The feature race of Day 1 at Cheltenham Festival takes location at 4pm today, where a strong nine-horse field is anticipated to line up for what promises to be an increasingly competitive Champion Hurdle.

It is Lossiemouth who heads the market with Sky Bet to complete first past the post, with the Willie Mullins-trained mare having actually been improved from 6/4 to 13/8.

The mare - who boasts 13 wins and three runner-up surfaces from her 17 profession begins - delighted in an exceptional 2025 campaign, claiming triumphes in the Mares' Hurdle, Aintree Hurdle, Morgiana Hurdle and the December Hurdle at Leopardstown.

She had to choose second in her only start of 2026 to date, with the seven-year-old going down by more than three lengths to Brighterdaysahead.

Champion Hurdle sneak peek: Sky Bet favourites for the feature race on Day 1 at Cheltenham

Behind the preferred in the wagering is The New Lion, who is presently priced as the 5/2 second preferred with Sky Bet.

The gelding boasts strong course form at Cheltenham, having actually won last year's Turners Novices' Hurdle before claiming a Grade 2 contest last month.

Meanwhile, the aforementioned Brighterdaysahead is likewise anticipated to mount a strong challenge, with the Gordon Elliott-trained mare installed as the 5/1 3rd favourite.

Despite recording 10 profession wins, Brighterdaysahead has yet to secure success at Cheltenham Racecourse. The seven-year-old completed second in the Mares' Novices' Hurdle in 2024 before putting 4th in the Champion Hurdle the following year.

When she ended up fourth in the Champion Hurdle in 2025, it was Golden Ace who emerged victorious. Those backing the mare to defend her crown this year can currently find her priced at 10/1.

Completing the nine-horse field are Poniros (14/1), Alexei (16/1), Anzadam (22/1), Tutti Quanti (25/1) and rank outsider Workahead at 66/1.

Sky Bet chances for the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival:

Lossiemouth - WAS 13/8 NOW 7/4

The New Lion - 5/2

Brighterdaysahead - 5/1

Golden Ace - 10/1

Poniros - 14/1

Alexei - 16/1

Anzadam - 22/1

Tutti Quanti - 25/1

Workahead - 66/1