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 Wednesday 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 1945 Grade 1 2 miles 1/2 furlong
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 BRAINS TRUST T F Rimell Gerry Wilson Mr F Blakeway 9/2
2 VIDI D Butchers Reg Hobbs Mrs A E Saunders 100/6
3 RED APRIL D Jones Stalbridge Lord Stalbridge 10/1
4 TOURIST J Moloney Chandler Mr A G Chandler 50/1
5 FIROZE DIN M Feakes Fulke Walwyn Mrs Carlos Clarke50/1
6 ROSENCRANZ G Garbett Garbett Mr C F Feasey 50/1
7 RADIANCE Keith Piggott Gerry Wilson Mr A W T Hood 100/8
8 FORESTATION Ron Smyth Vic Smyth Mr Vic Smyth 7/1
9 STIPENDIARY P Russell Bellerby Mrs S Baker 50/1
10 TRIONA T Farmer Walter Nightingall Mrs F O Besner 2/1 fav
11 PORT O' LONDON H Nicholson Fulke Walwyn Mrs G M Colmore 13/2
12 PYTHAGORAS W Hollick Tom Rimell Mr G H Dowty 100/8
13 PRINCE FLORIMONDE T Isaac Walter Nightingall Miss Dorothy Paget 100/8
14 CHESTERHOLME P Lay Kilpatrick Mrs M Woollam 33/1
15 CLANSMAN P Morris Morris Mr C E Edwards 50/1
16 BRAVONA H Malcolm G Stewart Mr W Hutchinson 50/1
        Over round 131%
This race was run on Saturday 31st March 1945 when Brains Trust beat Vidi and Red April by 3/4 length and 3/4 lengths