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World Hurdle
19 Dec 2011: Diamond Harry Tackles 2011 King George VI Chase
14 Nov 2011: Amateur Jockey Steals The Show At Cheltenham
17 Mar 2011: 2011 Cheltenham World Hurdle Preview
15 Mar 2011: 2011 Champion Hurdle Betting Odds
22 Mar 2010: Riding To Glory – Cheltenham’s Top Jockeys
The World Hurdle is a Grade 1 Hurdle Race hosted annually in March at Cheltenham Racecourse as part of the prestigious Cheltenham Festival. It runs over three miles on Cheltenham's New Course and features twelve hurdles. Considered the United Kingdom's most accomplished long-distance hurdle event, the World Hurdle has been named the featured race of Day Three of the Cheltenham Festival and attracts only the finest jump horses of the season. Entry to the event is restricted to horses over the age of four and the winners are awarded a purse of £260,000.
The event as it is run today was inaugurated in 1972, its main purpose being the replacement of the Spa Hurdle. Originally the World Hurdle was known as the Stayers' Hurdle, as it is a long distance race, and was sponsored by Lloyd's Bank. Corporate sponsorships by Waterfront Crystal and Bonusprint followed before the race found its current sponsor, Ladbrokes Bookmaking, in 2005.
In recent years the event has found a new champion in Inglis Drever, Howard Johnson's jumping machine, who won three runs of the World Hurdle (2005, 2007, 2008). Inglis Drever's owners, Andrea and Graham Wylie, are sharing their title as most successful owners at the event with Sally Smart, who owns double winner Crimson Embers (1982, 1986) and single winner Rose Ravine (1985).
Recent Winners of the World Hurdle:
| Year | Winner | Age | Jockey | Trainer |
2010 |
Big Buck's |
7 |
Ruby Walsh |
Paul Nicholls |
2009 |
Big Buck's |
6 |
Ruby Walsh |
Paul Nicholls |
2008 |
Inglis Drever |
9 |
Denis O'Regan |
Howard Johnson |
2007 |
Inglis Drever |
8 |
Paddy Brennan |
Howard Johnson |
2006 |
My Way De Solzen |
6 |
Robert Thornton |
Alan King |
2005 |
Inglis Drever |
6 |
Graham Lee |
Howard Johnson |
World Hurdle Odds and News
17 Mar 2011: 2011 Cheltenham World Hurdle Preview
2011 Cheltenham World Hurdle Preview.
Big Buck’s will attempt to make it three wins in consecutive years when he lines up in the Grade 1 
Ladbrokes World Hurdle at Cheltenham on Thursday.
Having won the race in 2009 and 2010 Big Buck’s will attempt to create history by becoming the first horse to win the race three years in a row.
Having won its last ten consecutive races, Big Buck’s will go around at even money odds and is sure to be one of the shortest priced favourites of the Cheltenham carnival.
Ruby Walsh, who has not ridden Big Buck’s at its last two starts will be back in the saddle on Thursday and will be looking to create his own piece of history by becoming the first jockey to win the World Hurdle three times in a row.
Do you think Big Buck’s can race into equine immortality? Join Ladbrokes today for your chance to receive £60 in free bets.
Grands Crus looks the most likely to cause and upset and has been a clear second pick in the betting at 3/1. The lightly raced six year old, who is the winner of four from six over the jumps was a last winner over the three mile journey at Cheltenham at should prove to be the biggest threat to Big Buck’s.
Grands Crus has won his last two starts by ten lengths and is gaining support to end the run of Big Buck’s in the World Hurdle. Although none of the horses he has beaten are anywhere near the class of Big Buck’s, such has been his dominance in these wins that many are predicting the David Pipe trained gelding to be Big Buck’s sternest test to date.
Irish trainer Willie Mullins will saddle up two horses in an attempt to win his first World Hurdle. Mourad (10/1) and Fiveforthree (14/1) are the two best backed runners outside of the two favourites.
Mourad has won his last two starts in Grade 2
hurdles after coming back from a long break. He is also Grade 1 placed in a three mile hurdle event.
Fiveforthree was an impressive four length winner last start at Punchestown. Although competing in a lower grade it was his first start in almost two years. As a Grade 1 hurdle winner over the three miles you cannot rule him out, however it is hard to see him beating the favourites who have a significant fitness edge over him.
Such is the dominance of Big Buck’s, there are nine horses ranked 33/1 or longer. Of the long-shots Restless Harry looks the one best placed for an upset. He has run third behind race favourites Big Buck’s and Grands Crus at his previous two starts. He looks a place chance at best.
Do you think one of the longshots can cause what would be the upset of the carnival? Join Ladbrokes today for your opportunity to claim £60 in free bets.
Although there is never a sure thing on a race track it is worth noting that favourites have an enviable record in this race. Since the year 2000 seven horses that were odds on in the betting have won.
15 Mar 2011: Cheltenham Festival 2011
19 Mar 2010: Cheltenham Day 3 – Results! Results! Results!
19 Mar 2010: Ladbrokes World Hurdle – Distance: 3 miles – Winning Time: 4:49.4
