Supreme Novices' Hurdle 2026 Runners

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The Supreme Novices' Hurdle is the Cheltenham Festival’s traditional curtain-raiser and one of the most prestigious novice hurdles in National Hunt racing. Run over two miles, it is a fast, fiercely competitive contest that regularly showcases the next generation of top-class hurdlers from Britain and Ireland.

First run in 1947, the race has long been considered the definitive starting point for Cheltenham Festival glory. It was originally run as the “Supreme Novices’ Hurdle” before being rebranded for sponsorship reasons in certain eras, but it has always retained its status as the opening championship-level test for novice hurdlers.

Run over 2 miles ½ furlong (3,199 metres) on Cheltenham’s Old Course, the Supreme Novices' Hurdle features 8 hurdles. The pace is typically relentless and the race demands speed, slick jumping and the ability to handle Festival pressure in a packed field.

The race holds Grade 1 status and takes place on Tuesday 10th March 2026 during the Cheltenham Festival. For novices with Championship potential, winning the Supreme is one of the biggest achievements possible and can mark a horse out as a future star.

Notable Winners

• Altior – unbeaten Festival hero who won in 2016 for Nicky Henderson.
• Vautour – Willie Mullins-trained star who landed the race in 2014.
• Douvan – brilliant winner in 2015 who later became a top-class chaser.
• Constitution Hill – outstanding winner in 2022, later a Champion Hurdle superstar.

Key Race Details

• Race Type: Novice Hurdle
• Grade: Grade 1
• Distance: 2 miles ½ furlong (3,199 metres)
• Number of Hurdles: 8
• Location: Cheltenham Racecourse (Old Course)
• Date: Tuesday 10th March 2026 (Cheltenham Festival – Day One)
• Prize Money: Typically over £100,000 in total prize fund (varies year-on-year)
• Inaugurated: 1947
• Sponsor: Sky Bet

The Supreme Novices' Hurdle remains one of the Cheltenham Festival’s most iconic races, combining speed, precision jumping and Festival intensity in the opening event of the week. With a fast-run two miles on the Old Course and a huge field of unexposed talent, it continues to be a key proving ground for future National Hunt stars.