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 1949 Grade 1 2 miles 1/2 furlong
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 HATTON'S GRACE Aubrey Brabazon Vincent O'Brien (Ire) Mrs M J Keogh 100/7
2 VATELEYS T Molony Goldsmith Mrs V M Pulham 10/1
3 CAPTAIN FOX K Mullins Gordon-Bowsher Mr Gordon-Bowsher 100/9
4 NATIONAL SPIRIT Ron Smyth Vic Smyth Mr L A Abelson 5/4 fav
5 ADMIRAL JOHN D Hanley Hamley Mr H Boutin 33/1
6 WOLFSCHMIDT E Reavey Champneys Mr G N Clark 33/1
7 TANT PIS R Bates Goldsmith Mr T H Penwill 20/1
8 GALLANT SCOT G Kelly Horris Mr James V Rank 25/1
9 SHINING GOLD A P Thompson Neville Crump Mr R P Sainsbury 8/1
10 SECRET SERVICE R Sweeny Fulke Walwyn Mr R Sweeny 25/1
11 SCHOOL TREAT H Sprague R Ward Mr C S Walker 33/1
12 BALLINDINE E Vinall Fred Rimell Mr P G Thompson 100/9
13 ANGLESEY J Gilbert Staff Ingham Mr P Watson 10/1
14 BENEDICTINE P J Murphy Mercer Mr Mercer 33/1
        Over round 123%
This race was run on Tuesday 8th March 1949 when Hatton's Grace beat Vateleys and Captain Fox by 6 lengths and 1 length