Group Horse website is all about two-year-old horse racing - the future stars of racing.
However, I've got a little secret, a penchant, you may wish to call it, for the Cheltenham Festival.
Not only is it an opportunity to bet on the Gold Cup winner but a racing spectacle that has seen some of the greatest National Hunt horses. Prestbury Park is the place where winners and losers hit the headlines. Who will be your fancy for this year's big races? You may have a winner or two up your sleeve.
Now, I am no expert when it comes to National Hunt racing. In fact, I don't follow this code of racing, no idea of form or the slightest nod of inside info to help you find a winner although I do have a fondness for one race.
The Triumph Hurdle takes place on the final day of the Cheltenham Festival over a distance of about two miles and one furlong, consisting of eight hurdles. It's an exciting opener to the final and fourth day of this meeting. This juvenile contest is open to colts, geldings and fillies who are four years old. This is what I love about this horse race, the blossoming of the future stars of racing. From a little win at a little track, to a wonder horse who takes its chance at the pinnacle of racing. These horses are the exception to the rule. And a winner of the Triumph Hurdle is a prize to delight.
The Triumph Hurdle was inaugurated in 1939 when Grey Talk won for horse trainer George Batchelor, ridden by Serge Rochet. Since those early days, we have seen some remarkable horses.
Personally, one of my favourite successes came from Kribensis (1988), trained by Sir Michael Stoute.
In recent years Nicky Henderson has won the race four times, the most recent in 2019 with Pentland Hills.
Other favourites include: Tiger Roll (2014), who went on to win the Grand National two times in succession and may equal the three victories of the legendary Red Rum.
In 2020, the Triumph Hurdle was won by Willie Mullin's Burning Victory at odds of 12/1. However, it was a race of mixed fortunes as Gary Moore's Goshen was unlucky to fall at the final hurdle when clear of the field.
What's your fancy for this years Triumph Hurdle?
As with so many horses who have competed in this race and especially in the thoughts of those unlucky punters who put their money on Goshen. Even the best horse needs to be able to jump a hurdle and the winner is the first horse which passes the post.
Good luck
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