The Cheltenham Festival kicks off its 2026 edition on Tuesday, drawing massive crowds to the racecourse and viewers worldwide. Expect around 250,000 spectators over four days, with seven thrilling races starting at 1:30 PM on Day 1, led by the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1:30 PM) – Grade 1, 2 Miles 87 Yards
This competitive renewal features strong Irish challengers like Mighty Park, El Cairos, and Leader d’Allier, all with maiden hurdle wins. Ratings favor Old Park Star and Talk The Talk, but Talk The Talk stands out after his Grade 1 triumph at the Dublin Racing Festival, where he surged from the rear. A fall cost him at Christmas, yet he remains the top pick in a strong-paced race. Mydaddypaddy, runner-up in the Formby Novices’ Hurdle, could thrive down the hill.
Selection: Talk The Talk (7-2)
Main Danger: Old Park Star (2-1)
Live Outsider: Mydaddypaddy (17-2)
Arkle Novices’ Chase (2:10 PM) – Grade 1, 2 Miles
Six runners compete, headlined by Nicky Henderson’s Lulamba, who mirrors paths of past winners Sprinter Sacre and Altior with victories in novice and open company, including the Grade 2 Game Spirit Chase. Kopek Des Bordes, last year’s Supreme winner, returns after a November success but lacks recent runs. Kargese set a fast pace recently, while Jax Junior and Steel Ally bring stamina.
Selection: Lulamba (13-8)
Main Danger: Kopek Des Bordes (5-4)
Live Outsider: Steel Ally (14-1)
Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle (2:40 PM) – 2 Miles 87 Yards
JP McManus fields Saratoga, Mustang Du Breuil, and Manlaga in this tough opener. Manlaga, from France, impressed in the Victor Ludorum Juvenile Hurdle, beating reopponents Pourquoi Pas Papa, The Mighty Celt, and Macktoad. Her 130 mark looks generous. Ammes, with two hurdle wins, rates well off 128 after a close loss to Minella Study. Harwa impressed on UK debut.
Selection: Manlaga (6-1)
Main Danger: Ammes (8-1)
Live Outsider: Harwa (22-1)
Ultima Handicap Chase (3:20 PM) – 3 Miles 1 Furlong
Novice chasers dominate recent winners. Quebecois, with four chase starts, nearly won by a nose at Cheltenham in January and suits the trip after a hurdles success over 3m½f. JP McManus’s Jagwar and Iroko pose threats; Hyland debuts cheekpieces in a headgear-friendly race.
Selection: Quebecois (10-1)
Main Danger: Jagwar (4-1)
Live Outsider: Hyland (11-1)
Champion Hurdle (4:00 PM) – Grade 1, 2 Miles 87 Yards
Lossiemouth steps up after two Mares’ Hurdle wins, unbeaten in four Cheltenham starts with 13 victories from 17, nine at Grade 1. Cheekpieces aid her after a Irish Champion Hurdle second. Brighterdaysahead faces track doubts; The New Lion, Turners winner, rebounded at Trials Day. Triumph Hurdle hero Poniros lurks late.
Selection: Lossiemouth (13-8)
Main Danger: The New Lion (11-4)
Live Outsider: Poniros (14-1)
Plate Handicap Chase (4:40 PM) – Nap, 2 Miles 4½ Furlongs
Cheekpieces return for Madara, last year’s favorite sidelined by injury but eyeing improvement after recent runs. O’Moore Park placed third here last year off 140, now 1lb higher. Jipcot prefers this shorter trip.
Selection: Madara (9-2)
Main Danger: O’Moore Park (22-1)
Live Outsider: Jipcot (18-1)
National Hunt Novices’ Chase (5:20 PM) – 3 Miles 5½ Furlongs
Backmersackme placed second here in October and won at Dublin despite a weight rise; the longer trip suits. Newton Tornado, with two 3m wins, represents last year’s winning trainer. King Of Answers improved in cheekpieces.
Selection: Backmersackme (4-1)
Main Danger: Newton Tornado (5-1)
Live Outsider: King Of Answers (12-1)
Key Trends and Placepot
For Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, winners often prevail last time out (10/12), from top market spots, with Irish trainers strong (9/13). Joseph O’Brien’s Talk The Talk (NAP) fits perfectly, nearly dual Grade 1 winner.
Ultima trends favor short prices (21/25 at 11-1 or less), novices, and course form. Jagwar, Plate winner last year, matches with consistent Cheltenham runs.
Placepot bankers: Talk The Talk (Race 1), Kopek Des Bordes (Race 2), The New Lion (Race 5). Suggested legs yield 18 lines.
