As the Cheltenham Festival of 2026 approaches, national hunt racing fans are already abuzz with speculation over the field for the prestige-packed Champion Hurdle. With the dust barely settled on last year’s dramatic renewal — where former heavyweights like Constitution Hill and State Mn tumbled, opening the door to a surprise winner — bookmakers and pundits have reshaped their ante-post thinking. This year, the market has shifted decisively: three horses now dominate conversations and odds as the leading favourites for the Champion Hurdle crown.
With that in mind, let’s dissect the key stats and predictions for the Champion Hurdle and the early favourites when looking at the Cheltenham odds.
The New Lion
Topping many of the betting boards, The New Lion has emerged as the preeminent contender for the 2026 Champion Hurdle, with odds around 7/2. Trained by Dan Skelton, this six-year-old hurdler remains unbeaten over his professional jumps career, including a commanding victory in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival. Betting markets suggest strong confidence in his ability to make the step up to Champion Hurdle company — especially given his evident versatility and class. Skelton himself has indicated he is targeting the big-hurdle stage for The New Lion, setting the stage for potentially historic achievement.
Constitution Hill
Despite a painful fall in last year’s Champion Hurdle when strongly fancied, Constitution Hill remains very much in the picture for 2026. The former festival favourite is backed to bounce back, with re-emerging odds around 5/1 in some markets. The faith in Nicky Henderson’s stable star continues — his raw talent and past dominance suggest that, if the pieces click, he could reassert himself as the hurdling king.
Lossiemouth
Rounding out the top three is Lossiemouth, trained by Willie Mullins. The mare has already stamped her authority over her division, having won the Mares’ Hurdle twice, and is now being touted to make the step into open company. Her odds currently sit in the 7/2 range in some books. Many pundits highlight her adaptability over different conditions and her proven Cheltenham form as key strengths. As Mullins pivots her campaign toward the Champion Hurdle, many believe she has what it takes to challenge the top males.
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In conclusion, as the new season unfolds, the 2026 Champion Hurdle is shaping up to be a compelling clash of rising stars, proven champions, and ambitious upstarts. The New Lion’s perfect record, Constitution Hill’s hunger for redemption, and Lossiemouth’s trailblazing bid make this one of the most fascinating renewals in recent memory. With ante-post markets already buzzing, all eyes will be on their seasonal prep races — and on which contender can maintain momentum through the winter. The anticipation is building not just among punters, but throughout the racing world, as the sport waits to see whether a new champion will emerge or a familiar hero will reclaim the spotlight. With all of that being considered – the road to Cheltenham and the Champions Hurdle has just got a lot more interesting.