(3.5 minutes read)
The legendary Constitution Hill has departed for an exciting campaign on the flat and State Man has been ruled out for the season through injury.
The consequences of this leaves a baffling puzzle to solve for this season’s renewal of the Champion Hurdle on the opening day of Cheltenham Festival 2026.
The New Lion, Brighterdaysahead and Lossiemouth could all be vying for favouritism come the day! We check out the front runners for this intriguing contest. Best Cheltenham Festival bets from our partner firms, Bet365, William Hill, Bet Victor, Betfred and Boylesports.
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The Big Players
The New Lion
The Dan Skelton trained pride and joy and Turners Novices Hurdle hero from last year started with an unexpected mishap by falling in the now infamous Fighting Fifth Hurdle, a race which also effectively ended Constitution Hill’s hurdling career.
The New Lion's only other run in the Unibet Hurdle over course and distance, was a workmanlike win which arguably only came about due to Sir Gino’s injury half way through the race. Despite being race favourite, I think it takes a leap of faith of some degree to back The New Lion on this occasion.
We do not know how the fall at Newcastle has impacted the horse and it is questionable whether he is back to his best. Nevertheless, if he can run to the level he demonstrated in last year’s Cheltenham Festival, he takes all the beating. A fragile favourite at 2/1 best with William Hill, Betfred and Boylesports.
Lossiemouth
The Willie Mullins trained mare is the subject of the usual destination discussions. A decision will be made right up to the wire but it is highly likely Lossiemouth will take full advantage of a relatively weak renewal of the Mares Hurdle on Day 3.
Nevertheless, Mullins might be tempted since State Man, Constitution Hill and Sir Gino have all departed, although the horse does need to improve significantly on his Irish Champion Hurdle second to Brighterdaysahead.
Best odds 11/4 NRNB with Bet365, William Hill, Bet Victor, Betfred and Boylesports.
Brighterdaysahead
The Gordon Elliott trained Irish Champion Hurdle hero has certainly hit a rich vein of form although the jury is out if determining whether he is a Cheltenham horse or not.
He was unlucky in last year’s renewal to be hampered by State Man’s last hurdle fall but he was a beaten horse at that stage. His only other run was the runner-up slot to Golden Ace in the 2024 Mares Novices Hurdle. Additionally, I think he will need softer ground to be seriously considered as a Champion Hurdler. Sure to be in the mix but others are preferred.
Best odds of 3/1 with William Hill, Betfred and Boylesports.
Golden Ace
This Jeremy Scott trained reigning champion has certainly proved the theory that hurdles are there to be jumped and nothing is certain. Two arguably fortuitous Grade One victories to her belt and her detractors grow more each race.
However, the mare has an outstanding chance to prove everybody wrong by retaining her title against a field that is considerably weaker than last year’s renewal. 13/2 best with William Hill.
Poniros
Last year’s 100/1 Triumph Hurdle winner has not quite found those heights thus far this season but there is plenty to like about this remarkable horse.
I believe he is a spring horse and will be back to his best for this race. I am not sure if he has the quality to win but has a great chance to make the frame if running to best especially considering the question marks surrounding the market leaders. 9/1 best with William Hill.
Summary
A desperately puzzling conundrum of a race to solve. The New Lion should triumph if he is back to his Festival 2025 best but it is abundantly unclear which horse will turn up on the day whilst Brighterdaysahead has more to prove at least around Cheltenham.
Lossiemouth will take some beating if she participates and Golden Ace’s tenacity to run big races in these Grade Ones cannot be ruled out. Therefore, we’re taking a little chance on Poniros to repeat his heroics from last year and run into a place.
SELECTION: PONIROS EACH WAY 9/1 with William Hill.
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