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Champion Hurdle 2027

Black Dog said:
I don't understand why Lossiemouth winning as an 8YO would be an awful reflection on the division. Was winning as a 7yo ok?
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She only won in 2026 because of lack of a serious opponent. An appalling standard for a Champion Hurdle. I thought the 2026 Supreme was a really good renewal but the first 2 are both going chasing and it seems to be an ever increasing trend to ignore the Champion Hurdle route and go chasing. In the last 20 years we have only seen 2 truly exceptional Champion Hurdlers - Hurricane Fly and Constitution Hill. That is a very poor return. I would have loved to see Altior stay over hurdles, for example. This season seems worse than ever and the race is in danger of becoming a joke.
 
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Odddog said:
She only won in 2026 because of lack of a serious opponent. An appalling standard for a Champion Hurdle. I thought the 2026 Supreme was a really good renewal but the first 2 are both going chasing and it seems to be an ever increasing trend to ignore the Champion Hurdle route and go chasing. In the last 20 years we have only seen 2 truly exceptional Champion Hurdlers - Hurricane Fly and Constitution Hill. That is a very poor return. I would have loved to see Altior stay over hurdles, for example. This season seems worse than ever and the race is in danger of becoming a joke.
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I think the problem is that it's Champion Hurdle or bust if they aren't good enough. There are more pots to be won over 2m and similar distances over fences.
 
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Sorry I forgot to address the age thing. I'm thinking a French-bred Triumph Hurdle winner might be starting to decline as an 8YO?
 
I'm by no means a breeding expert but is NH breeding placing more emphasis on stamina in recent years? Or are we seeing a decline in the number of flat-breds entering the winter game? I think Hurricane Fly was by Montjeu wasn't he? Are speedier pedigrees going out of fashion with the powerhouse NH buyers?
 
Odddog said:
She only won in 2026 because of lack of a serious opponent. An appalling standard for a Champion Hurdle. I thought the 2026 Supreme was a really good renewal but the first 2 are both going chasing and it seems to be an ever increasing trend to ignore the Champion Hurdle route and go chasing. In the last 20 years we have only seen 2 truly exceptional Champion Hurdlers - Hurricane Fly and Constitution Hill. That is a very poor return. I would have loved to see Altior stay over hurdles, for example. This season seems worse than ever and the race is in danger of becoming a joke.
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3. Faugheen! 😁
 
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CH was ran at a doddle, was the perfect setup for Lossie to use her kick. Surely next March trainers/owners will have learnt from that and new tactics employed
 
Odddog said:
The Champion Hurdle really needs something to come out of the woodwork. Even at this early stage it is looking a shocking renewal. I just can't have Lossiemouth rocking up again as an 8YO and winning. It would be an awful reflection on the division. Maybe Narciso Has can improve the record of 5YOs? Looking at the betting this evening it is just depressing. Mydaddypaddy 2nd fav at 6/1 jeeeeeeez. OR 153.
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I agree the standard is low at the moment, but am hopeful that after just three and four Hurdle runs Idaho Sun and Mydaddypaddy can improve into genuine Champion Hurdle contenders. They will need 170ish figures if they are to overcome the mare, but it isn't out of the question that one or both could achieve this. Let's hope it starts raining sooner than later.
 
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Black Dog said:
I agree the standard is low at the moment, but am hopeful that after just three and four Hurdle runs Idaho Sun and Mydaddypaddy can improve into genuine Champion Hurdle contenders. They will need 170ish figures if they are to overcome the mare, but it isn't out of the question that one or both could achieve this. Let's hope it starts raining sooner than later.
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Yep, that’s the only hope really, the novices of last season.
I’m hoping Hendo with his obvious love for the race may keep OPS hurdling, but don’t look like it 😔
Horses like Saratoga and Proactif being mentioned!! I know they are only 4 and entitled to improve, but really??!!!
Only 4 year old that imo could make it into a challenger Is Narciso, but he has to come back from setback, and stay hurdling.
 
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Lobos said:
We are still waiting on whether Narciso Has or Saratoga stay Hurdling or maybe both? Perhaps one of those can add some sparkle to what is currently a 1 horse race.
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Erm,,,, MyDaddyPaddy. I think he could give her a right challenge. I can’t see anything else challenging her unless McManus reroutes one of his.
 
I think Honeysuckle and Lossiemouth are both very good quality champion hurdle winners
So was Annie Power.
All effectively around 170 or above
It’s just the depth of many renewals that’s declined
This is mainly due to the increase of flat horses being sold abroad instead of going hurdling.
Subtle differences in courses and how races are run will provide different results sometimes
But Lossie is way ahead of any gelding in the division as it stands.
About a stone or more IMO.
 
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Carnage at Taunton said:
Yep, that’s the only hope really, the novices of last season.
I’m hoping Hendo with his obvious love for the race may keep OPS hurdling, but don’t look like it 😔
Horses like Saratoga and Proactif being mentioned!! I know they are only 4 and entitled to improve, but really??!!!
Only 4 year old that imo could make it into a challenger Is Narciso, but he has to come back from setback, and stay hurdling.
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You could say the Narciso juvenile form was tested by Mange Tout yesterday. She ran very well but was still getting 8lbs from Alexei who was easily put in his place by Lossy. We all know nothing will beat her if she turns up in anything like last year's form. She's the main reason nearly everything has gone chasing..
 
Carnage at Taunton said:
Think I’d rather leave the race alone than bet in case something happens to the fav, cos that’s either injury or she falls .
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The sensible option for sure. If she doesn't turn up the race will be blown wide open and there will be value to be had on the day.
 
Cheltenham Novice Chase said:
Erm,,,, MyDaddyPaddy. I think he could give her a right challenge. I can’t see anything else challenging her unless McManus reroutes one of his.
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Did you not see Dan Skelton's interview the other day.
One of his best waffley bollocks.
He talks far too much and probably needs to hold himself back on occasions.

Basically saying he asked the owner which race he wanted to win this season ?
Owner said Champion hurdle (no shit)
Dan then said ok we'll build him up towards that but basically expect him to get beat before then (not ideal given the standard over here)
Nothing like keeping the dream alive.

If I was the owner I'd have said "Fuck me Dan, if we can't fucking beat Alexei and Golden Ace we've no chance in a champion hurdle"

At the same time he's started talking about The New Lion starting off and potentially staying at 2 miles.
And apparently the key/difficult season for horses is now from 5-6 not 4-5 as was previously.

Wind him up and watch him go.
Like a hamster on a wheel.

Probably being a bit unfair as it's nice to hear trainers talk a bit more. And it gives me amusement to hear them talk absolute bollocks some of the time. Dan was a bit misleading last season mind you and a proven liar (handicaps), so best not to always take him at his word I reckon.
Which makes it hard to pick the bones out of what he says.
 
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Carnage at Taunton said:
Think I’d rather leave the race alone than bet in case something happens to the fav, cos that’s either injury or she falls .
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Injuries and falls are an unfortunate part of the sport, but I'm wanting to profit if either of those things happen.

......It doesn't mean I want those things to happen btw.
 
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Quevega said:
I think Honeysuckle and Lossiemouth are both very good quality champion hurdle winners
So was Annie Power.
All effectively around 170 or above
It’s just the depth of many renewals that’s declined
This is mainly due to the increase of flat horses being sold abroad instead of going hurdling.
Subtle differences in courses and how races are run will provide different results sometimes
But Lossie is way ahead of any gelding in the division as it stands.
About a stone or more IMO.
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Would have loved to have seen Lossiemouth and Annie Power race against each other.
Would be some battle I reckon.

Yeah,probably right about a stone.
 
Re MDP. He clearly wanted him to go chasing but the owner won which is refreshing although most likely the wrong decision. Perhaps Dan will get him beat first time up and then they'll have a rethink.
 
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