Road To Cheltenham 2026 Episode 1: El Clavel one to monitor for the Stayers’ Hurdle

We may be in November but the return of jump racing only starts to build excitement for the Cheltenham Festival. We are 19 weeks away from the Greatest Show on Turf and as usual Betfred's Road To Cheltenham podcast is back, led by Matt Hulmes.

In Episode One, he is joined by the familiar face of Joel Ross and a new guest in Dave Orton, with Frankie Foster enjoying life in the USA for the Breeders' Cup. As the countdown begins, the trio start to mention a couple of horses punters should be looking at now for their antepost bets.

Horse Racing Odds

One of the first things discussed in this episode was the Champion Hurdle. Last year was meant to be another shining moment for Festival favourite Constitution Hill but the Nicky Henderson-trained star ended up breaking hearts as he fell four out.

The drama delivered on another level as State Man, who looked like he was going to profit from his rival's tumble, also hit the deck. Willie Mullins' serial Grade 1 winner had built a comfortable lead heading to the final hurdle before departing himself, opening the door for 25/1 shot Golden Ace to snatch the victory.

There are a couple of interesting names being mentioned for the race in 2026 and one that currently excites Dave is The New Lion, for owner JP McManus and trainer Dan Skelton. He enjoyed success in the Turners Novices' Hurdle at the Festival in March. He is currently marked down as the 7/2 favourite with Betfred.

The conversation moved on to the Stayers' Hurdle, which the trio think is going to be built up to be potentially the most exciting race of the Festival. Bob Olinger was the victor in March for Henry De Bromhead's yard and he is currently priced at 14/1 to defend his crown.

Joel was making a big case for five-year-old El Clavel, who won the French Champion Hurdle, but not long after recording it was revealed that he had been ruled out for the season, which came as a huge disappointment.

The guys did get into many more interesting topics in this opening episode and you can check it out for yourself below.