This is the championship contest for the very best two-mile hurdlers and it has been won by some of the greats including See You Then and Istabraq three times apiece. The Irish have won seven of the last 12 Champion Hurdles.
It’s the feature on day one, a race to saviour and possible, behind the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the second biggest race of the entire meeting.
Race Details | |
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When: | Tuesday 14th March, 3.30pm |
Prize: | £330,000 |
Distance: | Two-miles half-a-furlong |
Race Type | Hurdle |
Age: | 4-Years+ |
Course | Old Course |
Weights: | 11st 2lb (4yo), 11st 10lb (5yo+), 7lb allowance for fillies and mares |
Where to watch? | ITV, Racing UK, Bookmaker Streams |
Champion Hurdle Tips
The feature race on day one, and a race that often sets the tone of the day. Will we see an Irish winner, will the favourite take the race? These are all questions that our tipsters will hopefully bring you the answers to, when they make their picks and upload their thoughts to the Freebets website.
Of course, when they come in. we’ll make sure they are right here so you can read what they think about the race, is it simply a case of them all agreeing that Constitution Hill is the one to be on, or can they find some value elsewhere?
Champion Hurdle Betting Odds (January Update)
In terms of the betting heat, the Champion Hurdle may lack its usual appeal given that Constitution Hill is already a very short price in the market. He’s been excellent since landing the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 12 months ago on this day, and looks set to dominate the two mile hurdling division.
He’s already as short as 1/3 with many bookmakers, while State Man is 4/1 in behind and last years’ winner Honeysuckle comes in third best behind these two, generally available at 8/1.
What Happened in 2022?
It was a one-two for the mares in the 2022 Champion Hurdle, with Honeysuckle coming out on top to retain her title, beating Epatante, who was very brave when finishing second, three and a half lengths behind the winner.
It was a brilliant performance from the mare, who once again showed a real love for the Cheltenham hill, climbing up and running all the way to the line.
Champion Hurdle Key Race Stats
The Champion Hurdle is a good race for those looking to the top of the market.
- 8 of the last 13 winners were favourites or joint favourites
- 9 out of the last 13 winners came from the top 3 in the betting
- 9 of the last 11 winners were aged between 6 and 8
- 10 out of the last 12 winners won on their last outing
- 9 out of 12 ran within the last 51 days
Previous Winners of the Champion Hurdle
2022 - Honeysuckle
2021 – Honeysuckle
2020 – Epatante
2019 – Espoir D’Allen
2018 – Buveur d’Air
Cheltenham Champion Hurdle FAQ’s
What day is the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham?
The Champion Hurdle is the feature race of the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival. In 2023, this race will take place on Tuesday, 14 March 2023.
What distance is the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham?
Who won the Champion Hurdle in 2022?
In 2022, Rachael Blackmore rode Honeysuckle to victory in the Unibet Champion Hurdle, winning the race for a second time.
What time is the Champion Hurdle?
In 2023, the Champion Hurdle start time is scheduled for 3:30pm
What is the purse for the Champion Hurdle?
In 2023, the Champion Hurdle prize fund total is £337,500 with £189,911 of it going to the winner.