Cheltenham Festival 2026 – Champion Day Preview (Tuesday, 10 March)

Champion Hurdle Headlines Day One at Cheltenham

Preview Day One of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival – Champion Day with race times in South African time (SAST), expert insights and the Best Bet in the Champion Hurdle.

Cheltenham Festival 2026 Begins with Champion Day

The world’s greatest jump racing spectacle begins on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, as the Cheltenham Festival opens with the highly anticipated Champion Day.

Seven thrilling races are scheduled on the famous Cheltenham Racecourse card, with the prestigious Champion Hurdle taking centre stage as the feature race of the afternoon.

For racing fans and punters in South Africa, the action begins in the early afternoon, with race times converted to South African Standard Time (SAST). Expect elite novice hurdlers, top-class chasers and seasoned staying performers competing across a spectacular day of National Hunt racing.

From the explosive opening contest to the historic Champion Hurdle, Day One promises high drama, world-class horses and outstanding betting opportunities.

Champion Day Race Schedule (South African Time)

Below is the full Cheltenham Champion Day race schedule adjusted to SAST (+2 hours).

15:20 – Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)

Distance: 2m 87y

The Festival traditionally begins with one of the most exciting races of the week. The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is renowned for its blistering pace and has produced numerous future stars of the hurdling division.

16:00 – Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeple Chase (Grade 1)

Distance: 1m 7f 199y

The Arkle Chase showcases the best novice chasers over two miles. Speed, accurate jumping and tactical positioning are critical over Cheltenham’s demanding fences.

16:40 – Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap)

Distance: 2m 87y

A competitive handicap featuring the best four-year-old hurdlers. With large fields and tight margins, this race often delivers excellent value for punters looking beyond the favourites.

17:20 – Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)

Distance: 3m 1f

Stamina becomes the key factor here as seasoned chasers tackle a testing trip. Expect strong gallopers who thrive in gruelling conditions.

18:00 – The Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)

Distance: 2m

The centrepiece of Day One and one of the most prestigious races in National Hunt racing. The Champion Hurdlecrowns the best two-mile hurdler in the sport and regularly produces unforgettable performances.

18:40 – Sun Racing Plate Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)

Distance: 2m 4f 44y

A fiercely competitive handicap chase where smart placement and efficient jumping can prove decisive.

19:20 – National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup

Distance: 3m 5f 201y

The marathon contest of the day, testing stamina, resilience and jumping ability over an extended trip.

Best Bet – The New Lion (Champion Hurdle)

Race: Champion Hurdle (18:00 SAST)

JP McManus has already enjoyed tremendous success in the Champion Hurdle, saddling nine previous winners, and connections will be hoping that The New Lion can deliver number ten.

With Constitution Hill having retired from hurdling following his well-documented jumping career, the path to the crown looks far more open than in recent seasons.

That leaves Dan Skelton’s talented gelding The New Lion perfectly positioned to capitalise.

Several key factors strengthen his chances:

• Proven two-mile speed and class

• Strong connections with Dan Skelton in exceptional form

• A relatively small field of nine runners to navigate

• An opportunity to seize the crown in a year lacking the dominant champion of previous seasons

If The New Lion reproduces his best form on the Cheltenham stage, he could well capture jump racing’s hurdling blue riband.

Why Cheltenham Champion Day is Special

Champion Day consistently delivers some of the most dramatic moments in jump racing.

Key reasons the opening day stands out include:

• The explosive start provided by the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

• The electrifying speed of the Arkle Chase

• The prestige and history surrounding the Champion Hurdle

For punters, the mix of Grade 1 championship races and competitive handicaps provides opportunities for both confident selections and high-value outsiders.

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Final Thoughts

Champion Day at Cheltenham 2026 promises a spectacular start to the Festival, with seven high-quality races and the legendary Champion Hurdle providing the headline act.

With The New Lion poised to strike in the feature race, punters could witness the crowning of a new hurdling champion.

Expect drama, excitement and unforgettable racing as the Festival begins.

And wherever you’re betting from — always #BetWithTheBest.