5.20 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle Preview - Cheltenham Festival 2026 Day 4 Tip
Simon Winter
The 5.20 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle is the last race and curtain closer on the final day (Day 4) of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival on Friday, 13th March.
Considered one of the most competitive events in the National Hunt calendar, this race has often proved a stepping stone, with former winners going on to achieve bigger and better things.
This 2026 Martin Pipe preview zeroes in on some of the horses that stand out from the pack, while also breaking down some of the race’s historical trends. While this event won’t be on TV, logged-in users have a chance to follow the action for free on LiveScoreBet and Virgin Bet.
5.20 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle Preview
Feature | Class 2 at 5:20 PM with prize of £38,580 for the winner |
Race Type | Hurdle race for 4-year-olds+ |
Distance | 2m 4f 56yds |
Obstacles | 10 |
Market leaders have routinely been a letdown in the Martin Pipe, though that does open up opportunities for bettors to pursue bigger prices. Last year’s 5/2 favourite, Kopeck De Mee, finished all the way back in 20th, for example, and that wasn’t an isolated occurrence.
Big-name trainers have been dominant in this one however, with 11 of the last 15 winners of the renewal trained by either Willie Mullins (four), Gordon Elliott (four), Paul Nicholls (two) and Joseph O’Brien (two). Nine of the past 12 winners of the race have been Irish-trained too.
Next, we’ll take a closer look at some possible selections for the 2026 edition of the Martin Pipe, some of which are likely to feature in LiveScoreBet’s Cheltenham betting offers for day four of the Festival.
2026 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle Tips
The favourite: Kel Histoire
Willie Mullins is attacking the Martin Pipe with a one-two punch this year, with Kel Histoire and stablemate Roc Dino dominating the betting. The former will make his handicap debut on Friday, stepping away from Graded races for the time being.
He has been screaming for a return to a distance beyond two miles and it’s easy to see why he has been earning favour. This is Kel Histoire’s only entry at Cheltenham, meaning the Mullins has had the Martin Pipe in his crosshairs for some time.
One to watch: A Pai De Nom
Dan Skelton’s 6-year-old has the ability to cope with a stronger paced run. He’s unexposed to many in Friday’s field and the element of surprise could work in his favour.
Well-treated by the handicapper, Pai De Nom delivered as favourite in the Class 3 Challenger Stayers' Hurdle Series Qualifier at Newbury when last out in February. He was towards the year before the 6th in that one before pushing on, and could use similar tactics to good effect on Friday.
Long shot: Act of Authority
Trainer Olly Muphy was asked about his entries’ prospects for Cheltenham last week and he picked out Act of Authority as one to track closely off a big price (approx. 20/1) in Friday’s Martin Pipe.
Murphy claimed that the 8-year-old was his “most well handicapped horse” of the entire week. Act of Authority is only 1lb higher than when he was seen off by winner Wodhooh in last year’s renewal, and he’s back for another bash at the same race.
Our pick – Air of Entitlement
Henry De Bromhead’s Air of Entitlement was been favoured by the shuffling pack and withdrawals in the lead-up to Friday’s race. She was first to the post in the 2025 Mares Novices Hurdle this time last year and couldn’t be stopped on the incline on that occasion.
Friday’s step up in distance should suit and she is likely to be ahead of her mark for a stable that tends to thrive during Cheltenham week. Expect her connections to get a decent jockey sorted to aid her push.
