Last year’s first and second, Bob Olinger and Teahupoo headlined 13 confirmations in the 2026 Stayers’ Hurdle.
Bob Olinger surprised the younger Teahupoo, both of whom are owned by Robcour, last year. Henry De Bromhead’s charge maintained his unbeaten record at the track. Teahupoo has also won this race before though, scoring in 2024, and both are among the Stayers’ Hurdle runners at the six-day stage.
There were no huge shocks among the provisional field for the Thursday feature. Leading British contenders Kabral Du Mathan and Ma Shantou are also in contention. Both won impressively at Prestbury Park in January and have progressive profiles for Dan Skelton and Emma Lavelle respectively.
Owner JP McManus won this in 2023 with the 11-year-old Sire Du Berlais. His quest to win back the crown centres on two runners. Honesty Policy is trained by Gordon Elliott and is the youngest horse in the potential line-up. He also owns Impose Toi, trained by Nicky Henderson and who won the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot earlier this campaign.
Lossiemouth decision yet to be made
Although the market vibes are strong for Lossiemouth to run in the Champion Hurdle, a decision has not been made. That was evidenced by her remaining in the Mares’ Hurdle, which this year will switch to the New Course.
Having previously been run on the Tuesday at Cheltenham, the Mares’ Hurdle now kicks off a trio of Grade 1s on the Thursday. Lossiemouth has won the race on the Old Course for the last two seasons. A hat-trick bid is still distinctly possible.
Market moves may suggest Lossiemouth’s target, but neither Willie Mullins or Rich Ricci has spoken out either way. One mare almost guaranteed to run though is Wodhooh, who would be Lossiemouth’s main rival.
The pair met at Aintree last year with Lossiemouth narrowly gaining the upper hand. That is Wodhooh’s only defeat in ten starts over hurdles. Gordon Elliott’s six-year-old is immensely consistent and now favourite for this race on the exchanges.
Jade De Grugy and Take No Chances, second and third 12 months ago, retain their entries. The former could yet be Willie Mullins’ number one in the contest, though Murcia, who runs in the same colours and is the County Hurdle favourite, was confirmed for this race too.
Wodhooh may even be joined by a sibling. Her younger half-sister Sotchi was confirmed by James Grassock, who trains in France. However, unlike Wodhooh, she would be a big outsider in the Mares’ Hurdle.