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2026 Champion Hurdle Odds - The New Lion and Brighterdaysahead now vying for favouritism

jon-vine
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Last updated: Thu 12 Feb 2026 15:17
The 2026 Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival promises an exciting race with a competitive field. The New Lion is leading the odds, having recently claimed victory in the Unibet Hurdle. Brighterdaysahead, who recently triumphed in the Irish Champion Hurdle, is also a strong contender. Lossiemouth, though previously favoured, might shift to the Mares' Hurdle. Constitution Hill and Golden Ace add intrigue, each having faced highs and lows this season. Several other notable entries make this year's lineup one to watch closely.
Jon Vine 12 Feb 2026
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  • Latest odds and betting for the 2026 Champion Hurdle [Updated on 7.2.2026]
  • This Grade One takes place at Cheltenham on Tuesday 10th March 2026
  • The New Lion is the 9/4 favourite, ahead of Brighterdaysahead
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The New Lion
Harry Skelton riding The New Lion (green/gold) clear the last to win The Unibet Hurdle at Cheltenham. (Getty)

The opening Championship race at the Cheltenham Festival is the Champion Hurdle, which takes place at 4:00pm on day one. Last year's dramatic Champion Hurdle will live long in the memory for many jumps fans, and this season's renewal is looking incredibly competitive.

Here's a look at the 2026 Champion Hurdle, betting and run-down of the headline entries.

2026 Champion Hurdle Odds


Name
Odds
The New Lion9/4
Brighterdaysahead5/2
Constitution Hill9/2
Lossiemouth6/1
Golden Ace6/1
Poniros14/1
Bar20/1
[Updated on 7.2.2026]

2026 Champion Hurdle Entries


Injuries to State Man and Sir Gino have blown the betting for this year's Champion Hurdle wide open. The current market leader is Dan Skelton's Cheltenham Festival winner from last year, The New Lion, who kept on well to claim a cosy victory in the Unibet Hurdle on Trials Day, having fallen on his reappearance in the Fighting Fifth.

Having finished second to that rival on her return to action at Christmas, Brighterdaysahead took down Lossiemouth to land the Irish Champion Hurdle. Gordon Elliott's mare now rivals The New Lion for favouritism. Lossiemouth, meanwhile, drifted in the Champion Hurdle betting and now seems more likely to head back to the Mares' Hurdle.

Constitution Hill suffered his third high-profile tumble in the Fighting Fifth, and will warm up for Cheltenham with a run on the flat at Southwell. Golden Ace won a dramatic Fighting Fifth on her return to action, and last year's surprise Champion Hurdle winner sits much more prominently in the market this year than she did 12 months ago.

Triumph Hurdle winner, Poniros made an encouraging return in the Irish Champion Hurdle, and was backed into a fairly short price for the Champion Hurdle. Willie Mullins could also be represented by the mercurial trio of Anzadam, Ballyburn and El Fabiolo.

Greatwood Hurdle winner Alexei holds a Cheltenham entry. As does Fighting Fifth second Nemean Lion. Casheldale Lad, Wilful, Workahead and Lucky Place could also run in the feature on day one of the Cheltenham Festival.

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