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JCB Triumph Hurdle - Analysis
05/02/10

The four-year-old hurdling championship, staged over two miles and a furlong, is always a thrilling spectacle and has attracted 77 entries, headed by the Alan King-trained Mille Chief.

Zaynar - 2009 winner
© racing-images.co.uk

King has twice tasted victory in the Grade One contest with Penzance (2005) and subsequent Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle hero Katchit (2007), while Franchoek (2008) and Walkon (2009) both finished second for the trainer.

Mille Chief has won his last two starts in fine style, seeing off the Charles Egerton-trained Westlin’ Winds at Kempton in December and then easily landing the spoils at Huntingdon last month. King’s quartet of entries also includes Peter Grimes.

Nicky Henderson has four JCB Triumph Hurdle wins to his name, including last year when Zaynar scored. He has seven horses engaged, all of whom are yet to jump a hurdle in public, including According, a smart Flat recruit from France.

Advisor followed an easy win at Newbury in December with a defeat of the Warren Greatrex-trained Barwell Bridge and the gelding, owned by the Royal Ascot Racing Club, is one of seven Paul Nicholls-trained entries.

The British champion trainer’s entry also includes Sang Bleu, Royal Mix and Pistolet Noir, a big money purchase out of Nick Williams’ yard after defeating Barizan in the Grade Two Prestbury Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle at The Open.

Pistolet Noir was subsequently runner-up to the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained Baccalaureate in the Grade Two Betfair Finesse Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle over the course and distance on Festival Trials Day. Royal Mix defeated the Nick Williams-trained Me Voici at Newbury in November but the latter slammed Sang Bleu to win the Grade One Coral Future Champions Finale Hurdle at Chepstow the following month.

David Pipe has entered Notus De La Tour and Hunterview, while John Quinn has engaged Doncaster winner Blue Nymph, Tom George could run Olofi, successful over the course and distance in December and Brian Ellison has entered the smart Bothy.

The Howard Johnson-trained Ascendant was an easy winner at Musselburgh on his hurdles bow, while the Gary Moore-trained Orzare saw off Hunterview at Newbury in December and the James Ewart-trained Premier Grand Cru won over hurdles at Pau that same month.

The last Irish-trained winner of the JCB Triumph Hurdle was the Willie Mullins-trained Scolardy (2002). Of the 21 Irish entries, Mullins has the easy Gowran winner Secant Star, Final Approach and Doctor Deejay, who was runner-up to the Charles Byrnes-trained Pittoni in a Punchestown Grade Three last month.

The Gordon Elliott-trained Carlito Brigante landed a Leopardstown Grade Two in December from the Edward O’Grady-trained Alaivan, with the Noel Meade-trained Cross Appeal in fourth. O’Grady won the JCB Triumph Hurdle in 1984 with Northern Game.

Henry de Bromhead has entered the smart Flat recruit Gallilei, while Point Of Light, a prolific winner on the level, is one of two Paul Nolan-trained entries alongside Thurles victor Politeo.

Shanrod won his only hurdles start at Navan in November for Mick Halford, while Sounds Of Jupiter scored at Limerick in January for the Byrnes stable.

THE JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE
Class 1, Grade 1, Total Prize Fund £100,000. 1.30pm, Cheltenham, Friday, March 19, 2010. Two miles, one furlong. For novice four-year-olds only. Weights: 11st each. Allowances: fillies 7lb. Entries closed Tuesday, February 2. Entries revealed Thursday, February 4 (77 entries). Scratchings deadline February 23, six-day confirmation stage Saturday, March 13. Final declaration stage 10am, Thursday, March 18. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Monday, February 1. May not include some overseas form.

Form Horse Owner Trainer

ACCORDING Men In Our Position Nicky Henderson
ADMIRABLE DUQUE (IRE) Brian Taylor Dominic ffrench Davis
11 ADVISOR (FR) The Royal Ascot Racing Club Paul Nicholls
U2 AL QEDDAAF (IRE) Tim Leslie Donald McCain Jnr
12 ALAIVAN (IRE) Thomas Barr Edward O'Grady IRE
1F21 ANAK (IRE) F W Golding & W Wallace Jim Best
1 ASCENDANT Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
25 ASTRACAD (FR) Raymond Mould Nigel Twiston-Davies
061 BACCALAUREATE (FR) The Yes No Wait Sorries Nigel Twiston-Davies
311112 BARIZAN (IRE) Peter Conway Evan Williams
122 BARWELL BRIDGE Mrs T Brown Warren Greatrex
F4 BIG GAME HUNTER (IRE) Gigginstown House Stud Mouse Morris IRE
2P13P BLAZING BUCK Mill House Racing Syndicate Tony Carroll
1 BLUE NYMPH Maxilead Limited John Quinn
(0) BOB'S LEGEND (IRE) K Quinn/C Benham/I Saunders Linda Jewell
11 BOTHY Dan Gilbert Brian Ellison
CALL IT ON (IRE) The Wiggins Family Mark Tompkins
02 CAPELLANUS (IRE) Patrick Wilmott Edward O'Grady IRE
011 CARLITO BRIGANTE (IRE) Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE
CLASSICALLY (IRE) Ben Arbib Hughie Morrison
CLERK'S CHOICE (IRE) Michael Banks Michael Banks
CLUB TAHITI Seasons Holidays Tony Carroll
114 CROSS APPEAL (IRE) John Corr Noel Meade IRE
4 DEVIL TO PAY Horace 5 Alan King
341 DIKTALINA The Cartmel Syndicate Alison Thorpe
2312 DOCTOR DEEJAY (IRE) P Henessy/J Pollard/M Lanney/W O'Connor Willie Mullins IRE
DOUBLE HANDFUL (GER) Simon Bold Venetia Williams
2 FIN VIN DE LEU (GER) R Curry, Cathy Leuchars & Bob Michaelson Charlie Mann
FINAL APPROACH Douglas Taylor Willie Mullins IRE
GALLILEI (FR) Ann & Alan Potts Partnership Henry de Bromhead IRE
64 GILDED AGE Stennett, Sweeney & Bunter Alan King
241 HUNTERVIEW Mrs Jo Tracey David Pipe
5 INVESTISSEMENT Robin Geffen Evan Williams
00005 KHAN TENGRI (IRE) Rita Shah Oliver Brady IRE
5 LOCH LONG (IRE) Thistle Bloodstock Limited Tracey Collins IRE
021 ME VOICI (FR) Jane Williams Nick Williams
B11 MILLE CHIEF (FR) McNeill Family Alan King
MONETARY FUND (USA) Alan Spence Nicky Henderson
362160 NICKY NUTJOB (GER) Macniler Racing Partnership Jeff Pearce
43611 NOTUS DE LA TOUR (FR) Racing For Change David Pipe
5131 OLOFI (FR) R&L Channing S&F Roberts McNeill Racing Tom George
ONEMIX S W Group Logistics Limited Nicky Henderson
43B523 ORSIPPUS (USA) Sandra Smith Michael Smith
1 ORZARE (IRE) Bryan Fry Gary Moore
4 PEBBLE IN A POOL (IRE) Andy Oliver Andy Oliver IRE
13 PETER GRIMES (IRE) Let's Live Racing Alan King
312 PISTOLET NOIR (FR) The Roy & Stewart Families Paul Nicholls
11 PITTONI (IRE) Patrick Wilmott/M G White Charles Byrnes IRE
POINT OF LIGHT Gigginstown House Stud Paul Nolan IRE
1 POLITEO (FR) Gigginstown House Stud Paul Nolan IRE
POOL OF KNOWLEDGE (FR) Martin Graham Venetia Williams
1 PREMIER GRAND CRU (FR) J D Gordon James Ewart
0 PUZZLEMASTER Mr & Mrs Rory Sweet Hughie Morrison
REMEMBER NOW (IRE) J P McManus Nicky Henderson
1 ROYAL MIX (FR) Mark Tincknell Paul Nicholls
11112 RUPESTRIAN The Select Racing Club Limited Tim Vaughan
3112 SANG BLEU (FR) Simon Munir Paul Nicholls
SANTO THOMAS (FR) Mrs B Grainger Venetia Williams
212 SCREAMING BRAVE Tracey Walsom & Alex Woodger Sheena West
1-F1 SECANT STAR (FR) Eamonn Duignan Willie Mullins IRE
SHALAMBAR (IRE) B J Millen Tony Carroll
1 SHANROD (IRE) Paul Rooney Michael Halford IRE
421 SOLDATINO (FR) Simon Munir Nicky Henderson
123 SOLDIER BAY Bill Hennessy Robbie Hennessy IRE
12426 SON AMIX (FR) Whitechurch Stud Syndicate Thomas Cooper IRE
221 SOUNDS OF JUPITER (IRE) Gigginstown House Stud Charles Byrnes IRE
SOUTER POINT (USA) John & Angela Andrews Nicky Henderson
210 STRIKEMASTER (IRE) Dan Gilbert Brian Ellison
0 SUFFREN (USA) Patrick Wilmott Edward O'Grady IRE
SUNWISE (USA) Highclere Thoroughbred Racing – Sunwise Paul Nicholls
SUPER KENNY (IRE) HighclereThoroughbred Racing-Super Kenny Nicky Henderson
3 TOUBAB (FR) Hills of Ledbury Ltd Paul Nicholls
323232 TROUBLETIMESTWO (FR) Mill House Racing Syndicate Tony Carroll
VALID POINT (IRE) Wally Sturt Jim Old
4 WATERGATE (IRE) The Stewart Family Paul Nicholls
112 WESTLIN' WINDS (IRE) A Allison J Allison P Daresbury W Vestey Charles Egerton
F WILLIAM WORDSWORTH (IRE) A McAndrew Sabrina Harty IRE

77 Entries
21 Irish-trained

Previous results - JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE

2008-WINNER-CELESTIAL HALO 4-11-00 Owner-The Stewart Family; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-5/1
2ND-Franchoek 4-11-00 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Alan King; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-Evens Fav
3RD-Won In The Dark 4-11-00 Owner- Gerard Crehan; Trainer-Sabrina Harty IRE; Jockey-Andrew McNamara; SP-16/1
14 ran, Time-4m 7.83s; Dist-2¼, 2¼

2007-WINNER-KATCHIT 4-11-00 Owner- DSJP Syndicate; Trainer-Alan King; Jockey-Robert Thornton; SP-11/2
2ND-Liberate 4-11-00 Owner-Diana Whateley; Trainer-Philip Hobbs; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-12/1
3RD-Mobaasher 4-11-00 Owner-Seasons Holidays; Trainer-Charlie Mann; Jockey-Noel Fehily; SP-33/1
23 ran, Time-3m 54.6s; Dist-9, 1 ¾ 7/2 Fav Lounaos (10th)

2006-WINNER-DETROIT CITY 4-11-00 Owner-Terry Warner; Trainer-Philip Hobbs; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-7/2 Fav
2ND-Fair Along 4-11-00 Owner-Alan Peterson; Trainer-Philip Hobbs; Jockey-Paddy Brennan; SP-25/1
3RD-Blazing Bailey 4-11-00 Owner-Three Line Whip; Trainer-Alan King; Jockey-Robert Thornton; SP-14/1
17 ran, Time-3m 51.20s; Dist-5, 1

2005-WINNER-PENZANCE 4-11-00 Owner-Elite Racing Club; Trainer-Alan King; Jockey-Robert Thornton; SP-9/1
2ND-Faasel 4-11-00 Owner-Jim Ennis; Trainer-Nicky Richards; Jockey-Tony Dobbin; SP-7/1
3RD-Akilak 4-11-00 Owner-Andrea & Graham Wylie; Trainer-Howard Johnson; Jockey-Graham Lee; SP-7/2 Fav
23 ran, Time-4m 3.60s; Dist-hd, 8

2004-WINNER-MADE IN JAPAN 4-11-00 Owner-Terry Evans; Trainer-Philip Hobbs; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-20/1
2ND-Chief Yeoman 4-11-00 Owner-B Moore & E C Stephens; Trainer-Venetia Williams; Jockey-Tony Dobbin; SP- 40/1
3RD-Top Strategy 4-11-00 Owner-W J Kane; Trainer-Ted Walsh IRE; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-33/1
23 ran, Time-4m 5.30s; Dist-2, nk 5/1 Fav Trouble At Bay (10th)

2003-WINNER-SPECTROSCOPE 4-11-00 Owner-Gay Smith; Trainer-Jonjo O’Neill; Jockey-Barry Geraghty; SP-20/1
2ND-Well Chief 4-11-00 Owner-David Johnson; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-7/1
3RD-Golden Cross 4-11-00 Owner-Mrs H Johnson; Trainer-Mick Halford IRE; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-11/2 Fav
27 ran, Time-4m 0.30s; Dist-hd, 5

2002-WINNER-SCOLARDY 4-11-00 Owner-David Flynn; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-16/1
2ND-Newhall 4-10-09 Owner-Helen McParland; Trainer-Francis Flood IRE; Jockey-Fran Flood; SP-8/1
3RD-Diamond Joshua 4-11-00 Owner-Diamond Racing Ltd; Trainer-John Berry; Jockey-Jim Culloty; SP- 66/1
28 ran, Time-4m 7.80s; Dist-11, 3/4 7/1 Fav Giocomo (PU)

2001 Cancelled (Foot and Mouth Disease)

2000-WINNER-SNOW DROP 4-10-09 Owner-John D Martin; Trainer-Francois Doumen FR; Jockey-Thierry Doumen; SP-7/1 Fav
2ND-Regal Exit 4-11-00 Owner-Brian Buckley; Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey-Barry Geraghty; SP-20/1
3RD-General Cloney 4-11-00 Owner-John J Brennan; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-20/1
28 ran, Time-3m 52.90s, Dist-2, nk

1999-WINNER-KATARINO 4-11-00 Owner-Robert Waley-Cohen; Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey-Mick Fitzgerald; SP-11/4 Fav
2ND-Balla Sola 4-11-00 Owner-Top Cat Syndicate; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-16/1
3RD-Afarad 4-11-00 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Christy Roche IRE; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-8/1
23 ran, Time-4m 2.4s, Dist-8, 1.5

1998-WINNER-UPGRADE 4-11-00 Owner-Matt Archer and Jean Broadhurst; Trainer-Nigel Twiston-Davies; Jockey-Carl Llewellyn; SP-14/1
2ND-City Hall 4-11-00 Owner-Rosemary Key & Val Ward; Trainer-Val Ward; Jockey-Robert Thornton; SP-12/1
3RD-Nomadic 4-11-00 Owner-Des Sharkey; Trainer-Noel Meade IRE; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-14/1
25 ran, Time-3m 57.1s, Dist-1.25, 1.75 10/3 Fav Zafarabad (4th)

1997-WINNER-COMMANCHE COURT 4-11-00 Owner-Dermot Desmond; Trainer-Ted Walsh IRE; Jockey-Norman Williamson; SP-9/1
2ND-Circus Star 4-11-00 Owner-The Ringmasters; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-40/1
3RD-Shooting Light 4-11-00 Owner-John Brown; Trainer-Pat Murphy; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-7/1
28 ran, Time-4m 0.2s, Dist-1, 1.25 9/2 Fav White Sea (9th)

1996-WINNER-PADDY’S RETURN 4-11-00 Owner-Paddy O’Donnell; Trainer-Ferdy Murphy; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-10/1
2ND-Mistinguett 4-10-09 Owner-John Duggan; Trainer-Nigel Twiston-Davies; Jockey-Carl Llewellyn; SP-14/1
3RD-Hatta Breeze 4-10-09 Owner-Jenny Mould; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-14/1
29 ran, Time-4m 1.4s, Dist originally 4, hd, 1.75
Magical Lady (2nd) disqualified 6/1 Fav Debutante Days (f)

JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE ROLL OF HONOUR
(JCB Triumph Hurdle since 2002, Elite Racing Club Triumph Hurdle from 1997-2000, Daily Express Triumph Hurdle 1965-1996, previously run at Hurst Park. Held at Cheltenham’s April meeting from 1965-67)

Year Winner Age/Wt Jockey Trainer Owner SP Ran
2008 Celestial Halo 4-11-00 Ruby Walsh Paul Nicholls The Stewart Family 5/1 14
2007 Katchit 4-11-00 Robert Thornton Alan King DSJP Syndicate 11/2 23
2006 Detroit City 4-11-00 Richard Johnson Philip Hobbs Terry Warner 7/2F 17
2005 Penzance 4-11-00 Robert Thornton Alan King Elite Racing Club 9/1 23
2004 Made In Japan 4-11-00 Richard Johnson Philip Hobbs Terry Evans 20/1 23
2003 Spectroscope 4-11-00 Barry Geraghty Jonjo O’Neill Gay Smith 20/1 27
2002 Scolardy 4-11-00 Charlie Swan Willie Mullins IRE David Flynn 16/1 28
2001 No Race (Foot and Mouth)
2000 Snow Drop 4-10-09 Thierry Doumen Francois Doumen FR John Martin 7/1F 28
1999 Katarino 4-11-00 Mick Fitzgerald Nicky Henderson Robert Waley-Cohen 11/4F 23
1998 Upgrade 4-11-00 Carl Llewellyn Nigel Twiston-Davies Matt Archer & Jean Broadhurst 14/1 25
1997 Commanche Court 4-11-00 Norman Williamson Ted Walsh IRE Dermot Desmond 9/1 28
1996 Paddy’s Return 4-11-00 Richard Dunwoody Ferdy Murphy Paddy O’Donnell 10/1 29
1995 Kissair 4-11-00 Jonathon Lower Martin Pipe Terry Benson 16/1 26
1994 Mysilv 4-10-09 Adrian Maguire David Nicholson Million In Mind Partnership (3) 2/1F 28
1993 Shawiya 4-10-09 Charlie Swan Michael O'Brien IRE Miss G Maher 12/1 25
1992 Duke Of Monmouth4-11-00 Mark Richards Simon Sherwood Ali Saeed 33/1 30
1991 Oh So Risky 4-11-00 Paul Holley David Elsworth Oh So Risky Syndicate 14/1 27
1990 Rare Holiday 4-11-00 Brendan Sheridan Dermot Weld IRE Dr Michael Smurfit 25/1 30
1989 Ikdam 4-11-00 Nigel Coleman Richard Holder LBI Law (873) Ltd 66/1 27
1988 Kribensis 4-11-00 Richard Dunwoody Michael Stoute Sheikh Mohammed 6/1 26
1987 Alone Success 4-11-00 Steve Smith Eccles Nicky Henderson Sheikh Amin Dahlawi 11/1 29
1986 Solar Cloud 4-11-00 Peter Scudamore David Nicholson Ann McEwen 40/1 28
1985 First Bout 4-11-00 Steve Smith Eccles Nicky Henderson Fahad Al Athel 5/1 27
1984 Northern Game 4-11-00 Tommy Ryan Edward O'Grady IRE Frank Conroy 20/1 30
1983 Saxon Farm 4-11-00 Mark Perrett Stan Mellor A Birchall 12/1 30
1982 Shiny Copper 4-11-00 Allen Webb Dina Smith Doug Tyler 66/1 29
1981 Baron Blakeney 4-11-00 Paul Leach Martin Pipe Wheatley Leisure Ltd 66/1 29
1980 Heighlin 4-11-00 Steve Jobar David Elsworth Woodside Engineers Ltd 40/1 26
1979 Pollardstown 4-11-00 Philip Blacker Stan Mellor Georgina Tulloch 12/1 28
1978 Connaught Ranger 4-11-00 John Burke Fred Rimell Jim McCaughey 25/1 14
1977 Meladon 4-11-00 Tommy Carberry Adrian Maxwell IRE Mrs N Flynn 6/1 30
1976 Peterhof 4-11-00 Jonjo O'Neill Mick Easterby H Gould 10/1 23
1975 Royal Epic 4-11-00 Fred McKenna Vernon Cross Robert Read 20/1 28
1974 Attivo 4-11-00 Robert Hughes Cyril Mitchell Peter O'Sullevan 4/5F 21
1973 Moonlight Bay 4-11-00 Johnnie Haine Ryan Price Meg Mullion 85/40F 18
1972 Zarib 4-11-00 Bill Smith Fred Rimell Mrs A Hornby 16/1 16
1971 Boxer 4-11-03 Jimmy Uttley Ron Smyth Lord Blakenham 100/30JF 18
1970 Varma 4-11-04 Brian Barker Mick Masson Charles Clore 100/7 31
1969 Coral Diver 4-11-04 Terry Biddlecombe Fred Rimell Bryan Jenks 3/1F 26
1968 England’s Glory 4-11-00 Jimmy Uttley Staff Ingham Mrs M Sherman 9/2 16
1967 Persian War 4-11-08 Jimmy Uttley Brian Swift Henry Alper 4/1 13
1966 Black Ice 4-11-04 Bobby Beasley Arthur Thomas A Crowther 9/2 11
1965 Blarney Beacon 4-11-04 Geordie Ramshaw Ron Smyth Freddie Laker 8/1 7

JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE FACTS AND FIGURES
1. The JCB Triumph Hurdle was formerly run at Hurst Park and transferred to Cheltenham in 1965 on the closure of the London course.

2. JCB, which supports the contest for the eighth time this year, is only the race’s third sponsor. The Elite Racing Club was due to back the race for a fifth time in 2001 when The Festival was cancelled, while the Daily Express sponsored from 1965 to 1996. The race was originally run at the April Meeting but was transferred to The Festival in 1968.

3. The JCB Triumph Hurdle has been one of the most competitive races of The Festival. The 2008 field of 14 was by far the smallest since Connaught Ranger beat 13 rivals in 1978 - the recent introduction of the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle has meant that the JCB Triumph Hurdle now attracts the very best four-year-olds. The race regularly reached the safety factor, reduced from 28 to 24 in 2004. In fact, the 14 runners in Connaught Ranger's year probably had more to do with the transfer of the race to April following the abandonment of racing on Gold Cup day than any loss of its competitive nature. The smallest field was for its first running at Cheltenham in 1965, when seven runners took part. The largest field was 31 in 1970.

4. Since the race has been at Cheltenham, there has only once been an odds-on winner of the Triumph Hurdle. This was Attivo, owned by former BBC TV commentator Sir Peter O'Sullevan, in 1973 at 4/5. The longest-priced winners were Baron Blakeney, Shiny Copper and Ikdam at 66/1 in 1981, 1982 and 1989.

5. Three horses have gone on from winning the JCB Triumph Hurdle to victory in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle. Persian War won the Triumph in 1967, and reeled off three Champion Hurdles from 1968-70, Kribensis won the Triumph in 1988 and the Champion Hurdle in 1990 while last year Katchit added a Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle victory to his success in the 2007 JCB Triumph Hurdle.

6. The JCB Triumph Hurdle has a good record for home-trained winners. French-trained raiders won it on four consecutive occasions at Hurst Park from 1950-53, again in 1955 and with Snow Drop in 2000. There have only been six Irish successes (1977,1984,1990, 1993, 1997 and 2002). No trainer has been able to dominate the race and the late Fred Rimell and Nicky Henderson are the only trainers to have won it three times.

7. Among jockeys, Jimmy Uttley was successful three times. Fred Winter, Steve Smith Eccles and Richard Dunwoody had two winners as have current riders Richard Johnson and Robert Thornton, but perhaps the most interesting name is that of Lester Piggott, who won the race on King Charlemagne when run at Hurst Park in 1954.

8. The fastest time for the winning horse is 3m 51.20s, recorded in 2006 by Detroit City. The previous best was 3m 52.90s, set by Snow Drop in 2000.

9. It has a justifiable reputation for being one of the more unpredictable contests at The Festival - there have been three 66/1 winners and only eight successful favourites since 1965.

10. It was in the 1981 JCB Triumph Hurdle that Martin Pipe, the 15-time champion jump trainer who retired at the end of the 2005/06 season after registering 34 wins at The Festival, enjoyed his first Festival success with the 66/1 shot Baron Blakeney.

11. Three fillies have been successful; Snow Drop in 2000, Mysilv in 1994 and Shawiya in 1993.