Elite Hurdle Odds
Run over just shy of two miles, the Elite Hurdle is a seen as an early season indicator for the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, and you can view the odds for the 2021 renewal here a little closer to the time.
Elite Hurdle Tips
The Elite Hurdle often proves to be an open betting heat, and you can view our tip for the 2021 renewal a little closer to the time.
What is the Elite Hurdle?
Run over just shy of two miles, the Elite Hurdle is a Grade 2 contest held at Wincanton in November, and traditionally acts as an early season indicator for the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Paul Nicholls has an excellent record at his local track, and has won this race on seven occasions - most recently with Irving in 2015.
What happened in the 2020 Elite Hurdle?
The defection of Goshen took some gloss off this particular renewal, though the presence of Solo meant that last year's Triumph Hurdle form was still represented. However, this was all about Sceau Royal, who's better known as a high-class chaser these days, but built on his victory in the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las in October by quickly putting this race to bed. This victory opened up the potential for a tilt at next year's Champion Hurdle for Sceau Royal, a race he finished sixth in back in 2017.
Sceau Royal - what a classy operator
🏆 🏆 G2 Unibet Elite Hurdle
🏆 G1 Henry VIII Novices' Chase
🏆 G2 Lightning Novices' Chase
🏆 G2 Shloer Chase
A fine performance from Sceau Royal at @wincantonraces to remain unbeaten over hurdles this season for Alan King & @Dazjacob10 https://t.co/7Yw0LB8Nzd
The history of the Elite Hurdle
Established in 1992, the Elite Hurdle was initially held at Cheltenham over slightly further than two miles, before being switched to Wincanton and its present distance in 1994. Although it is seen as an indicator for the Champion Hurdle, no horse has ever won the Elite Hurdle and then followed up at the Cheltenham Festival.
Who is the most iconic winner of the Elite Hurdle?
Several notable names have won the Elite Hurdle over the years, though the most recognisable is perhaps the Paul Nicholls-trained Azertyuiop, who won the race back in 2001. Azertyuiop would prove to be a more talented chaser than a hurdler, winning the Arkle Challenge Trophy in 2003, before following up in the Queen Mother Champion Chase a year later.
Are there any trials for the Elite Hurdle?
The Elite Hurdle is a traditional scene for a reappearance run, meaning that there are no trials as such for the race. It does however act as a platform to bigger and better things later in the season, and horses who take their chance in the Elite Hurdle tend to target races such as the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle, the International Hurdle at Cheltenham, the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton, the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and the Aintree Hurdle.
Who is the most successful jockey in the Elite Hurdle?
The winning most jockey in the history of the Elite Hurdle is Daryl Jacob, with five wins. Jacob's five wins came courtesy of Celestial Halo (2011), Zarkandar (2012), Sceau Royal (2016, 2020) and Fusil Raffles (2019).
Who is the most successful trainer in the Elite Hurdle?
The joint-winning most trainer in the history of the Elite Hurdle is Paul Nicholls with seven wins. Nicholls' seven wins in the race came courtesy of Azertyuiop (2001), Santenay (2002), Perouse (2004), Celestial Halo (2009, 2011), Zarkandar (2012) and Irving (2015).
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