The feature race on day one of the Cheltenham Festival is the Champion Hurdle, which remains one of the most prestigious hurdle races on the National Hunt calendar.
We've analysed the field set to compete in this year's race to bring you our Champion Hurdle tips for 2026, including our best bet and race verdict.
Last Updated: 9.3.2026
Race Info
| Race | Champion Hurdle |
| Date | Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 |
| Start Time | 4:00pm |
| Status | Grade One |
| Distance | 2m 87y |
| First Prize | £253,215 |
| Going | NA |
| Runners | 13 |
| Favourite | The New Lion (9/4) |
2026 Champion Hurdle Runners
The Champion Hurdle betting has been shaken up at various points this season. State Man was injured at the start of the season. Sir Gino topped the betting after his Christmas Hurdle win, before suffering a season-ending injury on Trials Day. Lossiemouth and Constitution Hill have also topped the market at various points, but disappointing results have pushed both further down the market.
Lossiemouth was beaten by Brighterdaysahead in the Irish Champion Hurdle, having beaten that same rival in the December Hurdle over Christmas. That defeat will likely cause Willie Mullins to run his star in the Mares' Hurdle for the third season in a row. However, there is still a chance that Lossiemouth could bid for glory on day one of the Cheltenham Festival.
Brighterdaysahead rivals The New Lion for favouritism following her victory at the Dublin Racing Festival. Gordon Elliott's mare took a big step forward that day. Yet, Brighterdaysahead has run poorly on both of her previous starts around Cheltenham, and you'd have to fancy Lossiemouth to reverse the DRF form if they reopposed at the Festival.
After Sir Gino was pulled up, The New Lion went on to claim a routine victory in the Unibet Hurdle on Trials Day. Dan Skelton's star won the Turners Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival 12 months ago, and has been trained with the Champion Hurdle in mind all season. This progressive seven-year-old seems like a worthy favourite.
Golden Ace capitalised on late falls and underperformances from rivals to snatch victory in this race 12 months ago. Jeremy Scott's mare did the same when landing the Fighting Fifth in November, and ran with credit behind Sir Gino on her most recent outing at Kempton.
Five-year-olds have a particularly poor record in the Champion Hurdle, but 2025 Triumph Hurdle winner Poniros could still represent Willie Mullins, following an encouraging run at Leopardstown. Anzadam and Ballyburn could join Poniros - and maybe Lossiemouth - in the field, but both have endured disappointing campaigns and hold little appeal at their current prices.
Greatwood winner, Alexei has enjoyed a superb season, but will need to raise his game to compete in Grade One company. As will Tutti Quanti, who was supplemented by Paul Nicholls after his handicap win at Newbury.
2026 Champion Hurdle Tips
| Bet Type | Name | Odds (17.2.26) |
|---|---|---|
| Best Bet | Lossiemouth | 10/3 |
Given her record around Cheltenham, I see no reason why LOSSIEMOUTH (10/3) wouldn't run a huge race in the Champion Hurdle. Willie Mullins announced on Sunday that his mare would indeed by running in Tuesday's feature, and Lossiemouth has shortened significantly in the betting since.
Lossiemouth has been simply flawless around Prestbury Park. Mullins' grey has won the Triumph Hurdle and two Mares' Hurdles at the Festival, and even trounced a decent field when landing the Unibet Hurdle on Trials Day in 2024.
Paul Townend's mount looked as good as ever when winning the Morgiana Hurdle and the December Hurdle. I'd attribute her defeat there to the heavy ground - even though Lossiemouth has previously won Grade Ones on a similarly testing surface.
Lossiemouth might be better over two-and-a-half miles, but she's certainly not short of two-mile speed. Mares have won five of the last seven renewals of the Champion Hurdle, and it's hard to see how The New Lion will give seven pounds to this classy, course specialist.
Live Stream
Visit our Champion Hurdle Live Stream page if you want to watch any race on day one of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival via a mobile or tablet.
Champion Hurdle 2026 FAQs
- When is the 2026 Champion Hurdle?
The Champion Hurdle will take place on day one of the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday 10th March, 2026.
- What time does the Champion Hurdle go off?
The Champion Hurdle is scheduled to start at 4:00pm on March 10th.
- Who will win the 2026 Champion Hurdle?
It's a wide-open Champion Hurdle, but Lossiemouth looks to have a huge chance if she does run here over the Mares' Hurdle.
- Where can I watch the 2026 Champion Hurdle?
The Champion Hurdle will be shown live on ITV Racing. You can also stream the race live on a mobile device. Head to our website for more information