Champion Hurdle Preview: Sky Bet Favourites For The Feature Race Today

The function race of Day 1 at Cheltenham Festival takes place at 4pm today, where a strong nine-horse field is expected to line up for what guarantees to be an increasingly competitive Champion Hurdle.


It is Lossiemouth who heads the market with Sky Bet to complete first past the post, with the Willie Mullins-trained mare having been increased from 6/4 to 13/8.


The mare - who boasts 13 wins and 3 runner-up finishes from her 17 profession starts - delighted in a remarkable 2025 project, declaring success in the Mares' Hurdle, Aintree Hurdle, Morgiana Hurdle and the December Hurdle at Leopardstown.


She had to choose second in her only start of 2026 to date, with the seven-year-old going down by more than three lengths to Brighterdaysahead.


Champion Hurdle sneak peek: Sky Bet favourites for the feature race on Day 1 at Cheltenham


Behind the favourite in the betting is The New Lion, who is currently priced as the 5/2 second favourite with Sky Bet.


The gelding boasts strong course type at Cheltenham, having actually won in 2015's Turners Novices' Hurdle before claiming a Grade 2 contest last month.


Meanwhile, the abovementioned Brighterdaysahead is also anticipated to mount a strong difficulty, with the Gordon Elliott-trained mare installed as the 5/1 3rd favourite.


Despite recording 10 profession wins, Brighterdaysahead has yet to protect triumph at Cheltenham Racecourse. The seven-year-old completed second in the Mares' Novices' Hurdle in 2024 before positioning fourth in the Champion Hurdle the following year.


When she ended up fourth in the Champion Hurdle in 2025, it was Golden Ace who emerged victorious. Those backing the mare to safeguard her crown this year can currently discover her priced at 10/1.


Completing the nine-horse field are (14/1), Alexei (16/1), Anzadam (22/1), Tutti Quanti (25/1) and rank outsider Workahead at 66/1.


Sky Bet odds for the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival:


Lossiemouth - WAS 13/8 NOW 7/4


The New Lion - 5/2


Brighterdaysahead - 5/1


Golden Ace - 10/1


Poniros - 14/1


Alexei - 16/1


Anzadam - 22/1


Tutti Quanti - 25/1


Workahead - 66/1