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 1972 | Grade 1 | 2 miles 1/2 furlong | ||
| Pos. | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Owner |
| 1 | BULA | Paul Kelleway | Fred Winter | Captain E Edwards-Heathcote 8/11 fav |
| 2 | BOXER | Jimmy Uttley | Ron Smyth | Lady Blakenham 25/1 |
| 3 | LYFORD CAY | D Cartwright | W Swainson | Mrs E Swainson 66/1 |
| 4 | CORAL DIVER | Terry Biddlecombe | Fred Rimell | Mr B Jenks 7/1 |
| 5 | HARDATIT | Johnny Haine | R Pelat (Fr) | Mr C Sweeny 8/1 |
| 6 | VARMA | B Barker | Fulke Walwyn | Sir Charles Clore 66/1 |
| 7 | KELANNE | W Smith | W Marshall | Mr J Kelly 18/1 |
| 8 | FLOWER PICKER | A Branford | Fulke Walwyn | Mr A Murdoch 66/1 |
| 9 | GARNISHEE | Tommy Stack | Thomson Jones | Mr J Goldsmith 33/1 |
| 10 | ST PATRICK'S BLUE | David Mould | D Tatlow | Mr P Aunger 40/1 |
| 11 | CANASTA LAD | Jeff King | P Bailey | Mrs D Hague 33/1 |
| 12 | DONDIEU | B R Davies | Denys Smith | Mrs C Attwood 15/2 |
| Over round 113% | ||||
| This race was run on Wednesday 15th March 1972 when Bula beat Boxer and Lyford Cay by 8 lengths and 3 lengths | ||||
