Champion Day Betting

Day one of Cheltenham, otherwise known as Champion Day, kicks off four days of show-stopping entertainment in style.

Seven races are scheduled on day one of Cheltenham, with all eyes on the 16:00 Champion Hurdle, a two-mile Grade 1 race previously won by some of the very best in the sport.

Legends like Blaris, National Spirit and Sir Ken have made a name off this prestigious race, which dates back to 1927.

We have Champion Day betting odds for each race, starting with the 13:20 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and culminating with the 17:20 National Hunt Novices’ Chase.

Here is the full race schedule for the first day of Cheltenham:

• 13:20 – Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
• 14:00 – Arkle Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)
• 14:40 – Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap)
• 15:20 – Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)
• 16:00 – Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)
• 16:40 – TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)
• 17:20 – Princess Royal National Hunt Novices’ Handicap Chase (Grade 2)

*Please note all times are subject to change

History of Champion Day

Since its inception, Champion Day has set the tone for what horse racing fans can expect over the four days to come.

The built-up excitement of Cheltenham is there from the outset on Champion Day, setting the stage perfectly ahead of the very first race.

The Champion Hurdle headlines this spectacular day. The first run took place in 1927 and was won by Blaris, ridden by George Duller, with Beddam taking second place and Harpist in third.

The race has helped create multiple legends in the sport with some winning the grand prize on multiple occasions. Five horses have won three Champion Hurdles, a current record yet to be beaten:

• Hatton’s Grace (1949-51)
• Sir Ken (1952-54)
• Persian War (1968-70)
• See You Then (1985-87)
• Istabraq (1998-2000)

The current record for jockey victories in the Champion Hurdle is four – held jointly by Tim Molony, Ruby Walsh and Barry Geraghty – with Lorcan Williams the defending champion having won aboard Golden Ace in 2025.

Nicky Henderson is the most successful trainer with nine wins including with Constitution Hill in 2023.

From horses to jockeys, several big names will be vying to make history at Cheltenham 2026 – who lifts the trophy is for you to call across dozens of Champion Day betting odds.

What is the big race of the day?

While all races on day one of Cheltenham are virtually guaranteed thrillers, the biggest race on Champion Day is the Champion Hurdle.

This Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race is one of the most prestigious races in the horse racing calendar.

The Champion Hurdle will commence at 16:00 and is run over 2m ½f on the Old Course with eight hurdles to jump in total.

For the latest Champion Hurdle prices, see our Champion Day betting odds.

Champion Day winners over the years

The winners of the Champion Hurdle are in elite company as victors in one of the highest-quality races in the sport. The past 10 winners of the race and their jockeys are:

• 2025 – Golden Ace (Lorcan Williams)
• 2024 – State Man (Paul Townend)
• 2023 – Constitution Hill (Nico de Boinville)
• 2022 – Honeysuckle (Rachael Blackmore)
• 2021 – Honeysuckle (Rachael Blackmore)
• 2020 – Epatante (Barry Geraghty)
• 2019 – Espoir d’Allen (Mark Walsh)
• 2018 – Buveur d’Air (Barry Geraghty)
• 2017 – Buveur d’Air (Noel Fehily)
• 2016 – Annie Power (Ruby Walsh)
• 2015 – Faugheen (Ruby Walsh)

Champion Day betting tips

Check out our Champion Day betting tips to learn more about the races taking place, the participants, the favourites going in and who we believe will lift the highly coveted Champion Hurdle trophy. It’s showtime!