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 Tuesday 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 1989 | Grade 1 | 2 miles 1/2 furlong | ||
| Pos. | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Owner |
| 1 | BEECH ROAD | Richard Guest | Toby Balding | Mr Tony Geake 50/1 |
| 2 | CELTIC CHIEF | Graham McCourt | Mrs Mercy Rimell | Mrs L M Sewell 6/1 |
| 3 | CELTIC SHOT | Peter Scudamore | Charlie Brooks | Mr David Horton 8/1 |
| 4 | FLOYD | Simon Sherwood | David Elsworth | Mr M V Walsh 14/1 |
| 5 | VAGADOR | Mark Perrett | Guy Harwood | Mrs Amanda Perrett 20/1 |
| 6 | MOLE BOARD | Hywel Davies | Jim Old | Mr W E Sturt 20/1 |
| 7 | KRIBENSIS | Richard Dunwoody | Sir Michael Stoute | Sheikh Mohammed 11/8 fav |
| 8 | CLOUGHTANEY | Mr Willie Mullins | Paddy Mullins (Ire) | Mr C Maye 33/1 |
| 9 | CHATAM | Jonathan Lower | Martin Pipe | Mr Adrian Nolan 14/1 |
| 10 | CONDOR PAN | Tommy Carmody | Jim Bolger | Mrs Catherine Shubotham 16/1 |
| 11 | WISHLON | Ian Shoemark | Ron Smyth | Miss Dian Smythe 40/1 |
| 12 | GREY SALUTE | Steve Smith-Eccles | John Jenkins | Mr Tony Hayward 10/1 |
| 13 | CHESHAM SQUIRE | Graham Bradley | David Elsworth | Mr Yahya Nasib 66/1 |
| 14 | CASHEW KING | Terry Wall | Bryan McMahon | Mr P Moss 100/1 |
| 15 | SPROWSTON BOY | Dermot Browne | Paul Kelleway | Mr Geoff Whiting 100/1 |
| Over round 117% | ||||
| This race was run on Tuesday 14th March 1989 when Beech Road beat Celtic Chief and Celtic Shot by 2 lengths and 1 length | ||||
