Champion Hurdle Odds: Constitution Hill’s triumphant return?

The feature race on day one of the Cheltenham Festival is the Champion Hurdle (16:00) and all eyes will be on Nicky Henderson's Constitution Hill who looks to reclaim the title after missing last year's race due to an infection.

He is once again the favourite and will square up against Willie Mullins-trained State Man (last year's champion) at Prestbury Park. Below you will find the Champion Hurdle odds for 2025.

Champion Hurdle Odds

Constitution Hill @ 8/13

Constitution Hill's absence at the Festival last year was a great shame as he has become one of the punters' favourite horses at Cheltenham. Henderson will be hoping he can make a triumphant return to GL50 and he is being heavily backed to reclaim his crown.

Some would argue that the peak of his powers came in 2023 and we are yet to see those same levels recently. However, he is an incredible hurdler and remains unbeaten under rules which includes the victory in this race two years ago, and the Supreme in 2022.

If Nico de Boinville can get a similar ride out of him this time around it's hard to see anyone stopping him.

Brighterdaysahead @ 2/1

Gordon Elliott's Brighterdaysahead is a mare who some fancy to prove Constitution Hill is mortal in the Champion Hurdle this year. The six-year-old won by a whopping 30 lengths on her previous outing at Leopardstown over Christmas.

The only stain on her CV so far came at the Festival last season but great strides (if you'll pardon the pun) have been made since then. She looks to be Constitution Hill's biggest threat on Tuesday and will be ready to pounce if the favourite makes any errors.

State Man @ 10/1

Last year's victor returns to defend his crown but there is no doubting that he needs to improve himself. State Man came out on top in what was a weak field in Constitution Hill's absence, and now he has Brighterdaysahead, who has beaten him twice this season, to compete with as well.

Given the form of the other two, State Man could be at risk of missing out on a place this year, which would feel like a massive deflation following the result in 2024.

Cheltenham Betting Odds

Golden Ace @ 33/1

This mare can brag about beating Brighterdaysahead in the Mares' Novices Hurdle at the Festival last year but her rival is a much stronger threat now. Should enjoy the reduction in trip but it's unlikely to do anything for her chances in the grand scheme of things.

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Burdett Road @ 40/1

Another horse who has experience of being well-beaten by the favourite for this race, Burdett Road's chances of victory here are slim. It would take a legendary display for the five-year-old to defeat the two favourites on current form, with lack of progress in recent months a concern.

Winter Fog @ 100/1

Another entry for Mullins is veteran Winter Fog, whose chances are also unfavourable. Hasn't been able to match Brighterdaysahead or stablemate State Man since being upped to Grade 1 level. With his current age, vast improvements are not expected.

King Of Kingsfield @ 150/1

Elliott's second entry is King Of Kingsfield, who doesn't seem up to the task in front of him, hence the large price. He's not up to the standard of some of the stars in this race and it will take all his effort to just try and keep pace.

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