Expert Racing Analysis & Selections
Expert Racing Analysis & Selections
Tuesday, 4:00pm - Cheltenham Festival
The Unibet Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham (Tuesday, 4:00pm) is the Festival’s premier two-mile hurdle event, a prestigious Grade 1 contest drawing the fastest and classiest hurdlers in jump racing. Legends like Istabraq, Hurricane Fly, and Constitution Hill have graced this event, reflecting its significance as the pinnacle for two-mile hurdlers. Exceptional speed, tactical agility, and flawless jumping are critical, making this a true test of champions.
Understanding historical patterns can significantly narrow down the field:
Younger horses aged 6-8 have won 12 of the last 14 renewals.
16 of the last 18 winners arrived after winning their previous race.
13 of the last 15 winners previously secured at least one Grade 1 hurdle victory.
Nicky Henderson, Willie Mullins, and Henry de Bromhead have collectively won 11 of the last 14 renewals.
Henderson excels with hurdlers at this elite level, notably training Constitution Hill and Epatante. His meticulous preparation and strategic race targeting frequently pay dividends.
Mullins regularly delivers top contenders to the Champion Hurdle, skillfully preparing his elite hurdlers for peak Festival performances, exemplified by Hurricane Fly’s historic wins.
Leading jockeys, particularly Nico de Boinville and Paul Townend, frequently excel here. Their ability to manage Cheltenham’s pace and deliver perfectly timed challenges is paramount, especially given the high-speed, tactical nature of the race.
Certain prep races consistently point towards success:
| Factor | Successful Profile |
|---|---|
| Age | 6-8 years preferred |
| Recent Form | Won last race, ideally within 60 days |
| Experience | Previous Grade 1 winning form essential |
| Trainer | Dominated by Mullins and Henderson |
| Rating | 160+ BHA rating highly advantageous |
| Market Position | Strong performance from favourites; outsiders rarely successful |
Be cautious about runners that:
Talented hurdlers consistently placed at Grade 1 or 2 level but slightly overlooked in the market can offer considerable value.
Sharjah often exemplified a horse undervalued despite regularly competing at top levels without drawing market favouritism.
Horses consistently finishing close to leading rivals in key trials but not winning often peak perfectly at Cheltenham, providing significant betting value.
The Champion Hurdle typically features a relentless pace, rewarding horses that can track leaders comfortably and quicken sharply in the closing stages. Constitution Hill and Honeysuckle exemplified this ideal style—positioned prominently throughout, demonstrating tactical flexibility and a decisive finishing burst.
Horses consistently racing without equipment changes are significantly more reliable, suggesting stable, issue-free preparation.
First-time equipment changes at this level usually indicate problems in preparation and rarely yield success.
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Get Our SelectionsThe Champion Hurdle defines elite hurdling talent. Using these clear trends and insights helps isolate true contenders, simplifying your analysis and enhancing your chances of pinpointing the eventual winner.