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

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


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


The mare - who boasts 13 wins and three runner-up surfaces from her 17 career begins - enjoyed an extraordinary 2025 project, claiming success in the Mares' Hurdle, Aintree Hurdle, Morgiana Hurdle and the December Hurdle at Leopardstown.


She needed to opt for 2nd in her only start of 2026 to date, with the seven-year-old decreasing by more than 3 lengths to Brighterdaysahead.


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


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


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


Meanwhile, the previously mentioned Brighterdaysahead is also anticipated to mount a strong obstacle, with the Gordon Elliott-trained mare installed as the 5/1 third favourite.


Despite recording 10 career wins, Brighterdaysahead has yet to secure victory at Cheltenham Racecourse. The seven-year-old finished second in the Mares' Novices' Hurdle in 2024 before positioning fourth in the Champion Hurdle the following year.


When she finished 4th in the Champion Hurdle in 2025, it was Golden Ace who emerged triumphant. Those backing the mare to safeguard her crown this year can presently discover her priced at 10/1.


Completing the nine-horse field are Poniros (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