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 1973 | Grade 1 | 2 miles 1/2 furlong | ||
| Pos. | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Owner |
| 1 | COMEDY OF ERRORS | Bill Smith | Fred Rimell | Mr E Wheatley 8/1 |
| 2 | EASBY ABBEY | Ron Barry | M H Easterby | Mrs W Blow 20/1 |
| 3 | CAPTAIN CHRISTY | H Beasley | Pat Taaffe (Ire) | Mrs J Samuel 85/40 |
| 4 | MON PLAISIR | Ron Atkins | D Underwood | Mr D Underwood 50/1 |
| 5 | BULA | Paul Kelleway | Fred Winter | Captain E Edwards-Heathcote 5/6 fav |
| 6 | TRUE LUCK | Terry Biddlecombe | Fred Rimell | Mr C Haynes 66/1 |
| 7 | INVINCIBLE | D Barrett | Josh Gifford | Mrs D Riley-Smith 100/1 |
| 8 | BRENDON'S ROAD | Tommy Carberry | Paddy Mullins (Ire) | Mrs D Rudkin 28/1 |
| Over round 110% | ||||
| This race was run on Wednesday 14th March 1973 when Comedy of Errors beat Easby Abbey and Captain Christy by 1 1/2 lengths and 2 lengths | ||||
