George Duller Handicap Hurdle

The Pertemps Hurdle over 3 miles was first run as the Birdlip Hurdle in 1958, which was itself replaced by the George Duller Handicap Hurdle in 1963, named in honour of the ace jockey who later turned his hand equally successfully to motor racing. The George Duller Hurdle ran from 1963 to 1973, and was so popular that it had to be divided into two divisions in 1969. In 1974 it was moved to the April meeting, its place being taken by a similar 3-mile hurdle known as the Joe Coral Golden Hurdle Final, and later the sponsorship was taken over by Pertemps.

Early History:- The inaugural running of the George Duller Handicap Hurdle over 3 miles, which replaced the Birdlip Hurdle, took place on Wednesday 13th March 1963 and went to Happy Arthur (4/1 fav) owned by Major A Gibson, trained by J Oliver from Hawick and ridden by Tim Brookshaw, beating Gideon (100/7) and Black Caprice (10/1) by 8 lengths and the same.
George Duller Handicap Hurdle 1968 Handicap 3 miles
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 THE SPANIARD Barry Brogan K Oliver W T Rimmer 8/1
2 GO GAILY W Rees Toby Balding Mr T Jeavons 100/8
3 TIPPERTY G Griffin W A Stephenson Mr W G Willcox 10/1
4 BONDSMAN Macer Gifford R Dill Major Richard Dill 33/1
5 STEPHERION J Woodman L J Holt Mr J Vetting 7/1
6 TAPINA K Bagley Les Kennard Mr F R Miller 33/1
7 ROMAN SCANDAL T Jennings Fulke Walwyn Mr Fulke Walwyn 20/1
8 HURRICANE ROCK S Davenport John Barclay Mr W Dickie 33/1
9 OPICOLA Jeremy Speid-Soote Mrs E Kennard Mr R A Ford 20/1
10 SONNET II J Guest N Hannon Mr P V Warren 33/1
11 GLYNN PARK Tommy Carberry D L Moore Ire Mrs C P Bellairs 9/2 fav
12 RIGHT HONOURABLE GENTLEMAN P Cowley D Holland Mr J Debanks 33/1
13 RAWA RUSKA M D Bolton J Bolton Mr C G Brown 33/1
14 THE FIB Roy Edwards G R Owen Lord Leverhulme 100/8
15 PIKES FANCY W Morris M Lawrence Mr Mostyn Lawrence 33/1
16 AETHON D Evans Fred Rimell C Horsby 20/1
17 BELLAMOUR Andy Turnell Reg Hollinshead Mrs L Hickman 25/1
18 MY BEWITCHED R Atkins R Thomas Mr Rees Thomas 33/1
19 TELEPHONIST E Bell P Pittenrigh Mr R Reld 33/1
20 DELMERE N Mullins W Stephenson Mr W Stephenson 20/1
21 RED DOVE C Davis T H Price Mr T H Price 20/1
22 KARESUANDO Johnny Haine F Cundell J H Hughes 8/1
23 TIBIDABO Jeff King Bob Turnell Mrs A Gibson 10/1
24 ACE Josh Gifford Guy Harwood Mr John Tilling 10/1
25 ROSS CLAN Jimmy Uttley Bobby Renton Mrs L Brotherton 33/1
F MIGHTY FALLS E Fenwick J McLaren Mr I McLaren 20/1
PU KARNACK Brough Scott C H Davies Mrs F L Dean 20/1
PU FOXWELL     Over round 164%
This race was staged on Wednesday 20th March 1968 when The Spaniard beat Go Gaily and Tipperty by 1/2 length and a length