Buzzing punters await Cheltenham’s Champion Day 2026 with seven races including the Supreme, Arkle, Fred Winter, Ultima, Champion Hurdle and a new‑look National Hunt Chase – find out who to back.
TL;DR – Quick Picks:
If you’re short on time, here’s the gist: in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle back Old Park Star each‑way; in the Arkle side with the seasoned Lulamba but don’t ignore Steel Ally for place value; in the Fred Winter split your stakes on Highland Crystal and Munsif; in the Ultima it’s all about the unexposed Whistle Stop Tour with Konfusion as an each‑way backup; in the Champion Hurdle trust Lossiemouth but keep an eye on The New Lion; in the Plate watch for Madara to sneak in; and in the National Hunt Chase look for Wendigo to stay best of all.
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13:20 – Supreme Novices’ Hurdle: Young Guns with Old Heads
The curtain‑raiser at Cheltenham is always a test of nerve. This year’s renewal looks to revolve around a few standout novices. Old Park Star has rattled off three hurdle wins for Nicky Henderson and was 18 lengths clear in a Haydock Grade 2 last time. Willie Mullins sends Mighty Park, a close relation to Might Bite who bolted up on chasing debut at Fairyhouse. Talk The Talk arrives on the back of a Leopardstown Grade 1 win. The outsider Baron Noir has impressed in novice company but takes a huge leap in class.
• Tip: Back Old Park Star each‑way. Henderson’s record in the Supreme is superb, and his gelding has a turn of foot to burn.
14:00 – Arkle Challenge Trophy: Chasers on the Charge
Seven go to post for the Arkle, and the race pits proven chasers against less‑experienced rivals. Lulamba, last season’s top juvenile hurdler, has already racked up Grade 1 and Grade 2 chase wins, dispatching older horses with ease. The 2025 Supreme winner Kopek Des Bordes makes his second start over fences after knee surgery. Kargese receives a valuable mares’ allowance and was beaten only a neck in the Irish Arkle. Steel Ally has three straight chase wins and looks a solid each‑way prospect.
• Tip: Lulamba has the experience edge and should give supporters a bold run, but Steel Ally appeals each‑way thanks to his impeccable jumping.
14:40 – Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle: Expect the Unexpected
Often dubbed the Festival’s most unpredictable race, the Fred Winter regularly produces winners at double‑figure prices. Irish trainers have won eight consecutive renewals, with Joseph O’Brien and Gordon Elliott dominant. Key trial form comes from the Naas Rated Hurdle, won this year by Highland Crystal. Saratoga (Joseph O’Brien) and Munsif (Donnacha O’Brien) were placed there and hold strong claims. Trends favour horses rated 122–134 carrying 11st 6lb or less and discourage favourites.
• Tip: Spread small stakes across Highland Crystal and Munsif; both fit the winning profile, and backing outsiders suits this fiendish handicap.
15:20 – Ultima Handicap Chase: Staying Power Matters
The Ultima is a gruelling three‑mile handicap where stamina and jumping are tested to the limit. Trainer Lucinda Russell has won three of the last four renewals, and she saddles Myretown and Whistle Stop Tour. Myretown was an 11‑length winner last year but now carries 15 lb more and has had jumping issues this season. Iroko, the current Grand National favourite, brings the strongest form after beating the 154‑rated Firefox in a Graduation Chase, but top weights rarely win the Ultima. Look out for improving horse Konfusion, who has climbed the ratings with wins at Newcastle and Wetherby.
• Tip: Whistle Stop Tour is the unexposed Russell second string and could surprise. Each‑way punters should also consider Konfusion, an upwardly mobile stayer.
16:00 – Champion Hurdle: A Battle of Mares
This year’s Champion Hurdle lacks some former stars but features two brilliant mares. Lossiemouth, unbeaten at Cheltenham and winner of the last two Mares’ Hurdles, was flat in the Irish Champion but should appreciate cheekpieces. Brighterdaysahead beat her at Leopardstown and has improved with each run but has yet to win at the Festival. The New Lion is unbeaten in five completed starts and may find a stronger gallop ideal. Other contenders include Golden Ace, a lucky winner of the Fighting Fifth, and Alexei, who landed the Greatwood and Kingwell Hurdles.
• Tip: Lossiemouth can bounce back with headgear and add another Cheltenham win, but watch out for The New Lion if the pace collapses.
16:40 – Sun Racing Plate: Handicap Head‑Scratchers
The two‑and‑a‑half‑mile Plate is a tricky puzzle that rewards bold ride and clever handicapping. Though information is thin this far out, preview nights have flagged Madara and McLaurey as likely players (Matchbook’s panel gave them a mention). Look for lightly‑raced chasers with stamina for 2m 4f who handle softish ground. Given the open nature of this handicap, it pays to go with an improving type from a shrewd yard.
• Tip: Keep an eye on market support for Madara. He jumps well and could outstay rivals up the hill.
17:20 – National Hunt Chase: New Format, Old Questions
The Festival finale has undergone radical change. Once an amateur riders’ marathon, it is now a novices’ handicap over three miles and six furlongs. The 2025 edition, won by Haiti Couleurs, offered limited clues for punters. This year Backmersackme has topped ante‑post lists after a Leopardstown handicap win at the Dublin Racing Festival. Now Is The Hour brings Cheltenham course form but is eight years old—an age group that rarely wins this race. Wendigo impressed as a gritty type and could relish the extreme distance. Soldier In Milan, another Irish contender, has also been quietly supported. Seven‑year‑olds and horses with prior Cheltenham experience have dominated, so use those trends to whittle the field.
• Tip: Backmersackme is progressive but short in the market; instead, back Wendigo each‑way—his stamina and Festival form give him a solid chance at a price.
Closing Notes
Cheltenham’s opening day always sets the tone for the week. The Supreme should reveal future stars, the Arkle is a clash of exciting chasers, while the Fred Winter and Ultima offer tough betting puzzles. In the Champion Hurdle, the mares could dominate again, and the closing National Hunt Chase asks punters to embrace uncertainty. For more festival insights and bookmaker reviews, check out our bookmakers guide and our detailed sports betting guide. You can also explore current bonuses and our daily betting tips sections to keep ahead of the market.
