Gordon Elliott Cheltenham Victory Trend Summary: Wodhooh Wins Mares Hurdle

TL;DR

• Wodhooh won the Close Brothers Mares Hurdle at Cheltenham.
• Gordon Elliott recorded his first winner of the 2026 Festival.
• The mare remained unbeaten in six starts over hurdles.
• The victory ends a difficult winless streak for the Elliott stable at the meeting.

What Happened

Gordon Elliott’s Wodhooh stayed on strongly to capture the Close Brothers Mares Hurdle on Day Three of the Cheltenham Festival. Entering the race with a perfect record, the mare was ridden prominently before surging clear in the final stages to secure the prestigious Grade 1 prize. The victory provided Gordon Elliott with his opening winner of the week, ending a series of near-misses and disappointments for the Cullentra House team.

The race saw Wodhooh travel smoothly through the middle stages before being asked for a maximal effort up the famous Cheltenham hill. You can watch the full performance via this free video replay of the Mares Hurdle. This win was particularly emotional for the camp, representing a return to form on the sport's biggest stage.

We’ve been through a few tough years, and to get a winner here today means everything to the team at home.

Key Developments

Wodhooh’s triumph was the centerpiece of the afternoon, but several factual details defined the race. The mare entered the contest with a rating that suggested she was a primary contender, and she justified that faith by extending her hurdle record to 6 wins from 6 starts. The victory also had significant financial implications for bettors, as she was a popular choice in the market leading up to the 16:10 start time.

Official confirmation of the result showed Wodhooh finishing ahead of a competitive field that included high-class mares from both Irish and British stables. This success reinforces Elliott's position as one of the leading trainers in the industry, despite the recent tough years he referenced in post-race interviews.

Why This Matters

This result is critical for the Irish dominance at the Cheltenham Festival and specifically for Gordon Elliott’s seasonal standing. By securing a Grade 1 win, Elliott stays in contention for the leading trainer title and ensures his yard maintains its reputation for producing top-tier jumping talent. For Wodhooh, the win confirms her status as the leading mare in the division, likely impacting her future weight assignments and championship prospects for the 2027 season.

What Happens Next

Gordon Elliott will look to build on this momentum with several high-profile runners scheduled for the final day of the Festival. Wodhooh is expected to be aimed at the Punchestown Festival in late April to attempt to finish her season undefeated. Racing fans can track upcoming entries and betting shifts for the remainder of the week at the official Paddy Power Cheltenham hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the Mares Hurdle at Cheltenham 2026?

Wodhooh won the Close Brothers Mares Hurdle on Thursday, March 12, 2026. She is trained by Gordon Elliott and remains unbeaten in her hurdle career.

How many winners does Gordon Elliott have at this year's Festival?

As of Thursday afternoon, Gordon Elliott has recorded 1 winner at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival. The victory came via Wodhooh in the Mares Hurdle.

Is Wodhooh still undefeated?

Yes, Wodhooh has maintained a perfect record over obstacles. She has now won all 6 of her starts since switching to hurdle racing.

Where can I watch the replay of Wodhooh's win?

A free video replay of the race is available on the Sporting Life website. The footage covers the entire duration of the Close Brothers Mares Hurdle.

What is Gordon Elliott's recent record at Cheltenham?

Gordon Elliott described the last few years as tough for his stable at the Festival. Wodhooh's 2026 win marks a significant return to the winner's enclosure for the Irish trainer.