Lossiemouth is Cheltenham Festival headliner for Paul Townend

Paul Townend will be looking to start the 2026 Cheltenham Festival off strong as he takes three rides on the opening day of the meeting – with Lossiemouth and Kopek Des Bordes the standout names on Tuesday, March 10.

Betway ambassador Townend has three mounts on the first of the Cheltenham Festival, with all of those coming in Grade One races.

Townend and Willie Mullins were respectively crowned top jockey and trainer at the meeting last year and look well poised to defend those titles.

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Lossiemouth the champion?

Townend’s headline act is Lossiemouth in the Champion Hurdle.

There was doubt as to whether the star mare would take her place in the two-mile showpiece but after much debate, connections have opted for a chance at claiming the jewel of the hurdling crown. 

Mullins, the Ricci’s and Ruby Walsh won the race ten years ago with Annie Power and they will be hoping history repeats itself with Lossiemouth.

Something Townend believes can happen, despite some stiff opposition, saying: “If she’s ever going to have a crack at a Champion Hurdle, this is probably the right time. 

“She always seems to come alive at Cheltenham so I’m really hanging onto that as Festival form is always key here.

“Brighterdaysahead is a quality mare, but you’d say she hasn’t shown her best on her two previous visits to Cheltenham. 

“I think the mares, including Golden Ace, will really put it up to The New Lion,

“If Lossiemouth is back to her brilliant best, then I think she’s the one they’ll all have to beat.”

All aboard the Kopek train?

Probably the highlight of the undercard, last year’s Supreme Novice Hurdle winner Kopek Des Bordes takes on Lulamba, in a fascinating renewal of the Arkle Chase.

Mullins also fields Kargese in the race but Townend has opted for Kopek Des Bordes, a horse who he thinks is very special.

“It’s no secret that coming here off the back of just one run over fences isn’t ideal, but this is a horse with a serious level of ability, so if anybody can win an Arkle on just their second chase start it’s him,” said Townend.

“Lulamba has shown a high level of form this season and has experience on his side, but I just have a feeling I’m on the horse with most natural ability – certainly over two miles, anyway. 

“Although he lacks experience over fences, he’s been to Cheltenham before and handled the prelims, which will help, and he’s schooled so well recently, so we go there full of hope.”

Leader a dark horse in hot Supreme?

Leader d’Allier is Townend’s mount for a fascinating renewal of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and he believes his charge might upset some of the market principles, including his more fancied stable-mate.

“He has a lot of experience from his time in France, which will stand him in good stead in a race of this nature,” said Townend.

“His work at home since then has been really good, so even though he isn’t one of our usual hotpots we’d have in the Supreme, I think he could run a big race.

“It’s no secret that Mighty Park will be the stable’s first string, and as impressive as he was at Fairyhouse on debut, it won’t be easy going from a maiden hurdle straight into a Supreme. 

“Even horses such as El Cairos, Talk The Talk, and Mydaddypaddy all come here with strong chances, so it looks a very strong race, and I’d say whoever wins it could go on to big things.”

You can read more about Paul Townend’s thoughts on his three rides at Cheltenham and his thoughts on Willie Mullins’ runners in the Fred Winter Handicap and the Plate Handicap in his Betway insider blog.

READ MORE: Cheltenham Festival 2026: Champion Hurdle race analysis and preview