The prestigious Unibet Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival is set to showcase a stellar lineup of hurdlers, with 16 entries confirmed. Leading the pack is Nicky Henderson’s Sir Gino, who tops the ante-post market following an impressive comeback in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park after a year away from racing.
Sir Gino has now overtaken stablemate Constitution Hill, the 2023 champion, as Seven Barrows’ primary hope for the Champion Hurdle. Constitution Hill has struggled recently, failing to complete three out of his last four races. He is expected to have a run on the all-weather track at Southwell ahead of a potential attempt to reclaim his title.
Dan Skelton’s The New Lion, winner of the Turners at last year’s Cheltenham Festival, holds next-best odds. However, like Constitution Hill, he suffered a fall in the Fighting Fifth on his return to action. The New Lion is on course to meet Sir Gino in the International Hurdle on Trials Day.
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Willie Mullins’ Lossiemouth stands as the yard’s top contender this season with the absence of State Man. Her connections face a tough decision on whether to enter her in the Champion Hurdle or to defend her Mares’ Hurdle crown, a topic expected to dominate pre-festival discussions.
Last year’s champion, Golden Ace, is also entered in both the Champion and Mares’ Hurdles. Trainer Jeremy Scott confirmed the Mares’ Hurdle is a backup plan should Tuesday’s race not materialize. “She’s come through Kempton in great shape. The primary aim is the Champion Hurdle, but the Mares’ Hurdle provides an option if needed,” he said. Scott added that soft or good-to-soft ground would suit Golden Ace perfectly and praised Sir Gino’s prospects following his strong comeback run.
Additional entries for the Champion Hurdle include Brighterdaysahead, Alexei, El Fabiolo, and Triumph Hurdle winner Poniros.
Meanwhile, the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle has attracted 25 entries, with contenders like Wodhooh, Jade De Grugy, Kargese, and Take No Chances potentially facing off against the top mares, depending on their race choices.
On Thursday afternoon, the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle will feature 29 entries, including former champion Bob Olinger and Teahupoo—both owned by Brian Acheson’s Robcour operation—and Gavin Cromwell’s Flooring Porter, a two-time winner of the race who last competed in September’s Kerry National.
Other notable entries in the Stayers’ Hurdle are Ballyburn, Doddiethegreat, Impose Toi, Hewick, Honesty Policy, Wodhooh, and Kabral Du Mathan, promising a fiercely competitive contest.