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

The function race of Day 1 at Cheltenham Festival occurs at 4pm today, where a strong nine-horse field is anticipated to line up for what guarantees to be a fiercely competitive Champion Hurdle.


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


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


She had to opt for 2nd in her only start of 2026 to date, with the seven-year-old going down by more than 3 lengths to Brighterdaysahead.


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


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


The gelding boasts strong course type at Cheltenham, having actually won last year's Turners Novices' Hurdle before declaring a Grade 2 contest last month.


Meanwhile, the aforementioned Brighterdaysahead is likewise expected to mount a strong obstacle, with the Gordon Elliott-trained mare installed as the 5/1 3rd favourite.


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


When she completed fourth in the Champion Hurdle in 2025, it was Golden Ace who emerged victorious. Those backing the mare to protect her crown this year can presently 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 chances 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


22/1


Tutti Quanti - 25/1


Workahead - 66/1