Champion Hurdle Odds
How to Bet on the Champion Hurdle
The Champion Hurdle is one of the most iconic races at Cheltenham Festival, run on the opening day of the four-day meeting.
As a Grade 1 hurdle race for horses aged four and older, it crowns the best two-mile hurdler in National Hunt racing.
With prestige, prize money and history all in play, most horse racing betting sites release Champion Hurdle odds many months ahead of the event, as they do with many other Cheltenham ante-post markets. Here's the most popular ways to bet on the Champion Hurdle:
Ante-Post & Futures Betting
Ante-post markets for the Champion Hurdle, or futures as they’re known in the US, are often open almost year-round.
Backing early can yield higher odds before final declarations, although bettors must consider the risk of a horse not running.
Look out for promotions like Non-Runner No Bet (NRNB), which refund stakes if your horse doesn't make the final lineup.
Win Market
This is the simplest wager — pick the horse you think will win the Champion Hurdle. If it crosses the line first, your bet wins. If not, it loses.
Place Bet
A place bet pays out if your selection finishes in one of the top positions (usually the top two or three). Some online bookmakers may offer extended place terms depending on the number of runners.
Each-Way
Each-way betting is a popular strategy for this race. Your stake is split between a win bet and a place bet. If the horse wins, both parts return. If it only places, the place portion pays out at a fraction of the odds (commonly 1/4 or 1/5) while the win part will settle as a loser.
Understanding Champion Hurdle Odds
The best betting sites will give you the option to display odds in one of three common formats:
Fractional odds, for example 5/1, are common in the UK and Ireland. A £1 bet at 5/1 returns £6 (£5 profit + £1 stake).
Champion Hurdle Trends
This Grade 1 race has long been a proving ground for the very best hurdlers. While favourites often perform well, upsets are not uncommon.
Speed, stamina and strong Cheltenham form are key indicators to consider when evaluating the Champion Hurdle odds.
Also note that horses returning from a strong performance in the previous year’s festival, or those who ran well in key trials like the Christmas Hurdle or Irish Champion Hurdle, often feature prominently in the betting.
Comparing Champion Hurdle Odds
To get the best value on the Champion Hurdle, punters should compare horse racing odds using our live and up-to-date odds feed.
Odds can shift quickly — especially close to race day — so tracking prices can help you lock in the best possible return.
Follow this page to stay up to date with the latest Champion Hurdle odds and find the best prices from the top betting apps.
