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 2026 Grade 1 2 miles 1/2 furlong
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 LOSSIEMOUTH Paul Townend Willie Mullins (Ire) Mrs Susannah Ricci 7/5 fav
2 BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD Jack Kennedy Gordon Elliott (Ire) Gigginstown House Stud 7/2
3 THE NEW LION Harry Skelton Dan Skelton Mr J P McManus 3/1
4 ALEXI Brendan Powell Joe Tizzard Brocade Racing 22/1
5 GOLDEN ACE Lorcan Williams Jeremy Scott Mr Ian Gosden 12/1
6 PONIROS Danny Mullins Willie Mullins (Ire) Mr Tony Bloom 16/1
7 ANZADAM Patrick Mullins Willie Mullins (Ire) Mrs J Donnelly 18/1
8 TUTTI QUANTI Harry Cobden Paul Nicholls Mr Colm Donlon 25/1
9 WORKAHEAD Darragh O'Keeffe Henry De Bromhead (Ire) Mr Barry Maloney 80/1
        Over round 118%
This race was run on Tuesday 10th March 2026 when Lossiemouth beat Brighterdaysahead and The New Lion by 6 1/2 lengths and 1/2 length