With the Christmas racing action completed, it is a good opportunity to check out the latest movements in the 2026 Cheltenham Festival ante-post markets.
The King George VI and Savills Chase results means the Cheltenham Gold Cup market remains open whilst Sir Gino’s triumph in the Kempton Christmas Hurdle has resulted in significant implications for the Champion Hurdle market.
Marine Nationale’s incredible recovery in the Ireland Grade 1 race also has implications for the Champion Chase market.
We check out best Cheltenham Festival 2026 ante-post bets surrounding the big key championship races, The Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase and Cheltenham Gold Cup from our partner firms Bet365, William Hill, Bet Victor, Betfred and Boylesports.
The Champion Hurdle
Latest odds
Sir Gino 6/4 (Bet365, William Hill, Betfred, Bet Victor, Boylesports)
Lossiemouth 4/1 (William Hill)
The New Lion 5/1 (Bet365, Bet Victor)
Brighterdaysahead 16/1 (William Hill)
Golden Ace 16/1 (Bet365, William Hill, Betfred, Bet Victor, Boylesports)
Constitution Hill 16/1 (Bet365, William Hill, Betfred, Bet Victor, Boylesports)
Sir Gino was the major market mover after that Christmas Hurdle victory and 6/4 is the price represented across the board. Clearly the value was taken before Constitution Hill’s demise at Newcastle, resulting in Nicky Henderson’s decision to substitute the 2023 Champion Hurdler with the equally talented Sir Gino.
The mouth-watering clash with Lossiemouth in March will be fascinating whilst there remains an air of the unexposed regarding The New Lion, who has not been seen out since his dramatic fall in the Fighting Fifth.
Brighterdaysahead ran on very well in defeat to Lossiemouth in the Grade One December Hurdle at Leopardstown for a very in form Gordon Elliott stable.
The hill at Cheltenham may just suit him, making Brighterdaysahead at 16s a very enticing each way punt at this stage, especially if Lossiemouth eventually defects to the Mares Hurdle.
The Champion Chase
Latest Odds
Marine Nationale 11/4 (Bet365)
Il Etait Temps 11/4 (William Hill, Betfred)
Majborough 8/1 (Bet365, Boylesports)
L’Eau Du Sud 16/1 (Bet365, William Hill)
Solness 20/1 (Bet365, Betfred, Bet Victor, Boylesports)
Jonbon 25/1 (Bet365)
Very little change in this market although the big Grade 1 at Leopardstown, the Paddy’s Rewards Chase saw a surprise winner in Solness, beating ante-post favourite Marine Nationale, who recovered miraculously to finish runner-up after a terrible mistake at the second fence.
This leaves Il Etait Temps, who was near flawless in last month’s Tingle Creek. I am surprised he is not a shorter price than 11/4, so this could be a very decent price come March.
Despite reaching his twilight years, Jonbon cannot be ignored at 25/1 whilst there is plenty of value in Solness of course at 20/1.
The Cheltenham Gold Cup
Latest Odds
Galopin Des Champs 6/1 (Bet365, William Hill, Betfred, Boylesports)
Inothewayurthinkin 6/1 (Bet365, William Hill, Betfred, Boylesports)
Jango Baei 8/1 (William Hill, Betfred, Bet Victor)
The Jukebox Man 8/1 (William Hill)
Gaelic Warrior 10/1 (Bet365)
Grey Dawning 12/1 (William Hill, Bet Victor)
Haiti Couleurs 14/1 (Bet365)
Affordale Fury 16/1 (Bet365, William Hill)
Inothewayurthinkin and Galopin Des Champs still lead the market despite their indifferent performances in the Savills Chase, losing out to the surprise winner Affordale Fury who now looks enticing each way value at 16/1 after a excellent set of performances in the last two months.
However, this is now one of the most open Cheltenham Gold Cup markets in recent years as the King George heroes, The Jukebox Man, Gaelic Warrior, Grey Dawning, and the Welsh National winner Haiti Couleurs can all represent viable claims.
Nevertheless, Cheltenham stamina questions surround all these entries bar the front two in the market with the possible exception of Haiti Couleurs who is yet to prove himself in top company but loves Cheltenham. At 14/1, he could be excellent value at this stage although the next destinations of these horses will prove crucial.
Best Bets Round Up
The Champion Hurdle: Brighterdaysahead 16/1 each way with William Hill.
The Champion Chase: Jonbon 25/1 each way with Bet365.
The Gold Cup: Hait Couleurs 14/1 each way with Bet365.
Min deposit requirement. Registration Required. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply
Click to Claim
