Champion Hurdle
Encyclopedia
The Champion Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt
hurdle race
in Great Britain
which is open to horses
aged four years or older. As part of a sponsorship agreement with the online sportsbook StanJames.com, the race is now known as the Stan James Champion Hurdle. It is run on the Old Course at Cheltenham
over a distance of about 2 miles and 110 yards (3,319 metres), and during its running there are eight hurdles to be jumped. The race is scheduled to take place each year on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival
in March.
As its title suggests, the Champion Hurdle is the most prestigious hurdling event in the National Hunt calendar. Its list of winners features many of the most highly acclaimed hurdlers in the sport's history, and several of these, such as National Spirit
, Hatton's Grace
, Persian War
and Lanzarote
, have had races named in their honour.
, who subsequently became a prolific winner of long-distance flat
races. The Champion Hurdle was abandoned in 1931 due to persistent frost, and in 1932 it was contested by just three horses – the smallest field in its history. The race was cancelled twice during World War II
, in 1943 and 1944.
The post-war years saw the emergence of the event's first triple winner, Hatton's Grace, who was trained in Ireland by Vincent O'Brien
. The achievement of Hatton's Grace was soon to be matched by Sir Ken, who recorded three successive victories in the 1950s. Before the second of these Sir Ken was given a starting price
of 2/5 (a £5 bet would have won £2). He is the shortest-priced horse to have won the race. The third horse to win the event three times was Persian War, who completed his hat-trick in 1970. Commercial sponsorship of the Champion Hurdle began in 1978, and it was initially backed by Waterford Crystal
.
The 1984 winner, Dawn Run
, became the second mare
to win the Champion Hurdle. In the same year she also won the Irish
and French
versions of the event, and two seasons later she won the most prestigious chase in National Hunt racing, the Cheltenham Gold Cup
. She remains the only horse to have completed the Champion Hurdle-Gold Cup double. From 1985 to 1987 the Champion Hurdle was dominated by See You Then, who became the event's fourth three-time winner. A new sponsor, Smurfit
(now known as the Smurfit Kappa Group), began supporting the race in 1991. The second female horse to win the race was Flakey Dove, the winner in 1994.
The most recent triple winner of the Champion Hurdle was Istabraq
, whose successes came in 1998, 1999 and 2000. In the early weeks of 2001 he was the odds-on favourite to win the race again, for an unprecedented fourth time. However, this opportunity was lost as the entire Cheltenham Festival was cancelled that year because of an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. Istabraq returned for the 2002 running, but on this occasion he failed to complete the race, and he was retired thereafter.
The race is the final leg of the Road to Cheltenham
, a series of high-class hurdles races sponsored by StanJames.com consisting of the Fighting Fifth Hurdle
, the International Hurdle and the Champion Hurdle Trial
.
Most successful horse (3 wins):
----
Leading jockey
(4 wins):
----
Leading trainer
(5 wins):
----
Leading owner (4 wins):
The race was abandoned in 1931 due to frost.
It was not run in 1943 and 1944 because of World War II
.
The 2001 running was cancelled because of a foot-and-mouth crisis.
National Hunt racing
National Hunt racing is the official name given to the sport of horse racing in the United Kingdom, France and Ireland in which the horses are required to jump over obstacles called hurdles or fences...
hurdle race
Hurdling (horse race)
A Hurdle race in England is a National Hunt horse race where the horses jump over obstacles called hurdles that are over three and a half feet high. They are typically made of brush, that has some flexability. Hurdle races always have a minimum of eight hurdles and a minimum distance of two miles ....
in Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...
which is open to horses
Horse racing
Horse racing is an equestrian sport that has a long history. Archaeological records indicate that horse racing occurred in ancient Babylon, Syria, and Egypt. Both chariot and mounted horse racing were events in the ancient Greek Olympics by 648 BC...
aged four years or older. As part of a sponsorship agreement with the online sportsbook StanJames.com, the race is now known as the Stan James Champion Hurdle. It is run on the Old Course at Cheltenham
Cheltenham Racecourse
Cheltenham Racecourse is a racecourse for horse racing events, located at Prestbury Park, in the suburban village of Prestbury on the outskirts of the English town of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire...
over a distance of about 2 miles and 110 yards (3,319 metres), and during its running there are eight hurdles to be jumped. The race is scheduled to take place each year on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival
Cheltenham Festival
The Cheltenham Festival is one of the most prestigious meetings in the National Hunt racing calendar in the United Kingdom, and has race prize money second only to the Grand National...
in March.
As its title suggests, the Champion Hurdle is the most prestigious hurdling event in the National Hunt calendar. Its list of winners features many of the most highly acclaimed hurdlers in the sport's history, and several of these, such as National Spirit
National Spirit Hurdle
The National Spirit Hurdle is a Grade 2 National Hunt hurdle race in Great Britain which is open to horses aged four years or older. It is run at Fontwell Park over a distance of about 2 miles and 4 furlongs , and during its running there are ten hurdles to be jumped...
, Hatton's Grace
Hatton's Grace Hurdle
The Hatton's Grace Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race in Ireland which is open to horses aged four years or older. It is run at Fairyhouse over a distance of about 2 miles and 4 furlongs , and during its running there are eleven hurdles to be jumped...
, Persian War
Persian War Novices' Hurdle
The Persian War Novices' Hurdle is a Grade 2 National Hunt hurdle race in Great Britain which is open to horses aged four years or older. It is run at Chepstow over a distance of about 2 miles and 4 furlongs , and during its running there are eleven hurdles to be jumped...
and Lanzarote
Lanzarote Hurdle
The Lanzarote Hurdle is a National Hunt hurdle race in Great Britain which is open to horses aged four years or older. It is run at Kempton Park over a distance of about 2 miles and 5 furlongs , and during its running there are ten hurdles to be jumped...
, have had races named in their honour.
History
The first Champion Hurdle was run in 1927, and its inaugural winner, Blaris, was awarded prize money of £365. In its second year the event was won by Brown JackBrown Jack
Brown Jack was a Thoroughbred racehorse that raced over hurdles and then on the flat. He was a "stayer" – a horse specialising in longer races. He won the second Cheltenham Champion Hurdle in 1928, but his main claim to fame was winning the Queen Alexandra Stakes – the longest race in the flat...
, who subsequently became a prolific winner of long-distance flat
Flat racing
Flat racing is a form of Thoroughbred horse racing which is run over a level track at a predetermined distance. It differs from steeplechase racing which is run over hurdles...
races. The Champion Hurdle was abandoned in 1931 due to persistent frost, and in 1932 it was contested by just three horses – the smallest field in its history. The race was cancelled twice during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, in 1943 and 1944.
The post-war years saw the emergence of the event's first triple winner, Hatton's Grace, who was trained in Ireland by Vincent O'Brien
Vincent O'Brien
Dr. Michael Vincent O'Brien was an Irish race horse trainer from Churchtown, County Cork, Ireland. In 2003 he was voted the greatest influence in horse racing history, according to a worldwide vote hosted by the Racing Post newspaper...
. The achievement of Hatton's Grace was soon to be matched by Sir Ken, who recorded three successive victories in the 1950s. Before the second of these Sir Ken was given a starting price
Starting Prices
In horse racing, the starting price is the odds prevailing in the on-course fixed-odds betting market at the time a race begins. The method by which SPs are set for each runner varies in different countries but is generally by consensus of an appointed panel on the basis of their observations of...
of 2/5 (a £5 bet would have won £2). He is the shortest-priced horse to have won the race. The third horse to win the event three times was Persian War, who completed his hat-trick in 1970. Commercial sponsorship of the Champion Hurdle began in 1978, and it was initially backed by Waterford Crystal
Waterford Crystal
Waterford Crystal is a trademark brand of crystal glassware, previously produced in Waterford, Ireland, though the factory there was shut down after the receivership of Waterford Wedgwood plc in early 2009...
.
The 1984 winner, Dawn Run
Dawn Run
Dawn Run was a Thoroughbred racehorse who was the most successful racemare in the history of National Hunt racing. She won the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham racing festival in 1984 and the Cheltenham Gold Cup over fences at the festival in 1986. Dawn Run was the only racehorse to have...
, became the second mare
Mare
Female horses are called mares.Mare is the Latin word for "sea".The word may also refer to:-People:* Ahmed Marzooq, also known as Mare, a footballer and Secretary General of Maldives Olympic Committee* Mare Winningham, American actress and singer...
to win the Champion Hurdle. In the same year she also won the Irish
Irish Champion Hurdle
The Irish Champion Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race in Ireland which is open to horses aged four years or older. It is run at Leopardstown over a distance of about 2 miles , and during its running there are eight hurdles to be jumped...
and French
Grande Course de Haies d'Auteuil
The Grande Course de Haies d'Auteuil, sometimes referred to as the French Champion Hurdle, is a Group 1 hurdle race in France which is open to horses aged five years or older...
versions of the event, and two seasons later she won the most prestigious chase in National Hunt racing, the Cheltenham Gold Cup
Cheltenham Gold Cup
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is a Grade 1 National Hunt chase in the United Kingdom which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run on the New Course at Cheltenham over a distance of about 3 miles and 2½ furlongs , and during its running there are twenty-two fences to be jumped...
. She remains the only horse to have completed the Champion Hurdle-Gold Cup double. From 1985 to 1987 the Champion Hurdle was dominated by See You Then, who became the event's fourth three-time winner. A new sponsor, Smurfit
Smurfit Kappa Group
The Smurfit Kappa Group is Europe's leading corrugated packaging company, following the merger of Jefferson Smurfit Group and Kappa Packaging. This merger was finalized by the end of 2005...
(now known as the Smurfit Kappa Group), began supporting the race in 1991. The second female horse to win the race was Flakey Dove, the winner in 1994.
The most recent triple winner of the Champion Hurdle was Istabraq
Istabraq
Istabraq is a retired Irish Thoroughbred racehorse who was most famous for his hurdling. He had an exceptional pedigree, being the produce of Sadler's Wells, a son of Northern Dancer, and a Secretariat mare making him a three-quarter brother to Epsom Derby winner Secreto. He won the Champion...
, whose successes came in 1998, 1999 and 2000. In the early weeks of 2001 he was the odds-on favourite to win the race again, for an unprecedented fourth time. However, this opportunity was lost as the entire Cheltenham Festival was cancelled that year because of an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. Istabraq returned for the 2002 running, but on this occasion he failed to complete the race, and he was retired thereafter.
The race is the final leg of the Road to Cheltenham
Road to Cheltenham
The Road to Cheltenham is a series of four British top-class horse races over hurdles, culminating in the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival...
, a series of high-class hurdles races sponsored by StanJames.com consisting of the Fighting Fifth Hurdle
Fighting Fifth Hurdle
The Fighting Fifth Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race in Great Britain which is open to horses aged four years or older. It is run at Newcastle over a distance of about 2 miles , and during its running there are nine hurdles to be jumped...
, the International Hurdle and the Champion Hurdle Trial
Champion Hurdle Trial
The StanJames.com Champion Hurdle Trial is a Grade 2 National Hunt hurdle race in Great Britain which is open to horses aged four years or older. From 2011, the race will be sponsored by the online sportsbook StanJames.com. It is run at Haydock Park over a distance of about 2 miles and 110 yards ,...
.
Records
Most successful horse (3 wins):
- Hatton's Grace – 1949, 1950, 1951
- Sir Ken – 1952, 1953, 1954
- Persian War – 1968, 1969, 1970
- See You Then – 1985, 1986, 1987
- IstabraqIstabraqIstabraq is a retired Irish Thoroughbred racehorse who was most famous for his hurdling. He had an exceptional pedigree, being the produce of Sadler's Wells, a son of Northern Dancer, and a Secretariat mare making him a three-quarter brother to Epsom Derby winner Secreto. He won the Champion...
– 1998, 1999, 2000
----
Leading jockey
Jockey
A jockey is an athlete who rides horses in horse racing or steeplechase racing, primarily as a profession. The word also applies to camel riders in camel racing.-Etymology:...
(4 wins):
- Tim Molony – Hatton's Grace (1951), Sir Ken (1952, 1953, 1954)
----
Leading trainer
Horse trainer
In horse racing, a trainer prepares a horse for races, with responsibility for exercising it, getting it race-ready and determining which races it should enter...
(5 wins):
- Peter EasterbyPeter EasterbyMiles Henry 'Peter' Easterby is a retired British racehorse trainer. He was British jump racing Champion Trainer three times....
– Saucy Kit (1967), Night Nurse (1976, 1977), Sea Pigeon (1980, 1981) - Nicky HendersonNicky HendersonNicky Henderson is a British racehorse trainer. He has been British jump racing Champion Trainer twice.Henderson, educated at Eton College, has been a trainer since 1978, based at Seven Barrows near Lambourn, Berkshire...
– See You Then (1985, 1986, 1987), Punjabi (2009), Binocular (2010)
----
Leading owner (4 wins):
- Dorothy PagetDorothy PagetDorothy Wyndham Paget was a British racehorse owner.She was the daughter of Lord Queenborough and Pauline Payne Whitney of the United States Whitney family. She was a cousin of Jock Whitney, owner of the dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Easter Hero and latterly American Ambassador in London. She...
– Insurance (1932, 1933), Solford (1940), Distel (1946) - J. P. McManusJ. P. McManusJohn Patrick "J. P." McManus is an Irish businessman and racehorse owner.- Early life :Born in Limerick, McManus began his business career at his family's construction plant hire firm, and then became an on-course bookmaker at Limerick's greyhound track, the Market's Field, before moving into...
– Istabraq (1998, 1999, 2000), Binocular (2010)
Winners
- Amateur jockeys indicated by "Mr".
Year Winner Age Jockey Trainer Owner 1927 Blaris 6 George Duller Bill Payne Mrs H. Hollins 1928 Brown Jack Brown JackBrown Jack was a Thoroughbred racehorse that raced over hurdles and then on the flat. He was a "stayer" – a horse specialising in longer races. He won the second Cheltenham Champion Hurdle in 1928, but his main claim to fame was winning the Queen Alexandra Stakes – the longest race in the flat...4 Bilbie Rees Aubrey Hastings Sir Harold Wernher Harold Augustus WernherSir Harold Augustus Wernher, 3rd Baronet, GCVO, TD -Biography:He was the son of Sir Julius Wernher, 1st Baronet and his wife Alice Sedgwick Mankiewicz...1929 Royal Falcon 6 Dick Rees Bob Gore Miss Williams-Bulkeley 1930 Brown Tony 4 Tommy Cullinan Jack Anthony Jack Anthony (jockey)John Randolph Anthony , better known as Jack Anthony, was a Welsh jockey.Anthony was best known for his three victories in the Grand National steeplechase: on "Glenside" in 1911, on "Ally Sloper" in 1915, and on "Troytown" in 1920...Mrs J. de Sélincourt no race 1931 1932 Insurance 5 Ted Leader Basil Briscoe Basil BriscoeBasil Briscoe was a British racehorse trainer. The son of William Arthur Briscoe, of Longstowe Hall, Cambridgeshire, and May Matilda Boughey, he was educated at Eton College...Dorothy Paget Dorothy PagetDorothy Wyndham Paget was a British racehorse owner.She was the daughter of Lord Queenborough and Pauline Payne Whitney of the United States Whitney family. She was a cousin of Jock Whitney, owner of the dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Easter Hero and latterly American Ambassador in London. She...1933 Insurance 6 Billy Stott Basil Briscoe Basil BriscoeBasil Briscoe was a British racehorse trainer. The son of William Arthur Briscoe, of Longstowe Hall, Cambridgeshire, and May Matilda Boughey, he was educated at Eton College...Dorothy Paget Dorothy PagetDorothy Wyndham Paget was a British racehorse owner.She was the daughter of Lord Queenborough and Pauline Payne Whitney of the United States Whitney family. She was a cousin of Jock Whitney, owner of the dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Easter Hero and latterly American Ambassador in London. She...1934 Chenango 7 Danny Morgan Ivor Anthony Pete Bostwick Pete BostwickGeorge Herbert "Pete" Bostwick was an American court tennis player, a steeplechase jockey and horse trainer, and an eight-goal polo player.-Biography:...1935 Lion Courage 7 Gerry Wilson F. Brown R. Fox Carlyon 1936 Victor Norman 5 Frenchie Nicholson Morgan Blair Michael Stephens 1937 Free Fare 9 Georges Pellerin Ted Gwilt Ben Warner 1938 Our Hope 9 Perry Harding Roderic Gubbins Roderic Gubbins 1939 African Sister 7 Keith Piggott Charles Piggott H. Brueton 1940 Solford 9 Sean Magee Owen Anthony Dorothy Paget Dorothy PagetDorothy Wyndham Paget was a British racehorse owner.She was the daughter of Lord Queenborough and Pauline Payne Whitney of the United States Whitney family. She was a cousin of Jock Whitney, owner of the dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Easter Hero and latterly American Ambassador in London. She...1941 Seneca 4 Ron Smyth Vic Smyth Sir Malcolm McAlpine 1942 Forestation 4 Ron Smyth Vic Smyth Vic Smyth no race 1943–44 1945 Brains Trust 5 Fred Rimell Gerry Wilson F. Blakeway 1946 Distel 5 Bobby O'Ryan Charles Rogers Dorothy Paget Dorothy PagetDorothy Wyndham Paget was a British racehorse owner.She was the daughter of Lord Queenborough and Pauline Payne Whitney of the United States Whitney family. She was a cousin of Jock Whitney, owner of the dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Easter Hero and latterly American Ambassador in London. She...1947 National Spirit 6 Danny Morgan Vic Smyth Len Abelson 1948 National Spirit 7 Ron Smyth Vic Smyth Len Abelson 1949 Hatton's Grace 9 Aubrey Brabazon Vincent O'Brien Vincent O'BrienDr. Michael Vincent O'Brien was an Irish race horse trainer from Churchtown, County Cork, Ireland. In 2003 he was voted the greatest influence in horse racing history, according to a worldwide vote hosted by the Racing Post newspaper...Mrs Harry Keogh 1950 Hatton's Grace 10 Aubrey Brabazon Vincent O'Brien Vincent O'BrienDr. Michael Vincent O'Brien was an Irish race horse trainer from Churchtown, County Cork, Ireland. In 2003 he was voted the greatest influence in horse racing history, according to a worldwide vote hosted by the Racing Post newspaper...Mrs Harry Keogh 1951 Hatton's Grace 11 Tim Molony Vincent O'Brien Vincent O'BrienDr. Michael Vincent O'Brien was an Irish race horse trainer from Churchtown, County Cork, Ireland. In 2003 he was voted the greatest influence in horse racing history, according to a worldwide vote hosted by the Racing Post newspaper...Mrs Harry Keogh 1952 Sir Ken 5 Tim Molony Willie Stephenson Maurice Kingsley 1953 Sir Ken 6 Tim Molony Willie Stephenson Maurice Kingsley 1954 Sir Ken 7 Tim Molony Willie Stephenson Maurice Kingsley 1955 Clair Soleil 6 Fred Winter Fred Winter (horse racing)Frederick Thomas Winter was a British National Hunt racing racehorse jockey and trainer. He was British jump racing Champion Jockey four times and British jump racing Champion Trainer eight times. He is the only person to have won the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle and Grand National as both...Ryan Price H. Ryan PriceHenry Ryan Price 16 August 1912 - 16 August 1986) was a British Thoroughbred horse trainer in both flat and National Hunt racing.Born in Hindhead, Surrey, he is known by his middle name, Ryan. He began his career in horse racing as a jockey based at East Lavant in West Sussex. In 1937, he...Gerry Judd 1956 Doorknocker 8 Harry Sprague Charlie Hall Clifford Nicholson 1957 Merry Deal 7 Grenville Underwood Arthur Jones Arthur Jones 1958 Bandalore 7 George Slack Stan Wright Dorothy Wright 1959 Fare Time 6 Fred Winter Fred Winter (horse racing)Frederick Thomas Winter was a British National Hunt racing racehorse jockey and trainer. He was British jump racing Champion Jockey four times and British jump racing Champion Trainer eight times. He is the only person to have won the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle and Grand National as both...Ryan Price H. Ryan PriceHenry Ryan Price 16 August 1912 - 16 August 1986) was a British Thoroughbred horse trainer in both flat and National Hunt racing.Born in Hindhead, Surrey, he is known by his middle name, Ryan. He began his career in horse racing as a jockey based at East Lavant in West Sussex. In 1937, he...Gerry Judd 1960 Another Flash 6 Bobby Beasley Paddy Sleator J. J. Byrne 1961 Eborneezer 6 Fred Winter Fred Winter (horse racing)Frederick Thomas Winter was a British National Hunt racing racehorse jockey and trainer. He was British jump racing Champion Jockey four times and British jump racing Champion Trainer eight times. He is the only person to have won the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle and Grand National as both...Ryan Price H. Ryan PriceHenry Ryan Price 16 August 1912 - 16 August 1986) was a British Thoroughbred horse trainer in both flat and National Hunt racing.Born in Hindhead, Surrey, he is known by his middle name, Ryan. He began his career in horse racing as a jockey based at East Lavant in West Sussex. In 1937, he...Dr B. N. Pajgar 1962 Anzio 5 Willie Robinson Fulke Walwyn Fulke WalwynFulke Thomas Tyndall Walwyn was a British jockey and racehorse trainer specialising mainly in National Hunt racing. He was born in Wrexham and died in Newbury.He was educated at Malvern College....Sir Thomas Ainsworth 1963 Winning Fair 8 Mr Alan Lillingston George Spencer George Spencer 1964 Magic Court 6 Pat McCarron Tommy Robson J. McGhie 1965 Kirriemuir 5 Willie Robinson Fulke Walwyn Fulke WalwynFulke Thomas Tyndall Walwyn was a British jockey and racehorse trainer specialising mainly in National Hunt racing. He was born in Wrexham and died in Newbury.He was educated at Malvern College....Dorothy Beddington 1966 Salmon Spray 8 Johnny Haine Bob Turnell Mrs John Rogerson 1967 Saucy Kit 6 Roy Edwards Peter Easterby Peter EasterbyMiles Henry 'Peter' Easterby is a retired British racehorse trainer. He was British jump racing Champion Trainer three times....K. F. Alder 1968 Persian War 5 Jimmy Uttley Colin Davies Henry Alper 1969 Persian War 6 Jimmy Uttley Colin Davies Henry Alper 1970 Persian War 7 Jimmy Uttley Colin Davies Henry Alper 1971 Bula 6 Paul Kelleway Fred Winter Fred Winter (horse racing)Frederick Thomas Winter was a British National Hunt racing racehorse jockey and trainer. He was British jump racing Champion Jockey four times and British jump racing Champion Trainer eight times. He is the only person to have won the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle and Grand National as both...Bill Edwards-Heathcote 1972 Bula 7 Paul Kelleway Fred Winter Fred Winter (horse racing)Frederick Thomas Winter was a British National Hunt racing racehorse jockey and trainer. He was British jump racing Champion Jockey four times and British jump racing Champion Trainer eight times. He is the only person to have won the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle and Grand National as both...Bill Edwards-Heathcote 1973 Comedy of Errors Comedy of Errors (horse)Comedy of Errors was a champion British racehorse of the 1970s, winning the Champion Hurdle in 1973 and 1975, and finishing second in 1974. He was trained by Fred Rimell and ridden by Bill Smith and Ken White. The horse was the first to regain British hurdling's top prize....6 Bill Smith Fred Rimell Ted Wheatley 1974 Lanzarote 6 Richard Pitman Richard PitmanRichard Pitman, is a retired jump jockey who rode 470 winners in his career including Lanzarote in the 1974 Champion Hurdle). He also won the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park Racecourse twice, the Whitbread Gold Cup once and the Hennessy Gold Cup once....Fred Winter Fred Winter (horse racing)Frederick Thomas Winter was a British National Hunt racing racehorse jockey and trainer. He was British jump racing Champion Jockey four times and British jump racing Champion Trainer eight times. He is the only person to have won the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle and Grand National as both...Lord Howard de Walden John Scott-Ellis, 9th Baron Howard de WaldenJohn Osmael Scott-Ellis, 9th Baron Howard de Walden, 5th Baron Seaford was a British peer, landowner, and a Thoroughbred racehorse owner/breeder. He was the son of Margarita van Raalte and her husband, Thomas Scott-Ellis, 8th Baron Howard de Walden and was educated at Eton.In 1931 he moved to...1975 Comedy of Errors Comedy of Errors (horse)Comedy of Errors was a champion British racehorse of the 1970s, winning the Champion Hurdle in 1973 and 1975, and finishing second in 1974. He was trained by Fred Rimell and ridden by Bill Smith and Ken White. The horse was the first to regain British hurdling's top prize....8 Ken White Fred Rimell Ted Wheatley 1976 Night Nurse Night Nurse (horse)Night Nurse was an Irish bred English trained National Hunt racehorse sired by Falcon.Timeform rated Night Nurse at 182, the highest rating ever awarded to a hurdler.* 182 - Night Nurse* 180 - Istabraq, Monksfield...5 Paddy Broderick Peter Easterby Peter EasterbyMiles Henry 'Peter' Easterby is a retired British racehorse trainer. He was British jump racing Champion Trainer three times....Reg Spencer 1977 Night Nurse Night Nurse (horse)Night Nurse was an Irish bred English trained National Hunt racehorse sired by Falcon.Timeform rated Night Nurse at 182, the highest rating ever awarded to a hurdler.* 182 - Night Nurse* 180 - Istabraq, Monksfield...6 Paddy Broderick Peter Easterby Peter EasterbyMiles Henry 'Peter' Easterby is a retired British racehorse trainer. He was British jump racing Champion Trainer three times....Reg Spencer 1978 Monksfield MonksfieldMonksfield was an Irish-trained National Hunt racehorse who won the Champion Hurdle in 1978 and 1979.There was never much of Monksfield, but his small frame hid an attitude of great determination. If it came to a fight Monksfield would not only want to be in it, he would expect to win it...6 Tommy Kinane Des McDonogh Dr Michael Mangan 1979 Monksfield MonksfieldMonksfield was an Irish-trained National Hunt racehorse who won the Champion Hurdle in 1978 and 1979.There was never much of Monksfield, but his small frame hid an attitude of great determination. If it came to a fight Monksfield would not only want to be in it, he would expect to win it...7 Dessie Hughes Des McDonogh Dr Michael Mangan 1980 Sea Pigeon Sea PigeonSea Pigeon was a racehorse who excelled in both National Hunt and flat racing.As a son of the great Derby winner Sea Bird II, Sea Pigeon was bred to be a high class horse on the flat, but his efforts as a three-year-old were slightly lacklustre - trained by Jeremy Tree, he ran in the 1973 Epsom...10 Jonjo O'Neill Jonjo O'NeillJonjo O'Neill is an Irish National Hunt racehorse trainer and former jockey. He is a native of Castletownroche, County Cork in Ireland. Based at the Jackdaws Castle training establishment in England, O'Neill is the private trainer to J. P. McManus, one of the largest owners of steeplechasers and...Peter Easterby Peter EasterbyMiles Henry 'Peter' Easterby is a retired British racehorse trainer. He was British jump racing Champion Trainer three times....Pat Muldoon 1981 Sea Pigeon Sea PigeonSea Pigeon was a racehorse who excelled in both National Hunt and flat racing.As a son of the great Derby winner Sea Bird II, Sea Pigeon was bred to be a high class horse on the flat, but his efforts as a three-year-old were slightly lacklustre - trained by Jeremy Tree, he ran in the 1973 Epsom...11 John Francome John FrancomeJohn Francome MBE is a former National Hunt Champion Jockey.Born in Swindon the son of a railway fireman, his family had no connection with the horse racing world. At sixteen years old he became apprentice to Lambourn trainer Fred Winter and so began his career as a jockey. He rode a total of...Peter Easterby Peter EasterbyMiles Henry 'Peter' Easterby is a retired British racehorse trainer. He was British jump racing Champion Trainer three times....Pat Muldoon 1982 For Auction 6 Mr Colin Magnier Michael Cunningham F. Heaslip 1983 Gaye Brief 6 Richard Linley Mercy Rimell Sheikh Ali Abu Khamsin 1984 Dawn Run Dawn RunDawn Run was a Thoroughbred racehorse who was the most successful racemare in the history of National Hunt racing. She won the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham racing festival in 1984 and the Cheltenham Gold Cup over fences at the festival in 1986. Dawn Run was the only racehorse to have...6 Jonjo O'Neill Jonjo O'NeillJonjo O'Neill is an Irish National Hunt racehorse trainer and former jockey. He is a native of Castletownroche, County Cork in Ireland. Based at the Jackdaws Castle training establishment in England, O'Neill is the private trainer to J. P. McManus, one of the largest owners of steeplechasers and...Paddy Mullins Paddy MullinsPaddy Mullins was an Irish racehorse trainer in a career which spanned fifty two years.His first winner was Flash Parade, which won the 1953 La Touche at Punchestown...Charmian Hill 1985 See You Then 5 Steve Smith Eccles Nicky Henderson Nicky HendersonNicky Henderson is a British racehorse trainer. He has been British jump racing Champion Trainer twice.Henderson, educated at Eton College, has been a trainer since 1978, based at Seven Barrows near Lambourn, Berkshire...Stype Wood Stud 1986 See You Then 6 Steve Smith Eccles Nicky Henderson Nicky HendersonNicky Henderson is a British racehorse trainer. He has been British jump racing Champion Trainer twice.Henderson, educated at Eton College, has been a trainer since 1978, based at Seven Barrows near Lambourn, Berkshire...Stype Wood Stud 1987 See You Then 7 Steve Smith Eccles Nicky Henderson Nicky HendersonNicky Henderson is a British racehorse trainer. He has been British jump racing Champion Trainer twice.Henderson, educated at Eton College, has been a trainer since 1978, based at Seven Barrows near Lambourn, Berkshire...Stype Wood Stud 1988 Celtic Shot 6 Peter Scudamore Peter ScudamorePeter Scudamore , known universally as 'Scu', is a former jockey and trainer in National Hunt racing. He was an eight-time Champion Jockey , riding 1,678 winners in his career...Fred Winter Fred Winter (horse racing)Frederick Thomas Winter was a British National Hunt racing racehorse jockey and trainer. He was British jump racing Champion Jockey four times and British jump racing Champion Trainer eight times. He is the only person to have won the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle and Grand National as both...David Horton 1989 Beech Road 7 Richard Guest Toby Balding Toby BaldingGerald Barnard Balding, Jr. OBE , known as Toby Balding, is a retired British racehorse trainer.-Biography:He was born in the United States where his father, Gerald Barnard Balding, Sr., ran a polo team and is part of a famous racing family. His brother, Ian Balding, also a retired trainer, trained...Tony Geake 1990 Kribensis Kribensis (horse)Kribensis was an Irish thoroughbred racehorse, born to sire, Henbit and dam, Aquaria. The horse was owned by Sheikh Mohammed and trained by Sir Michael Stoute...6 Richard Dunwoody Richard DunwoodyThomas Richard Dunwoody MBE is a retired British jockey in National Hunt racing. He was a three-time Champion Jockey, riding 1699 British winners in his career. His father was a leading Point to Point rider...Michael Stoute Michael StouteSir Michael Ronald Stoute is a Barbadian British thoroughbred horse trainer in flat racing. Stoute, whose father was the Chief of police for Barbados, left the island in 1964 at the age of 19 to become an assistant to trainer Pat Rohan and began training horses on his own in 1972...Sheikh Mohammed Mohammed bin Rashid Al MaktoumMohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum , also Sheikh Mohammed, , is the Prime Minister and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates , and absolute monarch of Dubai.-Personal life and education:...1991 Morley Street 7 Jimmy Frost Toby Balding Toby BaldingGerald Barnard Balding, Jr. OBE , known as Toby Balding, is a retired British racehorse trainer.-Biography:He was born in the United States where his father, Gerald Barnard Balding, Sr., ran a polo team and is part of a famous racing family. His brother, Ian Balding, also a retired trainer, trained...Michael Jackson Bloodstock 1992 Royal Gait 9 Graham McCourt James Fanshawe James FanshaweJames Fanshawe is a British racehorse trainer.He principally trains flat horses such as multiple Group 1 winner Soviet Song. However, he has twice won the Champion Hurdle in 1992 with Royal Gait James Fanshawe is a British racehorse trainer.He principally trains flat horses such as multiple Group...Sheikh Mohammed Mohammed bin Rashid Al MaktoumMohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum , also Sheikh Mohammed, , is the Prime Minister and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates , and absolute monarch of Dubai.-Personal life and education:...1993 Granville Again 7 Peter Scudamore Peter ScudamorePeter Scudamore , known universally as 'Scu', is a former jockey and trainer in National Hunt racing. He was an eight-time Champion Jockey , riding 1,678 winners in his career...Martin Pipe Martin PipeMartin Pipe was a racehorse trainer until his retirement in April 2006.The son of a West-Country bookmaker, Pipe was an amateur jockey before turning his attention to training in 1974 at Nicholashayne, Devon, near Wellington, England....Eric Scarth 1994 Flakey Dove 8 Mark Dwyer Mark DwyerMark Dwyer is a former Australian rules footballer who played with Fitzroy and St Kilda in the Victorian Football League during the 1980s....Richard Price John Price 1995 Alderbrook AlderbrookAlderbrook was an entire horse who won the Champion Hurdle in 1995 and was runner up in 1996. He was the top rated Hurdler by Timeform in both 1995 and 1996 in their publication, Chasers & Hurdlers....6 Norman Williamson Norman WilliamsonNorman Williamson is a professional jockey in the Irish National Hunt.- References :...Kim Bailey Ernie Pick 1996 Collier Bay Collier BayCollier Bay is a natural bay off the island of Newfoundland in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.-References:...6 Graham Bradley Jim Old Wally Sturt 1997 Make A Stand Make A Stand (horse)Make A Stand is a retired British Thoroughbred racehorse. In a career which lasted from 1993 to 2000 he ran thirty times, both on the flat and over hurdles, and won twelve races...6 Tony McCoy Tony McCoyAnthony Peter McCoy OBE , commonly known as A. P. McCoy or Tony McCoy, is a Northern Irish horse racing jockey....Martin Pipe Martin PipeMartin Pipe was a racehorse trainer until his retirement in April 2006.The son of a West-Country bookmaker, Pipe was an amateur jockey before turning his attention to training in 1974 at Nicholashayne, Devon, near Wellington, England....Peter Deal 1998 Istabraq IstabraqIstabraq is a retired Irish Thoroughbred racehorse who was most famous for his hurdling. He had an exceptional pedigree, being the produce of Sadler's Wells, a son of Northern Dancer, and a Secretariat mare making him a three-quarter brother to Epsom Derby winner Secreto. He won the Champion...6 Charlie Swan Aidan O'Brien Aidan O'BrienAidan Patrick O'Brien is an Irish horse racing trainer. Since 1996, he has been the private trainer at Ballydoyle Stables near Cashel in County Tipperary for John Magnier and his Coolmore Stud associates....J. P. McManus J. P. McManusJohn Patrick "J. P." McManus is an Irish businessman and racehorse owner.- Early life :Born in Limerick, McManus began his business career at his family's construction plant hire firm, and then became an on-course bookmaker at Limerick's greyhound track, the Market's Field, before moving into...1999 Istabraq IstabraqIstabraq is a retired Irish Thoroughbred racehorse who was most famous for his hurdling. He had an exceptional pedigree, being the produce of Sadler's Wells, a son of Northern Dancer, and a Secretariat mare making him a three-quarter brother to Epsom Derby winner Secreto. He won the Champion...7 Charlie Swan Aidan O'Brien Aidan O'BrienAidan Patrick O'Brien is an Irish horse racing trainer. Since 1996, he has been the private trainer at Ballydoyle Stables near Cashel in County Tipperary for John Magnier and his Coolmore Stud associates....J. P. McManus J. P. McManusJohn Patrick "J. P." McManus is an Irish businessman and racehorse owner.- Early life :Born in Limerick, McManus began his business career at his family's construction plant hire firm, and then became an on-course bookmaker at Limerick's greyhound track, the Market's Field, before moving into...2000 Istabraq IstabraqIstabraq is a retired Irish Thoroughbred racehorse who was most famous for his hurdling. He had an exceptional pedigree, being the produce of Sadler's Wells, a son of Northern Dancer, and a Secretariat mare making him a three-quarter brother to Epsom Derby winner Secreto. He won the Champion...8 Charlie Swan Aidan O'Brien Aidan O'BrienAidan Patrick O'Brien is an Irish horse racing trainer. Since 1996, he has been the private trainer at Ballydoyle Stables near Cashel in County Tipperary for John Magnier and his Coolmore Stud associates....J. P. McManus J. P. McManusJohn Patrick "J. P." McManus is an Irish businessman and racehorse owner.- Early life :Born in Limerick, McManus began his business career at his family's construction plant hire firm, and then became an on-course bookmaker at Limerick's greyhound track, the Market's Field, before moving into...no race 2001 2002 Hors La Loi III Hors La Loi IIIHors La Loi III was a French-bred AQPS racehorse who won the 2002 Champion Hurdle. A dark bay gelding with a narrow blaze and white hind feet, he developed a reputation for being rather inconsistent, but was one of the most talented hurdlers of his era with a peak rating of 165.-Background:Hors La...7 Dean Gallagher James Fanshawe James FanshaweJames Fanshawe is a British racehorse trainer.He principally trains flat horses such as multiple Group 1 winner Soviet Song. However, he has twice won the Champion Hurdle in 1992 with Royal Gait James Fanshawe is a British racehorse trainer.He principally trains flat horses such as multiple Group...Paul Green 2003 Rooster Booster Rooster Booster (horse)Rooster Booster was a British-bred thoroughbred racehorse, best known for winning the 2003 Champion Hurdle.-Background:Rooster Booster was a gelding whose grey coat and racing style made him easily recognisable. He was the only horse of any consequence produced by the unsuccessful racehorse...9 Richard Johnson Richard Johnson (jockey)Richard Johnson is an English National Hunt jockey.-Background:Johnson comes from a racing family with his father being an amateur jockey and his mother, Sue Johnson, a successful trainer.-Jockey career:...Philip Hobbs Philip HobbsPhilip Hobbs is a British racehorse trainer specializing mainly in National Hunt racing. He is based at stables near Minehead, Somerset....Terry Warner 2004 Hardy Eustace Hardy EustaceHardy Eustace is a retired thoroughbred racehorse, best known for winning the Champion Hurdle in 2004 and 2005. He was trained in Ireland by Dessie Hughes and owned by Laurence Byrne.-Early Career:...7 Conor O'Dwyer Dessie Hughes Laurence Byrne 2005 Hardy Eustace Hardy EustaceHardy Eustace is a retired thoroughbred racehorse, best known for winning the Champion Hurdle in 2004 and 2005. He was trained in Ireland by Dessie Hughes and owned by Laurence Byrne.-Early Career:...8 Conor O'Dwyer Dessie Hughes Laurence Byrne 2006 Brave Inca Brave IncaBrave Inca is a retired Irish Thoroughbred racehorse who won ten Grade I races including the 2006 Champion Hurdle.-Background:...8 Tony McCoy Tony McCoyAnthony Peter McCoy OBE , commonly known as A. P. McCoy or Tony McCoy, is a Northern Irish horse racing jockey....Colm Murphy Novices Syndicate 2007 Sublimity Sublimity (horse)Sublimity is an Irish Thoroughbred racehorse whose Flat racing and hurdling career was highlighted in 2007 when he won the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival...7 Philip Carberry John Carr Bill Hennessy 2008 Katchit KatchitKatchit is an Irish Thoroughbred racehorse, the peak of whose flat racing and hurdling career came in 2008 when, against the odds, he won the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival...5 Robert Thornton Robert Thornton (jockey)Robert "Choc" Thornton is an English National Hunt jockey currently employed as stable jockey to Alan King....Alan King Alan King (horse racing)Alan King is a British racehorse trainer specialising mainly in National Hunt racing. He is based at Barbury Castle stables near Wroughton, Wiltshire....D S J P Syndicate 2009 Punjabi Punjabi (horse)Punjabi is a British Thoroughbred racehorse, born to sire, Komatie and dam, Competa. Punjabi started racing as a three year old in 2005...6 Barry Geraghty Barry GeraghtyBarry Geraghty is an Irish jockey.Geraghty rode his first winner in January 1997, three years later he became the Irish Champion jump jockey for the first time. He rode his first Cheltenham winner on the Jessica Harrington trained Moscow Flyer in the 2002 Arkle Chase.He won the Grand National in...Nicky Henderson Nicky HendersonNicky Henderson is a British racehorse trainer. He has been British jump racing Champion Trainer twice.Henderson, educated at Eton College, has been a trainer since 1978, based at Seven Barrows near Lambourn, Berkshire...Raymond Tooth Raymond ToothRaymond Clive Tooth is a matrimonial and family law lawyer and racehorse owner in the United Kingdom. He is renowned for representing the wives of male celebrities in high profile divorces.-Education and career:...2010 Binocular Binocular (horse)Binocular, foaled on March 17, 2004 in France, is a French thoroughbred racehorse, born to sire, Enrique and dam Bleu Ciel Et Blanc. He is owned by J. P. McManus and trained by Nicky Henderson. His primary jockey is Tony McCoy....6 Tony McCoy Tony McCoyAnthony Peter McCoy OBE , commonly known as A. P. McCoy or Tony McCoy, is a Northern Irish horse racing jockey....Nicky Henderson Nicky HendersonNicky Henderson is a British racehorse trainer. He has been British jump racing Champion Trainer twice.Henderson, educated at Eton College, has been a trainer since 1978, based at Seven Barrows near Lambourn, Berkshire...J. P. McManus J. P. McManusJohn Patrick "J. P." McManus is an Irish businessman and racehorse owner.- Early life :Born in Limerick, McManus began his business career at his family's construction plant hire firm, and then became an on-course bookmaker at Limerick's greyhound track, the Market's Field, before moving into...2011 Hurricane Fly Hurricane FlyHurricane Fly is a thoroughbred racehorse. The horse is owned by George Creighton & Mrs Rose Boyd and trained by Willie Mullins. On 15 March 2011, Hurricane Fly ridden by Ruby Walsh won the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham....7 Ruby Walsh Ruby WalshRuby Walsh is the reigning Irish National Hunt champion jockey. He is the second child, and eldest son, of former champion amateur jockey Ted Walsh and his wife Helen.-Success:...Willie Mullins Willie MullinsWillie Mullins is an Irish racehorse trainer and former jockey. He is based at Closutton, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow, Ireland...Creighton / Boyd
The race was abandoned in 1931 due to frost.
It was not run in 1943 and 1944 because of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
.
The 2001 running was cancelled because of a foot-and-mouth crisis.
See also
- Horseracing in Great Britain
- List of British National Hunt races