Croome Hurdle

The only running of the Croome Hurdle formed part of the revised Festival meeting in 1947 when the traditional March meeting had to be abandoned, but it was rejigged into a 3-day meeting, 8 races on each day, on Saturday 12th, Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th April 1947. The Croome Hurdle formed a significant part of that revised programme because it was run in 4 divisions, division 1 on the Saturday, and divisions 2, 3 and 4 on the Tuesday. In theory, only the Saturday meeting could be classed as a part of the Festival because the other 5 races on that card were the principal races of the meeting, including the Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, Foxhunters Chase and National Hunt Steeplechase.
Early history:- The first division of the Croome Hurdle took place on Saturday 12th April 1947 when won by Montignac (7/4 fav) ridden by R Bates, beating Cape Light (4/1) and Trucebreaker (6/1) by a length and 6 lengths. Three further divisions were held on Tuesday 15th April 1947, but the race was not held at the Festival in subsequent years.
Croome Hurdle Handicap 2 miles and a few yards
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1947 MONTIGNAC R Bates Goldsmith Mr P Thompson 7/4 fav
1947 BROOMFIELD Ron Smyth Jack Anthony Mr Anthony 9/2
1947 SOHAM R Marshall W Nightingall Mr Isaac 5/1
1947 HASTILY R Hardwidge Morel Mr Bowden 100/8