Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle

The Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle, (officially known as the Spa Novices’ Hurdle), is a Grade 1 hurdle race which can be entered by horses aged 4 years and older. The race is run on the New Course at Cheltenham and runners have to jump 12 hurdles on their way around. The race is for novice hurdlers and is the third race on Gold Cup Day at the Cheltenham Festival.

The race was one of many added in 2005, when a 4th day was added to the festival. It was a Grade 2 race until 2008 when the race was upgraded to a Grade 1.

The leading jockey and trainer in this race are one of National Hunt’s greatest combinations. Sir AP McCoy holds 3 wins in this race, whilst Jonjo O’Neill has won it twice in the races history.

Some well respected horses have won the race during its short history, including Gold Cup winner Bobs Worth, At Fishers Cross and this years Stayer’s Hurdle favourite Unowhatimeanharry.