2026 Supreme Novices Hurdle – Runners, Odds And Tips After Final Declarations
The 2026 Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle has finally taken on a clear shape, and it looks a deeper, more open race than many expected through the winter.
With several big names taken out at the final declaration stage, the spotlight now falls firmly on Old Park Star, Mighty Park and Talk The Talk at the head of the market, but there is no shortage of unexposed talent in behind.
How the Supreme Field Has Finally Shaped Up
From 20 entries at the confirmation stage, the field has been trimmed to 12 for Tuesday’s 2m½f opener at Cheltenham, with Ballyfad, King Rasko Grey, Sober, Sortudo, Saint Baco, Blake, and Free Spirit all not making the final cut.
That thinning-out process has removed a few potential pace angles and at least one likely each-way player, but it has also given the race a more defined structure.
There is now a clear top tier in the betting, a solid middle group, and a handful of bigger-priced runners who bring quietly interesting profiles.
Old Park Star, representing Nicky Henderson with Nico de Boinville on board, now looks set to go off favourite after a run of three straight wins and a course-and-distance success already on his CV.
Mighty Park, one of three Willie Mullins runners, arrives with just two hurdle runs under his belt but is already signalling serious raw ability.
Talk The Talk, from Joseph O’Brien’s yard, completes the principal trio after a progressive campaign capped by a fluent success last time that pushed his official rating to 149.
Behind them sit a cluster of horses, including El Cairos, a six-year-old trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Jack Kennedy, who have done little wrong but are priced as if bookmakers expect the market leaders to be a fair bit better on the day.
That includes Sober Glory, Mydaddypaddy, and Leader d’Allier, all of whom have winning form this season and ratings that put them within striking distance if conditions or tactics favour them.
2026 Supreme Novices Runners and Odds
*Odds from Betfred correct at time of publishing
| Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Park Star | N de Boinville | N J Henderson | 9/4 |
| Mighty Park | Mark Walsh | W P Mullins | 10/3 |
| Talk The Talk | J J Slevin | J P O’Brien | 9/2 |
| El Cairos | Jack Kennedy | G Elliott | 13/2 |
| Mydaddypaddy | Harry Skelton | D Skelton | 8/1 |
| Leader D’allier | Paul Townend | W P Mullins | 10/1 |
| Sober Glory | Ben Jones | P Hobbs & J White | 12/1 |
| Baron Noir | Thomas Bellamy | A King | 28/1 |
| Eachtotheirown | Sean Flanagan | B Connell | 40/1 |
| Too Bossy For Us | – | W P Mullins | 40/1 |
| Koktail Brut | Danny Gilligan | G Elliott | 66/1 |
| Sageborough | Sean O’Keeffe | P Nolan | – |
The Betting Picture and Leading Contenders
As things stand, Old Park Star is trading around 2/1 at the head of the market, backed up by a strong set of form figures that includes three wins from three starts this season.
His profile is that of a classic Supreme favourite: course form, a neat, efficient hurdling technique, and a smooth travelling style that should help him handle a likely honest but not ferocious gallop in a 12-runner field.
Mighty Park is next in, generally 3/1 to 4/1, and he appeals as the archetypal Willie Mullins improver. The fact that he is one of three from the yard, alongside Leader d’Allier and Too Bossy For Us, hints that connections see real depth in their team, but market signals are strongest around Mighty Park at this stage.
Talk The Talk trades in the 4/1 to 5/1 range and brings a slightly different profile. He has already had to overcome adversity, with a fall on his record before bouncing back to win again, and that resilience can be a useful trait in the hustle of a championship novice event.
Dark Horses Who Could Run Big Races
Sober Glory stands out as one who may have been slightly underestimated. He has won four of his last five starts, and arrives here off a sequence of improving performances, which puts him within a length or two of the principals on paper.
Experts have noted his straightforward running style and the way he sticks on under pressure, a trait that could be invaluable if the leading trio take each other on earlier than ideal.
Mydaddypaddy, last seen finishing second as favourite after a string of wins, is another who could easily make his presence felt at a price around 8/1–10/1.
He brings a strong form and has shown a likeable attitude in his races, often travelling prominently and finding more when asked.
In a Supreme where the front of the market is dominated by Irish-trained runners, he offers a home-trained alternative with genuine upside if he can step forward again.
Leader d’Allier is perhaps the most intriguing of the Mullins trio away from Mighty Park. He has been a model of consistency, and a great track record on the flat before switching to hurdles has given him plenty of competitive experience. He also has Paul Townend on board!
What to Expect on the Day
This year’s Supreme Novices Hurdle runners should strike a nice balance between tactical complexity and manageability.
There is enough pace in the line-up to ensure a proper test over 2m½f, but not so much that it turns into an all-out war from the tapes.
The race may well hinge on which of the market leaders settles best and jumps most cleanly in the middle part of the contest.
Old Park Star has the most solid, all-round profile, and if he reproduces his course form, he is the one they all have to beat.
Mighty Park, however, carries the aura of a horse who could find a chunk of improvement in a strongly run Grade 1, while Talk The Talk has the temperament and finishing kick to exploit any errors from his rivals.
Those looking beyond the obvious might side with Sober Glory or Mydaddypaddy as each-way players who have already shown the grit and consistency required to be competitive at this level.
It may lack one standout superstar, but the 2026 Supreme looks a well-balanced, honest race that should set the tone for the Festival.
With proven course form from the favourite, unexposed Irish talent close behind, and a handful of dark horses poised to pounce if things fall their way, the opener promises a fascinating clash of profiles rather than a procession.
BETFRED
