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 1981 | Grade 1 | 2 miles 1/2 furlong | ||
| Pos. | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Owner |
| 1 | SEA PIGEON | John Francome | M H Easterby | Mr Pat Muldoon 7/4 fav |
| 2 | POLLARDSTOWN | Phil Blacker | Stan Mellor | Mr R Formby 9/1 |
| 3 | DARING RUN | Ted Walsh | McCreary (Ire) | Mrs H Doyle 8/1 |
| 4 | STARFEN | Mr Tim Easterby | M H Easterby | Mr F Ballard 14/1 |
| 5 | SLANEY IDOL | Peter Scudamore | L Browne (Ire) | Mrs M Hayes 11/1 |
| 6 | CELTIC RYDE | Hywel Davies | Peter Cundell | Mr R Hayward 15/2 |
| 7 | HEIGHLIN | Steve Jobar | David Elsworth | Woodside Engineers Ltd 6/1 |
| 8 | BIRDS NEST | Andy Turnell | Bob Turnell | Mr I Scott 16/1 |
| 9 | BADSWORTH BOY | Tommy Carmody | Michael Dickinson | Mr D Armitage 22/1 |
| 10 | GOING STRAIGHT | J P Byrne | J Maxwell (Ire) | Mr N McGrady 25/1 |
| 11 | MARTIE'S ANGER | B R Davies | Tim Forster | Mr W Page 100/1 |
| 12 | MELADON | A Carroll | A Maxwell (Ire) | Mrs N Flynn 100/1 |
| 13 | MOUNT HARVARD | Steve Smith-Eccles | Nicky Henderson | Sir J Musker 100/1 |
| 14 | IVAN KING | Fran Berry | J Kiely (Ire) | Mr C King 33/1 |
| Over round 111% | ||||
| This race was run on Tuesday 17th March 1981 when Sea Pigeon beat Pollardstown and Daring Run by 1 1/2 lengths and a neck | ||||
