Champion Hurdle Results

The 33-1 shot Hardy Eustace caused a shock with a victory over defending champion Rooster Booster in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle, the feature race on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival. The longest-priced winner since 1989, but no fluke about it, and no apparent excuse for the reigning champion. The fear of a tactical race proved unfounded, and while Rooster Booster admittedly did not enjoying the breakneck gallop of last year's race or of last month's Tote Gold Trophy, he settled well off what looked a sensible pace and arrived on the scene looking the winner at the last.

Hardy Eustace had not won a horse racing hurdle race since last year's Sun Alliance. He had shaped well under a front-running ride at Gowran Park on his latest start, and the application of first-time blinkers here suggested that forcing tactics would be adopted again. Left alone in front until starting down the Cheltenham Racecourse hill, he jumped and travelled well in the headgear, and though Rooster Booster looked set to take his measure when cruising up to him before the last, he dug deep and found plenty, pulling right away again.

Rooster Booster went into the race with 10lb or more in hand of his rivals on form, and the race appeared to pan out perfectly for him. But having made his ground going ominously well down the hill and straightened up for the last seemingly going the better of the pair, the finishing surge that distinguished last year's win was missing and towards the finish the placed horses were closing on him again.

It was an emotional moment for trainer Dessie Hughes, whose horse had won the 2003 Royal & Sun Alliance Novices Hurdle, ridden by jockey Kieran Kelly, who later died after a fall at Kilbeggan last August.

1. Hardy Eustace ( C O'Dwyer) 33-1
2. Rooster Booster (R Johnson) 11-8
3. Intersky Falcon (L Cooper) 8-1

Champion Hurdle Results

• Champion Hurdle 2011
• Champion Hurdle 2010
• Champion Hurdle 2009
• Champion Hurdle 2008
• Champion Hurdle 2007
• Champion Hurdle 2006
• Champion Hurdle 2005
• Champion Hurdle 2004
• Champion Hurdle 2003

Cheltenham Festival - Betting Tips