Few races capture the drama, excitement and sheer brilliance of Jump racing quite like the Unibet Champion Hurdle. As the championship contest for the very best two-mile hurdlers, it has produced some of the sport’s greatest champions, unforgettable finishes and moments that have lived long in the memory of racing fans.
First run in 1927, the Champion Hurdle has been the ultimate test of speed, jumping ability and courage for generations. And as Cheltenham prepares to celebrate a landmark moment in the race’s history in 2027, there is no better time to look back at some of the horses and stories that have made it so special.
The first of the great champions
The post-war years heralded the arrival of some truly exceptional hurdlers, none more so than Hatton’s Grace. Trained by the legendary Vincent O’Brien, he became the first horse to win three consecutive Champion Hurdles, claiming victory in 1949, 1950 and 1951.
Remarkably, we didn’t have to wait long for this feat to be equalled with Sir Ken completing his own hat-trick between 1952 and 1954. This period also saw jockey Tim Molony complete an astonishing four Champion Hurdles in a row – a record yet to be matched – having partnered Hatton’s Grace to the last of his victories.
In 1970, Persian War became the next great champion to dominate the race, completing a hat-trick of victories and cementing his place among the elite.
Each champion brought something different to Prestbury Park, but all shared one thing in common: the ability to rise to the occasion time and time again.
A golden age of hurdling
The 1970s is often celebrated as a golden period in Champion Hurdle history with Night Nurse, Monksfield, Sea Pigeon and Bula becoming household names among racing fans. Their clashes helped to establish the race as one of the highlights of the entire Festival.
The 1977 renewal remains particularly memorable. Night Nurse arrived as defending champion, having won the previous year’s race during a remarkable run of 10 consecutive victories. Yet it was this triumph over future champions Monksfield and stablemate Sea Pigeon that secured his legacy as one of the greatest horses ever to grace Cheltenham’s hallowed turf.
Three years of Istabraq
If any horse came to define the Champion Hurdle for a generation of racing fans, it was Istabraq.
Owned by J.P. McManus and trained by Aidan O’Brien, the brilliant hurdler swept to three consecutive victories between 1998 and 2000. His effortless jumping, devastating turn of foot and remarkable consistency made him one of the most admired horses ever to grace Cheltenham.
He was denied the chance for four when the entire Festival was cancelled in 2001 due to foot-and-mouth disease, leaving Istabraq’s story with one tantalising unanswered question.
The Champion reclaims his crown
Ireland didn’t have to wait too long after Istabraq to send another superstar across the sea to carve his name into Cheltenham folklore.
In 2011, Hurricane Fly was sent off favourite following an undefeated season, and he duly obliged under Ruby Walsh to give trainer Willie Mullins his first, but by no means last victory in the race.
However, unlike many of the greats to proceed him, it was not all plain sailing for “The Fly.” Whilst being dominant elsewhere, when Hurricane Fly returned in 2013, there were many doubters, having finished third in the race the previous year.
Displaying that iconic toughness, he showed the world that great champions can bounce back by reclaiming his title to beat 2012 champion Rock on Ruby – sending his adoring fans into jubilation.
Drama right to the line
Of course, the Champion Hurdle is about much more than records and statistics. It is a race capable of producing extraordinary twists, with fortunes changing in a matter of strides.
Few finishes are more fondly remembered than the 2005 renewal, when Hardy Eustace battled back to defeat the strong travelling Harchibald. Under Paul Carberry, Harchibald appeared to be swinging away, however it was Hardy Eustace who displayed that grit required by all champions to secure a second consecutive Champion Hurdle.
More recently, Golden Ace reminded us all that at Cheltenham, reputations and pre-race expectations count for nothing once the tapes go up. The mare capitalised on the misfortunes of several leading rivals to claim an unexpected victory – leading to jubilant scenes in the parade ring for trainer Jeremy Scott.
A race like no other
And the story continues to evolve. Honeysuckle’s emotional victories in 2021 and 2022 captured the hearts of racing fans, while Constitution Hill’s brilliant success in 2023 demonstrated that breathtaking talent that can take your breath away.
The last instalment in 2026 saw Lossiemouth add her name to the roll of honour. Willie Mullins star mare already has four Festival victories to her name and - at just seven years of age – has plenty of time on her side to etch more history into the Champion Hurdle story.
Be there for the next chapter
As we look ahead to 2027, the race’s remarkable heritage reminds us of the importance of the race to the sport and its fans. One thing is certain: when the finest two-mile hurdlers line up at Cheltenham, history is always waiting to be made.
Join us next year and experience the atmosphere, excitement and drama of one of Jump racing’s greatest championship contests.