The first major race of the new National Hunt season takes place on Friday, as a field of talented youngsters run in the Persian War Novices' Hurdle. Named in honour of one of the all-time greats, the Persian War has produced plenty of good horses over the years, with the likes of Bonanza Boy, Reve De Sivola and Silviniaco Conti going on to win multiple Group Ones over hurdles and fences.
Here's our free guide to the 2026 Persian War Novices' Hurdle, including our best betting tips.
2026 Persian War Novices' Hurdle Odds
| Name | Odds |
|---|---|
| Lord Byron | 15/8 |
| North Shore | 10/3 |
| Cosmic Connection | 10/3 |
| Le Moulin Rouge | 12/1 |
| Lock Stock | 12/1 |
| Bar | 14/1 |
2026 Persian War Novices' Hurdle Runners
It's been almost 15 years since a four-year-old last won the Persian War, but the betting for Friday's renewal is headed by two of last year's most promising juveniles.
Lord Byron kept on from the rear to finish fourth in the Triumph Hurdle, and Faye Bramley's consistent hurdler has had a spin on the Flat to prepare for Chepstow. North Shore finished 12th in the Triumph Hurdle for Gavin Cromwell last season and will make his first start for Dan Skelton in Friday's main event.
Freddie and Chris Gordon will team up with Sandown's Novices' Championship Final winner Cosmic Connection. Paul Nolan has confirmed Le Moulin Rouge, and he'll be joined on the journey to Wales by Henry de Bromhead's La Cote Fleurie.
West Hill Verde runs for Seamus Mullins. Stuart Edmunds' recent Worcester winner Lock Stock also features in the field, along with Fergal O'Brien's Chicker, Handmedownstar for Nick Schofield, Jamie Snowden's Obsessedwithyou, and a third Irish raider, Tom Hogan's Hopeful Hero.
West Hill Verde runs for Seamus Mullins. Stuart Edmunds' recent Worcester winner Lock Stock also features in the field, along with Fergal O'Brien's Chicker, Handmedownstar for Nick Schofield, Jamie Snowden's Obsessedwithyou, and a third Irish raider, Tom Hogan's Hopeful Hero.
2026 Persian War Novices' Hurdle Tips
There are plenty of angles you could take in this year's Persian War. Lord Byron brings Grade One juvenile form to the table. Cosmic Connection looked better than a handicapper at Sandown. North Shore is a danger on his first start for the Skeltons, and the two Irish raiders have to be given a chance.
One who certainly seems overpriced to me is CHICKER (33/1) for two-time Persian War winner Fergal O'Brien.
O'Brien's gelding made the headlines at Cheltenham's Showcase Meeting 12 months ago, winning his second bumper and beating hot favourite Le Beau Madrik, who is fancied for the Welsh Champion Hurdle earlier in the afternoon. Chicker then struggled on soft ground in the Listed bumper at Cheltenham's November Meeting before finishing down the field in both the Champion Bumper and the Grade Two Flat Race at the Grand National Festival.
A month on from Aintree, Chicker made his hurdles debut at Uttoxeter. Fern O'Brien held her mount up at the rear before tanking into contention upon entering the straight. Manalishi attempted to mount a challenge approaching the last, but Chicker was away from it the quicker and stretched clear to win by two comfortable lengths.
O'Brien's five-year-old was beaten by an 80/1 outsider on his prep run for the Persian War at Perth. Chicker travelled and jumped nicely on the whole but made a telling mistake at the second-last flight and couldn't recover in time as the leading quartet sprinted for the line.
Stepping back up to two and a half miles is a huge plus for Chicker, and the ground at Chepstow remains favourably good. Connections clearly hold this son of Frontiersman in high regard, and I fancy Chicker will outrun his odds in Friday's main event.
Visit our Persian War Novices' Hurdle Live Stream page if you want to watch any of Friday's races via a mobile or tablet.
Live Stream
Visit our Persian War Novices' Hurdle Live Stream page if you want to watch any of Friday's races via a mobile or tablet.