Race Overview
The Unibet Champion Hurdle is unquestionably the most reputable hurdle race of the season.
Covering a distance of two miles and 87 yards with eight flights to clear, it has been a cornerstone of jump racing since its inaugural running in 1927.
The race will be the most anticipated race on the first day of the festival with big names such as Consitution Hill on show in front of the Cheltenham crowd.
The Champion Hurdle was first ran in 1927. The first winner was Blaris, ridden by jockey George Duller, winning a grand total of £365.
The race faced fluctuated interest and participation in the early years after facing various challenged.
However, after attracting top competitors, it quickly gained popularity as a key event in the National Hunt
season.
This years winner will bring home £264,609.
The introduction of the race to Cheltenham brought a lot of excitement to the crowd as it added a new dimension to the festival. It brought an availability to watch the spectacle of top class hurdling horses going round an action packed track.
The Champion Hurdle is a pivotal part of the festival, with attention gained from around the globe.
Key Contenders:
Constitution Hill (Trainer: Nicky Henderson)
“I think the biggest danger to Constitution Hill is himself. If is as good as he was two years ago then he will win” is the well known horse racing figure Jonny Dineen’s take on the clear favourite for Tuesday’s Champion Hurdle on Paddy Power’s preview night.
After having suspected colic and a build up of mucus, the bay gelding is back racing and at the top of everyone’s bets.
Horse expert Anthony Mullins was “surprised” at how confident trainer Nicky Henderson was in his horse after “outburst” claimed that he was so confident that the race was “all over” and that when “(he) hears something from Nicky Henderson, (he) listens.” Constitution Hill is unbeaten, winning the last 10 races he has started.
The horse has won the Champion Hurdle recently, in 2023, and is currently 8/13 favourite for the race. He has won his races by an aggregate of 104 lengths.
His Jockey, Nico De Boinville has rarely has to reach for his whip to ask the horse for more effort.
Brighterdaysahead (Trainer: Gordon Elliot)
The horse who has become a dominant force in the Irish hurdling scene.
She has an impressive turn of foot, powerful cruising speed and is slick over hurdles.
With her impressive turn of foot, she should be powerful finishing up the Cheltenham Hill.
Winning her recent 30-length win at Leapardstown, Brighterdaysahead overtakes State Man in the Champion Hurdle pecking order.
Racing expert Ruby Walsh was on Paddy Power’s preview show and claimed that “it was the best performance (he) had seen at Leapardstwon in a long time.”
Gordon Elliot’s mare inflicted a surprise defeat on Willie Mullins’ State Man with both horses being the next best horses in Constitution Hill’s absence.
Brighterdaysahead is likely to be one of the strongest Irish challengers in her division at 2/1.
However, she is yet to race at Cheltenham so all eyes will be on whether she translates her form to Cheltenham’s track that has tougher undulations.
State Man (Trainer: W P Mullins)
As a Willie Millins trained horse, State man will always be an exciting prospect ahead of any race.
The horse has an amazing record from the 17 races it has started, winning 13 times in it’s racing career.
State Man has already race this year, winning February’s Irish Champion Hurdle at Leapardstown for the third year running.
With his constant top-tier performances and great track record, State Man remains a top presence in the hurdling division at 15/2.
However, with Consitution Hill back from injury and Brighterdaysahead coming into brilliant hurdling form ahead of Cheltenham, beating State Man at Leapardstown in December, it will be a tough race for the Mullins horse.
Professional Verdict
Racing expert Lydia Hislop: “I don’t really see State Man getting involved.
The confidence we are hearing about Consitution Hill means I don’t think he will drift, I think he will shorten.
If I was betting now, I would probably wait until the day and back a drifting Brighterdaysahead is how I play this.”
Professional Selections
Anthony Mullins: Constitution Hill 8/13
Ruby Walsh: Brighterdaysahead 2/1
Johnny Dideen: Brighterdaysahead 2/1
Lydia Hislop: Brighterdaysahead 2/1