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 1979 | Grade 1 | 2 miles 1/2 furlong | ||
| Pos. | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Owner |
| 1 | MONKSFIELD | Dessie Hughes | Des McDonogh | Dr M Mangan 9/4 fav |
| 2 | SEA PIGEON | Jonjo O'Neill | M H Easterby | Mr Pat Muldoon 6/1 |
| 3 | BEACON LIGHT | John Francome | Bob Turnell | Mr H Joel 22/1 |
| 4 | WITHIN THE LAW | Alan Brown | M H Easterby | Mrs G Gregory 40/1 |
| 5 | BIRDS NEST | Andy Turnell | Bob Turnell | Mr I Scott 13/1 |
| 6 | CONNAUGHT RANGER | Johnny Burke | Fred Rimell | Mr J McCaughey 10/1 |
| 7 | WESTERN ROSE | Colin Tinkler | Fred Rimell | Mr I Urquhart 6/1 |
| 8 | MAJOR THOMPSON | Nigel Tinkler | M H Easterby | Snailwell Stud Co Ltd 12/1 |
| 9 | RIVER BELLE | D Cartwright | H Ford | Mr H Ford 50/1 |
| 10 | KYBO | Bob Champion | Josh Gifford | Mr I Kerman 4/1 |
| Over round 111% | ||||
| This race was run on Wednesday 14th March 1979 when Monksfield beat Sea Pigeon and Beacon Light by 3/4 length and 15 lengths | ||||
