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Champion Hurdle 2026 Tips - Willie Mullins bingo could decide Tuesday's feature

Jon Vine

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Last updated: Mon 09 Mar 2026 15:38

Jon Vine 09 Mar 2026

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Predictions and best bets for the 2026 Champion Hurdle [Updated 8.3.2026]
This famous Grade One takes place on day one of the Cheltenham Festival on March 10th
Lossiemouth is our best bet at 10/3 NRNB

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Paul Townend riding Lossiemouth celebrates winning the Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle during Day One of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival. (Getty)

The feature race on day one of the Cheltenham Festival is the Champion Hurdle, which remains one of the most prestigious hurdle races on the National Hunt calendar.

We've analysed the field set to compete in this year's race to bring you our Champion Hurdle tips for 2026, including our best bet and race verdict.

Last Updated: 8.3.2026

Race Info

Race	Champion Hurdle
Date	Tuesday, March 10th, 2026
Start Time	4:00pm
Status	Grade One
Distance	2m 87y
First Prize	£253,215
Going	NA
Runners	9
Favourite	The New Lion (9/4)

2026 Champion Hurdle Runners

The Champion Hurdle betting has been shaken up at various points this season. State Man was injured at the start of the season. Sir Gino topped the betting after his Christmas Hurdle win, before suffering a season-ending injury on Trials Day. Lossiemouth and Constitution Hill have also topped the market at various points, but disappointing results have pushed both further down the market.

Lossiemouth was beaten by Brighterdaysahead in the Irish Champion Hurdle, having beaten that same rival in the December Hurdle over Christmas. That defeat will likely cause Willie Mullins to run his star in the Mares' Hurdle for the third season in a row. However, there is still a chance that Lossiemouth could bid for glory on day one of the Cheltenham Festival.

Brighterdaysahead rivals The New Lion for favouritism following her victory at the Dublin Racing Festival. Gordon Elliott's mare took a big step forward that day. Yet, Brighterdaysahead has run poorly on both of her previous starts around Cheltenham, and you'd have to fancy Lossiemouth to reverse the DRF form if they reopposed at the Festival.

undefined — Harry Skelton riding The New Lion (green/gold) clear the last to win The Unibet Hurdle at Cheltenham. (Getty)

After Sir Gino was pulled up, The New Lion went on to claim a routine victory in the Unibet Hurdle on Trials Day. Dan Skelton's star won the Turners Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham 12 months ago, and has been trained with the Champion Hurdle in mind all season. This progressive seven-year-old seems like a worthy favourite.

Golden Ace capitalised on late falls and underperformances from rivals to snatch victory in this race 12 months ago. Jeremy Scott's mare did the same when landing the Fighting Fifth in November, and ran with credit behind Sir Gino on her most recent outing at Kempton.

Five-year-olds have a particularly poor record in the Champion Hurdle, but 2025 Triumph Hurdle winner Poniros could still represent Willie Mullins, following an encouraging run at Leopardstown. Anzadam and Ballyburn could join Poniros - and maybe Lossiemouth - in the field, but both have endured disappointing campaigns and hold little appeal at their current prices.

Greatwood winner, Alexei has enjoyed a superb season, but will need to raise his game to compete in Grade One company. As will Tutti Quanti, after Paul Nicholls' Newbury winner was supplemented for the Champion Hurdle.

2026 Champion Hurdle Tips

Bet Type	Name	Odds (17.2.26)
Best Bet	Lossiemouth	10/3

Note: These selections are subject to change. All of my selections will be finalised once the fields have been confirmed.

Given her record around Cheltenham, I see no reason why LOSSIEMOUTH (10/3) wouldn't run a huge race in the Champion Hurdle. The Mares' Hurdle seems to be her prime objective, but with firms like bet365 offering NRNB stipulations on all Cheltenham Festival races, you'll get your money back if Willie Mullins takes the easy way out once again.

Lossiemouth has been simply flawless around Prestbury Park. Mullins' grey has won the Triumph Hurdle and two Mares' Hurdles at the Festival, and even trounced a decent field when landing the Unibet Hurdle on Trials Day in 2024.

Paul Townend's mount looked as good as ever when winning the Morgiana Hurdle and the December Hurdle. I'd attribute her defeat there to the heavy ground - even though Lossiemouth has previously won Grade Ones on a similarly testing surface.

Lossiemouth might be better over two-and-a-half miles, but she's certainly not short of two-mile speed. The Mares' Hurdle will be run on the more testing New course this year, and even more rain during the build-up would surely sway Willie into running his star over this shorter distance.

Live Stream

Visit our Champion Hurdle Live Stream page if you want to watch any race on day one of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival via a mobile or tablet.

Champion Hurdle 2026 FAQs

When is the 2026 Champion Hurdle?

The Champion Hurdle will take place on day one of the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday 10th March, 2026.

What time does the Champion Hurdle go off?

The Champion Hurdle is scheduled to start at 4:00pm on March 10th.

Who will win the 2026 Champion Hurdle?

It's a wide-open Champion Hurdle, but Lossiemouth looks to have a huge chance if she does run here over the Mares' Hurdle.

Where can I watch the 2026 Champion Hurdle?

The Champion Hurdle will be shown live on ITV Racing. You can also stream the race live on a mobile device. Head to our website for more information

Verdict

2026 Champion Hurdle

Given how open this year's Champion Hurdle looks on paper, Willie Mullins and Rich Ricci would be mad not to give Lossiemouth a crack at Championship race glory. Her odds of 10/3 appeal most in the Non-Runner No Bet market.

Lossiemouth

2026 Champion Hurdle

@10/3 - 5 Units

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