The Champion Hurdle headlines a mouthwatering first day of the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday. Even with some superstars absent, it is certain to be a well-contested affair, with high-quality horses putting their reputations on the line.

GG tipster Joe Napier previews the race below, with his tip for wo will win the big race.

2026 Champion Hurdle Runners

The conversation on Champion Hurdle runners has to begin with Lossiemouth. The grey finally gets her chance in the Tuesday feature, having swanned to easy successes in the Mares’ Hurdle the last two years. She might not possess the talent of State Man, but the winner may not have to this season. Her unblemished 4/4 record at Cheltenham suggests she can easily improve for her Leopardstown second.

That day, she was runner-up to Brighterdaysahead. However, Gordon Elliott’s mare has a disconcerting Cheltenham history. Both times she has visited, she has lost at short odds. Her main market rivals are all unbeaten here, which gives her something significant to overcome by comparison, though she beat three of these eight rivals last time out.

One of those was improbable 100/1 Triumph Hurdle hero Poniros. He was returning from a long absence when outpaced early in the Irish Champion Hurdle, but could have more to offer here. He is certainly easier to forgive than Anzadam, who has now had multiple chances at the top level and is yet to get it right.

The home team is captained by The New Lion. Unbeaten when staying on his feet, his Turners Novices’ Hurdle victory was superb. He has something to prove over 2m, but his preparation since falling in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle has been all about this day.

That is also the case for Golden Ace, who took advantage of his Fighting Fifth fall. She also claimed this race a year ago in remarkable circumstances, but has a much better chance this term. She arrives after a game chase of Sir Gino at Christmas.

This would likely not have been the long-term plan for any of Alexei, Tutti Quanti or Workahead to start this season. The latter still has most ground to make up on form. However, the first two named have won big handicaps with disdain this season. Alexei has since stepped forward to win the Kingwell and should prefer this test. Tutti Quanti may struggle on a quicker surface than soft.

Champion Hurdle Racecard

Champion Hurdle Trends 

Our Weekend Watch tipster Dave Young has analysed all of the Champion Hurdle trends in his dedicated column on the race. This can be read here, with a summary below.

Champion Hurdle Tips

The stars have aligned for Lossiemouth to have a first crack at the Champion Hurdle. She can make it a successful one in the absence of all of Constitution Hill, Sir Gino and State Man. There is fortune in how the field has shaped out, but she is unbeaten at Cheltenham and proven at the highest level. If there is a horse who could improve to match up to the missing luminaries it’s The New Lion. Dan Skelton’s charge is feared most, with each-way dangers abound throughout the field. Brighterdaysahead’s Cheltenham record is a worry, so Alexei, Golden Ace and Poniros could prove bigger threats.

FAQs

When and where is the Champion Hurdle run?

The Champion Hurdle will take place at Cheltenham racecourse on Tuesday 10 March, 2026 at 4pm.

How can I watch the Champion Hurdle on Tuesday?

The Champion Hurdle will be shown live on ITV Racing at 4pm.

When were the Champion Hurdle tips published?

The tips for the Champion Hurdle were published at 2.12pm on Monday 9 March.

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