Champion Hurdle

The Champion Hurdle delivered one of the most chaotic renewals in recent Cheltenham Festival history last season.

What was billed as a showdown between three headline acts quickly unravelled. Constitution Hill crashed out for the first time in his career, State Man fell at the final flight with victory at his mercy and Brighterdaysahead never landed a telling blow. Golden Ace, winner of the previous season’s Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, swept through to score at 25/1, while 66/1 outsider Burdett Road chased her home.

The division has a different look heading into the 2025/26 campaign. Fresh contenders are emerging, with The New Lion among the leading names after stepping into open company.

Lossiemouth also sits high on the list of potential runners, especially with State Man ruled out for the season through injury. Sir Gino’s setback on Festival Trials Day has removed another major player from calculations.

The New Lion, who captured the Turners Novices’ Hurdle last term, heads the market following his success in the International Hurdle on Festival Trials Day. He has yet to prove himself at championship level over the full campaign, but his profile continues to rise.

Brighterdaysahead is prominent in the non-runner no bet market after defeating Lossiemouth in the Irish equivalent at the Dublin Racing Festival. She also retains the option of the Mares’ Hurdle, leaving her Festival target open.

Constitution Hill remains near the top of the early betting despite falling in three of his last four starts. With Sir Gino sidelined, he could be the principal hope for the yard as they bid to reclaim the crown.

Champion Hurdle 2026 date

The Champion Hurdle takes place at Cheltenham on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.

Champion Hurdle 2026 start time

The race is scheduled for 16:00.

How to watch the Champion Hurdle 2026

The Champion Hurdle will be shown live on Bet365.com and via the Bet365 app. It will also be broadcast on ITV1 in the UK.

Champion Hurdle 2026 entries

The following 13 horses currently hold entries ahead of confirmations and final declarations:

• Alexei
• Anzadam
• Ballyburn
• Brighterdaysahead
• Casheldale Lad
• Constitution Hill
• Golden Ace
• Lossiemouth
• Lucky Place
• Poniros
• The New Lion
• Wilful
• Workahead

Final fields will be confirmed closer to the Festival, but the early picture suggests another wide-open renewal of the Cheltenham showpiece.

Time	Race
13:20	Supreme Novices Hurdle
14:00	Arkle Novices Chase
14:40	Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
15:20	Ultima Handicap Chase
16:00	Champion Hurdle
16:40	Plate Handicap Chase
17:20	National Hunt Chase