Tips For The Champion Hurdle 2025 – Will The Odds On Favourite Win?
The primary attraction on the first day draws some of the finest two-mile racers around. It also attracts most of the betting on day one so keep reading for our tips for the Champion Hurdle in 2025.
The is open to horses aged four and above, navigating eight hurdles en route to potential victory.
Historically, Irish-trained horses have dominated, with six of the last ten winners hailing from Ireland, and nine of the last ten victors winning their previous race.
Mares have claimed four of the last ten victories. Winners typically finish in under four minutes and are usually well-supported in the betting market.
Only Espoir D’Allen has won at double-digit odds in the past decade. That was in 2019 when he won on odds of 16/1.
Otherwise, eight of the last ten winners have been the favourite.
Nicky Henderson and Willie Mullins stand out as the trainers to watch, having collectively won the race fourteen times.
Henderson’s successes include Constitution Hill, Punjabi, Binocular, Buveur D’Air (2017 & 2018), and Epatante, while Mullins’ notable winners include Hurricane Fly (2011 & 2013), Faugheen, Annie Power and State Man in 2024.
Horses performing strongly in prep races at Leopardstown and Sandown tend to have enhanced chances in this event.
Runners To Watch
The Champion Hurdle, one of the most prestigious races at the Cheltenham Festival, is set to take place on Tuesday, March 11th, 2025.
Last year’s edition saw State Man, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, claim victory as the 2/5 favourite, dominating the field with a convincing performance at Cheltenham Racecourse.
As we approach the 2025 renewal, the focus shifts to a new set of contenders, with Constitution Hill emerging as the odds-on favourite to regain his title.
This year’s race promises to be a thrilling contest, with a field of seven talented horses vying for the top spot.
Constitution Hill
Constitution Hill, trained by Nicky Henderson, is the standout favourite. His unbeaten record over hurdles, including a stunning win in the 2023 Champion Hurdle, makes him a formidable opponent.
Despite missing last year’s Festival due to injury, he has returned to form with impressive wins this season, solidifying his position as the one to beat.
However, his dominance will be challenged by Brighterdaysahead, a talented mare from Gordon Elliott’s stable.
Brighterdaysahead
Brighterdaysahead has been in scintillating form, notably winning the Neville Hotels Hurdle at Leopardstown by an impressive 30 lengths.
She has has already beaten last year’s winner, State Man, on two occasions this season.
State Man
State Man, the defending champion, faces a tougher task this year.
Despite his impressive record, including a third consecutive Irish Champion Hurdle win, he has struggled against Brighterdaysahead and will need to be at his best to challenge the favourites.
Winter Fog
His stablemate, Winter Fog, an 11-year-old veteran, is unlikely to threaten the top three but could be in contention for a place.
Burdett Road
Burdett Road, trained by James Owen, has shown promise with a win in the Greatwood Hurdle and a respectable third in the Christmas Hurdle behind Constitution Hill and Lossiemouth (who has been rerouted to the Mares’ Hurdle).
While he may not be able to win, he could sneak into the places if the favourites falter.
Golden Ace and King Of Kingsfield
Golden Ace and King Of Kingsfield complete the field. Golden Ace has shown some form but is likely to find the going tough against the top contenders.
King Of Kingsfield is expected to act as a pacemaker for Brighterdaysahead, which could influence the race dynamics but is unlikely to challenge for the win himself.
The race is set to be a strategic battle, with Constitution Hill and Brighterdaysahead likely to dictate the pace and outcome.
Tips For The Champion Hurdle 2025
I’ve gone back and forth over the top two and while it would be great to see Constitution Hill win it again for Nicky Henderson, I have a nagging feeling that Brighterdaysahead could throw a spanner in the works.
Then again, it’s hard to go against the favourite in this race and the stage is set for Constitution Hill to reclaim his Champion Hurdle crown.
Unbeaten over hurdles until his injury-enforced absence last year, Nicky Henderson’s star has returned to form with a vengeance.
His recent victories have been nothing short of breathtaking, and with Nico de Boinville in the saddle, he looks almost unbeatable.
So, despite the strong challenge expected from Brighterdaysahead, Constitution Hill’s class and experience make him the one to beat.
TIP: Constitution Hill for the Champion Hurdle 2025
Runners & Odds
*odds correct at time of publication
| Number | Name | Jockey | Trainer | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Constitution Hill | N de Boinville | N J Henderson | 8/13 |
| 6 | Brighterdaysahead | J W Kennedy | G Elliott | 9/4 |
| 4 | State Man | P Townend | W P Mullins | 10/1 |
| 7 | Golden Ace | Lorcan Williams | J Scott | 28/1 |
| 1 | Burdett Road | Sam Twiston-Davies | James Owen | 40/1 |
| 5 | Winter Fog | B Hayes | W P Mullins | 100/1 |
| 3 | King Of Kingsfield | D J Gilligan | G Elliott | 125/1 |
Conclusion
As the Cheltenham Festival gets underway, the Champion Hurdle promises to be one of the highlights.
With a field that includes former winners and rising stars, the race is poised to deliver an exciting spectacle.
Whether Constitution Hill can reclaim his title or if Brighterdaysahead will upset the odds, one thing is certain: this year’s Champion Hurdle will be a race to remember.
In conclusion, the 2025 Champion Hurdle is shaping up to be a race for the ages, with Constitution Hill and Brighterdaysahead set to engage in a thrilling duel.
While State Man and Burdett Road could challenge for places, the real battle will be between the top two favourites.
As fans and punters alike await the start of the race, one thing is clear: this year’s Champion Hurdle will be a testament to the enduring excitement and unpredictability of horse racing.
With its rich history and talented field, the 2025 Champion Hurdle is an event not to be missed.
BETFRED
