The 2026 Champion Hurdle went the way of Lossiemouth for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend.
The Tuesday feature was lacking some of its potential superstars from earlier in the campaign. Sir Gino and State Man’s absences may have been keenly felt, but the winner nevertheless produced a superb performance. In first-time cheekpieces, Lossiemouth stormed right away from her rivals up the Cheltenham hill.
Second went to Brighterdaysahead, who put in her best performance yet at Cheltenham, while the each-way places were filled by The New Lion in third.
Champion Hurdle decision pays off
Lossiemouth has twice won the Grade 1 Mares’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Last year, many suspected she would have been the beneficiary of a dramatic renewal of the Champion Hurdle in which both Constitution Hill and State Man fell.
One year on, and with State Man absent through injury, Willie Mullins let her take her chance. It was the right decision.
Always handy behind the pacesetting Brighterdaysahead, a four-way showdown looked likely with three flights to jump. Both The New Lion and Alexei looked likely to challenge.
However, it was clear after the second last that Paul Townend had saved plenty on Lossiemouth even up with the pace. In scenes reminiscent of last season, she kicked clear on the final bend and was clear by the last.
Unlike in 2025, there was no final flight heartbreak for Townend. Lossiemouth put even greater distance between herself and her rivals, ultimately proving a class apart.
Gordon Elliott and Gigginstown will take heart from Brighterdasyahead’s effort, which was by far her best at Cheltenham. However, it is back to the drawing board with The New Lion, who ran well in third, but never contended.
Defending champion Golden Ace was among those out of the places. There was a big run though from Alexei, who would have challenged for second but for a final flight error.