Cheltenham betting: 2026 Champion Hurdle contenders and tip

Jeremy Scott’s defending champion Golden Ace won this race last year in the face of two fallers, but has every chance of reproducing top level form here. She is consistently good, an excellent hurdler and wasn’t totally beaten by State Man in last year’s renewal when he fell. She will finish her race well and deserves to take her chance. 

The New Lion is certainly a talent and has a 100% record at Cheltenham, but his fall in the Fighting Fifth, won by Golden Ace, has thrown him under question.

He is not deemed reliable enough to be such a short price, though will be a main player in this context. His trainer Dan Skelton will be taking no prisoners at the Festival this year and this able seven-year-old must enter calculations.

Coral ambassador Joe Tizzard runs Alexei here, who won over course and distance at the November meeting in a Premier Handicap. After a success at Grade Two level at Wincanton last month, he steps up to the top level for the very first time here and could stand an each-way chance at an attractive price. The yard are in excellent form and this horse could be ready to impress. 

Coral’s big-race tip: Golden Ace at 8/1

View the latest Cheltenham Festival 2026 betting odds

All odds and markets correct as of date of publication.