Alexei Joins an Exclusive Kingwell Club — But Is He Good Enough for the Champion Hurdle?

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Three Kingwell Hurdle winners have gone on to take the Champion Hurdle this century. Golden Ace did it just last year. Katchit managed it in 2008. Hors La Loi III in 2002. So when Alexei ground out a length-and-a-quarter victory over Rubaud in Saturday’s Grade 2 at Wincanton, it was natural to wonder whether he could be the fourth.

The honest answer? Probably not. But there’s enough in his profile to make things interesting.

Joe-Tizzard on The Race Lab

Alexei Joins an Exclusive Kingwell Club — But Is He Good Enough for the Champion Hurdle?