Stayers' Hurdle horse racing tips – Copybet
The Stayers’ Hurdle is the feature race on day three of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival, with last year’s winner Bob Olinger back to defend his crown.
Teahupoo finished second in the 2025 edition and also returns in a bid to go on better, while there are a further nine confirmed in this 11-runner field.
Teahupoo – Cheltenham
Teahupoo won the Stayers’ Hurdle in 2024 before losing out to Bob Olinger, who represents the same owners, last year.
Those two are expected to have another good battle in the 2026 edition but it is Teahupoo who is fancied to reverse the form this time.
Gordon Elliott’s charge arrives in peak condition having won both starts this season, firstly edging out Ballyburn by a nose at Fairyhouse and then beating Bob Olinger by seven lengths in the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown.
That latest performance confirmed Teahupoo remains one of the elite staying hurdlers and his proven stamina, powerful finishing and ability to handle the Cheltenham demands make him the headline selection.
With a Stayers’ Hurdle record of 312, Teahupoo looks like the one to beat.
Ballyburn – Cheltenham
Ballyburn brings plenty of class to the race and remains a fascinating contender for Willie Mullins, whose runners must always be respected.
The eight-year-old has a Cheltenham Festival win on his CV, winning the 2024 Novices' Hurdle by a massive 13 lengths, and form around this course can prove beneficial.
Although he has not been quite as dominant in open company since, he still possesses a lot of ability and could get in the mix.
His second-placed effort earlier to Teahupoo at Fairyhouse over two and a half miles in November demonstrated that he is capable of running at the very top level.
Ballyburn has always been held in high regard and you get the impression he has yet to reach his full potential. It would be no surprise to see him run a huge race for the Mullins yard.