Champion Hurdle Preview: Sky Bet Favourites For The Feature Race Today

The feature race of Day 1 at occurs at 4pm today, where a strong nine-horse field is expected to line up for what assures to be a fiercely competitive Champion Hurdle.


It is Lossiemouth who heads the market with Sky Bet to complete very first past the post, with the Willie Mullins-trained mare having actually been enhanced from 6/4 to 13/8.


The mare - who boasts 13 wins and 3 runner-up surfaces from her 17 profession begins - enjoyed a remarkable 2025 project, declaring victories in the Mares' Hurdle, Aintree Hurdle, Morgiana Hurdle and the December Hurdle at Leopardstown.


She had to go for 2nd in her only start of 2026 to date, with the seven-year-old decreasing by more than three lengths to Brighterdaysahead.


Champion Hurdle sneak peek: Sky Bet favourites for the feature race on Day 1 at Cheltenham


Behind the favourite in the betting is The New Lion, who is currently priced as the 5/2 2nd favourite with Sky Bet.


The gelding boasts strong course kind at Cheltenham, having actually won in 2015's Turners Novices' Hurdle before claiming a Grade 2 contest last month.


Meanwhile, the aforementioned Brighterdaysahead is also expected to mount a strong challenge, with the Gordon Elliott-trained mare installed as the 5/1 third favourite.


Despite recording ten career wins, Brighterdaysahead has yet to secure triumph at Cheltenham Racecourse. The seven-year-old completed second in the Mares' Novices' Hurdle in 2024 before positioning fourth in the Champion Hurdle the following year.


When she finished 4th in the Champion Hurdle in 2025, it was Golden Ace who emerged victorious. Those backing the mare to defend her crown this year can currently find her priced at 10/1.


Completing the nine-horse field are Poniros (14/1), Alexei (16/1), Anzadam (22/1), Tutti Quanti (25/1) and rank outsider Workahead at 66/1.


Sky Bet odds for the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival:


Lossiemouth - WAS 13/8 NOW 7/4


The New Lion - 5/2


Brighterdaysahead - 5/1


Golden Ace - 10/1


Poniros - 14/1


Alexei - 16/1


Anzadam - 22/1


Tutti Quanti - 25/1


Workahead - 66/1