Champion Hurdle 2026: Lossiemouth, The New Lion, and Constitution Hill could headline a thrilling line-up

The countdown to the 2026 Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival is already gathering pace, and despite the absence of the ever-popular State Man, the race is shaping up to be one of the most fascinating in recent years.

With Willie Mullins forced to reshuffle his hand, new names and old champions are stepping into the spotlight, and punters are already fine-tuning their Cheltenham bets, looking for insights into form and trends ahead of what promises to be a spectacular renewal in March.

Mullins looks to Lossiemouth for glory

The news that State Man will miss the season due to a tendon injury has inevitably shifted the focus to another of Mullins’ stable stars, Lossiemouth. The talented mare, who impressed in the Mares’ Hurdle at the 2025 Festival, looks set to take centre stage this time around.

There was much debate last March about whether Mullins made the right decision in keeping Lossiemouth in the Mares’ Division rather than pitching her against Constitution Hill and State Man in the Champion Hurdle. As it turned out, she was a dominant winner in her chosen race, cruising clear in the style of a horse capable of much more.

Now, with State Man sidelined, the path looks clear for Mullins to unleash her against the very best. Reports from Closutton suggest that Lossiemouth has returned from her summer break in fine form, and early-season performances could cement her place as the stable’s number one Champion Hurdle hope.

The bookmakers currently have her as a joint-favourite, and it’s easy to see why. Lightly raced, immensely talented, and with the tactical speed to handle Cheltenham’s undulations, she has every attribute required to follow in the footsteps of Mullins’ greats like Hurricane Fly and Annie Power.

The New Lion roars for Skelton

While Mullins has his mare, Dan Skelton may have unearthed something special in The New Lion. The six-year-old has been one of the revelations of the season so far, producing a string of powerful performances that have marked him out as a genuine Grade One contender.

Skelton, who currently leads the Trainers’ Championship and continues to go from strength to strength, will be eyeing Cheltenham glory with growing confidence. The New Lion’s versatility and turn of foot have impressed racing fans across the country, and his ability to quicken after the last hurdle has drawn inevitable comparisons with the great hurdlers of old.

Bookmakers now have The New Lion and Lossiemouth locked together at the head of the market, and it’s no surprise that early Cheltenham bets are flooding in on both. Should both arrive at Prestbury Park in peak condition, we could be treated to an epic Anglo-Irish battle reminiscent of the great rivalries of the past.

Constitution Hill: Can the champion rise again?

And then, of course, there is Constitution Hill, a name that still sends a shiver down the spine of racing fans. Trained by Nicky Henderson, he was once considered unbeatable, brushing aside elite opposition with ease and producing one of the most dominant Champion Hurdle performances in recent memory just two years ago.

Since then, however, things haven’t gone entirely to plan. A couple of uncharacteristic falls and setbacks have tempered the aura of invincibility. But make no mistake - Constitution Hill still possesses a level of natural ability that few horses in training can match.

Henderson, ever the perfectionist, has spoken openly about his determination to get his star back to his brilliant best. A strong preparation campaign will be crucial, and if the stable can keep him sound and confident, the reigning great could easily reclaim his crown. The bookmakers have shortened his price in recent weeks, suggesting that optimism is growing in the Seven Barrows camp.

A classic showdown in the making

With Lossiemouth, The New Lion, and Constitution Hill all on course for the 2026 Champion Hurdle, this could be one of the most competitive renewals in modern history. Add in the usual surprises and late bloomers that the National Hunt season tends to produce, and racing fans have every reason to get excited.

The stage is set for a clash of generations, the rising stars against the proven champion, and the betting markets are already alive with speculation. As always, the Cheltenham Festival never fails to deliver drama, and for those placing their Cheltenham bets, this year’s Champion Hurdle could be one for the ages.