Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead will do battle once again when the pair line up for the Irish Champion Hurdle on day two of the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown on Sunday 1 February at 3.20pm. The two top class mares dominate a field of six for the 2m Grade 1 showpiece, in what should be a stunning renewal across the Irish Sea.

We take a look at the Irish Champion Hurdle runners and odds, as well as looking at the key trends to follow, before picking out our 1-2-3 for the big race.

2026 Irish Champion Hurdle Runners

Three-times Cheltenham Festival heroine Lossiemouth will bid for stunning 10th Grade 1 victory in the Irish Champion Hurdle and the Willie Mullins-trained starlet comes into the contest on the back of a fine win in the December Hurdle over Christmas. She defeated her old foe Brighterdaysahead in that Grade 1 event and the pair are set for another battle royale here. The dual Mares’ Hurdle winner Lossiemouth could be using this as a springboard to a Champion Hurdle tilt, but in Brighterdaysahead she faces a real top-notch performer on her day, and the pair should serve up a thriller.

The 2026 Irish Champion Hurdle is dominated by the abovementioned Mullins and Gordon Elliott, and the former will have three other runners in the shape of Anzadam, El Fabiolo and Poniros. The first of that triumvirate looks the most likely to upset the two market leaders, but Poniros shocked the world last season when winning the Triumph Hurdle at 100/1 at Cheltenham, so has to be respected. Casheldale Lad completes the sextet and is the second shot fired by team Elliott, but he’s going to find it tough at this elite level and could help Brighterdaysahead to ensure it’s a decent gallop from the flag fall.

2026 Irish Champion Hurdle Racecard

Irish Champion Hurdle Trends

We pick out all the key Irish Champion Hurdle trends for the big race on Sunday afternoon.

Irish Champion Hurdle Tips

Brighterdaysahead has struggled to find her best form in recent times, so it’s probably wise to stick with the hugely consistent Lossiemouth, who continues to be a leading flagbearer for the Willie Mullins yard, and she can claim victory here and go into double figures of Grade 1 wins. Brighterdaysahead should chase her home and settle for second spot, whilst El Fabiolo could get the better of Anzadam in the closing stages for what is an intriguing renewal.

FAQs

When and where will the Irish Champion Hurdle be run?

The Irish Champion Hurdle will take place at Leopardstown racecourse on Sunday 1 February 2026 at 3.20pm.

How can I watch the Irish Champion Hurdle on Saturday?

The Irish Champion Hurdle will be shown live on ITV Racing at 3.20pm.

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 Irish Champion Hurdle tips published?

The tips for the Irish Champion Hurdle were published at 11.10am on Friday 30 January.

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