What time is the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham? We’ve put together everything you need to know about this prestigious event during Cheltenham Festival 2026.
A key part of the Cheltenham Festival (10th -13th March) is the Champion Hurdle, which is one of the most prestigious and eagerly awaited races in the National Hunt calendar. As the feature event on Champion Day, it showcases the best two-mile hurdlers in the world, all competing for the coveted title of Champion Hurdler.
With its rich history and dramatic finishes, this race never fails to deliver excitement, offering the perfect blend of speed, skill and stamina. If you like your races fast and furious, let’s take a look at the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham and how you can place a bet with Betway. Alternatively, explore the full festival schedule, or discover our complete guide to Cheltenham.
What is the Champion Hurdle?
The Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival is highly respected, because it’s the pinnacle of two-mile hurdling. The event brings together the best horses, trainers and jockeys in the world for a truly sensational race.
What’s more, it’s the only Grade 1 hurdle race of the Cheltenham Festival, and serves as the defining test of hurdling ability. Winning the Champion Hurdle is considered the ultimate achievement for any hurdler and often marks the start of a legendary career.
What day is the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival?
Covering two miles and 87 yards (3,298 metres to be exact), the 2026 edition of the Champion Hurdle will take place on Tuesday, 10th March. This is Day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival, which is also known as Champion Day.
What time is the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham?
The starting time for the Champion Hurdle on Tuesday, 10th March, is 4pm. This puts it between the Close Brothers’ Mares Hurdle Race (3:20 pm) and the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Race (4:40 pm).
Where does the Champion Hurdle take place?
The Champion Hurdle will take place on the Old Course at Cheltenham Racecourse. A key reason for choosing this course over the New Course is because of its tight bends, undulating layout, and long uphill finish, which make for a thrilling race.
How can you watch the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham?
If you can’t make it to the Cheltenham Festival in person, you can still catch all of the action on ITV1. The Champion Hurdle 2026 will be aired live at 4pm on Tuesday, 10th March, so make sure to pop it in your diary! There’s also the option to watch the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham through a Racing TV subscription, which gives you full access to all the events taking place at the Festival.
The 2026 Champion Hurdle horses
The exact lineup for the 2026 Champion Hurdle is yet to be finalised, but there are still some ante-post favourites who many punters expect to compete. Here are a few of the names who could be involved in this year’s edition of the race:
Sir Gino | The New Lion | Lossiemouth |
Brighterdaysahead | Constitution Hill | Golden Ace |
Anzadam | Ballyburn | El Fabiolo |
Alexei | Poniros | Casheldale Lad |
Nemean Lion | Workahead | Lucky Place |
Wilful |
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The favourites in the 2026 Champion Hurdle
As more competitors are announced, we’ll bring you the latest odds on all the horses in the 2026 Champion Hurdle, so you’ll be able to compare the chances of the favourites to win. Make sure to check back closer to the race to learn more about the frontrunners.
Champion Hurdle expert tips
Our racing experts are busy crunching the numbers and researching the competitors in the 2026 Champion Hurdle. We’ll bring you their top tips closer to Day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival, so remember to keep checking our content for the latest betting picks!
How to bet on the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham?
At Betway, we make it easy to bet on the Champion Hurdle 2026. Whether you’re a first timer who fancies a flutter or a seasoned follower of the Cheltenham Festival, we have everything you need to back your favourite.
You can either place a race win bet on your chosen horse, or take advantage of our 1/4 each way odds, which includes a win bet and a place bet (in this case, if your horse finishes in the top 2 places).
With that in mind, for the latest advice from our experts, explore our complete collection of Cheltenham betting tips, or check out our full range of horse racing antepost odds.
