£100,000 Cheltenham bonus for Morebattle winner as Kelso prize-money boosted

A lucrative £100,000 bonus is being offered to the winner of Kelso's Morebattle Hurdle if they are able to double up at the Cheltenham Festival 13 days later.

The two-mile handicap hurdle has been moved to Kelso's bet365-sponsored card on March 6 which also features the Grade 2 Premier Novices' Hurdle and Premier Chase.

Prize-money has been increased for the meeting with the Morebattle worth £75,000, making it the second richest hurdle race between now and the Cheltenham Festival. Only the Betfair Hurdle is worth more.

Watch We Have A Dream winning the 2019 Morebattle Hurdle

Kelso's managing director Jonathan Garratt said: "The Morebattle reverted to being a handicap hurdle last season and this development has been a long time in the planning.

"We're indebted to our sponsors bet365 for their generous support which has helped to bring the idea to fruition. Our intention is to create a flagship day which will become a major feature of the National Hunt season in 2021 and for many years to come."

Forty per cent of meetings were cancelled at Kelso in 2020 and waterlogging forced last season's Morebattle card to be called off before the coronavirus pandemic.

"While it's been difficult for all businesses, in all sectors, we've been determined to maintain prize-money and as much business activity as possible because we know how vital it is to the wider racing industry, the rural economy and our local supply chain," Garratt said.

“We remain optimistic that we'll be able to get some spectators back in the first half of 2021, even if the number is very restricted at first."

In 2000, Master Tern won at Kelso's March meeting before following up in the County Hurdle. Elsewhere the meeting has an impressive roll of honour, including subsequent Champion Hurdle runner-up Large Action.

Nicky Henderson won the Morebattle with Simonsig in 2012, Top Notch in 2016 and We Have A Dream in 2019.

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