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 anticipated to line up for what promises to be an increasingly competitive Champion Hurdle.


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


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


She needed to choose second in her only start of 2026 to date, with the seven-year-old going down by more than 3 lengths to Brighterdaysahead.


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


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


The gelding boasts strong course kind at Cheltenham, having won last year's Turners Novices' Hurdle before declaring a Grade 2 contest last month.


Meanwhile, the previously mentioned Brighterdaysahead is also expected to install a strong challenge, with the Gordon Elliott-trained mare set up as the 5/1 3rd favourite.


Despite recording ten profession wins, Brighterdaysahead has yet to protect victory at Cheltenham Racecourse. The seven-year-old completed second in the Mares' Novices' Hurdle in 2024 before positioning 4th in the Champion Hurdle the following year.


When she finished 4th in the Champion Hurdle in 2025, it was Golden Ace who emerged victorious. Those backing the mare to protect her crown this year can presently find 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 chances 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