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

The function race of Day 1 at Cheltenham Festival takes location 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 marketplace with Sky Bet to complete first past the post, with the Willie Mullins-trained mare having been increased from 6/4 to 13/8.


The mare - who boasts 13 wins and three runner-up surfaces from her 17 career begins - enjoyed an exceptional 2025 campaign, declaring triumphes in the Mares' Hurdle, Aintree Hurdle, Morgiana Hurdle and the December Hurdle at Leopardstown.


She needed to go for second in her only start of 2026 to date, with the seven-year-old decreasing by more than 3 lengths to Brighterdaysahead.


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


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


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


Meanwhile, the previously mentioned Brighterdaysahead is also expected to install a strong obstacle, with the Gordon Elliott-trained mare installed as the 5/1 3rd favourite.


Despite taping 10 profession wins, Brighterdaysahead has yet to protect triumph at Cheltenham Racecourse. The seven-year-old completed second in the Mares' Novices' Hurdle in 2024 before putting fourth in the Champion Hurdle the list below year.


When she completed 4th 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 discover 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