County Hurdle Tips: 2022 Betting Preview & Trends

The County Hurdle is one of the most competitive handicap hurdles run all season and takes place on Gold Cup day at the Festival - when Cheltenham offers are in plentiful supply for racing punters.
It’s a race that has a habit of throwing up a big-priced winner and betting for the 2022 edition looks wide open, so County Hurdle tips could vary greatly as we approach the festival.
Bet £10, Get £10 + 5 Extra Spins
County Hurdle Runners In Focus
Here's an in-depth look at some of the top contenders in 2022 County Hurdle betting:
Cork The Leading Hope For Skelton
Dan Skelton has won the County Hurdle three times since 2016, so it’s clearly a race he targets. That increases interest in West Cork, who won the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham’s November Meeting.
West Cork suffered an overreach when well-beaten at Ascot in a race won by Tritonic the following month - so he has an excuse for that 16-length defeat. His trainer looks sure to have him in top shape for what has likely long been the eight-year-old’s target.
However, County Hurdle trends show that Prestbury Park winners haven’t fared particularly well in this race this century.
Read More: Check out the best horse racing betting sites
Mullins Squad Strong As Ever
No trainer has won the County Hurdle more than Willie Mullins and State Man looks very much like a horse that could add to Mullins’ four previous winners.
The unexposed French recruit fell on his hurdles debut but he made no mistake at the second time of asking when bolting up in a Limerick maiden. That form is pretty ordinary but State Man is going to be very hard for the handicapper to get a handle on and this five-year-old novice has exactly the right sort of profile for a County Hurdle, which is why he ranks highly in our County Hurdle tips shortlist.
Bet £10, Get £10 + 5 Extra Spins
Bandit Knows How To Win
Gordon Elliott has yet to win this prize but he has a host of County Hurdle contenders, not least the prolific novice Top Bandit, who made it three wins from four hurdles starts at Punchestown in February.
He has experience of Prestbury Park - having won a maiden on the Old Course earlier in the season - and has looked well-suited to decent ground.
Read More: Cheltenham Gold Cup Tips
County Hurdle Odds
Runner | FansBet Odds |
---|---|
State Man | 9/2 |
Top Bandit | 7/1 |
Colonel Mustard | 15/2 |
West Cork | 8/1 |
Surprise Package | 10/1 |
- Odds correct as of 17/03/2022 - For full latest odds head over to FansBet
County Hurdle Trends
- Focus on less-exposed runners: 17 of the last 19 County Hurdle winners were either novices or a second-season hurdlers.
- Age range: Only one horse older than eight has won the County Hurdle this century. Five-year-olds have a particularly strong record, winning it 11 times since 1998.
- Appeal of flat-racers: 13 of the last 18 winners raced at least once on the flat earlier in their career.
- Avoid Cheltenham winners: Only one horse with a previous Cheltenham win has won this race since 2000.
- Henderson hoodoo: Nicky Henderson has a particularly poor recent record in this race despite winning it twice in the 1990s. Just three of his last 25 runners have hit the frame.
- Avoid market leaders: Saint Roi (2020) was the first winning favourite since 2006 and five of the last 10 winners were 20/1 or bigger.
Recent County Handicap Hurdle Winners
Year | Winner |
---|---|
2021 | Belfast Banter |
2020 | Saint Roi |
2019 | Ch'tibello |
2018 | Mohaayed |
2017 | Arctic Fire |
2016 | Superb Story |
2015 | Wicklow Brave |
2014 | Lac Fontana |
2013 | Ted Veale |
2012 | Alderwood |
Check Out Other Popular Horse Racing Event Offers:
Recommended Betting Sites



- 18+, Welcome Bonus: New Players only, 1st Deposit, Min Deposit,: £10, max £10 free bet valid for 14 days, bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater and be settled within 14 days of placement. System bets not eligible. Neteller,Skrill and Paypal not eligible. T&Cs apply. Gamble responsibly. www.begambleaware.orgFully Mobile-Optimised InterfaceInteractive Football Match Centre‘BoostItOn’ Accumulator Boostsnot requiredBonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
YesIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
27Bet BuilderCan you build your own personalised bets?
NoCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesAcca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
NoBetItOn have ex-Liverpool striker and Champions League winner Djibril Cissé as their brand ambassador and resident football expert. - Min deposit £/€/$10 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £/€/$10 • Min odds 1/2 (1.50) • Free Bets credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expire after 7 days • Free Bet stakes not included in returns • Casino Bonus must be claimed within 7 days • To withdraw bonus/related wins, wager the bonus amount 40 times within 14 days • Casino Bonus expires after 60 days • Withdrawal restrictions, payment methods, country & Full T&C’s apply. - Full Terms ApplyCreate your own Multiples with Bet BuilderLive Streaming of all UK & Irish RacingDaily Price Enhancements & SpecialsGET40Bonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
YesIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
16Bet BuilderCan you build your own personalised bets?
YesCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesAcca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
Yes888sport offer a wide range of sports betting markets, combined with regular enhanced specials, plus an exclusive 'Acca Club' (bet £20 on Multiples or Bet Builder to get a £5 free bet - every week). - T&Cs apply. New customers on mobile only. 7 days to claim and stake £10 minimum bet at odds of 1.5 or greater to qualify. Free, void, cashed out or partially cashed out bets do not qualify. Max 3x £10 free bets credited on bet settlement. Free bets must be used on 4 or more selections with selection odds of 1.3 or greater. Free bets are non-withdrawable and stake not returned with winnings. 7 day expiry. 18+ BeGambleAware.orgWide Range of In-Play MarketsLive Streaming of UK Horse RacingBetting App for Android & iOS Devicesnot requiredBonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
YesIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
9Bet BuilderCan you build your own personalised bets?
YesCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesAcca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
NoBetUK have leading National Hunt trainer Neil Mulholland and celebrity horse racing enthusiast and model Vogue Williams as brand ambassadors and betting experts. - 18+, Welcome Bonus: New Players only, 1st Deposit, Min Deposit: £10, max £15 bonus, valid for 14 days, bets must be placed at a min. odds of 1/1 (2.00) or greater and be settled within 14 days of placement. System bets no eligible. Click to see full T&CsDual Sportsbook & Casino PlatformDistinctive ‘Moustache’ Branding‘PlayBoost’ Accumulator Boostsnot requiredBonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
NoIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
21Bet BuilderCan you build your own personalised bets?
NoCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesAcca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
NoMr.Play Sports has a fun style of its very own, with a memorable handlebar 'tache wherever you look, but it boasts a serious amount of betting markets, plus Premier League & 'Euro Elite' betting battle tournaments. - Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. - Full Terms ApplyAwarded 'Sportsbook of the Year' 2018/19/20/21Live Streaming of 1000's of Events2 Goals Ahead Early Payout Offernot requiredBonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
YesIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
31Bet BuilderCan you build your own personalised bets?
YesCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesAcca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
NoBet365 offer the most comprehensive online sports betting service, including live steaming of a huge range of sports, plus a unique 'Edit Bet' functionality. - The Promotion operates as a £/€20 Surprise Bet when you place a bet of at least £/€10 on any market with odds greater than or equal to 1.50 as your first bet. The Promotion runs from 09/08/2021 / 12:00 (BST) until 31/12/2021 / 12:00 (BST) (the “Promotional Period”). The Promotion is only valid to: (a) new customers; (b) customers aged 18 years or over. To qualify for the Promotion, participant must deposit and place a £/€10 bet as their first bet on any market (excluding each way) in the sportsbook with odds greater than or equal to 1.50. Only original odds count toward the promotion. Supercharged odds do not count towards the promotion. An accumulation of smaller stakes will not count. Cashed out bets do not count towards this promotion. Only available once per customer. Rewards will be credited to qualifying participants within 48 hours after placing the qualifying bet. Potential winnings from the Surprise Bet are paid in withdrawable cash, excluding the stake. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.Random Supercharged PayoutsWeekly ‘kwiff Club’ Cashback & Free Bets‘Acca Shield’ Refund (if One Leg Fails)not requiredBonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
NoIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
13Bet BuilderCan you build your own personalised bets?
NoCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesAcca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
YesWhen a customer places a bet with kwiff, they may find that their bet is “kwiffed” - where you receive increased odds after placing your bet. - T&Cs apply. New reg only. Claim by placing a min deposit £10 via "My Offers" page within 30 days. Skrill/Neteller deposits excl. 7 days to stake max £10 in-play. Max. extra winnings £100. 18+ BeGambleAware.org. - Full Terms ApplyMobile First Betting Interface'Leo King' Sports Prediction Game24/7 Customer Servicenot requiredBonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
YesIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
34Bet BuilderCan you build your own personalised bets?
YesCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesAcca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
NoLeo Vegas Sports is the sportsbook from this multi-award-winning casino operator, with a focus on mobile users - including a sport betting app for Android & iOS Devices. - New ‘brand’ customers that have yet to make a first deposit on the site. Must be aged 18+. Only valid on first deposit. Not valid with any other offers on the site. Offer expires after 14 days. T&Cs apply. Play Responsibly www.begambleaware.org.Rewards Points for Every BetWeekly Free Bet ClubHigh Betting LimitsSPORTS200Bonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
YesIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
27Bet BuilderCan you build your own personalised bets?
YesCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesAcca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
YesSportNation offer unique money back promotions and special offers, such as 'First Five' where your football bet is paid out as a winner if your team scores first in the first 5 minutes. - New customers only. Qualifying bets must be placed before midnight 31/8/21. Free bet credited when your first bet on Glory Goals settles. Qualifying min odds 1.5. Free bet min odds 1.1 and must be used in 7 days. T&Cs apply. 18+. Play Responsibly www.begambleaware.org.Extensive American Sports MarketsUnique 'Glory Goals' BettingRegular Enhanced Odds & SpecialsRZGG20Bonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
YesIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
12Bet BuilderCan you build your own personalised bets?
NoCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesAcca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
NoRedZone is an American-style sportbook who offer innovative markets, such as 'Glory Goals' where you can bet on two teams playing in different games - selecting who scores most. - 18+. Max. Free Bet Token amount: £10. Minimum Deposit: £10. Minimum wagering on Sport to activate the Free Bet Token: £15. Please Play Responsibly. Bonus Policy and Terms of Service apply.not requiredBonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
NoIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
32Bet BuilderCan you build your own personalised bets?
YesCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesAcca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
No
Stay In The Loop With Free Bets, Insider Tips & More!
Live Betting. Sports Promos. Sent Weekly.