Learn who the runners are for the 2026 Cheltenham Champion Hurdle, and who might be the favourites this time round!
The Champion Hurdle is the most highly regarded hurdling event in the entire year. Being the feature race of Cheltenham day one, it attracts much attention, largely due to hosting some of the best hurdlers that the sport has ever seen.
What is the lineup for the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle?
Looking at this year’s Champion Hurdle odds, there are certainly some recognisable names in the mix. With a combination of previous winners and a few new faces too, it is set to be an exciting spectacle:
Lossiemouth /
The New Lion /
Brighterdaysahead /
Golden Ace /
Poniros /
Alexei /
Anzadam /
Tutti Quanti /
Workahead /
With the race having such a stellar reputation, there is naturally an expectation for it to have high-quality competitors. But just who might be challenging for first place in the 2026 Champion Hurdle?
Below, we have highlighted which horses may have the best chance of victory. Read on to discover which names could end up in the history books! Or, if you’re interested in wagering on the rest of the event, explore our other Cheltenham betting odds. And, don’t forget, new customers can get a welcome bonus of up to £/€40 in free bets when you stake £/€10 with Betway.
Who are the favourites among the Champion Hurdle runners?
Out of the lineup, we have selected a few that are likely to be pushing for the win or, at the very least, the top few places. Though Champion Hurdle trends and stats from over the years may sway your decision, these are the horses you might consider based on odds alone:
Lossiemouth
Arguably one of the best on this list is Lossiemouth, who has previous Cheltenham winning experience. For the last three years, she has won at the festival, including the last two editions of the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle in 2024 and 2025, on top of also winning the 2023 JCB Triumph Hurdle.
With an impressive record of 13 wins in 16 races, Lossiemouth is a serious contender for any race she enters. This should come as no surprise, though, with the iconic trainer-jockey duo of Willie Mullins and Paul Townend being responsible for this success to date.
The New Lion
The New Lion is perhaps a less experienced horse on this contenders’ list, but that doesn’t mean he is without success. At his only outing at Cheltenham Festival to date, the 2025 Turners Novices’ Hurdle, he showed a winning prowess after finishing first.
At the time of writing, he has a record of six wins in seven races and has shown great promise to date. Despite his lack of experience, the signs are all pointing towards a positive result for the talented seven-year-old.
Brighterdaysahead
Brighterdaysahead is another of the top competitors for the Champion Hurdle, with many strengths supporting her chances. Trained by Gordon Elliott, she is positioned incredibly well, with his Cheltenham record being the fourth best out of every trainer in the festival’s history.
Though not always coming out on top, past races have shown her ability to push favourites like Golden Ace and Lossiemouth right until the end. Could she go one step further, though, and beat them at the Champion Hurdle?
Anzadam
Certainly a younger entry on this list, six-year-old Anzadam brings some youthful energy into the fray. Despite only racing six times, he has four wins already, looking like he could be emerging as another of Willie Mullins’ champion horses.
Though not having any Cheltenham experience, his ability to break away from opponents has set him apart as a horse with an incredibly high ceiling.
Golden Ace
As the victor of the previous Champion Hurdle, Golden Ace will be aiming to join the list of back-to-back winners. Having also won the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle in 2024, she is no stranger to Cheltenham victories, and her team will be hoping another one is on the cards in 2026.
With experience of winning the Champion Hurdle as an outsider in 2025, she is no stranger to performing under pressure, and she has every chance of doing it again.
How to bet on the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle
Feeling ready to bet on the Champion Hurdle now you’re aware of the top horses? Well, Betway is the best place to place your Cheltenham bets! You can download our app from the App Store or Play Store, or head over to the Champion Hurdle odds page on our website.
If you want some more guidance with your picks, discover how to bet on Cheltenham Festival!
Champion Hurdle FAQs
When is the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle?
When the Champion Hurdle takes place on the first day of Cheltenham, it always helps to kick the festival off with a bang. In 2026, this will be on Tuesday 10th March, with the race set to occur in its usual 16:00 slot.
What is the prize money for the Champion Hurdle?
The Champion Hurdle’s prize fund is the second most valuable at Cheltenham festival. Standing at a staggering £450,000, it’s only beaten by the Gold Cup, and dwarfs other prize pots on day one!
Who has won the Champion Hurdle?
Over the years, there have been many successful Champion Hurdle winners, with some even winning it as many as three times! Recent history has seen some upsets, like Golden Ace’s win in 2025, but also dominance, such as Honeysuckle’s back-to-back wins in 2021 and 2022.
