Cheltenham Festival 2026: Champion Day Recap

Tuesday 10th March 2026

Before a hoof hit the turf, there was a moment that had plenty of racegoers reaching for a lump in their throat. Constitution Hill appeared in the parade ring at Prestbury Park, not to race, but to say goodbye.

The nine-year-old, once the undisputed champion of the hurdling world, has switched to Flat racing and came to Cheltenham simply to parade in front of his many admirers. Trainer Nicky Henderson said it best: “It’s not goodbye, it’s goodbye to Cheltenham.” A lovely touch from the Festival.

Race 1 – Supreme Novices’ Hurdle: Old Park Star

Nicky Henderson’s Old Park Star kicked off the Festival with a bang, winning the opening Supreme Novices’ Hurdle to give Britain an early lead over Ireland. It was a British 1-2-3, with Sober Glory and Mydaddypaddy filling the places. Henderson, landing his 76th Cheltenham Festival winner, was predictably delighted.

Race 2 – Arkle Challenge Trophy: Kargese

Kargese stole the show to get Willie Mullins on the board, beating favourites Lulamba and Kopek Des Bordes in a result that raised more than a few eyebrows.

Race 3 – Juvenile Handicap Hurdle: Saratoga

There was a birthday victory for owner JP McManus as Saratoga stormed away at 10/1 – a nice present indeed.

Race 4 – Ultima Handicap Chase: Johnywho

McManus landed a second triumph of the day as the 18/1 shot Johnnywho took the Ultima Handicap Chase from favourite Jagwar. A great day for the famous green and gold silks.

Race 5 – Champion Hurdle: Lossiemouth

The big one. Lossiemouth won the Champion Hurdle to the roar of the crowd, with jockey Paul Townend saying he knew from the moment she walked to the start that she was in the mood. Ricci summed up the feeling: “Unbelievable, magic, great.” A brilliant performance from a mare who absolutely loves this place.

Race 6 – Sun Racing Plate: Madara

The Skelton brothers had been waiting for their moment all day, and Madara delivered in style. The favourite came home seven and a half lengths clear of Will The Wise – a thoroughly dominant performance.

Race 7 – National Hunt Chase: Holloway Queen

What a way to end the day! Holloway Queen’s win marked a first-ever Cheltenham Festival winner for jockey James Bowen. It also meant Nicky Henderson bookended the day with a second triumph, having won the opener too. First and last on Champion Day.

Britain got off to a flier in the Prestbury Cup, but Ireland hit back with Lossiemouth and Kargese. JP McManus had a day to remember, Nicky Henderson reminded everyone he’s still very much in the game, and the absolute legend Constitution Hill left the building with his head held high. What a way to start the week!

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