18+ | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure

Tracker

Free Bets

Mobile View

Cheltenham 2026

Cheltenham Cards

Cheltenham Tips

Cheltenham Offers

Cheltenham 2026

Briareus In Champion Tilt

Follow on Discover

Published at

Trainer Andrew Balding has confirmed that he will pay £17,000 to supplement Briareus for next Tuesday's Champion Hurdle.

Last seen when scooting home 14 lengths clear in the Grade Two Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton, Balding has decided to aim high in an open year.

Despite making all at Wincanton, the Kingsclere-based trainer says the six-year-old is just as happy taking a handy position.

'What he needs is a good gallop and you'd like to think that would happen in the Champion,' Balding told the Racing Post.

'As things stand the owners are going to pay to supplement him at Thursday's deadline, and part of the reason that we are having a go is that it is such an open year.

'I also believe that Cheltenham, even though it is different to Wincanton in every way, will suit our horse.

'Tom (Greenall) gets on with him particularly well and will take the ride unless, for some reason, Tony McCoy becomes available.'

Latest Stories which may interest you

Aintree Hurdle awaits Brighterdaysahead before going chasing

Brighterdaysahead is “crying out for the step up in trip” ahead of what could be her final outing over timber in the the William Hill Aintree Hurdle next month.

Five Ger Lyons-Trained Horses To Follow for the Flat season - 'Big Guns to Fire'

One of Ireland’s most straight-talking trainers, Ger Lyons is certainly one to keep on your side as the Flat season gets underway. The Meath-based handler has some big guns to fire this season and we have picked out five of his runners to put into your notebook for the coming season ahead.

O’Brien pondering Gladness start for Albert Einstein

Aidan O’Brien has explained the thinking behind giving 2000 Guineas favourite Albert Einstein an entry in the 1xBet.ie Supports Irish Racing Gladness Stakes having previously stated he would be going straight to Newmarket.

Nick Rockett on course for Aintree repeat

Nick Rockett is on course to repeat last April’s heroics in the Randox Aintree Grand National, as the Willie Mullins-trained nine-year-old recently qualified to compete in this year’s renewal.