In the late 1980s the event was classed at Listed level, and its full title was the Bishops Cleeve Hurdle.
It was promoted to Grade 1 status in 1991, and in the following years its title was shortened to the present form.
It was downgraded to Grade 2 status in 2004, and its distance was extended to the present length in 2005.
In its analysis of that year's running, the Racing Post commented that the modified Cleeve Hurdle was "effectively replacing the long-distance hurdle formerly run at Haydock on Peter Marsh day."
The race is now a leading trial for the Stayers' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.