Champion Hurdle 1980

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 1980			Grade 1	2 miles 1/2 furlong
Pos.	Horse	Jockey	Trainer	Owner
1	SEA PIGEON	Jonjo O'Neill	M H Easterby	Mr Pat Muldoon 13/2
2	MONKSFIELD	Dessie Hughes	Des McDonogh	Dr M Mangan 6/5 fav
3	BIRDS NEST	Andy Turnell	Bob Turnell	Mr I Scott 11/1
4	ROYAL BOXER	M Williams	Bradley	Mr S Mailes 300/1
5	POLLARDSTOWN	Phil Blacker	Stan Mellor	Mrs W Tulloch 7/2
6	CONNAUGHT RANGER	Johnny Burke	Fred Rimell	Mr J McCaughey 12/1
7	PAIUTE	Martin Blackshaw	Barbe (Fr)	Mr Daniel Wildenstein 22/1
8	BROADLEAS	Richard Rowe	Josh Gifford	Mrs H Price 25/1
9	NORFOLK DANCE	John Francome	Fred Winter	Mr N London 25/1
				Over round 111%
This race was run on Tuesday 11th March 1980 when Sea Pigeon beat Monksfield and Birds Nest by 7 lengths and 1 1/2 lengths