Learn who the runners are for the 2026 Cheltenham Champion Hurdle! The entries may have been disclosed, but 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.
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?
We have compiled a list of every participant, highlighting which ones 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.
What is the lineup for the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle?
Looking at this year’s challengers for the Champion Hurdle, 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
Constitution Hill
Brighterdaysahead
Golden Ace
Anzadam
El Fabiolo
Ballyburn
Nemean Lion
Poniros
Alexei
Casheldale Lad
Lucky Place
Wilful
Workahead
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.
Constitution Hill
Without a doubt, Constitution Hill is a world-class horse with many famous wins to his name. Despite falling in the 2025 Champion Hurdle, he still has an impressive eight Grade 1 victories under his belt. The biggest of these wins came when he triumphed in the 2023 Champion Hurdle, beating out other strong competitors like State Man.
With Constitution Hill also being trained by someone like Nicky Henderson, it definitely gives him a huge advantage over many at Cheltenham. If you combine this with Nico De Boinville as a potential jockey, he poses a real threat.
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.
El Fabiolo
El Fabiolo could throw his hat in the ring too, having also achieved wins at Cheltenham in the past. His previous victory at the festival came in the form of the Arkle Challenge Trophy in 2023, beating Nicky Henderson’s star Jonbon.
Since El Fabiolo pulled up in his last Cheltenham outing during the Queen Mother Champion Chase in 2024, he will likely want to make up for that disappointment here.
Ballyburn
Though he may have finished fifth in the 2025 Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase, Ballyburn is another who has won at Cheltenham in the past. Under the training of Willie Mullins, he managed to see victory in the Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle in 2024, beating Jimmu Du Seuil, the future Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle winner.
With exceptional speed and stamina, Ballyburn could just have what it takes to triumph in the Champion Hurdle.
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.
