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The Champion Hurdle is the feature race on Day One of the Cheltenham Festival and the most prestigious two-mile hurdle in National Hunt racing. The 2026 renewal is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years following the withdrawal of Constitution Hill, leaving contenders such as The New Lion, Golden Ace, Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead at the head of the market.
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Champion Hurdle 2026 Race Help
- Race: Champion Hurdle
- Festival Day: Day 1 (Tuesday)
- Distance: 2 miles
- Race Type: Grade 1 Hurdle
- Course: Cheltenham (Old Course)
- Defending Champion: Golden Ace
- Leading Contenders:The New Lion, Golden Ace, Lossiemouth, Brighterdaysahead
The Champion Hurdle is the jewel in the crown of two-mile hurdling and once again takes centre stage on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival. This year’s renewal is already laced with storyline and uncertainty, with a noticeable late-season shift in the betting reflecting how quickly the shape of the division can change.
Last season’s race delivered more than enough drama to last a lifetime and the 2026 edition has its own layer of intrigue.
Champion Hurdle 2026: Top 5 Contenders Ranked
- The New Lion – Proven at Cheltenham and right at the sharp end of the market, but any jumping flaw will be punished in a true Champion Hurdle.
- Golden Ace – Fighting Fifth winner with the profile of a horse ready to step into the gap left by injuries elsewhere in the division.
- Brighterdaysahead – Strong two-mile form and looks the most straightforward of the mares if she takes this route.
- Lossiemouth – Has Cheltenham class in abundance, but the big question is whether connections commit to the Champion Hurdle or opt for the Mares’ Hurdle.
- Poniros – Talent is obvious, though there are stamina and rhythm questions at championship pace.
Ranking reflects current narrative and likely race shape rather than a final prediction.
Champion Hurdle 2026 Confirmed Runners
| Horse | Notes |
|---|---|
| The New Lion | Leading contender with strong Cheltenham form |
| Brighterdaysahead | Grade 1 mare with solid two-mile form |
| Golden Ace | Fighting Fifth winner earlier in the season |
| Lossiemouth | Star mare who may instead run in the Mares’ Hurdle |
| Poniros | Possible outsider |
| Alexei | Festival contender |
| Anzadam | Entered runner |
| Tutti Quanti | Potential outsider |
| Workahead | Possible Festival runner |
What has changed in the Champion Hurdle betting?
- Sir Gino is also out, which has opened the door for rivals who were previously chasing him and re-framed several key pieces of form.
- The New Lion and Golden Ace have been among the main beneficiaries in the betting, while the mares add uncertainty depending on targets.
- Constitution Hill is out with the former Champion now looking to a different career on the flat.
Key Champion Hurdle Contenders
- Golden Ace – Fighting Fifth winner who looks well positioned after the injury to Sir Gino.
- The New Lion – Progressive hurdler with strong Cheltenham form, though his jumping will face a sterner examination at championship pace.
- Lossiemouth – Top-class mare with a fine Festival record, but may instead head for the Mares’ Hurdle.
- Brighterdaysahead – Reliable two-mile form this season, but still chasing a defining Festival win.
Golden Ace returns with strong claims
Golden Ace comes back into the picture with serious credentials after landing the Fighting Fifth earlier in the campaign. She was beaten at Christmas by Sir Gino, who looked a rare talent and a horse capable of dominating the two-mile division before injury ruled him out.
That twist of fate has altered the complexion of the championship race. Golden Ace is now well placed to capitalise, bringing a blend of top-level form and the kind of temperament that can matter when Cheltenham’s hill begins to bite. She has shown she can handle the demands of the track and her profile reads like that of a horse ready to take the next step.
The New Lion is a central figure
The New Lion is another pivotal name as attention turns to the Festival’s opening-day showpiece. He bounced back at Cheltenham after Sir Gino was pulled up in their previous clash, though the form inevitably invites debate in a season where “what if” moments have been part of the story.
Would the result have been the same had Sir Gino completed? It is impossible to say, but it underlines why this Champion Hurdle feels so open. The New Lion’s jumping under pressure remains a talking point after his fall in the Fighting Fifth, even if he was guided around without incident next time. In a searching Champion Hurdle, every mistake is magnified.
Brighterdaysahead brings solid two-mile form but lacks a Festival win on her record. A Champion Hurdle tilt would be the bold move, but if she arrives primed, she is not the kind to go quietly in a race that often rewards toughness as much as speed.
For all the analysis, firm conclusions remain elusive. That uncertainty is part of the appeal. Day One is building into a programme packed with storylines, shifting fortunes and unanswered questions. In a race where reputations are tested to the limit, confidence can evaporate in a single stride. That is exactly what makes the Champion Hurdle such a compelling spectacle.
Related Cheltenham guides
Champion Hurdle 2026 FAQs
When is the Champion Hurdle 2026?
The Champion Hurdle takes place on Day One of the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday afternoon.
How far is the Champion Hurdle?
The race is run over two miles on Cheltenham’s Old Course.
Who won the Champion Hurdle last year?
Golden Ace won the previous running at a price of 25/1.
Who are the favourites for the 2026 Champion Hurdle?
The New Lion, Golden Ace, Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead are among the leading contenders in the betting.