A champion on the wane and a challenger ready to reign: who wins the big clash?
3.05 CheltenhamUnibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1) | 2m½f | 4yo+ | ITV/RTV
Never before have mares reigned supreme in Grade 1 hurdles as in the last few seasons. They have won the last five runnings of the Hatton’s Grace, the last three Irish Champion Hurdles, two of the last three Christmas Hurdles, the Fighting Fifth and the Champion Hurdle, yet it is only recently that their participation at the top level has become commonplace.
Whether you are a fan of the 7lb mares’ allowance or not, and I’m firmly in the second of those camps, there can be little doubt that, if the aim were to encourage more mares to compete in the best races, it has been a success. That is clear from the following figures.
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Published on 15 March 2021inPreviews
Last updated 19:44, 15 March 2021
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