A top class field of exciting youngster will line up for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, which kicks off the 2026 Cheltenham Festival at 1.20pm on Tuesday 10 March. Old Park Star, Mighty Park and Talk The Talk are three of the leading candidates for the Grade 1 curtain-raiser, but there’s a whole host of other classy performers bidding for glory.
Our in-house tipster Steve Chambers previews the Supreme, also looking at the latest odds and trends. He then picks out his 1-2-3 for what should be a sensational race to kick off a fabulous week.
2026 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Runners
Unbeaten in three starts over hurdles, Old Park Star is a hot favourite to make it four out of four. A runaway 18-length winner at Haydock in Grade 2 company last time out, Nicky Henderson’s charge is the one to beat. He has winning form around Cheltenham, but will face a strong team from Ireland. Mighty Park has been well regarded by the Willie Mullins camp for a while. A winner of a maiden hurdle, he lacks the experience of some rivals. However, he could be the next star of the Closutton production line.
Talk The Talk stormed home to land Grade 1 glory at Leopardstown last month. He will relish the strong pace here and Joseph O’Brien’s raider has to be respected. El Cairos and Mydaddypaddy have shown some smart form over hurdles. The former, in particular, is open to improvement.
Sober Glory and Leader D’Allier are another brace of exciting young hurdlers. That pair will be looking to dine at the top table here. They add more depth to a race that will kick the festival off in style.
2026 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Racecard
13:20 Cheltenham
Good To SoftSky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)
- First Prize: £84405
- 2m 0f 87y
- Class 1
- 11 runners
- Win time: 3m 51s
15/8F (Won)
- Win: £2.88
- Place: £1.40
9/2
- Place: £1.80
6/1
- Place: £1.80
33/1
15/2
50/1
6/1
33/1
13/2
40/1
250/1
Non-runners
Leader dAllier
+o+e Betting Returns
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £13.20 |
| Straight Forecast | £10.13 |
| Tricast | £42.71 |
| Trifecta | £61.10 |
Selections
The Times:
Old Park StarTelegraph:
Old Park StarThe Guardian:
Old Park StarThe Sun:
Old Park StarSupreme Novices’ Hurdle Trends
Looking to find the winner of the Supreme? Well, our dedicated trends homework should aid your chances. Check out some key stats and trends to look out for when selecting your horse for the race.
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Tips
Old Park Star has shown he is a class act, but with the final flight now moved up the home straight then that could play into the hands of a stayer. Talk The Talk needed every bit of the two miles at Leopardstown last time out, as he came wide and got his head in front on the line. If they go a decent gallop here then he could well storm up the Cheltenham hill to deny Old Park Star. Sober Glory has been hugely progressive this season and can complete the 1-2-3.
FAQs
When and where will the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle be run?
The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle will be run at Cheltenham racecourse on day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival at 1.20pm on Tuesday 10 March.
How can I watch the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on Tuesday?
The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle will be shown live on ITV Racing at 1.20pm, and it will also be available to watch on Racing TV.
Who is Steve Chambers?
Steve Chambers is the editor for GG.co.uk and is a senior racing analyst, specialising in race previews, betting insight and feature coverage.
When were the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle tips published?
The tips for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle were published at 2.20pm on Monday 9 March.
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