Lossiemouth produced a stunning performance to win the Champion Hurdle on the opening day of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival, providing a much-needed boost for jump racing. The victory, described as staggeringly dominant, lifted the atmosphere at Prestbury Park as the skies brightened after a buildup dominated by talk of civil war and feuding within the sport. The attendance of 57,242 was the highest for three years, striking a balance between vibrancy and comfort.
The day also saw Saratoga deliver owner JP McManus a perfect 75th birthday present, winning the McCoy Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle. Trained by Padraig Roche and ridden by Mark Walsh, the 10-1 chance emulated his half-brother Brazil's success in 2022 for the same combination. McManus said: 'Every winner is special... I've had winners here on my birthday before, but you never get tired of it.'
In the Champion Hurdle, Brighterdaysahead and The New Lion filled the places behind Lossiemouth. Trainer Gordon Elliott, whose mare suffered her third consecutive Cheltenham defeat, suggested she may step up in trip at Aintree. Dan Skelton, trainer of The New Lion, praised his horse's effort despite giving 7lb to the mares, and indicated a likely Aintree target.
British trainers edged the Irish 4-3 on day one, with a notable win for Nicky Henderson's Brown, ridden by James Bowen, in the final race. The National Hunt Challenge Cup Novice Handicap Chase saw Holloway Queen triumph after a false start, with Pic Roc making a costly error at the third-last fence.
