Champion Hurdle Preview

Champion Hurdle Preview

Race Type: Hurdle

Distance: 2m 1/2f

Race Profile: The most prestigious hurdling event in the National Hunt calendar, the roll of honour reads like a who’s who of jump racing. Lanzarote, Persian War and Istabraq to name but a few. The race has been dominated by the Irish in recent years, winning 7 of the last 12 renewals, the last of those in 2007 with Sublimity. One of the biggest betting races of the festival; it captures the imagination with old heroes returning year after year to defend their titles. Five horses have won the race three times, with Istabraq denied his chance for a fourth when the festival was cancelled due to foot and mouth in 2001.

Ten Year Trends:

Only 3 of the last 10 favourites have won.
8 of the last 10 winners had won their last race.
9 of the last 10 winners had raced at least three times that season.
8 of the last 10 winners have been aged between six and eight.
The average starting price of the winner is 11/1

Race Preview: Last year’s winner Binocular headed the market until his defection, but it is still a strong race. Having missed the last two Festivals, Willie Mullins will hope his star hurdler, Hurricane Fly, stays fit. A winner of nine of his eleven hurdle races he is the best Ireland can offer. Last year’s Supreme Novices’ winner Menorah is third in the betting and arrives unbeaten this season with both wins coming at Cheltenham. There is strength in depth with the likes of Peddlers Cross, Oscar Whisky and Dunguib all unbeaten this season, making this a Champion Hurdle to savour.

Our Verdict: Oscar Whisky