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 1971 | Grade 1 | 2 miles 1/2 furlong | ||
| Pos. | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Owner |
| 1 | BULA | Paul Kelleway | Fred Winter | Captain E Edwards-Heathcote 15/8 fav |
| 2 | PERSIAN WAR | Jimmy Uttley | Arthur Pitt | Mr H S Alper 9/2 |
| 3 | MAJOR ROSE | Terry Biddlecombe | H Ryan Price | Mr K Wheldon 4/1 |
| 4 | DONDIEU | Brian Fletcher | Denys Smith | Mrs C Atwood 7/1 |
| 5 | VARMA | David Mould | M Masson | Mr Charles Clore 7/1 |
| 6 | MOYNE ROYAL | D Cartwright | Reg Akehurst | Mr E Cook 25/1 |
| 7 | LOCKERSLEIGH | Paul Carberry | Paddy Mullins (Ire) | Mr O Onions 33/1 |
| 8 | BOWIE'S BRIG | Barry Brogan | Arthur Pitt | Mr H S Alper 50/1 |
| 9 | GEOLOGIST | Richard Evans | Martin Tate | Mrs A Marsh 66/1 |
| Over round 106% | ||||
| This race was run on Wednesday 17th March 1971 when Bula beat Persian War and Major Rose by 4 lengths and 1 length | ||||
