mullins and then being sold by Gigginstown. He was purchased by the ambitious Darren Yates just before the 2019 Grand National with the view of giving his new owner a run in the big race, and although he was ultimately pulled-up, it will be interesting to see him return for the 2019-20 season, considering he will still only be an eleven-year-old by the time the 2020 spring festivals come around.
Are there any trials for the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle?
There are no trials as such for the Martin Pipe, and the differing profiles of recent winners mean that there’s no clear path to the race. Several recent winners have been novice hurdlers from Ireland, so keeping an eye on graded novice contests across the Irish Sea is a good starting point, while keeping an eye on trainer comments can also be key in working out where horses will be heading in the spring.
Who is the most successful jockey in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle?
With the race being restricted to conditional jockeys, nobody has ridden the winner of the Martin Pipe more than once.
Who is the most successful trainer in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle?
The most successful trainer in the history of the Martin Pipe is Willie Mullins, who has trained the winner of the race on four occasions. Mullins winners in the Martin Pipe have come courtesy of Sir Des Champs (2011), Don Poli (2014), Killultagh Vic (2015), and Galopin Des Champs (2021).