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.
Champion Hurdle 2011 Grade 1 2 miles 1/2 furlong
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 HURRICANE FLY Ruby Walsh Willie Mullins (Ire) George Creighton, Mrs Rose Boyd 11/4 fav
2 PEDLERS CROSS Jason Maguire Donald McCain Mr T G Leslie 9/2
3 OSCAR WHISKY Barry Geraghty Nicky Henderson Walters Plant Hire 7/1
4 THOUSAND STARS Paul Townend Willie Mullins (Ire) Hammer & Trowel Syndicate 33/1
5 MENORAH Richard Johnson Philip Hobbs Mrs Diana Whateley 3/1
6 CLERK'S CHOICE Tom Molloy Michael Banks Mr M C Banks 50/1
7 OVERTRUN Graham Lee Donald McCain Mr T G Leslie 40/1
8 DUNGUIB Brian O'Connell Philip Fenton Daniel Harnett, E A Lawlor 10/1
9 KHYBER KIM Paddy Brennan Nigel Twiston-Davies Mrs Caroline Mould 12/1
10 BYGONES OF BRID Timmy Murphy Karen McLintock Mr James Callow 200/1
11 MILLE CHIEF Robert Thornton Alan King McNeill Family 16/1
        Over round 113%
This race was run on Tuesday 15th March 2011 when Hurricane Fly beat Peddlers Cross and Oscar Whisky by 1 1/4 lengths and 5 lengths