Lossiemouth and Fact To File Raise Eyebrows Ahead of Cheltenham Festival
The 2026 Cheltenham Festival is poised to commence with a spectacular opening day, featuring a highly competitive Unibet Champion Hurdle that has captured the attention of racing enthusiasts. The headline news revolves around two significant declarations that have sparked intrigue and debate among fans and analysts alike.
Lossiemouth Targets Champion Hurdle in Stacked Field
Willie Mullins' esteemed mare, Lossiemouth, has been confirmed for the Champion Hurdle on Tuesday, marking a bold move as she steps up to challenge for a champion title. Having secured victory in the last two Mares' Hurdles at the Festival, she is also entered for that race on Thursday, but her inclusion in Tuesday's event adds an exciting dynamic to an already formidable lineup.
Lossiemouth now shares joint-favourite status at 9/4 with The New Lion, following Dan Skelton's charge, previously the ante-post favourite, and Golden Ace, the 2025 champion. Mullins explained the decision, stating, "Rich and I have been in dialogue on her target, and after we spoke after racing at Gowran, it has been decided that Lossiemouth will run in the Champion Hurdle." He added that she will wear cheekpieces for the race, a tactical adjustment aimed at enhancing her performance.
The nine-horse field is packed with talent, including Gordon Elliott's mare Brighterdaysahead and Workahead, representing Henry de Bromhead. Outsiders such as Poniros, another Mullins-trained prospect who won the JCB Triumph at 100/1 odds last year, and British contenders Alexei from Joe Tizzard and Tutti Quanti from Paul Nicholls, round out the competition, ensuring a thrilling contest.
Fact To File Opts for Ryanair Chase Over Gold Cup
In another surprising development, Fact To File, a standout performer from the Mullins stable, will not compete in the Gold Cup on Friday. Despite his impressive victory in the Irish Gold Cup in February, which had positioned him as a strong contender for the main event, Mullins has chosen to enter him in Thursday's Ryanair Chase instead.
This decision has made Fact To File the shortest-priced favourite for the Festival at 8/13, reflecting his dominance in this race, which he won last year. The move highlights strategic planning by Mullins, potentially aiming to capitalise on Fact To File's proven success in the Ryanair Chase while avoiding the intense competition of the Gold Cup.
Other Key Races on Opening Day
Beyond the Champion Hurdle, day one of the Festival features several other notable races. The Singer Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase will see Nicky Henderson's Lulamba and Mullins' Kopek Des Bordes go hoof-to-hoof as the main threats among seven runners. The Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle opens the Festival with 12 declarations, including Old Park Star, Mighty Park, and El Cairos.
Additionally, the Ultima Handicap Chase will showcase Grand National favourite Iroko, adding to the day's excitement. With these diverse and competitive events, the 2026 Cheltenham Festival promises to deliver high-stakes drama and unforgettable moments from the outset.
