Champion Hurdle

m

 The Champion Hurdle, much prized Grade 1 hurdling crown for 4-year-olds and over, was first staged in 1927 and is contested over 2 miles and half a furlong and 8 hurdles of the Old Course. The race is the final leg of the Triple Crown of Hurdling, along with the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle and the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton. It was cancelled in 1931 when the ground was frosty, and again in 1943 and 1944 due to the Second World War.
Early history:-The inaugural running of the Champion Hurdle took place on Wednesday 9th March 1927 when won by Blaris 11/10 fav owned by Mrs H Hollins, trained by Bill Payne and ridden by George Duller, beating Beddam (7/2) and Harpist (9/4) by 8 lengths and one length.
Over the entire history of the race 43% of favourites have been successful, placing the race 3rd of the 28 current races.
Over the entire history of the race a level stake bet of £10 on every favourite would have resulted in a £100 profit, placing the race 2nd of the current 28 races.
Over the entire history of the race the Irish have been successful 27% of occasions, placing the race 15th of the 28 current races.
Champion Hurdle 1939 Grade 1 2 miles 1/2 furlong
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 AFRICAN SISTER Keith Piggott C Piggott Mr H Brueton 10/1
2 VITEMENT E Vinall Manby Mr A Jacks 20/1
3 APPLE PEEL Staff Ingham Tabor Major J Evans 100/8
4 ICEBERG II H Nicholson H Brown Lord Sefton 3/1 fav
5 SOLFORD S Magee Owen Anthony Miss Dorothy Paget 4/1
6 BAHUDDIN D Morgan Ivor Anthony Lord Cadogan 8/1
7 LOBAU T Carey R Dick Mr R Dick 8/1
8 OUR HOPE Captain R Harding Gubbins Mr Gubbins 20/1
9 PRUDENT ACHTOI Major Moseley W Payne Mrs H Hollins 100/6
10 FREE FARE T F Rimell Ted Gwilt Mr B Warner 100/8
11 MASK AND WIG J Moloney Jack Anthony Mr J H Whitney 8/1
12 SANTAYANA T Elder Peter Thrale Mr Brandt 8/1
13 ARGENTINO W Parvin Goode Mr C Kline 20/1
        Over round 130%
This race was run on Tuesday 7th March 1939 when African Sister beat Vitement and Apple Peel by 3 lengths and 1/2 length