Irish Champion Hurdle
Encyclopedia
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 (3,219 metres), and during its running there are eight hurdles to be jumped. The race is scheduled to take place each year in late January.
The event was established in 1950, and it is now one of two Irish races, along with the Punchestown Champion Hurdle
, which can be seen as equivalents of the Champion Hurdle
in England. The most recent winner of the Leopardstown version to win the Champion Hurdle in the same season was Hurricane Fly
in 2011. The Irish Champion Hurdle was sponsored by AIG Europe
from 1993 to 2008, and by Toshiba
in 2009 and 2010. The 2011 running was sponsored by BHP Insurances.
The 1995 running took place at Fairyhouse
.
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 Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
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. It is run at Leopardstown
Leopardstown Racecourse
Leopardstown Racecourse is an Irish horse-racing venue. Like the majority of Irish courses, it hosts both National Hunt and Flat racing. Located in Leopardstown, County Dublin, 8km south of the Dublin city centre. The course was built by Captain George Quin and modeled on Sandown Park Racecourse...
over a distance of about 2 miles (3,219 metres), and during its running there are eight hurdles to be jumped. The race is scheduled to take place each year in late January.
The event was established in 1950, and it is now one of two Irish races, along with the Punchestown Champion Hurdle
Punchestown Champion Hurdle
The Punchestown 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 Punchestown over a distance of about 2 miles , and during its running there are nine hurdles to be jumped...
, which can be seen as equivalents of the Champion Hurdle
Champion Hurdle
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...
in England. The most recent winner of the Leopardstown version to win the Champion Hurdle in the same season was Hurricane Fly
Hurricane Fly
Hurricane 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....
in 2011. The Irish Champion Hurdle was sponsored by AIG Europe
American International Group
American International Group, Inc. or AIG is an American multinational insurance corporation. Its corporate headquarters is located in the American International Building in New York City. The British headquarters office is on Fenchurch Street in London, continental Europe operations are based in...
from 1993 to 2008, and by Toshiba
Toshiba
is a multinational electronics and electrical equipment corporation headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. It is a diversified manufacturer and marketer of electrical products, spanning information & communications equipment and systems, Internet-based solutions and services, electronic components and...
in 2009 and 2010. The 2011 running was sponsored by BHP Insurances.
Records
- Most successful horse – 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...
, 4 wins (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001) - Most successful jockey – Charlie Swan, 6 wins (1991, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003)
- Most successful trainer – Aidan O'BrienAidan 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....
, 4 wins (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001)
Winners
- Amateur jockeys indicated by "Mr".
Year Winner Age Jockey Trainer 1950 Hatton's Grace 10 R. J. O'Ryan 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...1951 Penny on the Jack 5 B. Cooper D. St. J. Gough 1952 Domaghmore T. P. Burns Paddy Sleator 1953 Limeona 5 J. J. Rafferty D. Kirwan 1954 La Laun 6 M. R. Magee J. T. Doyle no race 1955 1956 Triomphe Eddie Harty J. Mangan 1957 Caesar's Helm 6 C. Finnegan A. C. Bryce-Smith 1958 Albany Star W. J. Brennan G. Robinson 1959 Floor Show 9 Bobby Beasley Paddy Sleator 1960 Albergo 6 S. Page Clem Magnier 1961 Albergo 7 Doug Page Clem Magnier 1962 Rainlough Toss Taaffe Tom Taaffe 1963 Winning Fair 8 Mr Alan Lillingston George Spencer 1964 Flyingbolt FlyingboltFlyingbolt was a famous racehorse.- Overview :Officially he is the second best National Hunt racehorse of all time, after Arkle, but not nearly as well known as his rival. Flyingbolt's racing career was dogged by illness and injury...5 Pat Taaffe Pat TaaffePat Taaffe died in 1992 in Dublin Hospital, aged just 62. His health had been poor for some time.Taaffe is a National Hunt jockey who famously rode Arkle to win three Cheltenham Gold Cups between 1964 and 1966...Tom Dreaper Tom DreaperThomas William Dreaper was a successful Irish steeplechase racehorse trainer. He is best known for being the trainer of Arkle and Flyingbolt....1965 Havago 6 C. Finnegan Paddy Sleator 1966 Gypsando 7 C. Finnegan Captain C. B. Harty 1967 Mr Twomey Mr John Kiely J. Cullen 1968 Muir 9 Ben Hannon Tom Dreaper Tom DreaperThomas William Dreaper was a successful Irish steeplechase racehorse trainer. He is best known for being the trainer of Arkle and Flyingbolt....1969 L'Escargot L'Escargot (horse)L'Escargot was a racehorse notable as being the horse who halted the winning run of Red Rum at the Aintree Grand National in 1975. L’Escargot was owned by Raymond R. Guest, and ridden by champion Irish jockey Tommy Carberry. He was trained by Dan Moore, and beat Red Rum by 15 lengths.He won as a...6 Tommy Carberry Tommy CarberryTommy Carberry is a retired National Hunt jockey who was twice overall champion Irish jockey and five times champion national hunt jockey. He rode in his first race in 1958, and was crowned champion apprentice in 1959...Dan Moore no race 1970 1971 Lockyersleigh 8 Tommy Carberry Tommy CarberryTommy Carberry is a retired National Hunt jockey who was twice overall champion Irish jockey and five times champion national hunt jockey. He rode in his first race in 1958, and was crowned champion apprentice in 1959...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...1972 Super Day Mr John Fowler G. St. John Nolan 1973 Captain Christy Captain ChristyCaptain Christy was an Irish-bred and Irish-trained racehorse, who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup as a novice.In spite of an alarming tendency to make mistakes, Captain Christy was one of the very best Irish chasers of his era and his 30 lengths demolition of Bula in the 1975 King George VI Chase at...6 Bobby Beasley Pat Taaffe Pat TaaffePat Taaffe died in 1992 in Dublin Hospital, aged just 62. His health had been poor for some time.Taaffe is a National Hunt jockey who famously rode Arkle to win three Cheltenham Gold Cups between 1964 and 1966...1974 Flashy Boy Tommy Carberry Tommy CarberryTommy Carberry is a retired National Hunt jockey who was twice overall champion Irish jockey and five times champion national hunt jockey. He rode in his first race in 1958, and was crowned champion apprentice in 1959...A. Watson 1975 Ribosaint 6 Frank Berry Phonsie O'Brien 1976 Prominent King 4 Frank Berry Kevin Prendergast 1977 Master Monday 7 John Harty L. Quirke 1978 Prominent King 6 Bobby Coonan Kevin Prendergast 1979 Connaught Ranger 5 Colin Tinkler Fred Rimell 1980 Twinburn 5 T. A. Quinn Tony Redmond 1981 Daring Run 6 Mr Ted Walsh Ted WalshTed Walsh is an amateur jockey turned racehorse trainer, based in Kill, County Kildare, Ireland. He was born and raised in Co. Cork. As a rider, one of his most important wins was on Attitude Adjuster in the 1986 Cheltenham Festival Foxhunter Chase...Peter McCreery 1982 Daring Run 7 Mr Ted Walsh Ted WalshTed Walsh is an amateur jockey turned racehorse trainer, based in Kill, County Kildare, Ireland. He was born and raised in Co. Cork. As a rider, one of his most important wins was on Attitude Adjuster in the 1986 Cheltenham Festival Foxhunter Chase...Peter McCreery 1983 Royal Vulcan 5 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...Neville Callaghan 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...1985 Fredcoteri 9 Tom Taaffe Tom TaaffeTom Taaffe is an Irish horse trainer based at Portree Stables, Boston, Straffan, in County Kildare.He began training in 94/95 jumps season, having had a successful career as a professional jump jockey for the Arthur Moore stable....Arthur Moore 1986 Herbert United 7 Harry Rogers Des McDonogh 1987 Deep Idol 7 Brendan Sheridan P. D. Osborne 1988 Classical Charm 5 Ken Morgan Al O'Connell 1989 Kingsmill 6 Declan Murphy Tommy Stack Tommy StackTommy Stack is a former National Hunt racing jockey and current National Hunt trainer. As a jockey, he is probably best-known for piloting Red Rum to a third Grand National victory. Stack was National Hunt Champion Jockey for the 1974-75 and 1976-77 seasons. He got his first trainer's license in...1990 Nomadic Way 5 Brendan Powell Barry Hills Barry HillsBarry Hills is a British thoroughbred horse trainer. He lives in Lambourn, England.-Biography:Barry Hills had three sons in his first marriage: John, Michael, and Richard. John is a horse trainer, and both Michael and Richard are jockeys. After his divorce, he married Penny Hills, and had two more...1991 Nordic Surprise 4 Charlie Swan Jim Bolger Jim Bolger (racehorse trainer)James S. "Jim" Bolger is an Thoroughbred racehorse trainer and breeder based in Coolcullen in County Kilkenny. For many years now he has been recognised as one of the racing greats in Ireland...1992 Chirkpar 5 Liam Cusack Jim Bolger Jim Bolger (racehorse trainer)James S. "Jim" Bolger is an Thoroughbred racehorse trainer and breeder based in Coolcullen in County Kilkenny. For many years now he has been recognised as one of the racing greats in Ireland...1993 Royal Derbi 8 Declan Murphy Neville Callaghan 1994 Fortune and Fame 7 Adrian Maguire Adrian MaguireAdrian Maguire, born 29 April 1971 in Kilmessan, County Meath, Ireland, is a racehorse trainer and former jockey.Maguire began his career in Irish pony racing at the age of nine, in which he rode more than 200 winners. In 1990 he rode his first winner under rules, at Sligo, before his first victory...Dermot Weld Dermot WeldDermot K. Weld is one of Ireland's most successful racehorse trainers. He holds the record for the most winners trained in Ireland ....1995 Fortune and Fame 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....Dermot Weld Dermot WeldDermot K. Weld is one of Ireland's most successful racehorse trainers. He holds the record for the most winners trained in Ireland ....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 Jamie Osborne Jamie OsborneJamie Osborne is a jockey and race horse trainer. Born 28 August 1967 he rode his first winner in March 1986 and in 1999 obtained his trainers licence. Once a favourite of the Queen Mother, he was acquitted of race fixing in 1998.-References:...Jim Old 1997 Cockney Lad 8 Richard Hughes Richard Hughes (jockey)Richard Hughes is an Irish flat jockey who most commonly rides in Great Britain. Born in Dublin, he is the son of successful National Hunt trainer, Dessie Hughes. His main provider of rides has been trainer Richard Hannon who is also his father in law andfrom 2001 to 2007 he was also retained by...Noel Meade Noel MeadeNoel Meade is a famous horse trainer from Ireland. He established Tu Va Stables in Co. Meath, Ireland as a place to train his horses.Meade began his career as a horse trainer in 1971, but it was not until 1978 that Meade started to become well recognized. Sweet Mint, winner of the Cork and Orrery...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....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....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....2001 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...9 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....2002 Ned Kelly 6 Norman Williamson Norman WilliamsonNorman Williamson is a professional jockey in the Irish National Hunt.- References :...Edward O'Grady 2003 Like-a-Butterfly 9 Charlie Swan Christy Roche Christy RocheChristy Roche is a retired champion Irish flat racing jockey.Over his thirty year career between 1968 and 1998 he won the Budweiser Irish Derby 3 times which he won in 1982, 1992 and 1997. His 1997 victory was on Desert King.-External links:*...2004 Foreman 6 Thierry Doumen Thierry Doumen 2005 Macs Joy Macs JoyMacs Joy was an Irish Thoroughbred racehorse who won several important hurdle races including three at Grade I level between 2004 and 2006. He was also known for his long series of races against the Champion Hurdler Brave Inca...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...Jessica Harrington 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 2007 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:...10 Conor O'Dwyer Dessie Hughes 2008 Sizing Europe 6 Andrew J. McNamara Henry de Bromhead 2009 Brave Inca Brave IncaBrave Inca is a retired Irish Thoroughbred racehorse who won ten Grade I races including the 2006 Champion Hurdle.-Background:...11 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:...Colm Murphy 2010 Solwhit SolwhitSolwhit is an French thoroughbred racehorse, born to sire, Solon and dam, Toowhit Towhee. He is owned by the Top Of The Hill Syndicate and is trained by Charles Byrnes. Throughout his time as a racehorse, he has been predominately ridden by Davy Russell...6 Davy Russell Davy RussellDavy Russell is an Irish jockey who competes in National Hunt racing. Russell's first win as a professional jockey was for English-based Irish trainer Ferdy Murphy on Inn Antique in a novice hurdle at Sedgefield, 12 November 2002...Charles Byrnes 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 Paul Townend Willie Mullins Willie MullinsWillie Mullins is an Irish racehorse trainer and former jockey. He is based at Closutton, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow, Ireland...
The 1995 running took place at Fairyhouse
Fairyhouse Racecourse
Fairyhouse Racecourse is one of Ireland's premier horse racing venues. Situated in the parish of Ratoath in County Meath, on the R155 regional road, 3 km off the N3. It is the home of the Irish Grand National. The first race meet was held in 1848...
.