Cheltenham Day 1 Declarations - Lossiemouth heads back to the Mares' Hurdle

The clash everyone was hoping for in the Champion Hurdle has finally been confirmed. Constitution Hill will take on Gordon Elliott's in-form mare Brighterdaysahead, with Nico De Boinville and Jack Kennedy taking their respective rides.

Despite Willie Mullins stating on several occasions that it's been a two-year plan to run Lossiemouth in the Champion Hurdle, she will return to the Mares' Hurdle instead. That leaves Paul Townend free to partner defending champion State Man, who'll need to bounce back after a series of underwhelming performances this season.

King Of Kingsfield will again act as pacemaker for stablemate Brighterdaysahead. Sam Twiston-Davies partners with Greatwood winner Burdett Road, who also likes to make the running. Golden Ace runs here instead of the Mares' Hurdle. The seventh and final runner in this year's Champion Hurdle is Willie Mullins' Winter Fog.

12 runners will contest the 2025 Supreme Novices' Hurdle. Kopeck Des Bordes tops the market and will wear a hood for the first time in Tuesday's opener. Salvator Mundi is also part of a six-strong team for Willie Mullins, who is also represented by Irancy, Karbau, Karniquet and Funiculi Funicula.

Gordon Elliott's Romeo Coolio and Barry Connell's William Munny feature in the field. Workahead and Sky Lord will both represent Henry De Bromhead. Fergal O'Brien's Tripoli Flyer and Paul Nicholls' Tutti Quanti are the sole British runners.

Just five have been confirmed in the final field for the Arkle Challenge Trophy. Hot-favourite Majborough will again be ridden by Mark Walsh, who guided Willie Mullins' star to victory in the Triumph Hurdle 12 months ago.

Dan and Harry Skelton team up with L'Eau Su Sud, with Nico De Boinville riding Jango Baie for Nicky Henderson. Gavin Cromwell has chosen to run Only By Night here instead of the Mares' Chase. Gordon Elliott's Touch Me Not completes the field.

Lossiemouth will face more competition than 12 months ago as she aims to retain her Mares' Hurdle crown. Willie Mullins is also represented by two other Grade One winners, with Jade De Grugy and Gala Marceau carrying the colours of Kenny Alexander.

Nicky Henderson supplemented William Hill Handicap Hurdle winner Joyeuse into the contest last week. Sam Ewing rides Jetara for Jessica Harrington. July Flower runs for Rachael Blackmore and Henry De Bromhead. Take No Chances, Kala Conti, Queens Gamble, Dysart Enos and Casa No Mento will also take their chance.

The Changing Man and Broadway Boy remain atop the Ultima Handicap Chase betting after Sunday's declarations. Crebilly finished second in the Plate Handicap Chase last year but steps up in trip at this year's Cheltenham Festival. Katate Dori, Henry's Friend and Whistle Stop Tour bolster the home challenge.

Willie Mullins removed Willy De Houelle and Lady Vega Allen from the Fred Winter on Sunday, presumably to run both in Friday's Triumph Hurdle. James Reveley partners favourite Stencil for  

Noel George & Amanda Zetterholm. Mark Walsh has opted to ride Puturhandstogether, instead of his stablemate Beyond Your Dreams, who'll be ridden by JJ Slevin.

A capacity field of 18 runners was confirmed for the National Hunt Chase. Haiti Couleurs has jumped ahead of Now Is The Hour in the betting. Patrick Mullins reprises his partnership with Transmission, having won on Neil Mulholland's runner at Cheltenham's November Meeting. Captain Cody, Gericault Roque and Will Do have also been confirmed.