The Champion Hurdle is one of the most iconic races at the Cheltenham Festival and a centrepiece of the National Hunt season. Run on the opening day of the Festival, it brings together the fastest and most talented two-mile hurdlers from Britain and Ireland. The race demands slick jumping, tactical speed, and the stamina to conquer Cheltenham’s famous uphill finish. In this 2026 Champion Hurdle preview, we take a closer look at when the race takes place, what makes it so special, and what to expect from this year’s renewal.
What is the Champion Hurdle?
The Champion Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race open to horses aged four and above. It is contested on Cheltenham’s Old Course over a distance of just over two miles (2 miles and 87 yards), with eight hurdles to be jumped along the way. Widely regarded as the most prestigious hurdle race in the British racing calendar, the Champion Hurdle has a roll of honour that includes many of the finest hurdlers in the history of the sport.
When is the Champion Hurdle?
The Champion Hurdle is the feature race of Day 1 at Cheltenham Festival. This year, it will take place on March 10th at 4:00 pm. As the highlight of Champion Day, it is one of the most prestigious hurdle races in the National Hunt calendar and often sets the tone for the entire Festival. If you are unsure where to watch the Cheltenham Festival, just know the atmosphere for the Champion Hurdle can even be felt through the screen!
Who won the Champion Hurdle 2025?
Golden Ace won last year’s Champion Hurdle, trained by Jeremy Scott. The Gosden-owned thoroughbred won at a bumper 25/1, in what was a race full of excitement for those who bet on outsiders. Burdett Road finished 2nd at 66/1 and Winter Fog 3rd at an incredible 150/1. What made that result so spectacular is that the Champion Hurdle is a renewal so often dominated by favourites. All of the previous five races before that had been won by the market leader.
Recent Champion Hurdle winners
- 2025 – Golden Ace, 25/1, Trainer: Jeremy Scott, Jockey: Lorcan Williams
- 2024 – State Man, 2/5F, Trainer: Willie Mullins, Jockey: Paul Townend
- 2023 – Constitution Hill, 4/11F, Trainer: Nicky Henderson, Jockey: Nico de Boinvill
- 2022 – Honeysuckle, 8/11F, Trainer: Henry de Bromhead, Jockey: Rachael Blackmore
- 2021 – Honeysuckle, 11/10F, Trainer: Henry de Bromhead, Jockey: Rachael Blackmore
- 2020 – Epatante, 2/1F, Trainer: Nicky Henderson, Jockey: Barry Geraghty
Who is running in the Champion Hurdle?
The 2026 Champion Hurdle picture is always a highlight at our online sports betting site. This year, only a handful of runners are currently priced at 10/1 or shorter. At the head of the betting is The New Lion (11/4). He is Dan Skelton’s leading contender and the chosen Champion Hurdle horse for JP McManus. Unbeaten apart from a fall in the Fighting Fifth, he arrives with a strong profile but also plenty of debate around his optimum conditions.
Much of his best form has come over further than two miles, including his career-best effort in last season’s Turners Novices’ Hurdle. While Skelton insists he has the speed for this test, the Old Course’s sharper two miles may not play fully to his strengths. Still, his consistency, attitude, and powerful connections make him a major player.
Sharing favouritism is Brighterdaysahead (11/4), Gordon Elliott’s high-class mare. She has divided opinion at Cheltenham. Her Festival record is mixed, but her talent is undeniable. A dominant winner of the Irish Champion Hurdle last time out, she showed the relentless galloping style that has defined her best performances. While her run in last year’s Champion Hurdle run was disappointing, thanks to a physical issue, this has been resolved, and we can expect a better run this time around. If she reproduces her Leopardstown form on the big stage, she sets a very high standard.
Former champion Constitution Hill (11/2) remains one of the most compelling stories of the race. Once regarded as virtually unbeatable, his career has been derailed by falls and setbacks over the past two seasons. However, even a diminished version of the nine-year-old would still be a serious threat in a year lacking a standout. Nicky Henderson’s decision to give him a Flat run at Southwell is unconventional but deliberate. If he arrives at Cheltenham sound and confident, sentiment may be backed up by substance.
Defending champion Golden Ace (8/1) is another firmly in the mix. Her shock 25/1 success last year was aided by misfortune for others, but she has since backed it up with solid performances in Grade 1 company. She may lack the raw brilliance of some rivals, but she has proven she handles the occasion better than most. Plus, in a race where many have questions to answer, that counts for plenty.
Rounding out the shortlist is State Man. He is absent from this year’s market leaders due to setbacks, leaving this renewal unusually open. With only four runners at single-figure prices, the 2026 Champion Hurdle looks set to hinge on which contender can combine fitness, fluency, and composure on the biggest stage of all.
2026 Cheltenham Champion Hurdle
The 2026 Champion Hurdle promises to be one of the most open renewals in recent memory. Several leading contenders arrive with proven class but also clear questions to answer. The New Lion and Brighterdaysahead dominate the betting, yet neither looks bombproof at Cheltenham. Constitution Hill remains the great unknown, capable of brilliance if rediscovering anything close to his best. Defending champion Golden Ace brings reliability and course form in an unpredictable field.
With few runners under 10/1, margins between success and failure appear exceptionally fine. Fitness, jumping fluency, and tactical positioning will be decisive on the Old Course. Whatever the outcome, the Champion Hurdle looks set to deliver drama on Festival opening day.
