Champion Hurdle Picture Shifts Following State Man‘s Retirement
The landscape of the 2026 Unibet champion Hurdle at Cheltenham has dramatically altered with the unexpected retirement of State Man. A phenomenal hurdler, State Man leaves behind a legacy of consistent top-level performance and 12 Grade 1 victories. His absence creates a significant power vacuum, instantly impacting the betting markets and opening doors for a new generation of stars.
A Champion’s Career Cut Short
State Man’s career was nothing short of remarkable. He overcame a frustrating defeat to Constitution hill in the 2023 Champion Hurdle, returning in 2024 to claim a decisive victory against Irish Point. Last season offered a glimpse of further success before a heartbreaking fall at the final flight dashed those hopes.
Beyond the champion Hurdle, State Man showcased his versatility and dominance with a dual Cheltenham Festival win in the county Hurdle (2022). He consistently delivered, securing three Irish Champion Hurdles at Leopardstown and an notable four consecutive wins at the Punchestown Festival.
Notably, since November 2022, State Man maintained a remarkably consistent Racing Post Rating between 165 and 168 in the majority of his starts. This reliability underscored his class and cemented his position as a true champion.
Market Response: New Favorites Emerge
Bookmakers swiftly adjusted to the news of State Man’s retirement. The New Lion,fresh off a victory in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle,saw his odds shorten to 3/1 (from 7/2) with Bet365. Lossiemouth also benefited, being trimmed from 6/1 to 3/1 joint-favorite, signaling a surge in confidence.
however, the market isn’t solely focused on these two. Mullins still appears to hold a strong hand, with Anzadam - also owned by the same connections - now available at 7/1 with Coral and Ladbrokes. He’s currently being considered for both the Morgiana Hurdle and the betMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle.
Interestingly, a slight shift has occurred in the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle market. Lossiemouth has eased to 3/1 (from 2/1), while Wodhooh now leads the betting at 5/2.
Updated 2026 Unibet Champion Hurdle Odds (Cheltenham, March 10)
Here’s a look at the current odds, reflecting the changing dynamics of the race:
| Horse | Odds (Unibet) |
|---|---|
| The New Lion | 3/1 |
| Lossiemouth | 7/2 |
| Anzadam | 6/1 |
| Constitution Hill | 6/1 |
| William Munny | 11/1 |
| Wodhooh | 16/1 |
| Salvator Mundi | 25/1 |
| Irancy | 25/1 |
| Others | 33/1 bar |
What This Means for You
If you’re a racing enthusiast, this retirement injects a new level of excitement into the Champion Hurdle picture. The race is now wide open, with several contenders vying for the coveted title.
* The New Lion represents a rising star, brimming with potential.
* Lossiemouth offers a proven track record and is a consistent performer.
* Anzadam is an interesting newcomer, and his upcoming runs will be crucial.
* Don’t count out constitution Hill, who, when fit and firing, is a formidable opponent.
As we move closer to the Cheltenham Festival, keep a close eye on these horses and their performances.The 2026 Champion hurdle promises to be a thrilling contest, and you
