Champion Hurdle
Experts preview Cheltenham Festival's opening day
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The 2026 Cheltenham Festival kicks off on March 10 with Champion Day, featuring the Unibet Champion Hurdle as the highlight. Racing experts have shared their tips for key races, including the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and Singer Arkle Challenge Trophy. British and Irish stables are set to compete fiercely, amid hopes for a strong home performance.
Horse racing owner Michael Buckley has outlined a potential Flat campaign for Constitution Hill, culminating in the Melbourne Cup later this year or in 2026. The star hurdler recently impressed on his Flat debut at Southwell, but a decision on his Champion Hurdle participation remains pending. Buckley expressed the emotional challenge of the choice while emphasizing the horse's exceptional talent.
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Constitution Hill made a successful transition to flat racing with an easy victory in the SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes at Southwell. Ridden by Oisin Murphy, the horse outclassed rivals to win by nine-and-a-half lengths as the 6/4 favourite. Trainer Nicky Henderson expressed emotional relief after the performance.