The function race of Day 1 at Cheltenham happens at 4pm today, where a strong nine-horse field is expected to line up for what promises to be an increasingly competitive Champion Hurdle.

It is Lossiemouth who heads the market with Sky Bet to finish first past the post, with the Willie Mullins-trained mare having actually been increased from 6/4 to 13/8.

The mare - who boasts 13 wins and 3 runner-up finishes from her 17 career begins - enjoyed an exceptional 2025 project, claiming victories in the Mares' Hurdle, Aintree Hurdle, Morgiana Hurdle and the December Hurdle at Leopardstown.

She needed to settle for second in her only start of 2026 to date, with the seven-year-old decreasing by more than three lengths to Brighterdaysahead.

Champion Hurdle sneak peek: Sky Bet favourites for the function race on Day 1 at Cheltenham

Behind the favourite in the betting is The New Lion, who is presently priced as the 5/2 2nd favourite with Sky Bet.

The gelding boasts strong course form at Cheltenham, having actually won in 2015's Turners Novices' Hurdle before declaring a Grade 2 contest last month.

Meanwhile, the aforementioned Brighterdaysahead is also expected to mount a strong difficulty, with the Gordon Elliott-trained mare set up as the 5/1 3rd favourite.

Despite tape-recording ten career wins, Brighterdaysahead has yet to secure success at Cheltenham Racecourse. The seven-year-old finished second in the Mares' Novices' Hurdle in 2024 before positioning fourth in the Champion Hurdle the following year.

When she completed 4th in the Champion Hurdle in 2025, it was Golden Ace who emerged victorious. Those backing the mare to protect her crown this year can presently discover her priced at 10/1.

Completing the nine-horse field are Poniros (14/1), Alexei (16/1), Anzadam (22/1), Tutti Quanti (25/1) and rank outsider Workahead at 66/1.

Sky Bet chances for the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival:

Lossiemouth - WAS 13/8 NOW 7/4

The New Lion - 5/2

Brighterdaysahead - 5/1

Golden Ace - 10/1

Poniros - 14/1

Alexei - 16/1

Anzadam - 22/1

Tutti Quanti - 25/1

Workahead - 66/1