2026 Irish Champion Hurdle Tips - Value bet against the mares at Leopardstown
Day two of the Dublin Racing Festival highlights the 2026 Irish Champion Hurdle, a race that has been won by legends like Hatton's Grace and Hurricane Fly. This year's contenders are led by Lossiemouth, who currently holds the best odds after bouncing back with four Grade One wins. Brighterdaysahead and Anzadam are also strong contenders, each set to improve and challenge the frontrunner. With excitement looming, Anzadam is emerging as a value bet given his potential to perform well in slower ground conditions.
- Odds and betting predictions for the 2026 Irish Champion Hurdle
- This historic Grade One takes place at Leopardstown on day two of the Dublin Racing Festival on Sunday 1st February
- We're backing Anzadam against Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead
Day two of the Dublin Racing Festival is headlined by the Irish Champion Hurdle. Greats like Hatton's Grace, Dawn Run, Istabraq and Hurricane Fly have won this iconic race and this year's renewal promises to be a thriller.
Here's our free guide to the 2026 Irish Champion Hurdle, including our best betting tips.
2026 Irish Champion Hurdle Odds
| Name | Odds |
|---|---|
| Lossiemouth | 5/4 |
| Brighterdaysahead | 7/4 |
| Anzadam | 7/1 |
| El Fabiolo | 12/1 |
| Bar | 25/1 |
2025 Irish Champion Hurdle Runners
Lossiemouth fell for the first time in her career when challenging State Man in this Grade One 12 months ago. Willie Mullins' mare has bounced back with four successive Grade One wins, including victories in the Morgiana and December Hurdles this season.
Brighterdaysahead finished a very close second to Lossiemouth on her reappearance at Leopardstown over Christmas, and Gordon Elliott expects his mare to improve for that outing. Anzadam pulled Patrick Mullins' arms out before fading back to fourth at Christmas, and will likely be partnered by Danny Mullins in Sunday's feature.
Willie Mullins has handed further entries to two former Grade One winners. El Fabiolo relished his return to hurdling when scoring at Punchestown last month, and seems likely to take his chance. Mullins will be further represented by shock Triumph Hurdle winner Poniros, who hasn't run since a lengthy defeat on the flat at Royal Ascot.
The seventh and final entrant is Gordon Elliott's Casheldale Lad, who finished third behind Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival.
Visit our Irish Champion Hurdle Live Stream page to watch any of Sunday's races via a mobile or tablet.
The seventh and final entrant is Gordon Elliott's Casheldale Lad, who finished third behind Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival.
2026 Irish Champion Hurdle Tips
I can't see the case for Brighterdayesahead turning the tables on Lossiemouth. Gordon Elliott's mare might have been having her first start of the season at Christmas, but I thought Lossiemouth was holding her comfortably on the run to the line and the favourite's record on testing ground is strong.
At Christmas, I backed ANZADAM (7/1) against the market leaders, but was disgusted by the ride given to him by Patrick Mullins. I know they went steady early on, but there's no way that Patrick should be letting such an exuberant, inexperienced horse pull his way into the lead, and jumping the last, Anzadam's tank was empty, and he faded back to fourth in the closing stages.
There's clearly a massive engine under Anzadam's bonnet, and plenty of talent to boot. His keen-going nature has maybe been emphasised by good going on his two most recent starts, and slower ground - on which he's unbeaten - should help him settle a lot better.
I was hoping to see Danny Mullins get the ride this weekend, with Patrick Mullins ushered onto Poniros. As it turns out, Harry Cobden will be making the trip over to Leopardstown to ride Willie Mullins' second-string, and the size of my intended stake instantly doubled when I heard this excellent news!
Live Stream
Visit our Irish Champion Hurdle Live Stream page to watch any of Sunday's races via a mobile or tablet.
Verdict
Anzadam is our value bet in the 2026 Irish Champion Hurdle.
Anzadam
2026 Irish Champion Hurdle Tips
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