Brighterdaysahead confirmed for Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham

Gordon Elliott has confirmed that his talented mare Brighterdaysahead will compete in the Unibet Champion Hurdle at the upcoming Cheltenham Festival, opting for this prestigious race over the Mares' Hurdle, where she was a strong favorite. The six-year-old has an impressive record, having won nine of her ten races, including back-to-back Grade One victories in the Morgiana Hurdle and the Neville Hotels Hurdle, where she notably defeated last year's Champion Hurdle winner, State Man. Elliott expressed excitement about the challenge this presents, acknowledging the formidable competition posed by Constitution Hill, the current favorite. Brighterdaysahead is now considered the second favorite for the Champion Hurdle, with odds of around 2/1. The decision reflects Elliott's belief in her capabilities, as he stated, 'We think our mare is in good form... there's only one Champion Hurdle.' This marks a significant moment for Elliott, who has yet to win this iconic race.