George Duller Handicap Hurdle

The Pertemps Hurdle over 3 miles was first run as the Birdlip Hurdle in 1958, which was itself replaced by the George Duller Handicap Hurdle in 1963, named in honour of the ace jockey who later turned his hand equally successfully to motor racing. The George Duller Hurdle ran from 1963 to 1973, and was so popular that it had to be divided into two divisions in 1969. In 1974 it was moved to the April meeting, its place being taken by a similar 3-mile hurdle known as the Joe Coral Golden Hurdle Final, and later the sponsorship was taken over by Pertemps.
Early History:- The inaugural running of the George Duller Handicap Hurdle over 3 miles, which replaced the Birdlip Hurdle, took place on Wednesday 13th March 1963 and went to Happy Arthur (4/1 fav) owned by Major A Gibson, trained by J Oliver from Hawick and ridden by Tim Brookshaw, beating Gideon (100/7) and Black Caprice (10/1) by 8 lengths and the same.
George Duller Handicap Hurdle Handicap 3 miles
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1963 HAPPY ARTHUR Tim Brookshaw J Oliver Major A Gibson 4/1 fav
1964 DO OR DIE Tim Norman A Neaves Mr A Neaves 25/1
1965 CORAL CLUSTER Terry Biddlecombe David Gandolfo Mr H Wallis 8/1
1966 HARVEST GOLD Jimmy Fitzgerald Tommy Robson Mr T Marshall 5/1
1967 STEPHERION N Bampton Jack Holt Mr F Vettise 100/9
1968 THE SPANIARD Barry Brogan Ken Oliver Mr W T Rimmer 8/1
1969 BOONAH R Quinn Tom Corrie Mr I C G Scott 100/8
1970 VULMEGAN Stan Mellor H Thomson Jones Mr D Steward 100/8
1971 TAPINA B R Davies David Barons Mr F R Miller 13/2
1972 DRAKES GOLD G Howes John Thorne Mr B Hirst 28/1
1973 PARTHENON David Mould H Thomson Jones Sir R Macdonald Buchanan 7/2