Champion Hurdle

Champion Hurdle

The Champion Hurdle is the most prestigious hurdling race of the season and the centrepiece of Day One at the Cheltenham Festival.

Its roll of honour reads like a history lesson, featuring multiple winners such as Persian War, Bula, Night Nurse, Monksfield, Sea Pigeon, See You Then and Istabraq.

Unless the ground turns very soft, the race is a pure test of speed, demanding slick jumping and the ability to travel strongly before the brutal climb to the line. Recent renewals have highlighted the importance of the mares’ 7lb allowance — in 2022, the only two mares in a field of ten finished first and second.

Age has also proved a barrier, with just two five-year-olds winning since 1985: Katchit in 2008 and Espoir d’Allen in 2019.

 

Grade 1 | 4yo+ | Tuesday 16.00
2 miles ½ furlong | 8 hurdles | Old Course
Weight: 11st (4yo) / 11st 10lb (5yo+) | Allowance: 7lb for fillies & mares
2025 Prize money: £450,000

 

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PREVIOUS WINNERS

YEAR	WINNER	SP
2025	Golden Ace	25/1
2024	State Man	2/5f
2023	Constitution Hill	4/11f
2022	Honeysuckle	8/11f
2021	Honeysuckle	11/10f
2020	Epatante	2/1f
2019	Espoir d’Allen	16/1
2018	Buveur d’Air	4/6f
2017	Buveur d’Air	5/1
2016	Annie Power	5/2f
2015	Faugheen	4/5f
2014	Jezki	9/1
2013	Hurricane Fly	13/8f
2012	Rock On Ruby	11/1
2011	Hurricane Fly	11/4f
2010	Binocular	9/1
2009	Punjabi	22/1
2008	Katchit	10/1
2007	Sublimity	16/1
2006	Brave Inca	7/4f
2005	Hardy Eustace	7/2f
2004	Hardy Eustace	33/1
2003	Rooster Booster	9/2
2002	Hors La Loi III	10/1
2001	Festival Cancelled	N/A
2000	Istabraq	8/15f