The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is the historic opening event of Cheltenham Festival. Here’s everything you need to know about the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 2026.
A beloved part of Cheltenham Festival, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is known for its electric atmosphere. Open to horses aged four years and older, it also acts as a launchpad for future stars of hurdle and chase events.
Whether you’re new to horse racing or a seasoned fan, you can’t miss the 2026 edition of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. Here’s all of the key information you need to know, including where to watch it and how to place a bet with Betway. Or, for more information about the event, explore our complete guide to Cheltenham Festival.
What is the Cheltenham Festival Supreme Novices’ Hurdle?
The Cheltenham Festival Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt race and the opening fixture of the festival. You can expect to hear the ‘Cheltenham roar’ as it begins, signalling the start of four days of world-class racing.
The horses taking part in this year’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle are new to hurdling, and there are eight jumps during the race. Run over a distance of two miles and half a furlong, it really is a fantastic event that tests speed, stamina and jumping precision to the full.
What date is the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 2026?
The Cheltenham Festival Supreme Novices’ Hurdle takes place on Tuesday, 10th March, which is Day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival, also known as Champion Day.
When is the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle?
The opening race of Cheltenham Festival, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 2026, begins at 1:20 pm on Tuesday, 10th March. It’s followed by the Arkle Novices’ Chase at 2 pm and the Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at 2:40 pm.
Where does the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle take place?
The Cheltenham Festival Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is run on the Old Course at Cheltenham Racecourse. This venue allows for a fast and competitive race thanks to its shorter run-in and sharper turns, making it the ideal stage for future champions to showcase their talent.
Originally opened in 1902, the Old Course also sets the tone for a prestigious horse racing festival which is both steeped in history and designed for modern race fans.
How can you watch the Cheltenham Festival Supreme Novices’ Hurdle?
If you can’t attend the festival in person, you can watch the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 2026 on ITV1. Make sure your TV or phone is ready by 1:20 pm on Tuesday, 10th March! Alternatively, you can also watch this event and the full Cheltenham Festival schedule live as it unfolds, with a Racing TV subscription.
The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 2026 entries
The final lineup will be confirmed closer to the date, but in the meantime, there are some strong contenders registered to run. Here’s the full list of prospective entrants in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 2026:
Old Park Star | El Cairos | Talk the Talk |
Mydaddypaddy | Mighty Park | Mossy Fen Road |
Ballyfad | Idaho Sun | Sober |
Davy Crockett | King Rasko Grey | The Reverend |
Windbeneathmywings | Baron Noir | Fire Warning |
Minella Yoga | Proactif | Skylight Hustle |
Sortudo | Act Of Innocence | Heads Up |
Le Divin Enfant | Leader d’Allier | Limier D’Arthel |
Saint Baco | Sober Glory | Taurus Bay |
Too Bossy For Us | You Proof | He’s On Fire |
Macho Man | Walks In JUne | Bud Fox |
Double Measure | Eachtotheirown | Hamlets Night |
Hilberry Hill | Klub De Reve | Laurets d’Estruval |
Le Beau Madrik | Mister Pessimistic | 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 |
Kaiser Ball | Makinbecon | Mo Ghille Mar |
Soomaroy | Thyer | Tyson Fury |
It’s Tim |
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Who are the favourites for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle?
While there are some ante-post favourites already emerging, it’s too early to say which competitors have the best chances of winning. Make sure to check back closer to the festival for up-to-date betting odds on the confirmed entrants.
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle expert tips
Our team of horse racing experts are on hand to give you all the betting advice you need ahead of the Cheltenham Festival. Once the full list of racers has been finalised, make sure you check our analysis for their top picks and professional opinions.
How to bet on the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham
At Betway, we make it easy to bet on the Supreme Novices’ 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 1/5 each way odds, which includes a win bet and a place bet (in this case, if your horse finishes in the top 3).
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 ante-post odds.
