Cheltenham Festival 2026: Champion Hurdle runners, odds and free tips
1 day ago
CHELTENHAM
10 March 2026
Tuesday 10th March
Yellow underlined races have a myracing selection
Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) Racecard
- Channel:
- Distance: 2m 87y
- Going: Good To Soft
- Runners
- 9
- Type
- Hurdle
- Surface
- Turf
- Weather
- Partly cloudy
Selection
Selection
Selected At
Lossiemouth
Selected at:
2/1
Won the Mares’ Hurdle here for second successive year last season before also winning the Aintree Hurdle when beating Wodhooh. Returned to land the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown in November and the December Hurdle at Leopardstown when seeing off Brighterdaysahead but she was well below her best behind Brighterdaysahead in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown when last seen. Cheekpieces go on now and she is the one to beat if close to her best.
Bookmaker
Offer
Best Odds
Bet Here
2/1
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Racecard
No.(Draw)
Runner
Best Odds
CD
C&D Winner - Won before on this course at this distance
D
3 x Distance Winner - Won 3 times before at this distance
Cold Recent Form Jockey - 0 wins from 24 in the last 14 days (0%)
Cold Recent Form Trainer - 1 wins from 29 in the last 14 days (3%)
Impressive in major handicap over C&D in November; won the Kingwell last time; progressive
-21131
Age: 6
Weight: 11-10
OR: 148
Days: 24
| Date | Course | Race | Type | Weight | Pos | 1st/2nd | SP | OR | RPR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Feb 26 | Wcn Wincanton | 15f Hy | HG2 | 11-8 t | 1/4 | Rubaud (1¼L) | 1/2F | 148 | 147 |
| 20 Dec 25 | Asc Ascot | 15.5f GS | HcHG3 | 12-0 t | 3/13 | Wilful (4L) | 85/40F | 147 | 153 |
| 16 Nov 25 | Chl Cheltenham | 16.5f Sft | HcHG3 | 11-4 t | 1/18 | Helnwein (6L) | 100/30F | 134 | 149 |
| 1 Nov 25 | Asc Ascot | 15.5f Gd | 2HcH | 11-4 t | 1/11 | Indemnity (3L) | 13/8F | 127 | 139 |
| 12 Oct 25 | Chp Chepstow | 16f Gd | 2HcH | 11-2 t | 2/9 | Celtic Dino (2¼L) | 10/1 | 127 | 135 |
| 22 Mar 25 | Nby Newbury | 19f Gd | 3NvHcH | 12-0 t | 8/9 | Kalium (26L) | 6/1 | 130 | 113 |
D
4 x Distance Winner - Won 4 times before at this distance
Distance Specialist - 4 wins from 7 starts at this distance (57%)
Hot Recent Form Trainer - 12 wins from 37 in the last 14 days (32%)
Has lost his unbeaten record since upped to Grade 1 level but a bigger effort is possible
11-244
Age: 6
Weight: 11-10
OR: 157
Days: 37
| Date | Course | Race | Type | Weight | Pos | 1st/2nd | SP | OR | RPR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Feb 26 | Leo Leopardstown | 16f Hy | HG1 | 11-12 h | 4/5 | Brighterdaysahead (15L) | 8/1 | 157 | 156 |
| 29 Dec 25 | Leo Leopardstown | 16f Gd/Y | HG1 | 11-12 h | 4/8 | Lossiemouth (6¾L) | 6/1 | 157 | 159 |
| 29 Nov 25 | Ncs Newcastle | 17f GS | HG1 | 11-10 h | 2/5 | Golden Ace (1½L) | 11/4 | 157 | 156 |
| 26 Jan 25 | Naa Naas | 16f Sft/Hy | HG3 | 11-10 h | 1/3 | Beacon Edge (11L) | 1/10F | - | 159 |
| 30 Nov 24 | Fai Fairyhouse | 16f Y | 4yHG3 | 11-3 h1 | 1/7 | Kala Conti (6½L) | 5/2 | - | 150 |
| 16 Oct 23 | Com Compiegne | 17f Hy | 3yH | 10-6 ht | 1/5 | Le Blavet (7L) | 56/10 | - | 113 |
C
Course Winner - Won before at this course
D
Distance Winner - Won before at this distance
Cold Recent Form Jockey - 0 wins from 13 in the last 14 days (0%)
Hot Recent Form Trainer - 12 wins from 37 in the last 14 days (32%)
Landed the Triumph last year on hurdles debut; open to further improvement back here
1-23
Age: 5
Weight: 11-10
OR: 154
Days: 37
| Date | Course | Race | Type | Weight | Pos | 1st/2nd | SP | OR | RPR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Feb 26 | Leo Leopardstown | 16f Hy | HG1 | 11-12 | 3/5 | Brighterdaysahead (14½L) | 33/1 | 149 | 156 |
| 17 Jun 25 | Asc Ascot | 20f GF | 2Hc | 9-2 h | 17/20 | Ascending (45L) | 3/1 | 91 | 52 |
| 3 May 25 | Pun Punchestown | 16f Y | 4yHG1 | 11-0 | 2/12 | Lulamba (4L) | 7/2 | - | 147 |
| 14 Mar 25 | Chl Cheltenham | 17f GS | 4yHG1 | 11-2 | 1/17 | Lulamba (nk) | 100/1 | - | 145 |
| 28 Sep 24 | Nmk Newmarket | 9f Sft | 2Hc | 8-7 | 22/31 | Liberty Lane (12½L) | 6/1F | 91 | 77 |
| 7 Sep 24 | Asc Ascot | 12f Sft | 23yHc | 9-3 h1 | 3/9 | The Reverend (4L) | 9/2 | 91 | 99 |
C
2 x Course Winner - Won 2 times before at this course
D
2 x Distance Winner - Won 2 times before at this distance
Distance Specialist - 2 wins from 3 starts at this distance (67%)
Going Specialist - 4 wins from 5 starts on this ground (80%)
Won the Turners last year and Cheltenham Grade 2 latest start; unbeaten in completed runs
111-F1
Age: 7
Weight: 11-10
OR: 159
Days: 45
| Date | Course | Race | Type | Weight | Pos | 1st/2nd | SP | OR | RPR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Jan 26 | Chl Cheltenham | 17f Sft | HG2 | 11-7 | 1/4 | Nemean Lion (1½L) | 9/4 | 159 | 147 |
| 29 Nov 25 | Ncs Newcastle | 17f GS | HG1 | 11-10 | F/5 | Golden Ace () | 15/8 | 159 | 157 |
| 12 Mar 25 | Chl Cheltenham | 21f GS | NvHG1 | 11-7 | 1/11 | The Yellow Clay (¾L) | 3/1 | 147 | 159 |
| 28 Dec 24 | Nby Newbury | 20.5f GS | NvHG1 | 11-7 | 1/7 | Wendigo (4¾L) | 9/4 | 136 | 152 |
| 30 Nov 24 | Nby Newbury | 20.5f GS | 3NvH | 11-6 | 1/6 | Califet En Vol (3L) | 4/6F | - | 137 |
| 29 Oct 24 | Chp Chepstow | 19.5f Sft | 4MdH | 11-4 | 1/14 | Belliano (4¾L) | 10/11F | - | 132 |
D
4 x Distance Winner - Won 4 times before at this distance
Going Specialist - 2 wins from 3 starts on this ground (67%)
Improving; thoroughly dominant off top weight in major handicap at Newbury last time
61-611
Age: 6
Weight: 11-10
OR: 151
Days: 31
| Date | Course | Race | Type | Weight | Pos | 1st/2nd | SP | OR | RPR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Feb 26 | Nby Newbury | 16.5f Hy | HcHG3 | 12-0 | 1/15 | Wellington Arch (15L) | 100/30 | 138 | 155 |
| 29 Nov 25 | Nby Newbury | 16.5f Sft | HcHG3 | 11-1 | 1/8 | Indeevar Bleu (3L) | 85/40F | 130 | 140 |
| 12 Oct 25 | Chp Chepstow | 16f Gd | 2HcH | 11-7 | 6/9 | Celtic Dino (26L) | 11/4 | 132 | 116 |
| 6 Apr 25 | Ffo Ffos Las | 16f GS | 4NvH | 11-10 | 1/6 | Palacio (13L) | 2/7F | 128 | 134 |
| 11 Mar 25 | Chl Cheltenham | 16.5f GS | NvHG1 | 11-7 | 6/11 | Kopek Des Bordes (28L) | 125/1 | 125 | 131 |
| 8 Feb 25 | Nby Newbury | 16.5f Sft | 3NvH | 11-8 | 2/5 | Rubber Ball (1L) | 11/8 | 125 | 125 |
D
Distance Winner - Won before at this distance
Grade 3 runner-up last time; faces stiffer task and competition for the lead in this field
310-42
Age: 8
Weight: 11-10
OR: 148
Days: 24
| Date | Course | Race | Type | Weight | Pos | 1st/2nd | SP | OR | RPR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Feb 26 | Gow Gowran Park | 16f Hy | HG3 | 11-1 | 2/7 | Storm Heart (1½L) | 8/1 | 143 | 149 |
| 25 Jan 26 | Naa Naas | 16f Hy | HG3 | 11-3 | 4/7 | Glen Kiln (14L) | 9/2 | 145 | 137 |
| 11 Mar 25 | Chl Cheltenham | 16.5f GS | NvHG1 | 11-7 | 11/11 | Kopek Des Bordes (71L) | 15/2 | - | 92 |
| 26 Dec 24 | Leo Leopardstown | 16f Y | MdH | 11-12 | 1/17 | William Munny (7L) | 13/2 | - | 147 |
| 7 Dec 24 | Nav Navan | 16f Sft | MdH | 11-12 | 3/25 | Jasmin De Vaux (9¼L) | 8/1 | - | 121 |
D
8 x Distance Winner - Won 8 times before at this distance
Distance Specialist - 8 wins from 11 starts at this distance (73%)
Leading player provided the form of her Irish Champion win is transferred to Cheltenham
14-321
Age: 7
Weight: 11-3
OR: 160
Days: 37
| Date | Course | Race | Type | Weight | Pos | 1st/2nd | SP | OR | RPR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Feb 26 | Leo Leopardstown | 16f Hy | HG1 | 11-5 | 1/5 | Lossiemouth (3¼L) | 11/4 | 159 | 162 |
| 29 Dec 25 | Leo Leopardstown | 16f Gd/Y | HG1 | 11-5 | 2/8 | Lossiemouth (1L) | 5/2 | 159 | 158 |
| 3 May 25 | Pun Punchestown | 20.5f Y | HG1M | 11-7 | 3/6 | Jade De Grugy (9L) | 6/4 | 163 | 141 |
| 11 Mar 25 | Chl Cheltenham | 16.5f GS | HG1 | 11-3 | 4/7 | Golden Ace (19½L) | 5/2 | 163 | 148 |
| 29 Dec 24 | Leo Leopardstown | 16f Gd/Y | HG1 | 11-5 | 1/6 | Winter Fog (30L) | 5/2 | 155 | 165 |
| 23 Nov 24 | Pun Punchestown | 16.5f Sft | HG1 | 11-5 | 1/7 | State Man (¾L) | 9/4 | 153 | 159 |
CD
C&D Winner - Won before on this course at this distance
C
3 x Course Winner - Won 3 times before at this course
D
4 x Distance Winner - Won 4 times before at this distance
Course Specialist - 3 wins from 4 starts here (75%)
Going Specialist - 4 wins from 6 starts on this ground (67%)
Fortuitous winner of this race last year; may require further luck to retain her crown
1-2212
Age: 8
Weight: 11-3
OR: 152
Days: 74
| Date | Course | Race | Type | Weight | Pos | 1st/2nd | SP | OR | RPR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 Dec 25 | Kem Kempton | 16f Gd | HG1 | 11-3 | 2/6 | Sir Gino (6L) | 5/1 | 152 | 147 |
| 29 Nov 25 | Ncs Newcastle | 17f GS | HG1 | 11-3 | 1/5 | Anzadam (1½L) | 22/1 | 152 | 150 |
| 1 Nov 25 | Wet Wetherby | 16f Gd | HLM | 11-6 | 2/2 | Kateira (28L) | 4/11F | 152 | 124 |
| 2 May 25 | Pun Punchestown | 16f Y | HG1 | 11-5 | 2/6 | State Man (4¾L) | 14/1 | 152 | 153 |
| 11 Mar 25 | Chl Cheltenham | 16.5f GS | HG1 | 11-3 | 1/7 | Burdett Road (9L) | 25/1 | 144 | 154 |
| 15 Feb 25 | Wcn Wincanton | 15f GS | HG2 | 11-0 | 1/4 | Burdett Road (¾L) | 6/5F | 144 | 140 |
C
4 x Course Winner - Won 4 times before at this course
D
7 x Distance Winner - Won 7 times before at this distance
BF
Beaten Favourite - Losing favourite last time out
Course Specialist - 4 wins from 4 starts here (100%)
Distance Specialist - 7 wins from 11 starts at this distance (64%)
Going Specialist - 3 wins from 3 starts on this ground (100%)
Hot Recent Form Jockey - 7 wins from 10 in the last 14 days (70%)
Hot Recent Form Trainer - 12 wins from 37 in the last 14 days (32%)
Prolific and very talented mare; record of 4-4 at Cheltenham includes three Festival wins
11-112
Age: 7
Weight: 11-3
OR: 159
Days: 37
| Date | Course | Race | Type | Weight | Pos | 1st/2nd | SP | OR | RPR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Feb 26 | Leo Leopardstown | 16f Hy | HG1 | 11-5 | 2/5 | Brighterdaysahead (3¼L) | 4/6F | 159 | 160 |
| 29 Dec 25 | Leo Leopardstown | 16f Gd/Y | HG1 | 11-5 | 1/8 | Brighterdaysahead (1L) | 4/6F | 159 | 160 |
| 22 Nov 25 | Pun Punchestown | 16.5f Sft/Hy | HG1 | 11-5 | 1/4 | Glen Kiln (19L) | 1/5F | 159 | 160 |
| 3 Apr 25 | Ain Aintree | 20f GS | HG1 | 11-3 | 1/6 | Wodhooh (2¾L) | 5/4 | 160 | 156 |
| 11 Mar 25 | Chl Cheltenham | 20f GS | HG1M | 11-5 | 1/10 | Jade De Grugy (7½L) | 4/6F | 160 | 156 |
| 2 Feb 25 | Leo Leopardstown | 16f Sft | HG1 | 11-5 | F/5 | State Man () | 8/11F | 160 | - |
Verdict
The New Lion is still promising, while the mares are strongly represented, but PONIROS looks a plausible alternative.
Poniros
Betting Forecast:
13/8 Lossiemouth,
11/4 The New Lion,
9/2 Brighterdaysahead,
8/1 Golden Ace,
14/1 Poniros,
16/1 Alexei,
20/1 Anzadam,
Tutti Quanti,
66/1 Workahead
Relevant Tips
View All Cheltenham Tips
Cheltenham Schedule
13:20 Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)
14:00 Singer Singer Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)
14:40 Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
15:20 Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
16:00 Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1) (GBB Race)
16:40 Trustatrader Plate Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
17:20 Princess Royal National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)
13:20 Turners Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (Registered As The Baring Bingham Novices' Hurdle) (GBB Race)
14:00 Brown Advisory Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (Registered As The Broadway Novices' Chase) (GBB Race)
14:40 Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
15:20 Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (A Limited Handicap) (GBB Race)
16:00 BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)
16:40 Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
17:20 Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Standard Open NH Flat Race) (Grade 1) (GBB)
13:20 Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) (Registered As The Dawn Run Mares' Novices' Hurdle) (GBB)
14:00 Jack Richards Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (Grade 2) (Registered As The Golden Miller) (GBB Race)
14:40 Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle (Registered as The David Nicholson) (Grade 1) (GBB Race)
15:20 Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)
16:00 Ryanair Chase (Registered as The Festival Trophy) (Grade 1) (GBB Race)
16:40 Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
17:20 Rosconn Group Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys' Handicap Chase
13:20 JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)
14:00 William Hill County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
14:40 Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase (Registered As The Liberthine Mares' Chase) (Grade 2) (GBB Race)
15:20 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (Registered As The Spa Novices' Hurdle) (GBB Race)
16:00 Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)
16:40 Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase
17:20 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)
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