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 1978 | Grade 1 | 2 miles 1/2 furlong | ||
| Pos. | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Owner |
| 1 | MONKSFIELD | Tommy Kinane | D McDonough | Dr M Mangan 11/2 |
| 2 | SEA PIGEON | Fran Berry | M H Easterby | Mr Pat Muldoon 5/1 |
| 3 | NIGHT NURSE | Colin Tinkler | M H Easterby | Mr Reg Spencer 3/1 fav |
| 4 | BEACON LIGHT | Jeff King | Bob Turnell | Mr H Joel 20/1 |
| 5 | DRAMATIST | Bill Smith | Fulke Walwyn | Mr L Thwaites 18/1 |
| 6 | MASTER MONDAY | Niall Madden | L Quirke (Ire) | Mr P Quirke 16/1 |
| 7 | BIRDS NEST | Andy Turnell | Bob Turnell | Mr I Scott 5/1 |
| 8 | PROMINENT KING | R Coonan | Kevin Prendergast (Ire) | Mrs M O'Keeffe 9/1 |
| 9 | MELADON | Tommy Carberry | A Maxwell (Ire) | Mrs N Flynn 20/1 |
| 10 | DECENT FELLOW | Richard Linley | Toby Balding | Brig-General W Gilbride 28/1 |
| 11 | LEVARAMOSS | Richard Rowell | Botton | Mr S Crowe 66/1 |
| 12 | KOIRO SCOTT | B R Davies | P Bailey | Mr M Buckley 200/1 |
| 13 | KYBO | Bob Champion | Josh Gifford | Mr I Kerman 16/1 |
| Over round 114% | ||||
| This race was run on Wednesday 15th March 1978 when Monksfield beat Sea Pigeon and Night Nurse by 2 lengths and 6 lengths | ||||
