Champion Hurdle
|
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 1966 | Grade 1 | 2 miles 1/2 furlong | ||
| Pos. | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Owner |
| 1 | SALMON SPRAY | Johnny Haine | Bob Turnell | Mrs J Rogerson 4/1 |
| 2 | SEMPERVIVUM | Jeff King | Fulke Walwyn | Lady Aitken 20/1 |
| 3 | FLYINGBOLT | Pat Taaffe | Tom Dreaper (Ire) | Mrs T Wilkinson 15/8 fav |
| 4 | TALGO ABBESS | F Carroll | Kevin Prendergast (Ire) | Mr M Healy 33/1 |
| 5 | TAMEROSIA | Leech | Fairbairn | Miss E Robertson 50/1 |
| 6 | SPARTAN GENERAL | Terry Biddlecombe | Fred Rimell | Mme P Logut 10/1 |
| 7 | RED TEARS | Stan Mellor | Thomson Jones | Major V McCalmont 100/9 |
| 8 | MAKALDAR | David Mould | Peter Cazalet | HM The Queen Mother 100/8 |
| 9 | COMPTON MARTIN | David Nicholson | Todd | Sir F Robinson 100/8 |
| 10 | BURLINGTON II | Josh Gifford | H Ryan Price | Mrs Dominic Wigan 100/7 |
| 11 | GYPSANDO | C Finnegan | C Harty (Ire) | Major W Lockart 100/6 |
| 12 | AVIATOR | Andy Turnell | Doug Marks | Mr G Eliot 50/1 |
| 13 | ALBATROSS | Weeden | Weeden | Mr G Kendrick 50/1 |
| 14 | SILVER MOSS | Jimmy Uttley | Jack Holt | Mr E Jones 50/1 |
| 15 | LANCONCELLO | Beasley | Piggott | Mr Paul Raymond 50/1 |
| 16 | ROBBER BARON | Gerry Scott | Thomson Jones | Mrs J Mitchell 25/1 |
| 17 | KIRRIEMUIR | G W Robinson | Fulke Walwyn | Mrs D Beddington 9/1 |
| Over round 133% | ||||
| This race was run on Wednesday 16th March 1966 when Salmon Spray beat Sempervivum and Flyingbolt by 3 lengths and 3/4 length | ||||
