Check out our runners guide and tips for the 2026 Unibet Hurdle.
The Unibet Hurdle at Cheltenham is shaping up as a mouth-watering early-season clash, offering punters a glimpse of potential Champion Hurdle contenders in action.
Unibet Hurdle 2026 Runners Guide
Sir Gino
Trainer: Nicky Henderson
Odds: 1/2
Unbeaten in seven starts, Sir Gino arrives at Cheltenham in scintillating form and is no doubt the one to beat. His Boxing Day demolition of Golden Ace in the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle at Kempton confirmed why he’s already a short-priced favourite for the Champion Hurdle in March. He jumped fluently, tracked the pace, and quickened impressively to win by six lengths.
Kempton is a straightforward track compared to Cheltenham’s stiff uphill finish, where positioning and stamina are crucial and this is a tougher task.
But Sir Gino has proven he handles the track, having beat Champion Hurdle runner-up Burdett Road by ten lengths here in January 2024.
He’s unbeaten in three runs this season, including a Grade 1 Ladbrokes Hurdle win at Kempton, but Cheltenham will be the a true test over a course that punishes any mistake.
The New Lion
Trainer: Dan Skelton
Jockey: Harry Skelton
Odds: 2/1
The New Lion is the obvious danger. He showed his affinity for Cheltenham by winning the Turners’ Novices’ Hurdle last March, impressively using a strong finishing kick to land the Grade 2 contest over two miles.
He started this season in the BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle, but fell at the penultimate flight. Given the hot pace, the early-season rust, and his proven Festival form, connections are confident he can bounce back.
Skelton highlighted that Cheltenham should suit him, and his tactical speed over the hill means he can match Sir Gino if the race is run at a testing tempo. His seasonal form may not be perfect, but course experience and class give him a strong chance.
Bally Bet
Poniros
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Odds: 12/1
Poniros is a wildcard, but a fascinating one. Last year he stunned the jumps world with a 100/1 win in the 2025 JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham on his hurdling debut. He showcased blistering pace and a strong finish, and his sectional times from that Festival indicate a horse who can close quickly if the leaders set a strong gallop.
He followed up with a second-place finish to Lulamba at Punchestown, beaten four lengths. That form looks solid in hindsight, as Lulamba has since emerged as a top juvenile hurdler. Poniros has only had two hurdles runs, so this seasonal return is a major step up, but his potential is immense.
Nemean Lion
Trainer: Kerry Lee
Odds: 66/1
Nemean Lion has been a consistent performer, but his top-level form has been patchy. He finished third behind Sir Gino in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle, beaten 6½ lengths, showing he can mix it with elite company. Last season, he won the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham and the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton, giving him proven course form and strong staying power.
His recent fourth at Windsor over 2m4f on soft ground showed he can travel well but might not have the gears to beat the very best at two miles. He’s more likely to hit the frame if the leaders underperform or the race becomes a slog.
Brentford Hope
Trainer: Harry Derham
Odds: 66/1
The veteran of the field, Brentford Hope has strong Cheltenham form. He was runner-up to Constitution Hill in last year’s Unibet Hurdle (International Hurdle), and also ran second in the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton, showing he thrives when given a chance to finish strongly.
His recent Haydock win, a handicap hurdle victory under Megan Fox, demonstrated he still has plenty of enthusiasm. However, the class rise from handicaps to a high-grade two-mile contest at Cheltenham is significant.
Unibet Hurdle Trends
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Last 11 winners mostly unbeaten before victory.
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Five mares have won since 2016; recent winners often get a 7lb allowance.
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Only two five-year-olds have won since 1985; prime age is 6–8.
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Horses 9+ rarely win; Hurricane Fly (2013) is the last example.
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Festival-winning form matters: 17 of last 27 winners had previous Cheltenham success.
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Irish-trained horses strong: 13 of last 24; 8 of last 12 runnings.
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Recent racing important: 18 of last 21 winners ran in past 7 weeks.
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Market leaders dominate: 29 of last 32 winners in top six of betting.
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Last-time-out winners common: 36 of last 41.
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Regaining the crown is rare: only Hurricane Fly (2011 & 2013).
Unibet Hurdle 2026 Odds
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Sir Gino | 1/2 |
| The New Lion | 2/1 |
| Poniros | 12/1 |
| Brentford Hope | 66/1 |
| Nemean Lion | 66/1 |
Last updated on 20/01/2026 at 14:00.
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Unibet Hurdle Betting Tips
Dan Skelton’s six-year-old is a proven Cheltenham performer, having landed the Turners’ Novices’ Hurdle last season. A fall in the Fighting Fifth shouldn’t be taken as a knock on his ability – he was in control before the mistake – and Harry Skelton is confident Cheltenham will suit more than Newcastle. With Sir Gino likely to set the pace, The New Lion has the class and course experience to hit the line strongest and claims the best chance of upsetting the favourite.
The New Lion to win @ 2/1 with Various Bookmakers
