The Supreme Novices' Hurdle is the traditional curtain-raiser to the Cheltenham Festival — the first race of the week, and always one of the most nerve-shredding. This year's renewal looks like a fascinating duel between Nicky Henderson's Old Park Star and Willie Mullins' Talk The Talk.
Old Park Star won the Rossington Main at Haydock impressively and is only entered in the Supreme, which tells you Henderson thinks this is his race. He's a strong traveller who should handle the Cheltenham hill well, and at 15/8 he looks a fair price for the Festival opener.
Talk The Talk was looming large when he fell at Leopardstown in the Future Champions, and he's drifted slightly in the market since. If he stands up, he's got the class to win this. El Cairos is the other single-entry contender worth a look at 5/1.
Supreme Novices' Hurdle 2026 Tips
- Selection: Old Park Star (15/8) — Nicky Henderson's charge looks the most solid option in the Festival opener
- Each-Way: El Cairos (5/1) — single entry, interesting profile
Supreme Novices' Hurdle Odds Comparison
| Horse | Odds | Trainer |
|---|---|---|
| Old Park Star | 15/8 | Nicky Henderson |
| Talk The Talk | 4/1 | Willie Mullins |
| El Cairos | 5/1 | — |
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