Brighterdaysahead will run in the Unibet Champion Hurdle, trainer Gordon Elliott has confirmed.

The mare, so impressive in Grade 1 wins at Punchestown and Leopardstown this season, also holds an entry in the Mares' Hurdle on the opening day of next week's Cheltenham Festival.

Connections were keeping their options open but promised the racing public that a decision would be made early this week.

True to their word, the following statement was posted on Gordon Elliott's website early on Monday morning. "I can confirm that Brighterdaysahead will be going for the Unibet Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham. After talking it over with Michael and Eddie (O’Leary) we decided that we would take up the option of the Champion Hurdle.

"Obviously it’s going to be a huge test for the mare but she’s in great shape, her preparation has gone superbly and she’s in great order. We’ve never won a Champion Hurdle and it is great to have a challenger for one of National Hunt racing’s most iconic races so it’s something we are greatly looking forward to."

Brighterdaysahead is now the 2/1 second favourite for the Champion Hurdle behind Constitution Hill (8/13). Lossiemouth is 4/1 and last year's winner State Man is 6/1. Next Tuesday's race promises to be an epic contest if all four of the main contenders line up and perform to the best of their abilities on the day.

Champion Irish jump jockey Jack Kennedy will ride Brighterdaysahead. Kennedy (25) has been injured since late November and is only due to make his comeback at Leopardstown today (Monday).

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