Champion Hurdle
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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. |
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| Champion Hurdle 1949 | Grade 1 | 2 miles 1/2 furlong | ||
| Pos. | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Owner |
| 1 | HATTON'S GRACE | Aubrey Brabazon | Vincent O'Brien (Ire) | Mrs M J Keogh 100/7 |
| 2 | VATELEYS | T Molony | Goldsmith | Mrs V M Pulham 10/1 |
| 3 | CAPTAIN FOX | K Mullins | Gordon-Bowsher | Mr Gordon-Bowsher 100/9 |
| 4 | NATIONAL SPIRIT | Ron Smyth | Vic Smyth | Mr L A Abelson 5/4 fav |
| 5 | ADMIRAL JOHN | D Hanley | Hamley | Mr H Boutin 33/1 |
| 6 | WOLFSCHMIDT | E Reavey | Champneys | Mr G N Clark 33/1 |
| 7 | TANT PIS | R Bates | Goldsmith | Mr T H Penwill 20/1 |
| 8 | GALLANT SCOT | G Kelly | Horris | Mr James V Rank 25/1 |
| 9 | SHINING GOLD | A P Thompson | Neville Crump | Mr R P Sainsbury 8/1 |
| 10 | SECRET SERVICE | R Sweeny | Fulke Walwyn | Mr R Sweeny 25/1 |
| 11 | SCHOOL TREAT | H Sprague | R Ward | Mr C S Walker 33/1 |
| 12 | BALLINDINE | E Vinall | Fred Rimell | Mr P G Thompson 100/9 |
| 13 | ANGLESEY | J Gilbert | Staff Ingham | Mr P Watson 10/1 |
| 14 | BENEDICTINE | P J Murphy | Mercer | Mr Mercer 33/1 |
| Over round 123% | ||||
| This race was run on Tuesday 8th March 1949 when Hatton's Grace beat Vateleys and Captain Fox by 6 lengths and 1 length | ||||
