Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 2026 Tips: Cheltenham 1:20 Preview & Best Bets

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Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Tips

Best Bet: Mydaddypaddy
Main Danger: Old Park Star
Best Irish Challenger: Talk The Talk
Each-Way Value: Sober Glory

Predicted Finish:

1. Mydaddypaddy
2. Old Park Star
3. Talk The Talk
4. Sober Glory

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Cheltenham First Race Offers

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The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is one of the most iconic races at the Cheltenham Festival and traditionally opens the meeting with the famous “Cheltenham roar”. Run over just over two miles at Cheltenham Racecourse, the race brings together the best novice hurdlers from Britain and Ireland.

The 2026 renewal looks a fascinating contest with several progressive horses arriving with strong form. Unbeaten favourites, impressive Grade 1 winners and exciting newcomers from powerful stables combine to create a race that could produce a future champion.

Below is our full preview and analysis of the Cheltenham first race leading contenders along with the best betting angles for the opening race of the festival.

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Old Park Star – The Favourite

Trainer: Nicky Henderson
Jockey: Nico de Boinville

The unbeaten Old Park Star sets the standard heading into the race after winning all three of his starts over hurdles. His latest victory in a Grade 2 contest at Haydock confirmed his position near the top of the novice hurdle division.

The six-year-old travelled strongly before quickening clear that day, demonstrating both pace and stamina. Importantly for a race like the Supreme, he has already shown that he handles big occasions and competitive company.

Another major advantage is his course experience, having already won at Cheltenham. Horses that have proven they can handle the unique undulations of the track often hold an edge in Festival races.

With the powerful Henderson stable in excellent form heading into the meeting, Old Park Star looks certain to run a big race.

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Mydaddypaddy – The Best Betting Option

Trainer: Dan Skelton
Jockey: Harry Skelton

While the favourite brings a strong record into the race, Mydaddypaddy may offer better betting value.

The five-year-old had been strongly fancied for the Supreme earlier in the season after a series of impressive victories. His only defeat came at Formby, a run that many observers believe can be forgiven.

Prior to that performance he had shown plenty of ability, travelling strongly and finishing his races well. Those qualities are particularly valuable in the Supreme, which is typically run at a relentless pace.

Connections have long indicated that this race has been the main target, and a strongly run two miles at Cheltenham could play perfectly to his strengths.

If returning to his best form, he could prove very difficult to beat.

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Talk The Talk – Ireland’s Leading Contender

Trainer: Joseph O'Brien
Jockey: J J Slevin

Ireland has dominated many of the Festival’s novice races in recent years and Talk The Talk looks a leading contender from the Irish team.

The five-year-old produced an impressive performance when winning a Grade 1 at the Dublin Racing Festival, demonstrating both determination and a strong finishing kick.

That race was run at a steady pace, yet he still managed to quicken late and get up on the line. With the Supreme expected to be run at a stronger gallop, he could improve further.

His ability to perform at Grade 1 level already makes him one of the most interesting runners in the field.

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Sober Glory – Rapid Improver

Trainer: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Another horse with a progressive profile is Sober Glory, who has been beaten only once in his career.

His most recent victory at Newbury was particularly impressive, where he travelled smoothly before quickening clear of his rivals. That performance suggested he may be ready to compete in Grade 1 company.

With a strong record over hurdles and plenty of improvement still possible, he looks a solid each-way contender.

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Mighty Park – The Mullins Wildcard

Trainer: Willie Mullins

Any runner trained by Willie Mullins must be taken seriously at Cheltenham, and Mighty Park is one of the more intriguing horses in the field.

The five-year-old has had only two career starts but produced a remarkable performance when winning by 38 lengths at Fairyhouse.

That result suggests significant natural ability, although his relative lack of experience could be a disadvantage in a race as competitive as the Supreme.

Nevertheless, the Mullins factor means he cannot be overlooked.

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Other Runners

Several other horses add depth to the race:

• Leader d’Allier – progressive performer from the Mullins yard.
• El Cairos – powerful galloper who must improve his jumping.
• Baron Noir – consistent performer who continues to progress over hurdles.

While these runners may need improvement to challenge the leading contenders, novice races at Cheltenham can often produce surprises.

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Race Tactics

The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is usually run at a very strong pace as several runners attempt to gain early position.

This fast tempo often favours horses that can travel smoothly just behind the leaders before making their move approaching the final hurdle.

Accurate jumping is also crucial, as even minor mistakes can quickly end a horse’s chances in such a high-speed race.

With several front-running types declared for the race, another strongly run renewal looks likely.

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Verdict

The 2026 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle looks a high-quality contest with several exciting prospects.

Old Park Star deserves his position at the top of the market thanks to his unbeaten record and impressive Grade 2 success at Haydock.

However, Mydaddypaddy could represent the best betting opportunity if bouncing back to the level of form he showed earlier in the season.

Irish challenger Talk The Talk also commands plenty of respect after his Grade 1 victory, while Sober Glory looks capable of running a big race at attractive odds.

With the famous Cheltenham roar sending the runners on their way, the opening race of the festival promises to deliver another thrilling start to four days of outstanding racing.

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Cheltenham 1:20 – Final Tips

Best Bet: Mydaddypaddy
Danger: Old Park Star
Irish Challenger: Talk The Talk
Each-Way: Sober Glory

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