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. |
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| Champion Hurdle 1968 | Grade 1 | 2 miles 1/2 furlong | ||
| Pos. | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Owner |
| 1 | PERSIAN WAR | Jimmy Uttley | C H Davies | Mr H S Alper 4/1 |
| 2 | CHORUS | Andy Turnell | H Thomson Jones | Lord James Crichton-Stuart 7/2 fav |
| 3 | BLACK JUSTICE | Brough Scott | L Dale | Mr R J Cohen 100/6 |
| 4 | SEMPERVIVUM | T Jennings | Fulke Walwyn | Lady Aitken 15/1 |
| 5 | COOL ALIBI | R Reid | J R Bower | Mr H A Moore 100/1 |
| 6 | MUGATPURA | G W Robinson | Fulke Walwyn | Dr C D Desai 33/1 |
| 7 | SALMON SPRAY | Johnny Haine | Bob Turnell | Mrs John Rogerson 8/1 |
| 8 | SAUCY KIT | R Edwards | M H Easterby | Mr A Snipe 4/1 |
| 9 | JOHNS WORT | Jeff King | J Norris | Mr A E Cubitt 20/1 |
| 10 | COMMANDER IN CHIEF | David Nicholson | E Cousins | Mr H Whitehouse 40/1 |
| 11 | INYANGA | P McCarron | G N Robinson | Mr R G Angus 50/1 |
| 12 | SECRET VENTURE | Barry Brogan | P Mullins (Ire) | Mrs P Mullins 50/1 |
| 13 | STRAIGHT POINT | Dessie Hughes | C H Davies | Mr H S Alper 100/1 |
| 14 | SEVERN BORE | Mr R Tate | A J Brake | Mr A Brake 100/1 |
| 15 | TALGO ABBESS | H Beasley | Kevin Prendergast (Ire) | Mr Michael L Healy 100/6 |
| 16 | LE VERMONTOIS | Josh Gifford | H Ryan Price | Mrs S M Jones 8/1 |
| Over round 119% | ||||
| This race was run on Wednesday 20th March 1968 when Persian War beat Chorus and Black Justice by 4 lengths and 5 lengths | ||||
