Cheltenham Festival: Lossiemouth and Old Park Star Headline Day One

The 2026 Cheltenham Festival kicks off on Tuesday with a compelling card, highlighted by the highly anticipated Champion Hurdle featuring Lossiemouth and the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle with Old Park Star as the favorite. The day also includes an exciting clash in the Arkle Novices’ Chase.

Lossiemouth Aims for Champion Hurdle Glory

Lossiemouth, trained by Willie Mullins and owned by Rich Ricci, is set to contest the Unibet Champion Hurdle, opting to capture on male rivals rather than pursue a third consecutive victory in the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle. This decision follows discussions between Mullins and Ricci, mirroring the path taken by Annie Power, who won the Champion Hurdle for the same connections ten years prior. Lossiemouth will race in cheekpieces for the first time.

Despite a recent defeat to Brighterdaysahead in the Irish Champion Hurdle, where she didn’t travel with her usual zest, Lossiemouth’s overall record, including victories in the Triumph Hurdle and the Mares’ Hurdle in the past two Festivals, makes her a strong contender. Paddy Power currently lists her as the 15/8 favorite, slightly ahead of The New Lion at 9/4 and Brighterdaysahead at 5/1.

Old Park Star Sets the Pace in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville are looking to continue their successful run in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle with Old Park Star. The horse’s Timeform rating of 155p is the highest for a Supreme contender since Altior. Old Park Star has been impressive in his hurdle races this season, winning at Kempton, Cheltenham, and Haydock, demonstrating the qualities of a potential Supreme winner.

Other contenders include Mighty Park and El Cairos, representing Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott respectively, but Old Park Star’s form and Timeform rating position him as the favorite.

Lulamba Faces Kopek des Bordes in the Arkle Challenge Trophy

The Arkle Novices’ Chase promises an exciting clash between Lulamba, trained by Nicky Henderson, and Kopek des Bordes, trained by Willie Mullins. Henderson’s Lulamba holds a 10lb advantage in the Timeform ratings, having impressed with wins in the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase at Sandown and the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury.

Kopek des Bordes, the winner of last year’s Supreme, has had surgery to remove a bone chip and returns to the track after a break. While he has smart form over hurdles, Lulamba’s experience over fences gives him an edge.

Key Takeaways

• Lossiemouth will run in the Champion Hurdle, aiming to emulate Annie Power’s success for the same connections.
• Old Park Star is the favorite for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, boasting the highest Timeform rating since Altior.
• Lulamba and Kopek des Bordes are set for a thrilling battle in the Arkle Novices’ Chase.