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Cheltenham Festival returns this month as one of the biggest highlights in the UK sporting calendar takes place over four days, and the Champion Hurdle headlines day one at Prestbury Park.
The Champion Hurdle is a Grade 1 race run over an intermediate distance on the first day of the event, and bettors can find the latest Champion Hurdle 2026 odds on this page.
The race is the premier event of day one, featuring the best hurdlers in the sport over two miles, and it is now only behind the Gold Cup in terms of its prestige and importance to the Festival.
This page features the latest Champion Hurdle odds ahead of the race. Punters will be able to find the best prices available from horse racing betting sites, alongside additional Cheltenham Champion Hurdle betting information such as recent trends, historical stats, and previous Champion Hurdle winners.
Champion Hurdle betting odds
Bettors can find the latest Champion Hurdle betting odds below. The odds are live, so any changes on prices from betting sites will update instantly below.
Champion Hurdle betting trends
Look out for these Champion Hurdle betting trends from over the past few years before choosing your horse, and remember to also consider the latest Cheltenham Champion Hurdle prices.
Key statistical trends for the Champion Hurdle
Market leaders have a strong record: Favourites and near-favourites win a high percentage of renewals (reports suggest a win rate of around 80+ per cent for favourites in recent history).
Proven form at Grade 1 level: Most winners have proven themselves in top-level juvenile or open Grade 1 hurdle races during the season before Cheltenham.
Key trial races: Recent winners have run in notable prep races such as the Irish Champion Hurdle — this trial has produced many winners at Prestbury Park.
Cheltenham course experience: Horses that have run on the Cheltenham course, have historically done well. Stats show most winners had placed or won previously at the Festival or Cheltenham course.
Age: Historically, winners tend to be in the 5-8 year old range, though exceptional older horses can and do win.
Market trends
Favourites & Prices: Favourites tend to dominate the Champion Hurdle. There were five winners in a row for the SP favourite between 2020 and 2024 before a true outsider won in 2025 in Golden Ace, who set off with Cheltenham Champion Hurdle odds of 25/1.
Trainer Angles: Nicky Henderson has enjoyed an excellent run in the event with nine victories, last of which came in 2023 with Constitution Hill. Four different trainers have won the event in the last four.
Previous Champion Hurdle winners
The table below provides a brief breakdown of the last 10 Champion Hurdle winners, dating back to 2016.
|
Year |
Winner |
SP |
Trainer |
Jockey |
|
2025 |
Golden Ace |
25/1 |
Jeremy Scott |
Lorcan Williams |
|
2024 |
State Man |
2/5 |
Willie Mullins |
Paul Townend |
|
2023 |
Constitution Hill |
4/11 |
Nicky Henderson |
Nico de Boinville |
|
2022 |
Honeysuckle |
8/11 |
Henry de Bromhead |
Rachael Blackmore |
|
2021 |
Honeysuckle |
11/10 |
Henry de Bromhead |
Rachael Blackmore |
|
2020 |
Epatante |
2/1 |
Nicky Henderson |
Barry Geraghty |
|
2019 |
Espoir d’Allen |
16/1 |
Gavin Cromwell |
Mark Walsh |
|
2018 |
Buveur d’Air |
4/6 |
Nicky Henderson |
Barry Geraghty |
|
2017 |
Buveur d’Air |
5/1 |
Nicky Henderson |
Noel Fehily |
|
2016 |
Annie Power |
5/2 |
Willie Mullins |
Ruby Walsh |
Responsible gambling
When you’re looking at 2026 Champion Hurdle odds, be sure to gamble responsibly if you do make a wager.
It’s vital that bettors take steps to remain in control of their time and budget when using gambling sites. The same applies whether you’re using the betting sites UK, slot sites, casino sites, casino apps, or any other gambling medium.
Even the most knowledgeable racing punter can lose a bet, so always stick to a budget and never chase your losses.
It’s particularly important not to get carried away by any free bets or casino bonuses you might receive, both of which are available in abundance on gambling sites, but must be approached with caution.
You can stay in control by making use of the responsible gambling tools offered, such as deposit limits, loss limits, self-exclusion and time-outs.
You may also want to visit the following free organisations to discuss any issues with gambling you might be having:
Champion Hurdle Odds FAQs
What is the Champion Hurdle?
The Champion Hurdle is a Grade 1 hurdle race at the Cheltenham Festival open to horses aged four or older, run at level weights over a intermediate distance.
When is the Champion Hurdle?
The Champion Hurdle is run on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival and stands out as the signature race of the day with the biggest purse.
How long is the Champion Hurdle?
The race is run on the Old Course at Cheltenham over 2 miles and 87 yards.
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