Joe Tizzard believes Alexei will be the best tw0-mile hurdler in Britain next season and will step up in trip for the Aintree Hurdle next.
Champion Hurdle Fourth Alexei Set For Aintree
After his fourth place finish in the Champion Hurdle, Joe Tizzard was bullish about his stable star going forward and beleives he will be Britain’s leading hope in the race again next year.
WATCH: Alexei Finishes Fourth In Champion Hurdle
🏆 Lossiemouth wins the Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy! 🏆#ITVRacing | @WillieMullinsNH pic.twitter.com/RyXRYZgJmX
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 10, 2026
The Brocade Racing-owned six-year-old has endured a season to remember so far with three wins from six runs. Those wins include the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham and the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton.
He’ll now step up in trip for his final run of the season and will stay over hurdles for at least one more year.
Tizzard was speaking to Sporting Life ahead of the Aintree Grand National meeting.
“We are going to step Alexei up to two-and-a-half miles in the Aintree Hurdle as he has come out of Cheltenham well. The other option was Punchestown, but we have decided on this race instead.
“He travels well and he won a maiden hurdle over 2m3f on his first start for us.
“He galloped through the line in those handicaps so hopefully he should be fine over the trip on a flat track.
“I will probably leace him over hurdles next season and give him a prep run on the flat and have him right for the Fighting Fifth Hurdle.
“He’s possibly going to be the besty two-mile hurdler in Britain which means there are loads of options to make hay before we get to Cheltenham.”
2027 Champion Hurdle Odds
Of course it’s a long way off but with the Champion Hurdle seemingly the plan again for next season, we’re taking a look at the odds for the race. Alexei is currently 20/1.
- Lossiemouth 5/2 (Willie Mullins)
- King Rasko Grey 10/1 (Willie Mullins)
- Old Park Star 12/1 (Nicky Henderson)
- Mydaddypaddy 12/1 (Dan Skelton)
- State Man 18/1 (Willie Mullins)
- Kabral Du Mathan 18/1 (Dan Skelton)
- Narciso Has 20/1 (Willie Mullins)
- William Munny 20/1 (Barry Connell)
- Sober Glory 20/1 (Philip Hobbs & Johnson White)
- Alexei 20/1 (Joe Tizzard)
