Learn who the Cheltenham Supreme Novices’ Hurdle runners are for 2026. Discover who the favourites are and how you can decide which horses to pick for your bets.
Kicking off Day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is a more than appropriate opening act. Containing many legendary winners in its history books, the race has proven to be a good avenue for talented horses to progress into winning even more desirable prizes.
With the race’s requirements allowing novice hurdlers aged four and up to enter, it creates an exciting but unpredictable dynamic. Looking at the next Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, it can be smart to discover who will be competing beforehand.
So, let’s run through the lineup for the 2026 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and review who the top competitors will be. Or, if you’re ready to back your favourite, why not explore all the latest Cheltenham odds?
What is the lineup for the Cheltenham Supreme Novices’ Hurdle?
Check out the entire list of Supreme Novices’ Hurdle entries listed ahead of the race:
Old Park Star
Talk the Talk
El Cairos
Mighty Park
Mydaddypaddy
Ballyfad
King Rasko Grey
Act Of Innocence
Idaho Sun
Sober
Leader d’Allier
Windbeneathmywings
Baron Noir
Fire Warning
Minella Yoga
Proactif
Skylight Hustle
Sortudo
Heads Up
Laurets d’Estruval
Le Divin Enfant
Limier D’Arthel
Saint Baco
Sober Glory
Taurus Bay
The Reverend
Too Bossy For Us
You Proof
Eachtotheirown
Hes On Fire
Macho Man
Walks In June
Bud Fox
Davy Crockett
Double Measure
Hamlets Night
Hillberry Hill
Klub De Reve
Le Beau Madrik
Mister Pessimistic
Mossy Fen Road
Road Exile
Shuttle Diplomacy
Sinnatra
Soldier Reeves
Zeus Power
Blake
Blues Singer
Caballero Cliff
Free Spirit
Glance At Midnight
Koktail Brut
Sageborough
Storming George
Thedeviluno
Ambiente Friendly
Hawks Rock
Makinbecon
Mo Ghille Mar
Soomaroy
Thyer
Tyson Fury
Its Tim
Who are the favourites among the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle runners?
Now you’re aware of which horses are running at the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, we’ll move on to discussing who the top contenders appear to be:
Old Park Star
Considering he’s got three wins in his last three races, six-year-old Old Park Star should be right up at the top of the field. Being trained by the serial Cheltenham winner Nicky Henderson certainly boosts his chances, helping him to produce dominant performances like at Haydock in January. Having already won at Cheltenham racecourse in December too, he looks to have victory at the festival well within reach.
Talk The Talk
Talk The Talk has already proven himself against other competitors for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, nicking the win off Ballyfad at Leopardstown in early February. Despite falling in the Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle in December, his form has been strong with three wins in the previous four races.
El Cairos
With promising pace and a strong engine, El Cairos looks to be a formidable challenger for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. The six-year-old demonstrated a lot of potential in his victory at Thurles in January despite having a minor scare towards the end. With the experienced Gordon Elliott as his trainer too, he’s definitely in with a shout.
Mighty Park
After a first triumph at Fairyhouse in January, Mighty Park has made his case as one of the top competitors for the 2026 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. Though this was his first and only race, the raw potential on show is hard to ignore.
Considering Willie Mullins now has the chance to refine his abilities, one can only expect to see improvements between now and the Cheltenham Festival.
Mydaddypaddy
Though Mydaddypaddy came second at Aintree in December, this shouldn’t make you underestimate his chances of success at the Supreme Novices’. Still obtaining three wins in four races, he’s shown an impressive level of talent so far, with his victory by seven lengths at Haydock in December being a prime example.
Ballyfad
Despite losing to Talk The Talk at Leopardstown in early February, Ballyfad has already established enough credentials to be a tough competitor at the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. With wins in all three of his other races, the five-year-old has got every chance, especially as he’s trained by Gordon Elliott.
How to identify a contender for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
Picking out contenders for a race can be difficult to do, but looking into the past can reveal a lot more than you think about what makes a successful horse. Supreme Novices’ Hurdle trends and stats can assist in your betting strategies, highlighting key indicators for who might be successful in the next edition of the event.
Though they may not be guarantees as to who will end up winning the race, they can give you a leg up on other bettors who aren’t doing the research. Whether it’s past form or success rates of the favourites, knowing how the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle has panned out in the past is certainly a useful tool to have in your arsenal.
How to bet on the Cheltenham Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
Now that we’ve given you an idea about who’s competing in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and who the favourites appear to be, placing a bet may be on your mind.
If so, Betway has everything you need to have a smooth betting experience. With our guide on how to bet on the Cheltenham Festival, you can learn everything you need to know about Supreme Novices’ Hurdle betting, alongside many other races too!
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle FAQs
When is the Cheltenham Supreme Novices’ Hurdle?
The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle takes place on the first day of Cheltenham, kickstarting the prestigious festival. Considering it’s the first race of the week, it always draws a big crowd and has an electrifying atmosphere.
Who has won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle?
The list of Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winners features some incredibly strong competitors. With horses like Champion Hurdle winner Constitution Hill starring more recently and Golden Cygnet appearing historically, it’s been a tremendous platform for top talents to perform.
