Champion Hurdle Information
The Champion Hurdle is a Grade 1 national hunt hurdles race run during the annual Cheltenham Festival. The fast paced race takes place over a distance of 2 miles 110 yards on the Cheltenham Old Course, with 8 hurdles jumped during the event.
The 4 year old and above national hunt racehorses competing in the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle represent the finest hurdles talent in the United Kingdom, Ireland and France.
Many racehorses are groomed specifically for this race, as a Champion Hurdle win is considered to be one of the most prestigious achievements in national hunt racing for racehorse and trainer alike.
The Champion Hurdle was run for the first time in 1927. In the decades that have followed the race has been won by some of the most famous racehorse in national hunt racing, including the legendary Istabraq, who won the race three times between 1998 and 2000.
Champion Hurdle Betting
The Champion Hurdle is one of the betting highlights of the Cheltenham Festival, and is regarded as so important by bookmakers that ante-post betting markets for the event are open 12 months of the year.
Here are some trends that have emerged in the Champions Hurdle over recent years that can be useful when placing bets on the Champion Hurdle:
- The vast majority of Champion Hurdle winners have been aged 6 to 9.
- Mares tend not to perform well in the Champion Hurdle despite the fact that they are permitted a weight allowance.
- Look out for entries that won a graded race in their previous outing.
- Long odds outsiders generally don't do well in the Champion Hurdle. Stick to short odds runners as these odds are a reliable indication of pre-race form.
William Hill is one of the most popular bookmakers amongst punters betting on the Champion Hurdle. William Hill offers Cheltenham Champion Hurdle betting markets all year round, and also gives users the opportunity to watch the race live on their computers with its excellent, free, Racing TV service.
