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 1974 | Grade 1 | 2 miles 1/2 furlong | ||
| Pos. | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Owner |
| 1 | LANZAROTE | Richard Pitman | Fred Winter | Lord Howard De Walden 7/4 |
| 2 | COMEDY OF ERRORS | Bill Smith | Fred Rimell | Mr E Wheatley 4/6 fav |
| 3 | YENISEI | H Beasley | Pat Taaffe (Ire) | Mr D Samuel 100/1 |
| 4 | MOONLIGHT BAY | Johnny Haine | H Ryan Price | Mrs J Mullion 33/1 |
| 5 | ST COLUMBUS | Andy Turnell | Bill Marshall | Mr H Thomas 33/1 |
| 6 | CALZADO | John Francome | Fred Winter | Lord Howard De Walden 300/1 |
| 7 | BRANTRIDGE FARMER | Terry Biddlecombe | Fulke Walwyn | Mrs L Ritchie 25/1 |
| Over round 107% | ||||
| This race was run on Wednesday 13th March 1974 when Lanzarote beat Comedy of Errors and Yenisei by 3 lengths and 8 lengths | ||||
