Champion Hurdle
|
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 1961 | Grade 1 | 2 miles 1/2 furlong | ||
| Pos. | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Owner |
| 1 | EBORNEEZER | Fred Winter | H Ryan Price | Dr B Pajgar 4/1 |
| 2 | MOSS BANK | J J Rafferty | Vincent O'Brien (Ire) | Mrs T O'Brien 7/4 fav |
| 3 | FARMERS BOY | David Nicholson | W Stephenson | Mr A Birtwistle 8/1 |
| 4 | COSTA BRAVA | H J East | R Renton | Mrs L Brotherton 20/1 |
| 5 | STENQUILL | Josh Gifford | Laidler | Mrs L Hickman 100/1 |
| 6 | BRANCA DORLA | R J Hamey | J Yeomans | Mr F Jesson 33/1 |
| 7 | MERRY DEAL | I Markham | A W Jones | Mr A W Jones 100/6 |
| 8 | ARCTICEELAGH | Michael Scudamore | W Stephenson | Mr J McGrath 25/1 |
| 9 | ALBERGO | D Page | Magnier (Ire) | Mrs C Magnier 9/2 |
| 10 | QUELLE CHANCE | Jumbo Wilkinson | Jack Fawcus | Mrs I Pitman 100/1 |
| 11 | BENTONS ROW | Stan Mellor | R C Price | Mr C Price 100/1 |
| 12 | MORNING COAT | Derek Ancil | Derek Ancil | Mrs L Prior 100/6 |
| 13 | SILVER REYNARD | Tim Brookshaw | Kilpatrick | Lady Sherborne 100/1 |
| 14 | MOSSTROOPER OF CHANTRY | Mr W G Morris | W Thomas | Mr W Thomas 100/1 |
| 15 | GREEN LIGHT | W Palmer | G Balding | Mr J Whitney 33/1 |
| 16 | BIRINKIANA | Dave Dick | C Wilesmith | Mr C Wilesmith 100/1 |
| 17 | TONNERRE DE BREST | R E Jenkins | G Collins | Mr G Collins 100/1 |
| Over round 119% | ||||
| This race was run on Wednesday 8th March 1961 when Eborneezer beat Moss Bank and Farmers Boy by 3 lengths and 1 1/2 lengths | ||||
