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Trends, ground conditions and improving handicappers point to a cracking renewal, and Emmet Kennedy highlights the runners who tick the right boxes — and the one who may be overpriced.

In this 1xBet horse racing review, we will take a look at the history and key features of the Lanzarote Hurdle 2026. Triumph in this race requires a blend of stamina and pace. The shortlist of favourites will also depend on the ground conditions. Using this information, we will identify the horses and the best betting markets that deserve your attention.

Race Background

First staged in 1978 in honour of dual Christmas Hurdle and Champion Hurdle winner Lanzarote, this contest has evolved significantly.
Prior to 2007, it was a two-mile dash; now, at 2m5f, it demands stamina, rhythm and tactical speed. Only the adaptable need apply.

The most recognisable name on the roll of honour remains Make A Stand, who captured the race en route to Champion Hurdle glory in 1997.

Trainers with history – and live chances

The most successful trainer lining up this year is Nicky Henderson, a four-time Lanzarote winner dating back to 2003. He relies on Iberico Lord, and while the gelding is now 2lb below his Betfair Hurdle winning mark, he has shown little sign of a resurgence. The stats are also against him: 19 of the last 23 winners were aged seven or younger, and Iberico Lord has just turned eight.

There are two trainers with runners in this year’s race who have won the race three times previously each:

Paul Nicholls – Fasol improving fast

The first is Paul Nicholls, who sends Fasol, the emphatic Hogmaneigh Handicap Hurdle winner. A rapidly improving seven-year-old, Fasol has gone up 8lb for back-to-back facile victories – still a fair assessment. Olive Nicholls’ valuable claim is a major advantage, dropping him to just 10st, and strengthens a notable trend:
⭐ 7 of the last 11 winners were ridden by claiming jockeys.

The only niggle is the quick turnaround – just nine days since Musselburgh – but he took no hard race and ran seven days after defeat at Ascot earlier in the season before bolting up at Wincanton.

Gary & Josh Moore – Yellow Star ticks every trend

The second yard with a strong Lanzarote history is the Gary and Josh Moore team, three-time winners between 1996 and 2007. They saddle Yellow Star, a dominant Warwick scorer over this trip last month.

He fits the profile beautifully:

• 6yos have won 12 of the last 23 renewals

• 18 of the last 23 winners had exactly two hurdle wins

Although Yellow Star now races off a career-high rating, he has suggested there is more to come. His narrow defeat of Be Aware at Lingfield hinted at untapped upside, and soft ground is a plus. He has encountered such conditions only twice since:

• A strong fourth two weeks after his Lingfield victory, likely too soon

• A Sandown fall when travelling well a year ago

If the defrost produces softer going, his price makes him a major player.

Topweight danger: French Ship

French Ship deserves consideration. But for a clumsy fall in the Silver Trophy at Chepstow, he might have been chasing a five-timer. His overall record – five wins in ten under rules and rarely out of the first two when completing – demands respect.

However, the handicapper has had his say: +21lb across his last two wins, including +11lb last time, now leaves him shouldering 12st. Only two Lanzarote winners have carried more than 11st 7lb, and that came in 1978 and 1995. Class will be tested by weight.

Defending yard: Dan Skelton – A Pai De Nom

Dan Skelton has won the past two renewals and relies primarily on A Pai De Nom, himself seeking a hat-trick. There is talent here: an excellent hurdles debut at Newton Abbot, and a convincing Cheltenham win.

But his jumping has faltered at key moments, especially at the last flight, and connections dropped him back in trip at Leicester to sharpen technique. It worked, but only just. Now up 8lb for the Cheltenham win and another 3lb switching Tristan Durrell to Harry Skelton, returning to handicap company in deep waters raises enough concerns to oppose at the price.

The favourite – Lanesborough

The likely market leader is Lanesborough, trained by Ben Pauling, fresh from his King George triumph.

His Warwick win last year was a clear career best, and to drop back in trip for his seasonal debut and win even more emphatically – off +8lb – marked him out as a fast improver. The runner-up boosted the form next time, justifying an additional 14lb rise.

Returning to a new trip should help him, and there is precedent:
⭐ 16 of the last 23 winners had never raced over 2m4f+ beforehand

One caution: all his best form is on soft or good-to-soft. He has never run on officially good ground – and was withdrawn once when it was dry.

Ground & Trends Matrix

✔ = positive
✘ = negative

Verdict: Ground critical

This is a compelling renewal.

• Soft or good-to-soft:
  ⭐ Lanesborough a worthy favourite
  💰 Yellow Star strong each-way value

• Good ground after the thaw:
  🚀 Fasol gets a major upgrade
  

The analytical piece was prepared by Emmet Kennedy — Presenter, Producer, and Owner of The Final Furlong Podcast, Broadcaster with TalkSPORT, and Broadcast Consultant —  with the support of 1xBet horse racing.

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