2026 Aintree Hurdle Odds - The New Lion leads Brighterdaysahead in Aintree betting
The Aintree Hurdle is a highlight of the Grand National Festival, showcasing leading contenders for the 2026 race. Britain's top hurdler, The New Lion, commands the market with 2/1 odds after impressive performances. Key rivals include Ireland's Brighterdaysahead, trained by Gordon Elliott, and Willie Mullins' El Fabiolo. Additional strong entries are Kabral Du Mathan and Alexei, both stepping up in distance. Expect intense competition as top trainers, including Nicky Henderson and Harry Skelton, gear up for another thrilling Aintree spectacle.
- Latest odds and betting for the 2026 Aintree Hurdle
- This Grade One takes place at Aintree on Thursday 9th April
- The New Lion heads Brighterdaysahead in the betting
The last of four Grade Ones to take place on day one of Aintree's Grand National Festival is the Aintree Hurdle. Two of Ireland's top mares feature in the entries for this year's renewal, but it's Britain's best hurdler who leads the way in the market.
Here's the latest Aintree Hurdle betting and a look through the most likely runners.
2026 Aintree Hurdle Odds
| Name | Odds |
|---|---|
| The New Lion | 2/1 |
| Brighterdaysahead | 5/2 |
| El Fabiolo | 9/2 |
| Kabral Du Mathan | 6/1 |
| Alexei | 10/1 |
| Golden Ace | 12/1 |
| Bar | 16/1 |
2026 Aintree Hurdle Entries
Harry and Dan Skelton will team up with Grade One winner The New Lion, who steps back up in distance following a third-place finish in the Champion Hurdle. Gordon Elliott's mare Brighterdaysahead split Lossiemouth and The New Lion at Cheltenham, and she rivals Skelton's market leader for favouritism.
Lossiemouth will remain in Ireland to focus on Punchestown, but Willie Mullins could be represented by multiple Grade One-winning chaser El Fabiolo, who has rediscovered his mojo over hurdles this season. The Skelton's could also team up with Kabral Du Mathan, who finished like a clear non-stayer having travelled beautifully into the Stayers' Hurdle.
Greatwood and Kingwell Hurdle winner Alexei will step up in distance after a fourth-place finish in the Champion Hurdle. Golden Ace could only finish fifth as she tried to defend her Champion Hurdle crown, and Jeremy Scott's mare can be backed here at 12/1.
Nicky Henderson has entered Coral Cup winner Jingko Blue, and the disappointing Lucky Place. Potters Charm will represent the Twiston-Davies team on day one of the Grand National Festival. The tenth and final entrant is Henry de Bromhead's two-time Cheltenham Festival winner, Air Of Entitlement.
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