2026 Ballymore Novice Hurdle Tips - Gordon's hot streak to continue at Naas
The 2026 Ballymore Novice Hurdle, to be held at Naas, is a key highlight in the horse racing calendar. Known for featuring top novice hurdles, this year’s race includes standout horse Classical Creek, backed at 4/1. Despite initially being led by Sortudo in popularity, Saint Baco emerged as a favorite following Paul Townend's decision to ride him. However, Gordon Elliott's Classical Creek is tipped for success given its impressive past performances, adding depth to an already competitive field.
- Odds and betting predictions for the 2026 Ballymore Novice Hurdle
- This Grade One takes place at Naas on Sunday 4th January
- Classic Creek is our best bet at 4/1
After Sunday's card at Naas was called off, Ballymore Novice Hurdle day will now take place on Friday. Formerly known as the Slaney and the Lawlors Of Naas, this two-and-a-half-mile Grade One is often won by a top-class novice, with the likes of Envoi Allen and Bob Olinger featuring on the recent roll of honour.
Here's our free guide to the 2026 Ballymore Novice Hurdle, including our best betting tips.
2026 Ballymore Novice Hurdle Odds
| Name | Odds |
|---|---|
| Saint Baco | 7/4 |
| Sortudo | 4/1 |
| Classical Creek | 4/1 |
| I'll Sort That | 7/1 |
| Lord Rouge | 12/1 |
| Bar | 16/1 |
2026 Ballymore Novice Hurdle Runners
Willie Mullins' Sortudo had headed the market for Friday's feature for much of the build-up. However, news broke on Friday that Paul Townend had opted to ride Navan winner Saint Baco instead, and he was then backed into 7/4 favouritism.
Patrick Mullins will now ride Sortudo, who ran out an impressive winner of a Cork maiden in November. Jack Kennedy will ride Gordon Elliott's Navan winner Classical Creek, with Sam Ewing partnering with Elliott's second-string, Lord Rouge.
Declan Queally rides and trains I'll Sort That, who completed a hat-trick when scoring in Grade Three company last time out. Henry de Bromhead will be represented by Fruit De Mer, who justified odds-on favouritism when scoring on his hurdles debut at Naas.
Daniel King rides Ross O'Sullivan's mare Switch From Diesel. Danny and Anthony Mullins team up with Letos. Gordon Elliott's third runner, Kovanis completes Sunday's line-up.
2026 Ballymore Novice Hurdle Tips
Gordon Elliott's horses have been in sparkling form over Christmas, and CLASSICAL CREEK (4/1) could be the best of this bunch of novices.
Elliott's six-year-old won his point-to-point by ten lengths, and made a winning bumper debut at Down Royal last season. Classical Creek then placed a close third in the Listed bumper at Navan in December, where Harry Swan's mount looked very green as he challenged the front-running Heads Up, which softened both up for stablemate Kalypso'chance, who swept home to claim a cosy victory.
Jack Kennedy took the 4/9 favourite straight to the front on his hurdling debut at Navan. Again, Classical Creek looked a little green and unfurnished out in front, but kept on well to record an eight-length triumph.
Heads Up boosted Classic Creek's bumper form when finishing second in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham, and there was plenty left in the locker as Kennedy's mount pounded clear after the last at Navan. Classical Creek is your typical embryonic chaser, but looks to have enough boot to succeed as a novice hurdler, and this Grade One has clearly been the long-term plan.
Live Stream
Visit our Ballymore Novice Hurdle Live Stream page if you plan on watching any of Sunday's races via a mobile or tablet.
Verdict
Classical Creek is our selection in the 2026 Ballymore Novice Hurdle.
Classical Creek
2026 Ballymore Novice Hurdle Tips
@4/1 - 5 Units
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