There was a lot of talk about the popular grey mare Lossiemouth running in the Champion Hurdle last season – but instead her connections opted for the easier Mares’ Hurdle.
However, with the State Man injury news this has seen the Lossiemouth Champion Hurdle betting odds shorten to the general second favourite – and she’s even joint-jolly with The New Lion at some firms.
Lossiemouth Champion Hurdle Betting Odds 2026: Popular Grey Disputing Favourites Bert
The 2026 Champion Hurdle betting market was shaken up recently with State Man being ruled out for the season.
Which has led the best horse racing betting sites to shorten the Lossiemouth Champion Hurdle betting odds – and is now vying for the favourites berth.
Only last year’s Turners Novices’ Hurdle winner – The New Lion – is shorter in the market.
As well as The New Lion and Lossiemouth tightening up in the betting, another potential Mullins superstar Anazadam is also down to 6/1.
While the 2024 winner Constitution Hill is now into 5/1 – as he looks to become the first horse since Hurricane Fly to regain the Champion Hurdle.
- The New Lion 3/1
- Lossiemouth 7/2
- Constitution Hill 5/1
- Anzadam 6/1
- William Munny 12/1
- Salvator Mundi 20/1
- Wodhooh 20/1
- 33/1 BAR
Note: Odds are subject to change
Lossiemouth Expected To Take Champion Hurdle Route, Now State Man Out For The Season
Having bolted up in the last two runnings of the Mares’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival – some might think this easier option will be Lossiemouth’s 2026 target again.
And they might be right – after all, she’s head and shoulders above every other mare in this division at the moment.
But with the bookies pushing her out to 4/1 for the recently moved Mares’ Hurdle (now on Thursday) – the signs are strong that she’ll be a Willie Mullins Champion Hurdle runner in 2026 and taking on the boys.
With the Mares’ Hurdle worth £69k and the Champion Hurdle £255k – this means there’s also a massive £185k difference in prize money between the two races.
Last season Lossiemouth lost out to Constitution Hill in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton.
But she got her revenge – when winning the Aintree Hurdle back in April, albeit with Constitution Hill taking a tumble.
Will Lossiemouth Be At Home Over The Champion Hurdle Trip?
Those against Lossiemouth running in the Champion Hurdle might look at the trip.
The day one Cheltenham Festival feature race is run over 2m – whereas the Mares’ Hurdle is 2m4f and Lossiemouth does seem to have better form over longer.
This is backed up with her last two runs over 2m ending with a second and a fall.
While ALL of her last five career wins have been over 2m4f+
But those in favour of with a tilt at the big opening day race, will point to her still only being aged 6 (will be 7 next March) and her record at Cheltenham being exemplary.
She’s unbeaten at Prestbury Park (4-from-4) – so it’s no shock to see the Lossiemouth Champion Hurdle odds now into 7/2.
WATCH: Lossiemouth Winning The 2025 Mares’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival
Lossiemouth Will Also Get Handy 7lbs Champion Hurdle Mares’ Allowance
The other plus for Lossiemouth running in the Champion Hurdle is that she’ll get a handy 7lb mares’ allowance.
Which she obviously wouldn’t in the Mares’ Hurdle – taking on her own sex.
Mares have also done well in the Champion Hurdle in recent times.
Only last year the race produced another when Golden Ace took advantage of the Constitution Hill and State Man falls.
Since 2016 we’ve seen four other winning Champion Hurdle mares.
These were Annie Power (2016), Epatante (2020) and Honeysuckle (2021 and 2022).
Lossiemouth Career In Numbers 🩷💚
- Runs: 14
- Wins: 11
- Top 3 Finishes: 13
- Grade One Wins: 7
- Total Prize Money: £728,859
Owner Rich Ricci Will Be Hoping For A Third Champion Hurdle
Popular owner Rich Ricci, who is responsible for Lossiemouth, will also no doubt want another crack at the Champion Hurdle.
Ricci has won the Champion Hurdle twice in the past.
His first win came with Faugheen ‘the Machine’ in 2015 and his second a year later in 2016 with Annie Power.
Annie Power was, of course, also a mare – so if Lossiemouth runs will be looking to give Ricci his second female Champion Hurdle winner.
Will Paul Townend Still Have A Champion Hurdle Headache?
Last season, with the – will Lossiemouth run in the Champion Hurdle questions – this also would have given jockey Paul Townend a headache.
He’s ridden her in 11 of her last 12, but has also ridden State Man in all bar two of his career runs – plus won the Champion Hurdle on him in 2024.
However, with no State Man this year due to injury – this means Paul Townend would be free to pick Lossiemouth, if she turns up in the Champion Hurdle.
That said, there could be another fly in the ointment for Townend.
Step forward another Willie Mullins horse Anzadam.
This 5 year-old is also expected to take the Champion Hurdle route this season and Paul Townend has ridden him in his last two starts.
He’s also owned by the Donnellys, who have State Man – so will Townend stay loyal here? Or will he side with Lossiemouth.
Of course, a lot can still happen between now and the Champion Hurdle, which will be shown live on ITV Racing – but this could be another added sub-plot this this season’s race.
Anzadam is entered in the Morgiana Hurdle on 22nd November at Punchestown.
And also the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on 29th November.
Lossiemouth Entries: When Will Mullins Grey Run Next?
So, with the Lossiemouth Champion Hurdle odds getting shorter – punters will want to know where she’s going to run next.
As it stands her the Lossiemouth entries state she’s also in the Morgiana Hurdle. However, the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle (30th Nov) is her more likely target.
She also won this Fairyhouse race last year.
When Is The 2026 Champion Hurdle?
📅Date: Tuesday 10th March 2026
⌚Time: 4:00pm
🏇Racecourse: Cheltenham
💰Winner:£255,006
📺 TV: ITV / Racing TV
