The Cheltenham Festival kicks off in 2026, delivering another thrilling week of top-tier horse racing. Organizers anticipate around 250,000 visitors flooding Cheltenham Racecourse over four days, while millions tune in via television broadcasts.
Day one showcases seven races, starting at 1:30 PM with the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. Analysis highlights strong contenders across the card, with key selections, main threats, and value outsiders identified for each event.
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1:30 PM) – Grade 1, 2 Miles 87 Yards
This competitive renewal features standout Irish challengers Mighty Park, El Cairos, and Leader d’Allier, all fresh from maiden hurdle wins. Ratings favor Old Park Star and Talk The Talk, but Talk The Talk edges ahead thanks to his Grade 1 triumph at the Dublin Racing Festival. That performance gains added value as he surged from the rear, and he would have won at Christmas without a final-flight fall. Strong pace suits Mydaddypaddy, runner-up in the Grade 1 Formby Novices’ Hurdle.
Selection: Talk The Talk (7-2)
Main Danger: Old Park Star (2-1)
Live Outsider: Mydaddypaddy (17-2)
Arkle Novices’ Chase (2:10 PM) – Grade 1, 2 Miles
Six runners compete, led by diverse profiles. Lulamba follows the proven Nicky Henderson path, securing two novice wins before a Grade 2 Game Spirit Chase victory—mirroring routes for past stars Sprinter Sacre and Altior. Kopek Des Bordes, last year’s Supreme winner, returns after a November success but faces fitness queries. Stablemate Kargese impressed with a bold gallop at Dublin. Jax Junior and Steel Ally bring recent wins and stamina.
Selection: Lulamba (13-8)
Main Danger: Kopek Des Bordes (5-4)
Live Outsider: Steel Ally (14-1)
Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle (2:40 PM) – 2 Miles 87 Yards
This opener proves highly competitive. JP McManus entries Saratoga, Mustang Du Breuil, and Manlaga stand out. Manlaga, with French credentials, bounced back from a UK debut loss to win the Victor Ludorum Juvenile Hurdle against reopponents Pourquoi Pas Papa, The Mighty Celt, and Macktoad. Her 130 mark appears generous. Ammes notched two hurdle wins before a narrow defeat to rated-139 Minella Study. Harwa merits attention after a stable debut win.
Selection: Manlaga (6-1)
Main Danger: Ammes (8-1)
Live Outsider: Harwa (22-1)
Ultima Handicap Chase (3:20 PM) – 3 Miles 1 Furlong
Novice chasers dominate recent history, winning seven of 12. Quebecois targets a fourth fence run for eligibility, owned partly by sponsor Max McNeill. A nose second in January’s Timeform Novices’ Handicap here suits this trip better than his latest two-mile effort. He stays well over hurdles. JP McManus duo Jagwar and Iroko threaten, while Hyland debuts cheekpieces—a positive in a headgear-friendly race.
Selection: Quebecois (10-1)
Main Danger: Jagwar (4-1)
Live Outsider: Hyland (11-1)
Champion Hurdle (4:00 PM) – Grade 1, 2 Miles 87 Yards
Lossiemouth steps up after two Mares’ Hurdle wins here, unbeaten in four Cheltenham starts with 13 victories from 17 overall, including nine Grade 1s. Willie Mullins adds cheekpieces post her Irish Champion Hurdle second to Brighterdaysahead, aiding early pace. Brighterdaysahead faltered at Cheltenham previously. The New Lion, last year’s Turners winner, recovered from a Fighting Fifth fall with a Trials Day success. Triumph Hurdle winner Poniros lurks as a late threat.
Selection: Lossiemouth (13-8)
Main Danger: The New Lion (11-4)
Live Outsider: Poniros (14-1)
Plate Handicap Chase (4:40 PM) – Nap, 2 Miles 4 Furlongs 44 Yards
Cheekpieces return for Madara, last year’s favorite sidelined by injury. Dan Skelton’s charge eyed runner-up at Kempton sans headgear. O’Moore Park placed third here last year off 140, now 1lb higher. Jipcot relishes the trip drop after fading over three miles recently.
Selection: Madara (9-2)
Main Danger: O’Moore Park (22-1)
Live Outsider: Jipcot (18-1)
National Hunt Novices’ Chase (5:20 PM) – 3 Miles 5 Furlongs 201 Yards
Backmersackme placed second over 3m1f here in October and won at Dublin despite a weight rise. Newton Tornado, from last year’s winning yard, succeeds over three miles. King Of Answers transformed with cheekpieces at Kelso.
Selection: Backmersackme (4-1)
Main Danger: Newton Tornado (5-1)
Live Outsider: King Of Answers (12-1)
Key Trends: Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1:30 PM)
Ten of 12 recent winners scored last time, many as favorites. Top market horses and Grade 1 form prevail, especially from Ireland with ratings over 150. Joseph O’Brien’s Talk The Talk (NAP) aligns perfectly—nearly dual Grade 1 winner but for a stumble. Old Park Star and Mydaddypaddy challenge.
Ultima Handicap Chase Trends (3:20 PM)
Winners at 11-1 or shorter, mostly novices/second-seasoners with Festival and course experience. Few Irish successes. Jagwar fits, consistent here (1132 form), ready for trip extension on drying ground.
Placepot Suggestions
Bank on Talk The Talk, Kopek Des Bordes, and The New Lion in Grade 1s. Handicaps offer value: Manlaga, Winston Junior, Pourquoi Pas Papa (Race 3); Jagwar, The Doyen Chief, Imperial Saint (Race 4); No Questions Asked, Booster Bob (Race 6). Total lines: 18.
