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The prestigious Cheltenham Festival stands as the pinnacle of National Hunt racing, a four-day spectacle where equine legends are crowned, and racing folklore is crafted amidst the undulating Cotswold hills. As we approach the 2025 renewal, the opening day's championship contest—the Champion Hurdle—presents a compelling narrative cantered on one extraordinary partnership.
Nicky Henderson's Constitution Hill approaches the Festival with a perfect record intact despite weathering a potentially career-ending health crisis.
The favourite for the Champion Hurdle 2025, his absence from last year's championship opens a fascinating chapter of redemption as he seeks to reclaim his crown against an emerging cast of worthy challengers.
The burning question captivating racing enthusiasts centres on whether any rival possesses sufficient quality to topple the reigning monarch of two-mile hurdling, including the reigning champion State Man.
Constitution Hill's immaculate career record—10 victories from 10 starts under rules—places him among the most accomplished hurdlers of the modern era. His journey from promising novice to established champion represents one of racing's most compelling contemporary narratives, particularly considering his successful recovery from serious illness.
Alongside trainer Nicky Henderson, who boasts an extraordinary eight previous Champion Hurdle winners, you wonder if anyone has the quality to prevent a moment for the history books. That said, there is always unpredictability at Cheltenham, and there is plenty of quality across the field.
In this article, we take a look at the close contenders for the Champion Hurdle and assess if any have what it takes to stop the might of Constitution Hill.
Brighterdaysahead (2/1)
Gordon Elliott's exceptional six-year-old has emerged as Constitution Hill's most credible challenger following a series of devastating performances. Her most significant statement came at Leopardstown, where she demolished a high-class field to win the Neville Hotels Hurdle by an astonishing 30 lengths, a performance that sent shockwaves through the division.
With nine victories from 10 career starts, Brighterdaysahead possesses both the talent and scope for further improvement that could potentially trouble the champion. The critical question remains whether connections will pitch her against Constitution Hill or pursue what might be considered an easier option in the Mares' Hurdle, where the odds will be much different in the horse race betting.
Lossiemouth (4/1)
Mullins' other talented mare has established herself among the premier two-mile hurdlers in training, with nine victories from twelve career starts highlighting her consistent excellence.
Having finished a creditable second to Constitution Hill in the Christmas Hurdle when receiving seven pounds, she subsequently found State Man too strong at Leopardstown.
Her Cheltenham Festival credentials were emphatically confirmed when dominating the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle last March, demonstrating her affinity for the undulating Prestbury Park track. While bridging the gap to Constitution Hill represents a significant challenge, her natural talent ensures she cannot be dismissed lightly.
State Man (6/1)
Last year's Champion Hurdle winner in Constitution Hill's absence, State Man possesses a remarkable record of 13 victories from 18 career starts to complete a Mullins hat-trick of challengers.
His recent success at Leopardstown, where he comfortably dispatched four rivals by six and a half lengths, confirmed his continued well-being.
With three previous Festival appearances yielding two victories, including last year's Champion Hurdle triumph, State Man brings championship credentials and proven Cheltenham form to the table.
While his defeat by Constitution Hill in the 2023 renewal suggests he faces a significant challenge, his consistency and quality make him a genuine contender with legitimate each-way claims.
