The Champion Hurdle picture - the main contenders and free ante-post tip

The Champion Hurdle picture – the main contenders and free ante-post tip

CONSTITUTION HILL ridden by Nico de Boinville wins the UNIBET CHAMPION HURDLE

Adrian Wall

Published: January 5, 2026

Adrian has loved racing from an early age, and regularly visits his local tracks in the west of Ireland. With a love for both UK & Irish flat and jumps racing, his favourite festival is the Galway Races and he goes there every year.

It is quite the story that at this moment in time, there isn’t one odds-on favourite on the ante-post markets for any race at the Cheltenham Festival 2026 and we are now going to delve into the Champion Hurdle picture as things stand! What horse is most likely to come out on top and what horse represents the best value right now?

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CLAIM

The one to beat?

Sir Gino heads the betting at around 6/4 top price and if he gets there in one piece he will surely go off odds-on. A perfect seven from seven over both hurdles and fences, he looked really good when bolting up in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton. When he hits the racecourse, he wins! There isn’t much more you can ask from a horse, is there?

Which of the ladies will come out on top?

Everything will hinge around the participation of Lossiemouth who could also swerve for the Mares’ Hurdle option, but if she does like up, she looks best equipped to give Sir Gino a proper race. The nine-time Grade 1 winner saw off the well-backed Brighterdaysahead in the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown and given Willie Mullins wasn’t near top stride in that period, she can improve again. Last year’s winner Golden Ace has to be respected but if they all run their race, she should fall short.

Dan Skelton could also have his say

It would be folly to dismiss The New Lion. Last season’s Turners’ winner fell on his return in the Fighting Fifth. Could two miles be too sharp for him? Time will tell but Skelton is adamant the trip is fine for him! Constitution Hill has to be worth a quick mention but the way he’s jumping at present, it is impossible to fancy him!

Verdict

At this moment in time, Sir Gino has to be rated the most likely winner. He is unbeaten and couldn’t have been more impressive last time out. If you are looking for a value punt, it has to be The New Lion at around 5/1!

The New Lion

Analysis

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CLAIM

The Champion Hurdle picture – the main contenders and free ante-post tip

The one to beat?

Which of the ladies will come out on top?

Dan Skelton could also have his say

Verdict

The New Lion

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