The Champion Hurdle ante-post picture could look very different by Saturday evening, as five go to post for the Grade 2 William Hill Molyneux Hurdle at Aintree at 1.45pm. Known as the Elite Hurdle when run at Wincanton, it has been switched to Merseyside after the firm ground cost the West Country its big November weekend.

It shapes up as a clash between two of Britain’s leading two-milers: Alexei, fourth in the Champion Hurdle in March, and Dan Skelton‘s Supreme third Mydaddypaddy. Gordon Elliott‘s Grade 1-winning four-year-old Mange Tout is back at the scene of her biggest win, while Lucky Place and Melon complete the field.

1. Alexei – Joe Tizzard/Harry Cobden

Improved beyond recognition last season to rightfully enter the Champion Hurdle picture. Rose through the handicapping ranks by storming to victory in the Greatwood at Cheltenham, then won the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton before a game fourth in the Champion itself when fluffing his lines at the last. Improved slightly to be third in the Aintree Hurdle when Lossiemouth was absent, but that Grade 2 win at Wincanton incurs him a 4lb penalty. Nevertheless, sets a relatively tall standard.

2. Lucky Place – Nicky Henderson/Nico de Boinville

Winless during 2025/26 as novice chasing plan did not come to fruition. Two surprise defeats over fences saw him revert to hurdles, where he largely performed with credit. Third to Kabral Du Mathan on New Year’s Day at Cheltenham when conceding 6lb before late errors saw him fade into mid-division in the BetMGM Cup at the Festival. Ran well to conclude the season behind stablemate Jingko Blue at Sandown, conceding him weight and has the tactical speed to drop back to 2m and play his part here.

3. Melon – Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero/Robert Dunne

Concluded last season with a big victory in handicap company at this track over 100 yards shorter than this trip. 2m1f poses no issues, but his rating of 129 sees him at least 13lb worse with any rival on adjusted ratings. Below par start to this season at Chepstow suggests the task will be how long he can keep up with the rest for.

4. Mydaddypaddy – Dan Skelton/Harry Skelton

Hugely talented novice last season who headed the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle betting at Christmas. He then suffered his first defeat when surprisingly turned over at odds-on in the Grade 1 Formby Novices’ Hurdle over course and distance last Boxing Day. Reasonable blame can be placed on the removal of hurdles due to low sun that day as he bounced back with a game third in the Supreme when hampered on the run-in. Gets 4lb from main market rival Alexei and will be looking to stamp his Champion Hurdle credentials.

5. Mange Tout – Gordon Elliott/Mark Walsh

Wildcard four-year-old who only lost once in her four races as a juvenile. Upset the useful Narciso Has in Grade 3 company last autumn before finishing third to that rival at Leopardstown. Tables were comprehensively turned then, but she showed highly likeable qualities to fend off Selma De Vary and win the Grade 1 juvenile event at this meeting back in April. Gets a penalty for that win which means she is quite harshly treated for a four-year-old filly, but is respected with improvement likely to come, and Matty Sutcliffe is surprised she is not closer to the market leaders.

Molyneux Hurdle Racecard

Joe Napier’s Molyneux Hurdle Selections

Only The New Lion proved superior in 2m hurdles to Alexei among British horses last season. However, another Skelton inmate may prove his scourge again, as MYDADDYPADDY steps out of novice company. He was beaten in a Grade 1 novice event over track and trip last term, but as long as they jump every hurdle here, he should be right at home at a track emphasising speed. His Supreme third was a high quality effort and he gets 4lb from Alexei. Lucky Place can prove best of the remaining trio.

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