IRISH horses account for half of the 16 entries for the Unibet Champion Hurdle, but their British counterparts fill the first two positions in the ante-post market.

Sir Gino is currently favourite following the extension of his unbeaten record to seven, with a scintillating performance in the Christmas Hurdle.

Nicky Henderson has also entered the 2024 winner Constitution Hill, with a possible run on the flat being considered after falling on three of his last four starts.

Henderson has expressed an interest in running Michael Buckley’s multiple Grade 1 winner over a mile and a half at Southwell on February 20th, in a Class 2 novice stakes worth £40,000.

The New Lion also fell on his seasonal return in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle, but whereas Nico de Boinville parted ways at just the second flight, Harry Cobden’s mount had a length advantage when falling at the second last.

Previously unbeaten, the Turners Novice Hurdle winner is Dan Skelton’s sole entry and is second favourite for the Champion Hurdle at this stage.

Lossiemouth is Willie Mullins’ leading hope from five entries, but has also been included in the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle, of which she has won the last two runnings.

Jeremy Scott’s 2025 Champion Hurdle heroine Golden Ace also holds entries in both Grade 1s, but her trainer has expressed an intent to go up against the geldings once again.

Green team

Gordon Elliott’s three-time Grade 1 winner Brighterdaysahead also has the option of both. Her ultra-progressive stablemate Wodhooh is another among the 25 mares entered, 10 of which hail from Ireland, with a single entry from France.

Willie Mullins has entered five in a bid to win the race for a record-extending 12th time. Lossiemouth heads the ante-post market, followed by Wodhooh and Brighterdaysahead in that order, with Closutton’s Jade De Grugy and Paul Nolan’s Feet Of A Dancer ensuring Irish domination at the top of the betting.

Brian Acheson’s Robcour achieved the unusual feat of owning the 1-2 in last year’s Stayers’ Hurdle, and has a chance of repeating history, with both Bob Olinger and Teahupoo appearing in the 29 entries.

The latter is currently a 7/4 shot to repeat his 2024 heroics for Gordon Elliott, while the Henry de Bromhead-trained veteran is priced at 9/1.

Elliott’s Honesty Policy is currently second favourite, following his third in the Long Walk Hurdle won by the Nicky Henderson-trained Impose Toi.

Runner-up in the Coral Cup at last year’s Festival, the J.P. McManus-owned eight-year-old is now three from three this season.