The 5.20 Cheltenham Festival lights up the racing world every March, drawing thousands of fans to the picturesque Gloucestershire countryside. On Friday, March 14, 2025, the festival wrapped up its thrilling four-day run with the 5:20 race, known officially as the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle. This race marks the grand finale of an action-packed week, offering excitement, drama, and a chance for up-and-coming jockeys to shine. With the current date being March 15, 2025, the festival just concluded yesterday, and the buzz around this closing event remains electric. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the 5:20 Cheltenham race, from its history and key players to tips for enjoying the day.
This article explores the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle in detail, giving you the latest updates, insights into the 2025 edition, and a look at what makes this race a fan favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned racing enthusiast or a curious newcomer, you’ll find plenty here to fuel your excitement. So, grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s gallop through the world of the 5:20 Cheltenham!
What Makes the 5:20 Cheltenham So Special?
The Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle kicks off at 5:20 PM GMT on the final day of the Cheltenham Festival, serving as the perfect curtain-closer. This race honors Martin Pipe, a legendary trainer who revolutionized National Hunt racing with his innovative methods. Pipe’s incredible record includes 15 champion trainer titles and over 4,000 winners, making him a towering figure in the sport. Naming this race after him adds a layer of prestige and history that fans adore.
Unlike other races at the festival, this event features conditional jockeys—riders still building their careers and limited to claiming weight allowances. This setup creates a unique dynamic, blending raw talent with high stakes. The race covers 2 miles, 4 furlongs, and 56 yards, challenging horses and jockeys with its demanding course. Fans love the unpredictability, as young riders chase glory and often deliver unexpected results.
For many, the 5:20 race symbolizes the future of racing. It showcases emerging stars who could one day dominate the sport, much like Pipe’s horses did decades ago. Plus, with the festival’s energy peaking on Gold Cup Day, this final showdown keeps the crowd roaring until the very end. The combination of legacy, talent, and excitement ensures the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle stands out as a highlight of Cheltenham 2025.
A Look Back: The History of the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle
The Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle first galloped onto the scene in 2009, introduced to honor the retiring legend after his illustrious career. Cheltenham organizers wanted a race that reflected Pipe’s knack for turning underdogs into champions, and this event fits the bill perfectly. Over the years, it has grown into a beloved fixture, capping off the festival with flair and unpredictability.
Early winners like Andytown in 2009 and Sir Des Champs in 2011 set the tone, proving the race attracts quality horses and ambitious jockeys. Sir Des Champs, trained by Willie Mullins, later won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2013, showing how this event often serves as a springboard for greatness. The race’s handicap format—where horses carry weights based on their ability—levels the playing field, making victories hard-fought and thrilling.
Fast forward to recent years, and the Martin Pipe continues to deliver memorable moments. In 2024, Better Days Ahead, ridden by Danny Gilligan, stormed to victory at 5/1 odds, delighting punters and capping a stellar festival for trainer Gordon Elliott. Looking at 2025, yesterday’s race (March 14) saw another gripping finish, with Nurse Susan, trained by Dan Skelton, surging to glory amid massive support from 66/1 to 12/1 odds. This history of surprises keeps fans on edge every year.
Why Gold Cup Day Matters
Friday, March 14, 2025, marks Gold Cup Day, the pinnacle of the Cheltenham Festival. Earlier at 4:00 p.m., the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup takes center stage, drawing massive crowds—71,500 packed the stands in 2024—to watch the world’s best chasers battle over 3 miles and 2½ furlongs. The 5.20 Martin Pipe Hurdle follows as the perfect encore, wrapping up the day with a test of stamina and strategy. By this point, fans have cheered through six other races, their voices hoarse from the famous “Cheltenham roar” that erupts as the first race kicks off each day.
Gold Cup Day carries extra weight because it crowns the week’s champions while celebrating the sport’s deep roots. The Martin Pipe Hurdle, as the seventh and final race, sends everyone home with a last dose of drama. For conditional jockeys, it’s a career-defining chance to shine, especially with trainers, owners, and scouts watching closely. The blend of prestige and opportunity makes this closing act a fitting tribute to the festival’s spirit.
The 2025 Race: What to Expect
As of today, March 15, 2025—yes, we’re right on the cusp of festival week!—the buzz around the 5.20 grows louder. The race sits just days away, and early chatter points to a stacked field. Trainers like Willie Mullins, who dominated 2024 with 10 festival wins, will likely enter strong contenders. Mullins has a knack for finding gems in handicaps, and his stable’s depth could see him target this race again. Meanwhile, Dan Skelton, another big name, has fans eyeing his mare Nurse Susan after a wild betting plunge from 66/1 to 12/1 in recent weeks.
The course itself challenges every runner. Stretching 2 miles and 4½ furlongs, it features nine hurdles and a grueling uphill finish that sorts the tough from the tired. Weather plays a huge role, too—soft ground from March rain often favors stayers who can slog it out. With no official entries confirmed yet (those drop closer to race day), speculation runs wild, but expect a field of 20-24 horses, each carrying weights between 10st 5lb and 11st 12lb, depending on their handicap ratings.
Key Players to Watch
Every year, a few names jump out as ones to watch, and 2025 looks no different. Willie Mullins might run Jasmin De Vaux, a novice hurdler who impressed in 2024’s Albert Bartlett, stepping down in trip for this handicap. Dan Skelton’s Nurse Susan, meanwhile, brings serious momentum after that betting surge—punters clearly see something special in her form. Gordon Elliott, hungry for a win after a quiet 2024, could counter with Wingmen, a horse with stamina to spare and odds tightening from 10/1 to 6/1.
Jockeys matter just as much in this race. Conditional riders like Danny Gilligan, who won in 2024, or Harry Cobden, if he’s still eligible, could steal the show. These young guns know a big performance here can catapult their careers, so they’ll push hard. Keep an eye on the betting markets in the days leading up to March 14—sharp moves often hint at inside confidence from the yards.
FAQs
What time does the Martin Pipe Hurdle start, and why is it at 5:20 p.m.?
The race jumps off at 5:20 p.m. GMT on Friday, March 14, 2025, as the seventh and final event of Gold Cup Day. Organizers slot it here to cap the festival with a bang, giving conditional jockeys a late spotlight after the Gold Cup’s glow fades. It’s a tradition that builds drama right to the end.
Who’s the favorite to win the 5.20 in 2025, and what makes them stand out?
As of mid-March, Nurse Susan from Dan Skelton’s yard leads the betting at 12/1, thanks to a flood of punter cash. Her recent form and Skelton’s handicap success make her a hot pick, though Jasmin De Vaux from Willie Mullins could challenge with his novice class.
How do conditional jockeys qualify to ride in this race?
Conditional jockeys need fewer than 75 career wins and must claim a weight allowance (usually 3lb, 5lb, or 7lb). This rule levels the field, letting young riders compete on big stages like Cheltenham while they build experience.
Why do so many upsets happen in the Martin Pipe Hurdle?
The handicap format evens out talent with weights, and the big field—often 20+ runners—creates chaos. Plus, conditional jockeys, eager to prove themselves, take bold risks, leading to long shots like Early Doors (33/1 in 2018) sneaking through.
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