{"id":20859,"date":"2026-03-04T11:08:50","date_gmt":"2026-03-04T08:08:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/?p=20859"},"modified":"2026-03-10T16:34:13","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T13:34:13","slug":"champion-hurdle-runners-race-time-when-it-takes-place","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/champion-hurdle-runners-race-time-when-it-takes-place\/","title":{"rendered":"Champion Hurdle \u2013 Runners, Race Time & When It Takes Place"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Choose your bet on Champion Hurdle<\/a><\/p>\n\r\n <\/div>\r\n BET<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n

18+ | Play responsibly | BeGambleAware.org<\/div>\r\n <\/div>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Jumping season will begin soon at Cheltenham. The four-day event is packed with Grade 1 championship races, alongside handicaps and novice contests.<\/span><\/p>\n

The highlight of the first day<\/a> (10th March) is the <\/span>Champion Hurdle. <\/b>This Grade 1 race is one of the biggest and most prestigious hurdle races in National Hunt racing. It runs over 2 miles and 87 yards (8 hurdles) on turf.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s a fiercely competitive race between the best horses. The 2025 winner, Golden Ace, is a part of this year\u2019s <\/span>racecard<\/span><\/a>. The mare faces several promising contenders like The New Lion, Brighterdaysahead, Alexei, Wilful, Lucky Place, and Lossiemouth, among others. Two previous winners, State Man (2024) and Constitution Hill (2023), did not make it to the final list of runners this year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Below, we give you a detailed breakdown of the Champion Hurdle runners.<\/span><\/p>\n

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When Is the Champion Hurdle?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Champion Hurdle time is confirmed for <\/span>Tuesday, 10th March<\/strong>. This is the Grade 1 contest for two-mile hurdlers in the National Hunt season. Every year, this hurdle draws the best of Britain and Ireland\u2019s elite trainers and horses.<\/span><\/p>\n

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What Time Is the Champion Hurdle?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The race begins at 4:00 pm at the Cheltenham racecourse in Gloucestershire, England. If you can\u2019t make it to the grandstand, learn <\/span>how to watch the Cheltenham races<\/span><\/a> live on TV.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Champion Hurdle Runners<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This year\u2019s race has 12 Champion Hurdle runners, although the final number can vary depending on withdrawals or a horse being declared a \u201cnon-runner\u201d due to fitness issues. The definitive field will be known 48 hours before the race. So, fans should look at the final racecard on Sunday, 8th March, to confirm the runners.<\/span><\/p>\n

Last year\u2019s winner was Golden Ace, who won the race in a dramatic finish when both leading contenders, State Man and Constitution Hill, fell at the final hurdle. This year, the dynamics have altered with the high-profile absence of Constitution Hill. Just a few days ago, connections informed that they were withdrawing the 2023 Champion Hurdle hero. Constitution Hill has had several falls lately, so trainer Nicky Henderson has decided to switch him to a Flat campaign to prevent further injuries.<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite the withdrawal, fans can expect a competitive field. All runners who reach Grade 1 are invited only after showing consistent wins in top-tier contests.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Runners for Champion Hurdle \u2013 When Are They Confirmed?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Trainers and owners submit their runners\u2019 names well ahead of the Festival. From these names, an initial entry for the runners of the Champion Hurdle is created, featuring around 16 possible runners.<\/span><\/p>\n

The final declaration is published approximately 48 hours before the race, confirming the lineup. This official declaration appears on major media sites.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fans should note that not every entrant makes the final cut. Some horses are declared as \u201cnon-runners\u201d on the day of the race. This may be due to injury, poor form, or failing to meet the weight requirements. From a <\/span>betting<\/span><\/a> perspective, the odds can change once a horse is declared a non-runner. Bettors should check the latest odds before placing their bets.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ground conditions at the racecourse also influence the final list. If the turf is much wetter than expected, some trainers may withdraw their horse to prevent injury. The Cheltenham ground is typically good to soft in March. The course sits on a hillside terrain, which means it drains reasonably well. This February has been particularly wet, though, so the ground could become \u201cheavy\u201d (wet and soft). This proves to be one of the most challenging ground conditions on a turf track.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Champion Hurdle Racecard<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The race features eight hurdles. These are lower and more forgiving than fences, but they test the rhythm and jumping speed of the horses. The final hurdle comes at the top of the hill, followed by a tough uphill finish. So, fans and bettors should pay close attention to how smoothly a horse jumps under pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n

Follow this racecard for the latest confirmed Champion Hurdle runners.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Horse<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nAge<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nTrainer<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nWeight<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nOfficial Rating<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
The New Lion<\/span><\/td>\n7<\/span><\/td>\nDan Skelton<\/span><\/td>\n11-10<\/span><\/td>\n159<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lossiemouth<\/span><\/td>\n7<\/span><\/td>\nW P Mullins<\/span><\/td>\n11-3<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brighterdaysahead<\/span><\/td>\n7<\/span><\/td>\nGordon Elliott<\/span><\/td>\n11-3<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Golden Ace<\/span><\/td>\n8<\/span><\/td>\nJeremy Scott<\/span><\/td>\n11-3<\/span><\/td>\n152<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Poniros<\/span><\/td>\n5<\/span><\/td>\nW P Mullins<\/span><\/td>\n11-10<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Alexei<\/span><\/td>\n6<\/span><\/td>\nJoe Tizzard<\/span><\/td>\n11-10<\/span><\/td>\n148<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ballyburn<\/span><\/td>\n8<\/span><\/td>\nW P Mullins<\/span><\/td>\n11-10<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Anzadam<\/span><\/td>\n6<\/span><\/td>\nW P Mullins<\/span><\/td>\n11-10<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Casheldale Lad<\/span><\/td>\n6<\/span><\/td>\nGordon Elliott<\/span><\/td>\n11-10<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Workahead<\/span><\/td>\n8<\/span><\/td>\nHenry De Bromhead<\/span><\/td>\n11-10<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Wilful<\/span><\/td>\n7<\/span><\/td>\nJonjo & A J O’Neill<\/span><\/td>\n11-10<\/span><\/td>\n142<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lucky Place<\/span><\/td>\n7<\/span><\/td>\nNicky Henderson<\/span><\/td>\n11-10<\/span><\/td>\n151<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\"Cheltenham<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Champion Hurdle Distance & Race Details<\/strong><\/h2>\n