Kingwell Hurdle 2024 Runners, Tips & Trends – Rubaud in Strong Field of Five at Wincanton

Five Kingwell Hurdle runners including two previous course and distance winners in Rubaud and Goshen have been declared for the 1m 7f Grade 2 contest at Wincanton on Saturday, 17 February (2:05). There is also opposition coming over from Ireland for the last recognised Champion Hurdle trial in the calendar.

Rubaud and Goshen both carry penalties for previous successes at this level. Joining them in the field are Kerry Lee’s Welsh Champion Hurdle scorer Nemean Lion, Scottish Champion Hurdle runner-up Colonel Mustard and Nigel Twiston-Davies inmate Guard Your Dreams.

Each of the Kingwell Hurdle runners has an official rating of at least 140, so there are able horses on show. It’s a competitive contest albeit one for crowning best of the rest outside Constitution Hill. In the absence of the 2m hurdling division kingpin, others can stake claims. All the top horse racing betting sites don’t expect this to shake up the Champion Hurdle market, though.

Complete Kingwell Hurdle Runners Guide

1. Goshen

Dual winner of this race (2021 and 2022) and last season’s Coral Hurdle at Ascot races over further. Runner-up in the Long Walk and Select Hurdle at staying trips, but this mercurial talent not in the same form since. Tried in first time blinkers here. Definite evidence that he wants much greater test of stamina these days.

2. Rubaud

Dual winner at Kempton races in 2023 and Scottish Champion Hurdle success around Ayr in-between those. Landed Grade 2 Elite Hurdle over course and distance on Badger Beers Chase day here in November. Put in his place by Constitution Hill in the Christmas Hurdle on Boxing Day since and stiffer track didn’t suit when fourth in the International on Festival Trials Day latest. Brings the best form into race and the one all other Kingwell Hurdle runners have to beat.

3. Nemean Lion

Pretty useful on the Flat when trained in France and showed that when third in the Grade 1 Tolworth at Sandown last winner. Built on that with Premier Hurdle success at Kelso races last March, then landed handicap debut in Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las on reappearance. Fifth in Cheltenham’s Greatwood Hurdle before a narrow defeat over further around Kempton latest. Drop back in trip on more testing ground no problem.

4. Colonel Mustard

Likeable Irish raider who is one from 12 over hurdles, but often placed in big races. Meets Rubaud off a whole stone better terms than when runner-up at Ayr races in the Scottish Champion Hurdle last spring. Tried fences again since, but not taken to larger obstacles. Eye-catching jockey booking and swerving much easier race at Gowran Park on the same day for this may be a tip in itself. All the Kingwell Hurdle runners must respect him.

5. Guard Your Dreams

Returned from 660 days off the track when bidding to defend his International Hurdle crown at Cheltenham on Festival Trials Day and finishing last of five. Entitled to need that run, but difficult to say what ability remains pitched in that deep on reappearance. On past form, Goshen (at Sandown races) and Rubaud have his number. Yard won this last year and he may strip fitter, but a difficult horse to assess at present and best avoided.

What Date & Time is the Kingwell Hurdle 2024?

📅Time/Date: 2:05pm (Saturday, 16 February 2024)
🏇Racecourse: Wincanton
💰 Purse/Winner: £70,000 / £41,608
📺 TV: ITV / RTV

Previous Recent Winners of the Kingwell Hurdle

• 2023 – I Like To Move It (100/30)
• 2022 – Goshen (4/7 fav)
• 2021 – Goshen (10/300)
• 2020 – Song For Someone (11/8 fav)
• 2019 – Grand Sancy (4/1)
• 2018 – Elgin (5/1)
• 2017 – Yanworth (2/5 fav)
• 2016 – Rayvin Black (100/30)
• 2015 – Blue Heron (3/1)
• 2014 – Melodic Rendezvous (Evs fav)

RELATED: Ascot Chase 2024 Runners, Trends, Tips & Betting for Grade 1 feature on ITV Racing.

Kingwell Hurdle Trends – What the Stats Say

• Age – Each of the last six winners have been five-year-olds (three of five most recent renewals) or six-year-olds (including two latest editions).
• Betting – All of the last dozen Kingwell Hurdle winners were returned at an SP among the top three in the market.
• Class – While 10 of the last 12 victors had an official rating of 150+, it’s more significant that even of those had won a graded race before.
• Course Winners – Half (six) of the last 12 winners had tasted victory at Wincanton before.
• Distance Winners – All but one of those dozen victors enjoyed at least three previous successes between 15 and 17 furlongs.
• Favourites – The market leader has a 50 per cent strike rate in this race over the last 12 editions.
• Last Time Out Winners – Five of the last dozen winners came to Wincanton on the back of a victory.
• Season Runs – All of the 12 most recent Kingwell Hurdle victors had run at least twice within that National Hunt season.
• Time Since Last Run – All but two of the last 12 winners ran within the previous 56 days.
• Winners – Every successful horse at Wincanton but one over the last dozen editions had at least one victory within that National Hunt season.

Latest Kingwell Hurdle Betting With BetMGM

See below the latest Kingwell Hurdle betting odds with BetMGM, where you can bet £10 and get a £40 free bet.

• Nemean Lion 9/4 (from 4/1)
• Colonel Mustard 5/2 (from 11/4)
• Rubaud 5/2 (from 13/8)
• Guard Your Dreams 7/1 (from 13/2)
• Goshen 15/2 (from 6/1)

Note: Odds are subject to change

1.

Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets New cust only. 3 days to claim & 7 days to place a qualifying bet to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 Horse racing, 1 x £10 Free Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 Football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. T&Cs apply. New cust only. 3 days to claim & 7 days to place a qualifying bet to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 Horse racing, 1 x £10 Free Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 Football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. T&Cs apply.

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Kingwell Hurdle Tips & Verdict: 1-2-3 Shortlist

With dual race winner Goshen needing much further these days, fellow joint topweight RUBAUD has much less on his plate than his last two outings. He appeals most to give trainer Paul Nicholls a fifth win in this.

Old horse racing rival COLONEL MUSTARD has a massive swing in weights with the selection from their Ayr encounter last April, but doesn’t win many. The Irish raider is still the main danger over Kelso Grade 2 and Welsh Champion winner NEMEAN LION.

1. Rubaud *****
2. Colonel Mustard ****
3. Nemean Lion ****

WATCH: Goshen Win the Kingwell Hurdle for a 2nd Time in 2022