Cheltenham 2026 Stayers’ Hurdle – top favourites and ante-post preview

As Cheltenham Festival 2026 looms large, the Stayers’ Hurdle once again commands attention as the defining test for staying hurdlers. Run over approximately three miles on Cheltenham’s New Course, this Grade 1 race demands absolute stamina, strong jumping, and tactical intelligence.

With connections already mapping out their spring campaigns, a handful of likely favourites have emerged in the ante-post betting markets, backed by form, experience, and staying pedigree. For those who bet on horse racing and stay up-to-date with the odds for staying contests – read on as we examine the leading contenders for the 2026 Stayers’ Hurdle and what makes each one a serious player in this championship event.

Teahupoo

At the head of most ante-post markets is Teahupoo, currently a joint or outright favourite according to several bookmakers and tipsters. Some bookmakers have him listed at 11/2, while others suggest he is the standout hope for 2026. A proven Grade 1 performer over staying trips, Teahupoo has already tasted Stayers’ Hurdle glory and will likely be targeted again by connections keen on returning to the top of Cheltenham’s longdistance hurdle division. According to many industry experts, experience and class make him the benchmark against which other stayers will be judged.

Ballyburn

Trained by Willie Mullins, Ballyburn is emerging as a serious challenger in the early betting for the 2026 renewal. At the time of writing, he appears at 5/1 odds. While he has been campaigned over fences during his novice career, his connections may drop him back to hurdling and target this threemile test. Some pundits note that Mullins’ decision to switch Ballyburn’s programme could make him ideally suited to the staying hurdle trip. Given his class, stamina, and the pedigree of his stable, Ballyburn is a compelling ante-post pick.

Bob Olinger

Bob Olinger, the 2025 Stayers’ Hurdle winner, remains firmly in the mix for 2026, despite being one of the older hopefuls. For those tipping Bob Olinger to finish first past the post, he is listed at 12/1 in many ante-post guides. His Festival record and proven staying-hurdle ability make him a danger, though age may be a factor — he will need to replicate his 2025 form to successfully defend his title. His previous success demonstrates that, under the right conditions, he still has the engine and the heart for Cheltenham.

The Yellow Clay

Another interesting candidate is The Yellow Clay, trained by Gordon Elliott. According to certain bookies, he is priced around 10/1 for the 2026 Stayers’ Hurdle. Many pundits agree that he’s among the leading names in the early betting, but view him a little further back than Teahupoo or Ballyburn. The Yellow Clay offers a mix of stamina and improvement, and if he can carry his form forward, he could thrive over three miles at Cheltenham and trouble the more established favourites.

Final Thoughts

The ante-post betting for the 2026 Stayers’ Hurdle suggests a fascinating showdown – Teahupoo remains the headline name, combining experience, class, and staying ability, while Ballyburn, under Willie Mullins, represents a bold and potentially inspired move if dropped to hurdling. Meanwhile, Bob Olinger, as the defending champion, carries the weight of expectation but also proven ability, while The Yellow Clay adds a touch of improving form.

As the Festival draws closer, keep an eye on how these horses are campaigned, whether ground conditions play to their strengths, and how connections plan their prep seasons. The Stayers’ Hurdle often rewards patient runners with heart and stamina — if Teahupoo repeats, or if a rising star like Ballyburn or The Yellow Clay upsets him, 2026 could be a classic renewal.