Monday, January 13, 2003

ILNAMAR CUT FOR CHAMPION HURDLE AFTER TODAY'S ENTRY STAGE

In other moves, Rooster Booster is 9-2 from 5-1 and Kopeck is 20-1 from 25-1 for the Champion Hurdle. Coral have introduced Coolnagorna at 16-1 and Iris's Gift at 20-1 into their Stayers Hurdle ante post list.

**2003 Champion Hurdle
9-2 Rooster Booster, 5-1 Intersky Falcon, 8-1 Davenport Milenium, 11-1 Rhinestone Cowboy, 14-1 Hors La Loi, 16-1 Like A Butterfly, Ilnamar, Marble Arch, Galileo, Flame Creek, Landing Light, 20-1 Kopeck, Scottish Memories, Copeland, 25-1 Laveron, Adamant Approach, Geos, Puntal, Liss A Paoraigh, 33-1 In Contrast, Westender, Scolardy, Never, Santenay

**Bonusprint Stayers Hurdle
3-1 Limestone Lad, Baracouda, 4-1 Bacchanal, 8-1 Bannow Bay, 10-1 Galileo, 14-1 Classified, 16-1 Ilnamar, Native Emperor, Stromness, Coolnagorna, 20-1 Iris's Gift, Brother Joe, It Takes Time, 25-1 Laveron, Deanos Beeno, Eternal Spring, 33-1 Bar

**2003 Queen Mother Champion Chase
11-4 Moscow Flyer, 5-1 Cenkos, Flagship Uberalles, 7-1 Native Upmanship, 8-1 Edredon Bleu, 12-1 Seebald, 14-1 Florida Pearl, Fondmort, Young Devereux, 16-1 Latalomne, 20-1 Tiutchev, Armaturk, Dark n Sharp, Geos, Lady Cricket, 25-1 Wahiba Sands, 33-1 Kadarann, 40-1 Bar

**2003 Gold Cup
2-1 Best Mate, 7-1 Beef Or Salmon, 10-1 Marlborough, 12-1 Hussard Collonges, Commanche Court, 16-1 Chives, Bacchanal, 20-1 Colonel Braxton, Florida Pearl, Gingembre, Rince Ri, Valley Henry, 25-1 Barton, Behrajan, First Gold, Cyfor Malta, Harbour Pilot, Sackville, Whitenzo, 33-1 Fondmort, Le Coudray, Truckers Tavern, 40-1 Bar

**Royal & Sun Alliance Chase
4-1 Jair Du Cochet, 8-1 Keen Leader, 10-1 Le Coudray, 12-1 Joss Naylor, Tarxien, It Takes Time, 14-1 Bannow Bay, 16-1 Sir Rembrandt, Barrow Drive, Bold Investor, Montalcino, 20-1 Monsignor, Irish Hussar, 25-1 One Knight, Classified, Telemoss, Indian Scout, The Bajan Bandit, 33-1 Bar

**Irish Independent Arkle Trophy
7-2 Azertyuiop, 7-1 Impek, 9-1 Adamant Approach, 12-1 Le Roi Miguel, 14-1 Bust Out, 16-1 Isio, Got One Too, 20-1 Blue Royal, One Knight, Farmer Jack, 25-1 Alexander Milenium, Golden Alpha, Vol Solitaire, Palarshan, 33-1 Bar

**Triumph Hurdle
6-1 Saintsaire, 12-1 Don Fernando, 16-1 Nas Na Riogh, 20-1 Lilium De Cotte, 25-1 Fast Mix, Smugglers Song, Kapgarde, Golden Cross, Lewis Island, Old California, 33-1 Lowlander, Spectroscope, Party Airs, Liberthine, Red Wine, Prince Des Ifs, Turbo, Harchibald, 40-1 Star Protector, Lost In The Rain, Newlands Gold, Attorney General, Newtown Dancer, Crystal D'ainay, Tramantano, Visibility Others on request

**Royal & Sun Alliance Hurdle
7-1 Collnagorna, 8-1 Hardy Eustace, 10-1 Kopeck, 12-1 Pizarro, Solerina, Rhinestone Cowboy, 14-1 Lord Sam, Nil Desperandum, 16-1 Iris's Gift, Supreme Prince, Kombinacja, 20-1 Tees Components, Alexander Millenium, Bolt Action, Saitensohn, 25-1 Kickham, Sh Boom, Far Horizon,

**Supreme Novices Hurdle
4-1 Rhinestone Cowboy, 10-1 Puntal, Kopeck, 12-1 Chauvinist, Lord Sam, Back In Front, 16-1 Joueur D'Estruval, 20-1 Inca Trail, 25-1 Mutakarrim, Friends Amigo, Beyond The Pale

**Weatherbys Champion Bumper
8-1 Liberman, 10-1 Royal Alphabet, 12-1 Sixo, Control Man, Mark The Man, 16-1 Govamix, Davenport Democrat, 20-1 King Player, Dempsey, Miller's Boy, Patriarch Express, Villa, Masteroffoxhounds, 25-1 The Boys In Green, 33-1 Widemouth Bay, The Joker, Brooklyn Breeze, Be Fair, Tyrone Donnelly

**2003 Grand National
12-1 Gunner Welburn, 14-1 Ad Hoc, 16-1 Davids Lad, Gingembre, 20-1 Supreme Glory, 25-1 Chives, Mini Sensation, Bindaree, Bounce Back, Commanche Court, Gunther McBride, The Bunny Boiler, Cyfor Malta, More Than A Stroll

BHB APPOINTS NEW RACING DIRECTOR

Quinn, 34, is currently BHB's Controller of Programmes and Head of the Racing Department and will succeed Trevor Beaumont when he leaves BHB at the end of this month.

She has fulfilled specialist Flat and National Hunt race planning roles and has been instrumental in implementing many major BHB initiatives over the last ten years. She will continue to be a member of the Race Planning Committee, the Flat and National Hunt Pattern Panels and the European Pattern Committee.

An avid racegoer and keen rider, she enjoys riding out and working closely with bringing on young horses.

Reporting to Chief Executive Greg Nichols, she will be responsible for all aspects of the day to day running of racing, overseeing the Racing Department and the team of Handicappers headed by Nigel Gray. She will also continue to help further develop the constructive relationships which already exist with other racing authorities internationally.

Greg Nichols said today: "Ruth's commitment, knowledge and passion for Racing, and indeed the multiplicity of talents she brings to the role, made h er an obvious choice. She is widely respected throughout the industry, from whom I am in no doubt that she will enjoy unqualified support, and will contribute greatly to the management of British Racing."

Ruth Quinn commented: "I am delighted to take on the role of Racing Director and to be given the opportunity to further my commitment to the BHB and to Racing. I am excited about my contribution to the many changes that will face British Racing in the future and am lucky to be supported by a very committed and knowledgeable Racing Department and Handicapping team."

QUEEN ANNE STAKES BECOMES SIXTH GROUP ONE RACE AT ROYAL ASCOT

The number of Group One races at Royal Ascot has doubled since 2000, when the Prince of Wales's Stakes was run at the top level for the first time.

The Queen Anne Stakes, which will now be restricted to four-year-olds and upwards, has been increased in value from £135,000 to £250,000. It will continue to be run on the opening day of the Royal Meeting but will become the fourth race, following the St James's Palace Stakes.

The provisional order of running for Tuesday 17th June is:

The Coventry Stakes (Group 3, 6F, 2YO)
The King's Stand Stakes (Group 2, 5F, 3YO+)
The St James's Palace Stakes (Group 1, Old Mile, 3YO colts)
The Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1, Straight Mile, 4YO+)
The Duke of Edinburgh Stakes (Class B Handicap, 1½ miles, 3YO+)
The Balmoral Stakes (Class B Handicap, 5F, 3YO)

"It is a measure that the Royal Meeting has become an established international championship event that it hosted three Group One races as recently as 1999 and it will now stage six," said Douglas Erskine-Crum, Chief Executive at Ascot Racecourse.

"We are totally committed to strengthening our race programme and increasing prize money as we move into an era of intercontinental competition. It is crucial to Ascot, especially with our £180 million redevelopment around the corner, that the racing here is regarded as being amongst the best in the world."

In addition to the promotion of the Queen Anne Stakes, two races at Ascot later in the year have been raised from Listed to Group Three status - the Michael Page International Silver Trophy (Saturday 12th July) and The Tom McGee Autumn Stakes (Saturday 11th October).

"The promotion of the Michael Page International Silver Trophy and The Tom McGee Autumn Stakes demonstrates the ever increasing quality of the programme outside Royal Ascot," said Douglas Erskine-Crum. "We are particularly pleased for our sponsors that these events have been recognised."

GRAHAM BRADLEY APPEAL TO BE HEARD TOMORROW

Tomorrow's hearing will be chaired by former High Court Judge, Sir Edward Cazalet, supported by Anthony Mildmay-White and Fiona Whitaker. The Chairman's vote cannot be over-ruled.

The Disciplinary Panel found Bradley in breach of the following Rules of Racing:

Rule 204(iv) by giving or offering to give on various dates during the term of his licence information concerning horses entered in races under the Rules of Racing in return for monetary consideration, other than the receipt of a reasonable fee for giving an interview to the Press or other legitimate news gathering organisation for the purposes of general publication; and/or Rule 62(ii)(c) by receiving presents in connection with a race on various occasions during the term of his licence from persons other than the Owner of the horse ridden by him in that race;

Rule 220(vii)(b) by providing false information to the Licensing Committee of the Jockey Club on 21 June 1999, namely statements to the effect that he had never been asked by Brian Brendan Wright whether a particular horse would win or not win, and had never done anything wrong with Brian Brendan Wright; and

Rule 220(viii) by means of the statements mentioned above, endeavouring by an overt act to mislead the members of the Licensing Committee;

Rule 220 (iii) by bringing racing into disrepute due to the account given on pp188-9 of his autobiography The Wayward Lad about the 1987 Cheltenham Gold Cup, in which he had described an attempt by him to have the race abandoned for the benefit of Brian Brendan Wright, which Bradley admitted was wholly untrue

Rule 140 by entering the Weighing Room without special leave of the Stewards at Cheltenham on 16th November 2001 and at Newbury on 1st December 2001.

No formal notice concerning the hearing will be issued by the Jockey Club until the conclusion of the appeal on January 21st.

EXCITING HURDLING SHOWPIECES AT CHELTENHAM

As with the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup and Queen Mother Champion Chase, for which entries were announced last week, there will be supplementary entry stages five days beforehand for both the Smurfit Champion Hurdle and Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle for a first time this year. Supplementary entry for the former will cost £15,000, five per cent of the record £300,000 prize money, while it will cost £7,000 to add an entry to the £140,000 Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle.

There are 44 entries in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle and these include 12 trained in Ireland as well as two each from France and Germany.

Vying for favouritism in the ante-post betting are the hugely-improved pair Intersky Falcon, winner of the Pertemps Christmas Hurdle, and Rooster Booster, who landed the Victor Chandler Bula Hurdle at Cheltenham in December. Marble Arch, last year's runner-up, could do battle with Hors La Loi III again while Martin Pipe's six entries include Coral Eurobet Cup and Aintree Hurdle winner Ilnamar, who has not run so far this season, and the high-class German Flat performer Iberus, who has yet to make his hurdling debut for owner David Johnson.

Irish aspirants include Like-A-Butterfly, winner of last season's Gerrard Wealth Management Novices' Hurdle at the Festival, Adamant Approach, who was travelling ominously well when falling in the same race last year and his stablemate Davenport Milenium, a good third in the Christmas Hurdle after a long lay off. French-based Francois Doumen has entered Laveron and Sir Peter O'Sullevan's Never while leading German handler Mario Hofer is responsible for San Suru and Siberius.

There are several less-exposed entries including Flame Creek, a winner at Cheltenham on New Year's Day for trainer Noel Chance, the Tom George-trained Kombinacja, a mare who won the Triple Crown in Poland on the Flat but has yet to jump a hurdle in public, Josh Gifford's exciting novice Kopeck, last season's Weatherby's Champion Bumper runner-up Rhinestone Cowboy, the 2001 Cambridgeshire winner I Cried For You, and Xtra, a useful Flat performer who was bought to join Jim Old at a cost of 120,000gns in October but has yet to go hurdling.

The 33 Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle entries include Deano's Beeno, who lowered Baracouda's colours in the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot before Christmas. Six entries from Ireland include last year's runner-up Bannow Bay and the country's most popular horse, Limestone Lad, the incredible 35-time winner who has not been entered in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle and finished runner-up in the 2000 Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle on his only previous visit to Cheltenham.

Bacchanal, winner of the 2000 race, is entered once again and further spice is added by the likes of last season's Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle hero Galileo, who also has a Smurfit Champion Hurdle entry, Iris's Gift, winner of the Grade 2 Tripleprint Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham on December 14, and Len Lungo's exciting pair The Bajan Bandit and Crazy Horse. Mario Hofer has entered Vishnu from Germany while Baracouda's stablemate Laveron provides a second French-trained entry.

Edward Gillespie, Cheltenham's Managing Director, said: "It is very pleasing to see a new brigade of hurdlers emerging to take on the established stars in both the Smurfit Champion Hurdle and Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle."

2003 CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL ENTRIES INFORMATION

SMURFIT CHAMPION HURDLE

2003 - 44
2002 - 40
2001 - 47
2000 - 33
1999 - 41
1998 - 44
1997 - 50
1996 - 66
1995 - 24
1994 - 42
1993 - 50
1992 - 37
1991 - 38

BONUSPRINT STAYERS' HURDLE

2003 - 33
2002 - 48
2001 - 56
2000 - 36
1999 - 51
1998 - 43
1997 - 49
1996 - 51
1995 - 39
1994 - 52
1993 - 40
1992 - 56
1991 - 52

IRISH-TRAINED ENTRIES

SMURFIT CHAMPION HURDLE

2003 - 12
2002 - 12
2001 - 11
2000 - 7
1999 - 6
1998 - 10
1997 - 14
1996 - 12
1995 - 6
1994 - 9
1993 - 14
1992 - 5
1991 - 6

BONUSPRINT STAYERS' HURDLE

2003 - 6
2002 - 10
2001 - 12
2000 - 4
1999 - 5
1998 - 4
1997 - 10
1996 -13
1995 -8
1994 - 12
1993 - 10
1992 - 9
1991 - 7

SMURFIT CHAMPION HURDLE FACTS

1. The Champion Hurdle was inaugurated in 1927, with a value to the winner of £365. The race was abandoned in 1931 due to persistent frost, and in 1943 and 1944 because of the Second World War.

2. A glance at the race records will show that there have only been two sponsors of this prestigious race since its inception. This statistic conceals a dramatic turn of events in 1990, when a major banking group, whose intended sponsorship was to raise the added value of the race by 66% to £120,000, withdrew before its first running. The Smurfit Group stepped in at that point and has remained a loyal sponsor ever since. In 2003, the race will have total prize money of £300,000, an increase of £30,000 on 2002.

3. The largest field has been 24 (1964 and 1991) and the smallest three (1932). The first five runnings of the race saw a total of only 24 runners between them.

4. The Champion Hurdle is a contest for multiple winners. Peter Easterby won the race most often as a trainer, with five victories from three horses, Saucy Kit (1967), Night Nurse (1976 and 1977) and Sea Pigeon (1980 and 1981). Vic Smyth and Fred Winter both had four wins, and a further five trainers have captured the hurdling crown on three occasions.

5. Among jockeys, Tim Molony won the race most often with four victories, on Hatton's Grace (1951) and Sir Ken (1952, 1953 & 1954). Fred Winter, Jimmy Uttley, Steve Smith Eccles and most recently Charlie Swan were each successful three times.

6. The most successful owner is still Dorothy Paget, who won the race four times thanks to Insurance (1932, 1933), Solford (1940) and Distel (1946).

7. Istabraq, successful in the three Champion Hurdles from 1998 to 2000, was retired after failing to become the first horse to win the race four times last year. The four other three-time winners are Hatton's Grace (1949-51), Sir Ken (1952-54), Persian War (1968-70) and See You Then (1985-87).

8. The race has been won seven times by entires, but only twice by mares - Dawn Run (1984) and Flakey Dove (1994).

9. Three greys have won, the most recent being Kribensis in 1990. The others were Victor Nornian in 1936, and Our Hope in 1938. Only one roan horse has won the Champion Hurdle, Anzio in 1962.

10. Istabraq's success in 2000 in a time of 3 minutes 48.1 seconds beat the previous Champion Hurdle record time, set by Make A Stand in 1997, of 3 minutes 48.4 seconds.

THE 2003 SMURFIT CHAMPION HURDLE CHALLENGE TROPHY
Grade 1, Class A, Showcase Race, Tuesday, March 11, 2003, £300,000 total prize fund, two miles and about half a furlong for four-year-olds and upwards. Weights: 4yo: 11st 6lb; 5yo and up: 12st; fillies and mares allowance 5lb. Entries closed January 8 (44 entries), entries released January 13, forfeit stage February 18, £15,000 supplementary entry stage March 6, five-day confirmation stage March 6, final declaration stage 10.15am March 10. (Form correct up to Friday, January 10).

U1153-3 ACHILLES WINGS (USA) 7 Exterior Profiles Ltd Karen George
3F35-41 ADAMANT APPROACH (IRE) 9 Greenstar Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
3-0U534 BALAPOUR (IRE) 5 Rita Shah Oliver Brady IRE
0-21512 BOB WHAT (IRE) 9 Mrs P Duffin Paddy Mullins IRE
1202U1- COPELAND 8 Professor David & Heather Silk Martin Pipe
F5111-3 DAVENPORT MILENIUM (IRE) 7 Miriam O'Callaghan Willie Mullins IRE
EPITRE (FR) 6 Vivamus Racing Milton Harris
142-F14 ETERNAL SPRING (IRE) 6 Paul Green James Fanshawe
1/21-11 FLAME CREEK (IRE) 7 Martin Wesson Partners Noel Chance
11- GALILEO (POL) 7 Sharon Nelson, Allan Stennett, Terry Warner Tom George
64P-331 GEOS (FR) 8 Thurloe Finsbury Nicky Henderson
1//1-0 GIANLUCA (IRE) 9 M E T Davies Charles Egerton
11-2P11 GRALMANO (IRE) 8 Coleorton Moor Racing Kevin Ryan
611/3-0 HOLY ORDERS (IRE) 6 A McLuckie Willie Mullins IRE
3311-F4 HORS LA LOI III (FR) 8 Paul Green James Fanshawe
0 I CRIED FOR YOU (IRE) 8 One Stop Partnership James Given
IBERUS (GER) 5 David Johnson Martin Pipe
1/54U11- ILNAMAR (FR) 7 Joe Moran Martin Pipe
311-3F3 IN CONTRAST (IRE) 7 Peter Emery and A Staple Philip Hobbs
12-1111 INTERSKY FALCON 6 Interskyracingcom & Mrs Jonjo O'Neill Jonjo O'Neill
KOMBINACJA (POL) 5 Christine Davies,Sharon Nelson,Allan Stennett,Terry Warner Tom George
2-1 KOPECK (IRE) 5 Pat Betts Josh Gifford
1156-42 LANDING LIGHT (IRE) 8 Mr & Mrs John Poynton Nicky Henderson
1-11312 LAVERON 8 Dirk Grauert Francois Doumen FR
111113- LIKE-A-BUTTERFLY (IRE) 9 J P McManus Christy Roche IRE
20-2221 LISS A PAORAIGH (IRE) 8 Mrs Dottie Flynn John Kiely IRE
1P2-345 MARBLE ARCH 7 M S Wilson, Rory Sweet, Mary Wilson Hughie Morrison
1000-15 NEVER (FR) 6 Sir Peter O'Sullevan Francois Doumen FR
22110-P POLAR RED 6 Lady Clarke Martin Pipe
111F12 PUNTAL (FR) 7 Terry Neill Martin Pipe
12-111 RHINESTONE COWBOY (IRE) 7 Sue Magnier Jonjo O'Neill
214-111 ROOSTER BOOSTER 9 Terry Warner Philip Hobbs
/124-63 SAN SURU (GER) 9 Stall Jenny Mario Hofer GER
P14-112 SANTENAY (FR) 5 The Hon Mrs Townshend Paul Nicholls
111/3F/-6 SAUSALITO BAY 9 The High Street Racing Syndicate Noel Meade IRE
012121- SCOLARDY (IRE) 5 David Flynn Willie Mullins IRE
011-512 SCOTTISH MEMORIES (IRE) 7 Mary Halligan Noel Meade IRE
43 SELF DEFENSE 6 Fraser Miller Racing Emma Lavelle
-12122111 SIBERIUS (GER) 5 Stall Jenny Mario Hofer GER
25/324/-2 STAGE AFFAIR (USA) 9 Dr Michael Smurfit Dermot Weld IRE
621-213 TURTLEBACK (IRE) 5 Dermot Desmond Edward O'Grady IRE
6-411R6 WELSH BORDER 5 L Cohen George Prodromou
11022-3 WESTENDER (FR) 7 Matt Archer & Jean Broadhurst Martin Pipe
XTRA 5 Wally Sturt Jim Old

44 entries
12 Irish-trained
2 French-trained
2 German-trained

Breakdown of Entries per Trainer and Past Successes in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle

6 Entries
Martin Pipe (1993 Granville Again, 1997 Make A Stand)

4 Entries
Willie Mullins IRE

2 Entries
Francois Doumen FR
James Fanshawe (1992 Royal Gait, 2002 Hors La Loi III)
Tom George
Nicky Henderson (1985, 1986, 1987 See You Then)
Mario Hofer GER
Philip Hobbs
Noel Meade IRE
Jonjo O'Neill

1 Entry
Oliver Brady IRE
Noel Chance
Charles Egerton
Karen George
Josh Gifford
James Given
Milton Harris
John Kiely IRE
Hughie Morrison
Emma Lavelle
Paddy Mullins IRE (1984 Dawn Run)
Paul Nicholls
Edward O'Grady IRE
Jim Old (1996 Collier Bay)
George Prodromou
Christy Roche IRE
Kevin Ryan
Dermot Weld IRE

HORSES ENTERED IN BOTH THE SMURFIT CHAMPION HURDLE AND THE BONUSPRINT STAYERS' HURDLE

Davenport Milenium - Willie Mullins IRE
Eternal Spring - James Fanshawe
Galileo - Tom George
Ilnamar - Martin Pipe
Laveron - Francois Doumen FR
Welsh Border - George Prodromou

THE 2003 SMURFIT CHAMPION HURDLE

Analysis

The 2003 renewal of the £300,000 Grade One Smurfit Champion Hurdle has attracted a high-quality entry of 44 with all of the main protagonists engaged.

Last season's hero Hors La Loi III heads the entries and could be joined by the 2002 runner-up Marble Arch, fourth-placed Geos and the fifth Landing Light. Hors La Loi III's trainer James Fanshawe has also entered Eternal Spring, winner of the Concord Jubilee Filing Products Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham in December.

Hors La Loi III fell on his seasonal reappearance in the Victor Chandler Bula Hurdle at Cheltenham on December 14, which was won by Rooster Booster, the current ante-post favourite with most bookmakers. Landing Light was second that day with Geos in third and Marble Arch fourth. Philip Hobbs, trainer of Rooster Booster, could also rely on In Contrast, third in the Gerrard Wealth Management Supreme Novices' Hurdle and a Grade Two winner at Aintree last season.

Another big Smurfit Champion Hurdle trial was the Pertemps Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park on Boxing Day which went to Jonjo O'Neill's much-improved performer Intersky Falcon, who had earlier landed the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle. At Kempton he held on resolutely with Santenay in second, Davenport Milenium in third, Hors La Loi III fourth and Marble Arch fifth.

Martin Pipe has the highest number of entries with six horses engaged. These are headed by the 2002 Gerrard Wealth Management Supreme Novices' Hurdle runner-up Westender who could be joined by last season's Tote Gold Trophy winner Copeland, former smart German Flat performer Iberus (who has yet to start over hurdles), last year's Coral Eurobet Cup and Martell Aintree Hurdle winner Ilnamar, Imperial Cup winner Polar Red and the smart novice Puntal.

There is a strong overseas presence in the race with a dozen entries from Ireland, and two apiece from France and Germany. The Irish challenge is led by Willie Mullins' Davenport Milenium, who completed a Grade One double in two days at Punchestown in April with wins in the Champion Novices' Hurdle and against more seasoned rivals in the Emo Oil Champion Hurdle. Mullins could also be represented by Adamant Approach who was going well when falling at the last in the 2002 Gerrard Wealth Management Supreme Novices' Hurdle, Holy Orders and Scolardy, victorious in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at the last National Hunt Festival. Mullins's father Paddy, who handled the great Dawn Run, could run Bob What, who finished second to Intersky Falcon in a Grade Two hurdle at Tipperary last time out on October 2.

Also featuring prominently among the Irish entries is last season's Gerrard Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner Like-A-Butterfly and Sausalito Bay, winner of the same race in 2000. The Irish entry is completed by Balapour, Liss A Paoraigh, Scottish Memories, Stage Affair and Turtleback.

There is also a strong challenge from continental Europe with Francois Doumen entering two contenders - Laveron - currently rated the best hurdler in France and Never, who is owned by Sir Peter O'Sullevan and was victorious in the Gerry Fielden Hurdle at Newbury earlier this season before finishing fifth in the Victor Chandler Bula Hurdle. German handler Mario Hofer has two possibles in the shape of San Suru and Siberius.

Tom George, who sent out Galileo to win last year's Royal & SunAlliance Hurdle, has entered the same horse in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle as well as stable companion and fellow Polish-bred Kombinacja. The five-year-old mare Kombinacja has yet to start over hurdles but was a very useful Flat performer in her native Poland, where she landed the Derby, Oaks and St Leger. She also finished in front of both Laveron and Galileo in Poland and is arguably the best horse ever to run in that country for a while.

There are several leading novice hurdlers holding entries in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle. Most prominent among these is Jonjo O'Neill's Rhinestone Cowboy. A short-head second in last year's Weatherbys Champion Bumper, Rhinestone Cowboy was triumphant in the Betfair Open Bumper at Cheltenham in November and has since gone on to win both his starts over hurdles at Newbury and Cheltenham in facile fashion. Another interesting entry is Josh Gifford's Kopeck, who defeated Puntal in a Grade Two event at Ascot in December on his only start over hurdles.

Four useful Flat performers have also been given entries. Xtra, a Listed winner for Luca Cumani was sold for 120,000gns at Tattersalls Horses In Training Sale. He is now under the care of Jim Old and has not yet run over hurdles. Self Defense was a Listed winner on the Flat in France for Maurice Zilber and has shaped with promise on his two starts for Emma Lavelle while Milton Harris now has charge of Epitre, a Group Two winner in France for Andre Fabre in 2000. I Cried For You, winner of the Cambridgeshire at Newmarket in 2001, has been entered by James Given. He was unplaced on his first start over hurdles at Haydock in December.

The pick of the remaining entries looks to be Flame Creek. Noel Chance's charge appears to be on an upward curve and on his latest start was an easy winner of the George Stevens Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham on New Year's Day. The Charles Egerton-trained Gianluca is very lightly-raced, having only had three runs (winning twice) since his debut in December 1999. Gralmano, trained by Kevin Ryan, is a useful handicapper and has won two novice chases on his latest two starts, but looks up against it here.

Both Achilles Wings and Welsh Border are useful in their own class but would appear to be out of their depth in this company.

IRISH-TRAINED ENTRIES - 2003 SMURFIT CHAMPION HURDLE

3F35-41 ADAMANT APPROACH (IRE) 9 b g Mandalus - Crash Approach (Crash Course)
Owner: Greenstar Syndicate Trainer: Willie Mullins
Adamant Approach had some useful form in novice hurdles last season before going on to contest handicap company, recording his biggest success in the valuable Pierse Hurdle at Leopardstown in January. He then went back into novice company and was in the process of mounting a serious challenge in the Gerrard Wealth Management Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the National Hunt Festival at Cheltenham when falling at the last, with his jockey Ruby Walsh convinced that he would have won. This season he has switched to fences and was a bit disappointing on his chasing debut when fourth at Wexford but made no mistake last time out, recording a smooth success in a novice chase at Punchestown on December 31.

3-0U534 BALAPOUR (IRE) 5 b g Kahyasi - Balaniya (Diesis)
Owner: Rita Shah Trainer: Oliver Brady
Finished a staying-on fourth at 100/1 to Scolardy in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham last season but has generally not shown a consistent level of form at the highest level. Was a decisive winner of the Ulster Derby on the Flat at Down Royal in June, but has been well beaten on his last three starts over hurdles this season.

0-21512 BOB WHAT (IRE) 9 b g Bob Back - Whatyawant (Auction Ring)
Owner: Mrs P Duffin Trainer: Paddy Mullins
A winner of four hurdle races, with his most valuable triumph coming in a Listed handicap at Tralee in August. Ran a decent race on his last start over hurdles, when he went down by a length-and-a-half to Intersky Falcon in the Grade Two John James McManus Memorial Hurdle at Tipperary on October 6.

F5111-3 DAVENPORT MILENIUM (IRE) 7 b g Insan - Society Belle (Callernish)
Owner: Miriam O'Callaghan Trainer: Willie Mullins
Davenport Milenium really came good at the end of last season, winning three events over timber within a month, including two Grade 1 novice hurdles in the space of three days at Punchestown. He produced a creditable performance when third to Intersky Falcon on his return in the Pertemps Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day. Also entered in the Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle.

611/3-0 HOLY ORDERS (IRE) 6 b h Unblest - Shadowglow (Shaadi)
Owner: L A McLuckie Trainer: Willie Mullins
Very decent performer as a juvenile hurdler, winning the Champion Four-Year-Old Hurdle at Fairyhouse in April 2001. Is also useful on the Flat and ran twice at Royal Ascot in 2002, finishing second in the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes and seventh in the Listed Wolferton Stakes. Was sent back to Ascot last time out for the valuable Ladbroke Hurdle in December when he started favourite, but disappointed in finishing a never-nearer ninth.

111113- LIKE-A-BUTTERFLY (IRE) 9 b m Montelimar - Swifts Butterfly (Furry Glen)
Owner: J P McManus Trainer: Christy Roche
Unraced until she was seven, Like-A-Butterfly won all her three starts in bumpers two seasons ago. Last season she was switched to hurdles and proved equally impressive, winning her first five starts which culminated in a neck defeat of Westender in the Gerrard Wealth Management Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. She was beaten into third place behind Davenport Milenium in the Champion Novices' Hurdle on her final start of the season at the Punchestown Festival in April, but could well have been feeling the effects of a long season. Has yet to start this season and had to miss her first intended target at Leopardstown over Christmas after coming down with a bug. Now has the AIG Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on January 26 as her initial target.

20-2221 LISS A PAORAIGH (IRE) 8 b m Husyan - Shuil Liss (Deep Run)
Owner: Mrs N Flynn Trainer: John Kiely
Does not have a great winning record but is a very consistent performer. After finishing the runner-up on her first three starts this season, on each occasion to Limestone Lad, she managed to get her head in front last time out in the Grade 1 Evening Herald December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown on December 29. She came 25 lengths clear of Stage Affair on that occasion, although there was controversy in that she managed to obtain a "flyer" at the start. She finished a never-nearer ninth in last season's Smurfit Champion Hurdle and will be retired to stud at the end of the season.

111/3F/-6 SAUSALITO BAY 9 b g Salse - Cantico (Green Dancer)
Owner: The High Street Racing Syndicate Trainer: Noel Meade
Was a top-class novice hurdler, with the biggest win of his career coming when he defeated Best Mate by three quarters of a length in the 2000 Gerrard Wealth Management Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. He has had injury problems since which have restricted him to just three subsequent outings. Was last seen out in a beginners chase at Navan in November, when he finished a distant sixth behind Le Coudray.

012121- SCOLARDY (IRE) 5 b g Turtle Island - Emerald Pendant (Nebos)
Owner: David Flynn Trainer: Willie Mullins
A fair performer on the Flat in Ireland as a two-year-old in 2000, Scolardy proved to be the leading juvenile hurdler in Ireland last season. After getting off the mark at Thurles in December, he went on to record another victory at the same course as well as at Leopardstown, where he was subsequently disqualified for causing interference and the race was awarded to Newhall. On his next start, he truly proved who was the best when slamming Newhall by 11 lengths in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at the National Hunt Festival at Cheltenham. Has yet to make an appearance this season.

011-512 SCOTTISH MEMORIES (IRE) 7 ch g Houmayoun - Interj (Salmon Leap)
Owner: Mary Halligan Trainer: Noel Meade
Enjoyed a good first season over hurdles, winning a Grade 2 event at Fairyhouse and a Grade 1 at Punchestown on his final two starts of the season. Had earlier caught the eye with a staying-on seventh behind Like-A-Butterfly in the Gerrard Wealth Management Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Earlier this year, he was successful in a conditions event at Down Royal and last time out was eight lengths behind Limestone Lad in the Grade One Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

25/324/-2 STAGE AFFAIR (USA) 9 b/br g Theatrical -Wooing (Stagedoor Johnny)
Owner: Dr Michael Smurfit Trainer: Dermot Weld
A very decent novice in the 1999/2000 season, when he finished an excellent fifth behind Istabraq in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle. Has been very lightly-raced in the last two seasons and on his last start finished second, beaten 25 lengths, to Liss A Paoraigh in the Grade 1 Evening Herald December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown on December 29, although he would have finished closer to the mare if she had not managed to get away after obtaining a "flyer" at the start.

621-213 TURTLEBACK (IRE) 5 b g Turtle Island - Mimicry (Thatch)
Owner: Dermot Desmond Trainer: Edward O'Grady
Was a useful juvenile hurdler in Ireland last season, defeating Scolardy by eight lengths at Leopardstown in December, 2001, and rounding off the season with a victory in 30-runner event at Punchestown in April. In between those victories, he had finished sixth to Scolardy in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at the National Hunt Festival. This season he landed the Tote Exacta Hurdle at Fairyhouse on November 30 and was most recently seen out in the December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown on December 29 when a well-beaten third to Liss A Paoraigh.

FRENCH-TRAINED ENTRIES FOR THE 2003 SMURFIT CHAMPION HURDLE

1-11312 LAVERON 8 b/br h Konigsstuhl - La Virginia (Surumu)
Owner: Dirk G. Grauert Trainer: Francois Doumen
Laveron won five races during 2002, including two Grade 1 hurdles at Auteuil in France. A measure of this horse's ability is the fact that he was bought in by his owner Dirk Grauert for nearly £430,000 at Deauville last month. Some critics might argue that the Konigsstuhl horse was beaten three times in British novice hurdles last season but ,as Grauert was keen to point out: "He has improved tremendously since then". Also entered in Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle.

1000-15 NEVER (FR) 6 b g Vettori - Neraida (Giboulee)
Owner: Sir Peter O'Sullevan Trainer: Francois Doumen
Owned by the Voice of Racing', former BBC commentator Sir Peter O'Sullevan, Never was successful in the Stan James Intermediate Limited Handicap Hurdle at Newbury in November by eight lengths from Jaboune. He was beaten by the same margin by fellow Smurfit Champion Hurdle entry Rooster Booster when fifth in the Victor Chandler Bula Hurdle at Cheltenham on December 14.

GERMAN-TRAINED ENTRIES FOR THE 2003 SMURFIT CHAMPION HURDLE

/124-63 SAN SURU (GER) 9 ch g Surumu - Sweet Virtue (Halo)
Owner: Stall Jenny Trainer: Mario Hofer
A measure of the task facing San Suru, trained by Mario Hofer, if he lines up in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle is that one of his rivals is likely to be Hors La Loi III, who beat him by 91 lengths on his only previous visit to Prestbury Park in the 1999 Gerrard Wealth Management Supreme Novices' Hurdle and he does not appear good enough to worry the best two-mile hurdlers in Europe now. On his most recent outing over timber, he was beaten over 35 lengths by Ladrina in the Stall Jenny Cup Finale 2002 at Munich in November. Also entered in Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle.

-12122111 SIBERIUS (GER) 5 ch h Lomitas - Siberian's Image (Siberian Express)
Owner: Stall Jenny Trainer: Mario Hofer
The Mario Hofer-trained Siberius made the perfect start to hurdling when winning over timber at Munich in May. Since then the Lomitas horse has won three more hurdle events as well as a chase and has never finished out of the first two in eight jumping outings. Despite this fine record, it is still a big ask for him to take on the best European hurdlers over two miles in his novice season, particularly as he has yet to encounter racing in Britain.

TOTE BETTING ON THE SMURFIT CHAMPION HURDLE ON Friday, January 10, 2003

Rooster Booster 7/2 , Intersky Falcon 9/2, Davenport Milenium 8/1, Rhinestone Cowboy 10/1, Landing Light 12/1, Hors La Loi III 16/1, Like-A-Butterfly 16/1, Santenay 16/1, Flame Creek 20/1, Ilnamar 20/1, Puntal 20/1, Scottish Memories 20/1, Adamant Approach 25/1, Copeland 25/1, Eternal Spring 25/1, Geos 25/1, Marble Arch 25/1, Westender 25/1, In Contrast 33/1

SMURFIT CHAMPION HURDLE RESULTS

2002-HORS LA LOI III7-12-00 Owner-Paul Green; Trainer-James Fanshawe; Jockey-Dean Gallagher; SP-10/1
2ND-Marble Arch 6-12-00 Owner-M S Wilson, Rory Sweet and Mary Wilson; Trainer-Hughie Morrison; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-25/1
3RD-Bilboa 5-11-09 Owner-Jorg Vasicek; Trainer-Francois Doumen FR; Jockey-Thierry Doumen; SP-14/1
15 ran, Time-3m 53.80s; Dist- 3, ½ 2/1 Fav Istabraq (pu)

2001 Cancelled

2000-WINNER-ISTABRAQ 8-12-00 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Aidan O'Brien IRE; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-8/15 Fav
2ND-Hors La Loi III 5-12-00 Owner-Paul Green; Trainer-Francois Doumen FR; Jockey-Dean Gallagher; SP-11/1
3RD-Blue Royal 5-12-00 Owner-Lynn Wilson; Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey-Mick Fitzgerald; SP-16/1
12 ran, Time-3m 48.10s; Dist-4, nk

1999-WINNER-ISTABRAQ 7-12-00 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Aidan O'Brien IRE; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-4/9 Fav
2ND-Theatreworld 7-12-00 Owner-Sue Magnier; Trainer-Aidan O'Brien IRE; Jockey-Tommy Treacy;SP-16/1 3RD-French Holly 8-12-00 Owner-Kieran Flood; Trainer-Ferdy Murphy; Jockey-Andrew Thornton; SP-11/2
14 ran, Time 3m 56.7s; Dist-3½, 2½

1998-WINNER-ISTABRAQ 6-12-00 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Aidan O'Brien IRE; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-3/1 Fav
2ND-Theatreworld 6-12-00 Owner-Sue Magnier; Trainer-Aidan O'Brien IRE; Jockey-Tommy Treacy; SP-20/1
3RD-I'm Supposin 6-12-00 Owner-Nicholas Cooper; Trainer-Richard Rowe; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-6/1
18 ran, Time 3m 49.1s; Dist-12, 1

1997-WINNER-MAKE A STAND 6-12-00 Owner-Peter Deal; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-7/1
2ND-Theatreworld 5-12-00 Owner-Sue Magnier; Trainer-Aidan O'Brien IRE; Jockey-Norman Williamson; SP-33/1
3RD-Space Trucker 6-12-00 Owner-Elaine Quealy; Trainer-Jessica Harrington IRE; Jockey-John Shortt; SP-9/2
17 ran, Time-3m 48.4s, Dist-5, ¾ 7/2 Fav Large Action (pu)

1996-WINNER-COLLIER BAY 6-12-00 Owner-Wally Sturt; Trainer-Jim Old; Jockey-Graham Bradley; SP-9/1
2ND-Alderbrook 7-12-00 Owner-Ernie Pick; Trainer-Kim Bailey; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-10/11 Fav
3RD-Pridwell 6-12-00 Owner-Jones, Berstock and Fleet Partnership; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Chris Maude; SP-33/1 16 ran, Time-3m 59.0s, Dist-2½, 6

1995-WINNER-ALDERBROOK 6-12-00 Owner-Ernie Pick; Trainer-Kim Bailey; Jockey-Norman Williamson; SP-11/2
2ND-Large Action 7-12-00 Owner-Brian Stewart-Brown; Trainer-Oliver Sherwood; Jockey-Jamie Osborne; SP-4/1 Jt Fav
3RD-Danoli 7-12-00 Owner-Dan O'Neill; Trainer-Tom Foley IRE; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-4/1 Jt Fav
14 ran, Time-4m 03.1s, Dist-5, 2

1994-WINNER-FLAKEY DOVE 8-11-09 Owner-John Price; Trainer-Richard Price; Jockey-Mark Dwyer; SP-9/1
2ND-Oh So Risky 7-12-00 Owner-Oh So Risky Syndicate; Trainer-David Elsworth; Jockey-Paul Holley; SP-9/4 Fav
3RD-Large Action 6-12-00 Owner-Brian Stewart-Brown; Trainer-Oliver Sherwood; Jockey-Jamie Osborne; SP-8/1
15 ran, Time-4m 2.3s, Dist-1½, ¾

1993-WINNER-GRANVILLE AGAIN 7-12-00 Owner-Eric Scarth; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Peter Scudamore; SP-13/2
2ND-Royal Derbi 8-12-00 Owner-Michael Tabor; Trainer-Neville Callaghan; Jockey-Mark Perrett; SP-50/1
3RD-Halkopous 7-12-00 Owner-Athos Christodoulou; Trainer-Mark Tompkins; Jockey-Adrian Maguire; SP-9/1
18 ran, Time-3m 51.6s, Dist-1, 2½ 7/2 Fav Flown (8th)

1992-WINNER-ROYAL GAIT 9-12-00 Owner-Sheikh Mohammed; Trainer-James Fanshawe; Jockey-Graham McCourt; SP-6/1
2ND-Oh So Risky 5-12-00 Owner-The Oh So Risky Syndicate; Trainer-David Elsworth; Jockey-Paul Holley; SP-20/1
3RD-Ruling 6-12-00 Owner-Iain McDonald and Jim Short; Trainer-Fulke Johnson Houghton; Jockey-Peter Niven; SP-20/1 16 ran, Time-3m 57.2s, Dist-½, sh 2/1 Fav Morley Street(6th)

1991-WINNER-MORLEY STREET 7-12-00 Owner-Michael Jackson Bloodstock Limited; Trainer-Toby Balding; Jockey-Jimmy Frost; SP-4/1 Fav
2ND-Nomadic Way 6-12-00 Owner-Robert Sangster; Trainer-Barry Hills; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-9/1
3RD-Ruling 5-12-00 Owner-G D Groarke; Trainer-Fulke Johnson Houghton; Jockey-Peter Niven; SP-50/1
24 ran, Time-3m 54.6s, Dist-1½, hd

1990-WINNER-KRIBENSIS 6-12-00 Owner-Sheikh Mohammed; Trainer-Michael Stoute; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-95/40
2ND-Nomadic Way 5-12-00 Owner-Robert Sangster; Trainer-Barry Hills; Jockey-Peter Scudamore; SP-8/1
3RD-Past Glories 7-12-00 Owner-Noel Hetherton; Trainer-James Hetherton; Jockey-John Quinn; SP-150/1
19 ran, Time-3m 50.7s, Dist-3, ¾ 2/1 Fav Beech Road(4th)
1989-WINNER-BEECH ROAD 7-12-00 Owner-Tony Geake; Trainer-Toby Balding; Jockey-Richard Guest; SP-50/1
2ND-Celtic Chief 6-12-00 Owner-Leila Sewell; Trainer-Mercy Rimell; Jockey-Graham McCourt; SP-6/1
3RD-Celtic Shot 7-12-00 Owner-David Horton; Trainer-Charlie Brooks; Jockey-Peter Scudamore; SP-8/1
15 ran, Time-4m 2.1s, Dist-2, 1 11/8 Fav Kribensis(7th)

1988-WINNER-CELTIC SHOT 6-12-00 Owner-David Horton; Trainer-Fred Winter; Jockey-Peter Scudamore; SP-7/1
2ND-Classical Charm 5-12-00 Owner-Al O'Connell; Trainer-Al O'Connell IRE; Jockey-Ken Morgan; SP-33/1
3RD-Celtic Chief 5-12-00 Owner-Leila Sewell; Trainer-Mercy Rimell; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP 5/2 Fav
21 ran, Time-4m 14.4s, Dist-4, 3

1987-WINNER-SEE YOU THEN 7-12-00 Owner-The Stype Wood Stud Ltd; Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey-Steve Smith Eccles; SP-11/10 Fav
2ND-Flatterer 8-12-00 Owner-W L Pape; Trainer-Jonathan Sheppard USA; Jockey-Jerry Fishback; SP-10/1
3RD-Barnbrook Again 6-12-00 Owner-Mel Davies; Trainer-David Elsworth; Jockey-Simon Sherwood; SP-14/1
18 ran, Time-3m 57.3s, Dist-1½, 1

1986-WINNER-SEE YOU THEN 6-12-00 Owner-The Stype Wood Stud Ltd; Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey-Steve Smith Eccles; SP-5/6 Fav
2ND-Gaye Brief 9-12-00 Owner-Sheikh Ali Abu Khamsin; Trainer-Mercy Rimell; Jockey-Peter Scudamore; SP-14/1
3RD-Nohalmdun 5-12-00 Owner-Ulceby Farms Ltd; Trainer-Peter Easterby; Jockey-Jonjo O'Neill; SP-20/1
23 ran, Time-3m 53.3s, Dist-7, 1½

1985-WINNER-SEE YOU THEN 5-12-00 Owner-The Stype Wood Stud Ltd; Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey-Steve Smith Eccles; SP-16/1
2ND-Robin Wonder 7-12-00 Owner-Anthony Hunt; Trainer-David Elsworth; Jockey-Jonjo O'Neill; SP-66/1
3RD-Stan's Pride 8-11-09 Owner-Mrs M C Morgan; Trainer-Gordon Price; Jockey-Sam Morshead; SP-100/1
14 ran, Time-3m 51.7s, Dist-7, 3 4/6 Fav Browne's Gazette (6th)

1984-WINNER-DAWN RUN 6-11-09 Owner-Charmian Hill; Trainer-Paddy Mullins IRE; Jockey-Jonjo O'Neill; SP-4/5 Fav
2ND-Cima 6-12-00 Owner-R Padmore; Trainer-Jim Old; Jockey-Peter Scudamore; SP-66/1
3RD-Very Promising 6-12-00 Owner-R Mann; Trainer-Mercy Rimell; Jockey-Sam Morshead;SP-16/1
14 ran, Time-3m 52.6s, Dist-¾, 4

1983-WINNER-GAYE BRIEF 6-12-00 Owner-Sheikh Ali Abu Khamsin; Trainer-Mercy Rimell; Jockey-Richard Linley; SP-7/1
2ND-Boreen Prince 6-12-00 Owner-William Lenehan; Trainer-Andy McNamara IRE; Jockey-Niall Madden; SP-50/1
3RD-For Auction 7-12-00 Owner-F Heaslip; Trainer-Michael Cunningham IRE; Jockey-Mr Colin Magnier; SP-3/1 Jt-Fav 17 ran, Time-3m 57.8s, Dist-3, 7 3/1 Jt-Fav Ekbalco(5th)

SMURFIT CHAMPION HURDLE ROLL OF HONOUR

(Sponsored by Smurfit since 1991, Waterford Crystal Champion Hurdle 1978-1990, no sponsor before 1978)

2002 Hors La Loi III 7-12-00 Dean Gallagher James Fanshawe Paul Green 10/1 15
2001 No Race (Foot and Mouth)
2000 Istabraq 8-12-00 Charlie Swan Aidan O'Brien IRE J P McManus 8/15F 12
1999 Istabraq 7-12-00 Charlie Swan Aidan O'Brien IRE J P McManus 4/9F 14
1998 Istabraq 6-12-00 Charlie Swan Aidan O'Brien IRE J P McManus 3/1F 18
1997 Make A Stand 6-12-00 Tony McCoy Martin Pipe Peter Deal 7/1 17
1996 Collier Bay 6-12-00 Graham Bradley Jim Old Wally Sturt 9/1 16
1995 Alderbrook 6-12-00 Norman Williamson Kim Bailey Ernie Pick 11/2 14
1994 Flakey Dove 8-11-09 Mark Dwyer Richard Price John Price 9/1 15
1993 Granville Again 7-12-00 Peter Scudamore Martin Pipe Eric Scarth 13/2 18
1992 Royal Gait 9-12-00 Graham McCourt James Fanshawe Sheikh Mohammed 6/1 16
1991 Morley Street 7-12-00 Jimmy Frost Toby Balding Michael Jackson Bloodstock Ltd 4/1F 24
1990 Kribensis 6-12-00 Richard Dunwoody Michael Stoute Sheikh Mohammed 95/40F 19
1989 Beech Road 7-12-00 Richard Guest Toby Balding Tony Geake 50/1 15
1988 Celtic Shot 6-12-00 Peter Scudamore Fred Winter David Horton 7/1 21
1987 See You Then 7-12-00 Steve Smith Eccles Nicky Henderson Stype Wood Stud Ltd 11/10F 18
1986 See You Then 6-12-00 Steve Smith Eccles Nicky Henderson Stype Wood Stud Ltd 5/6F 23
1985 See You Then 5-12-00 Steve Smith Eccles Nicky Henderson Stype Wood Stud Ltd 16/1 14
1984 Dawn Run 6-11-09 Jonjo O'Neill Paddy Mullins IRE Charmian Hill 4/5F 14
1983 Gaye Brief 6-12-00 Richard Linley Mercy Rimell Sheikh Ali Abu Khamsin 7/1 17
1982 For Auction 6-12-00 Mr Colin Magnier Michael Cunningham IRE F Heaslip 40/1 14
1981 Sea Pigeon 11-12-00 John Francome Peter Easterby Pat Muldoon 7/4F 14
1980 Sea Pigeon 10-12-00 Jonjo O'Neill Peter Easterby Pat Muldoon 13/2 9
1979 Monksfield 7-12-00 Dessie Hughes Des McDonogh IRE Dr Michael Mangan 9/4F 10
1978 Monksfield 6-12-00 Tommy Kinane Des McDonogh IRE Dr Michael Mangan 11/2 13
1977 Night Nurse 6-12-00 Paddy Broderick Peter Easterby Reg Spencer 15/2 10
1976 Night Nurse 5-12-00 Paddy Broderick Peter Easterby Reg Spencer 2/1F 8
1975 Comedy Of Errors 8-12-00 Ken White Fred Rimell Ted Wheatley 11/8F 13
1974 Lanzarote 6-12-00 Richard Pitman Fred Winter Lord Howard de Walden 7/4 7
1973 Comedy Of Errors 6-12-00 Bill Smith Fred Rimell Ted Wheatley 8/1 8
1972 Bula 7-12-00 Paul Kelleway Fred Winter Bill Edwards-Heathcote 8/11F 12
1971 Bula 6-12-00 Paul Kelleway Fred Winter Bill Edwards-Heathcote 15/8F 9
1970 Persian War 7-12-00 Jimmy Uttley Colin Davies Henry Alper 5/4F 14
1969 Persian War 6-12-00 Jimmy Uttley Colin Davies Henry Alper 6/4F 17
1968 Persian War 5-11-12 Jimmy Uttley Colin Davies Henry Alper 4/1 16
1967 Saucy Kit 6-12-00 Roy Edwards Peter Easterby K F Alder 100/6 23
1966 Salmon Spray 8-12-00 Johnnie Haine Bob Turnell Mrs John Rogerson 4/1 17
1965 Kirriemuir 5-12-00 Willie Robinson Fulke Walwyn Mrs Dorothy Beddington 50/1 19
1964 Magic Court 6-12-00 Pat McCarron Tommy Robson J McGhie 100/6 24
1963 Winning Fair 8-12-00 Mr Alan Lillingston George Spencer IRE George Spencer 100/9 21
1962 Anzio 5-11-12 Willie Robinson Fulke Walwyn Sir Thomas Ainsworth 11/2 14
1961 Eborneezer 6-12-00 Fred Winter Ryan Price Dr B N Pajgar 4/1 17
1960 Another Flash 6-12-00 Bobby Beasley Paddy Sleator IRE J J Byrne 11/4F 12
1959 Fare Time 6-12-00 Fred Winter Ryan Price Gerry Judd 13/2 14
1958 Bandalore 7-12-00 George Slack Stan Wright Mrs Dorothy Wright 20/1 18
1957 Merry Deal 7-12-00 Grenville Underwood Arthur Jones Arthur Jones 28/1 16
1956 Doorknocker 8-12-00 Harry Sprague Charlie Hall Clifford Nicholson 100/9 14
1955 Clair Soleil 6-12-00 Fred Winter Ryan Price Gerry Judd 5/2F 21
1954 Sir Ken 7-12-00 Tim Molony Willie Stephenson Maurice Kingsley 4/9F 13
1953 Sir Ken 6-12-00 Tim Molony Willie Stephenson Maurice Kingsley 2/5F 7
1952 Sir Ken 5-11-12 Tim Molony Willie Stephenson Maurice Kingsley 3/1F 16
1951 Hatton's Grace 11-12-00 Tim Molony Vincent O'Brien IRE Mrs Harry Keogh 4/1 8
1950 Hatton's Grace 10-12-00 Aubrey Brabazon Vincent O'Brien IRE Mrs Harry Keogh 5/2F 12
1949 Hatton's Grace 9-12-00 Aubrey Brabazon Vincent O'Brien IRE Mrs Harry Keogh 100/7 14
1948 National Spirit 7-12-00 Ron Smyth Vic Smyth Len Abelson 6/4F 12
1947 National Spirit 6-12-00 Danny Morgan Vic Smyth Len Abelson 7/1 13
1946 Distel 5-11-10 Bobby O'Ryan Charlie Rogers IRE Dorothy Paget 4/5F 8
1945 Brains Trust 5-11-10 Fred Rimell Gerry Wilson F Blakeway 9/2 16
1943-44 No Race
1942 Forestation 4-11-00 Ron Smyth Vic Smyth Vic Smyth 10/1 20
1941 Seneca 4-11-00 Ron Smyth Vic Smyth Sir Malcolm MacAlpine 7/1 6
1940 Solford 9-12-00 Sean Magee Owen Anthony Dorothy Paget 5/2F 8
1939 African Sister 7-12-00 Keith Piggott Charles Piggott H Brueton 10/1 13
1938 Our Hope 9-12-00 Perry Harding Roderic Gubbins Roderic Gubbins 5/1 5
1937 Free Fare 9-12-00 Georges Pellerin Ted Gwilt Ben Warner 2/1F 7
1936 Victor Norman 5-11-00 Frenchie Nicholson Morgan Blair Michael Stephens 4/1 8
1935 Lion Courage 7-12-00 Gerry Wilson F Brown R Fox Carlyon 100/8 11
1934 Chenango 7-12-00 Danny Morgan Ivor Anthony Pete Bostwick 4/9F 5
1933 Insurance 6-12-00 Billy Stott Basil Briscoe Dorothy Paget 10/11F 5
1932 Insurance 5-12-00 Ted Leader Basil Briscoe Dorothy Paget 4/5F 3
1931 No race
1930 Brown Tony 4-11-00 Tommy Cullinan Jack Anthony Mrs J de Selincourt 7/2 5
1929 Royal Falcon 6-12-00 Dick Rees Bob Gore Miss Williams-Bulkeley 11/2 6
1928 Brown Jack 4-11-00 Bilby Rees Aubrey Hastings Major Harold Wernher 4/1 6
1927 Blaris 6-12-00 George Duller Bill Payne Mrs H Hollins 11/10F 4

THE 2003 BONUSPRINT STAYERS' HURDLE
Class A, Grade One, Total Prize Fund £140,000, Cheltenham, Thursday, March 13, 2003, three miles. For 4yo & upwards. Weights: 4yo 11st; 5yo & upwards 11st 10lb. Allowances: fillies & mares 5lb. Entries closed January 8, entries revealed January 13 (33 entries), forfeit stage February 18, £7,000 supplementary entry stage March 8, five-day confirmation stage March 8, final declaration stage 10.15am March 12. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Friday, January 10, 2003, and may not include some overseas form.

1310-13 BACCHANAL (IRE) 9 Lady Lloyd-Webber Nicky Henderson
4112-33 BANNOW BAY (IRE) 8 Linda Shanahan & Sue Magnier Christy Roche IRE
1111-12 BARACOUDA (FR) 8 J P McManus Francois Doumen FR
023-16P BROTHER JOE (NZ) 9 Sir Robert Ogden Philip Hobbs
40-6055 CATCH BALL 7 Mrs Paddy Byrne Willie Mullins IRE
20-21 CHOPNEYEV (FR) 5 Claire Smith Richard Phillips
11141-2 CLASSIFIED (IRE) 7 David Johnson Martin Pipe
16-2111 COOLNAGORNA (IRE) 6 Mrs Gay Smith Jonjo O'Neill
0/3U31/1- CRAZY HORSE (IRE) 10 Ashleybank Investments Limited Len Lungo
F5111-3 DAVENPORT MILENIUM (IRE) 7 Miriam O'Callaghan Willie Mullins IRE
0/00-231 DEANO'S BEENO 11 Axom Martin Pipe
142-F14 ETERNAL SPRING (IRE) 6 Paul Green James Fanshawe
11- GALILEO (POL) 7 Sharon Nelson, Allan Stennett, Terry Warner Tom George
1/54U11- ILNAMAR (FR) 7 Joe Moran Martin Pipe
152-111 IRIS'S GIFT 6 Robert Lester Jonjo O'Neill
3331-32 IT TAKES TIME (IRE) 9 David Johnson Martin Pipe
64-043 LADY LAUREATE 5 Blackfoot Bloodstock Giles Bravery
1-11312 LAVERON 8 Dirk G Grauert Francois Doumen FR
1-11111 LIMESTONE LAD (IRE) 11 James Bowe James Bowe IRE
44031-0 MILLIGAN (FR) 8 George Leatham Venetia Williams
114-123 NATIVE EMPEROR 7 R & E H Investments Ltd Jonjo O'Neill
1132-PP OVER THE BAR (IRE) 7 J P McManus Edward O'Grady IRE
4- PALUA 6 R J Lavelle Emma Lavelle
005-452 ROSTROPOVICH (IRE) 6 Tony Kilduff Mouse Morris IRE
12/P-422 RUM POINTER (IRE) 7 K C B Mackenzie Bob Buckler
2241-61 STROMNESS (USA) 6 Lady Harris Alan King
6PP12-F SUDDEN SHOCK (GER) 8 Darren C Mercer Jonjo O'Neill
430PP-5 TEAATRAL 9 Bernard Gover Bloodstock Trading Ltd Charles Egerton
1101-11 THE BAJAN BANDIT (IRE) 8 Ashleybank Investments Limited Len Lungo
122100- TOO FORWARD (IRE) 7 T L Gibson & D Mathias Mark Pitman
/222P-P1 VISHNU (GER) 8 Stall Jenny Mario Hofer GER
6-411R6 WELSH BORDER 5 L Cohen George Prodromou
132466 YORKSHIRE (IRE) 9 P F Moore Dai Williams

33 entries
6 Irish-trained entries
2 French-trained entries
1 German-trained entry


BONUSPRINT STAYERS' HURDLE ANALYSIS

This year's 33 entries for the Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle are headed by last season's winner, the Francois Doumen-trained Baracouda, who proved a neck too strong for Bannow Bay in this championship contest. This season Baracouda made a winning seasonal debut when beating Mr Cool by a neck in the PricewaterhouseCoopers Ascot Hurdle in November, albeit in controversial circumstances when many pundits thought trainer's son and jockey Thierry Doumen had given the eventual runner-up too much of a start and was lucky to get away with it.

On his next outing, in similar circumstances, Baracouda was beaten a length by the Martin Pipe-trained Deano's Beeno in the Cantor Sport Long Walk Hurdle at the same venue on December 20. The winner was allowed to go well ahead by the French-trained horse, but this time despite joining Deano's Beeno at the last, Baracouda did not have enough left in the tank to prevail.

Champion trainer Pipe has also entered Classified, Ilnamar and It Takes Time. The first-named won five novices' hurdles last season, including the Martell Mersey Novices' Hurdle at Aintree in April, when he proved two-and-a half lengths too strong for the James Fanshawe-trained Eternal Spring. However, that rival turned the tables on their most recent encounter in the Concord Jubilee Filling Products ‘Relkeel' Hurdle at Cheltenham on December 14.

Ilnamar was successful in last season's Coral Eurobet Cup here at the National Hunt Festival in March and subsequently accounted for Grimes in the Martell Aintree Hurdle in April, while It Takes Time has been placed twice at Cheltenham this term, once in a handicap hurdle and once in a novices' chase, after winning the Bet.Watch.Live Attheraces Hurdle at Sandown in April.

Six entries from Ireland are headed by the James Bowe-trained Limestone Lad. The 11-year-old has become something of a legend in his native land, having won no fewer than 35 times over the course of his career. On his only previous start at Cheltenham, the Aristocracy gelding finished runner-up to Bacchanal in this event in 2000. Limestone Lad seems better than ever this term, winning all five of his starts over timber, including the Grade 1
woodiesdiy.com Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown on December 28.

Davenport Milenium, the first of two Willie Mullins' representatives, won two Grade 1 novice hurdles at Punchestown in the space of three days at the end of last season and finished a creditable third to Intersky Falcon in the Pertemps Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day on his seasonal reappearance. He is also entered in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle. Mullins' other possible, Catch Ball, has not won over hurdles for over two years.

The contingent from the Emerald Isle is completed by last year's gallant runner-up Bannow Bay, third on his two starts to date this term, the Edward O'Grady-trained Over The Bar and Rostropovich, handled by Mouse Morris.

Baracouda is joined by stable-companion Laveron to complete the French-trained entries. This is a seriously good hurdler who won four hurdles at Autueil in France in 2002, including two Grade 1 events - the Grande Course de Haies d'Auteuil in June and the Grand Prix d'Automne five months later. The international flavour is completed by the German-trained Vishnu, who hails from former top jockey Mario Hofer's powerful training base. The eight-year-old has won three of his ten starts over jumps, including on his most recent start over fences at Hoppegarten in August.

Other notable entries include the Nicky Henderson-trained Bacchanal, the hero of this event in 2000, last season's Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle hero Galileo, trained by Tom George, and the Jonjo O'Neill-trained Coolnagorna.

Despite finishing third to last year's Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Best Mate in the Pertemps King George VI Chase on his last outing over Christmas, Bacchanal has so far fallen just a fraction short of top-class over fences and could revert to hurdles here. The Polish-bred Galileo won last year's Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham's National Hunt Festival, while Coolnagorna has been a revelation over timber this term, winning on three occasions including the Grade 1 Stan James Challow Novices' Hurdle at Newbury on December 28.

Stromness was the game winner at Cheltenham of the Unicoin New Homes Spa Hurdle on December 31 and is another to enter calculations.

IRISH-TRAINED ENTRIES IN THE BONUSPRINT STAYERS' HURDLE

4112-33 BANNOW BAY (IRE) 8 b g Good Thyne - Derry Girl (Rarity)
Owner: Linda Shanahan & Sue Magnier Trainer: Christy Roche
The Christy Roche-trained Bannow Bay was the neck runner-up to Baracouda in last season's Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle. The Good Thyne gelding has had two subsequent runs, finishing third to The Bunny Boiler under a big weight in a handicap hurdle on his seasonal debut at Navan in December, and filling the same position behind Ireland's top staying hurdler of recent years, Limestone Lad, in the woodiesdiy.com Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown on December 28. His greatest victory came in the Grade 1 Ballymore Properties Champions Stayers' Hurdle at Fairyhouse in 2001,and the consistent eight-year-old has won three Grade 2 events as well.

40-6055 CATCH BALL 7 ch m Prince Sabo - Canoodle (Warpath)
Owner: Mrs Paddy Byrne Trainer: Willie Mullins
Catch Ball has not been successful over hurdles since December, 2000, and does not appear to be good enough to win this championship contest. An official rating in the high 120s means that she has ability, but she has finished in the last two places on all of her six most recent outings, including when beaten over 45 lengths by Limestone Lad in the woodiesdiy.com Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown on December 28.

F5111-3 DAVENPORT MILENIUM (IRE) 7 b g Insan - Society Belle (Callernish)
Owner: Miriam O'Callaghan Trainer: Willie Mullins
Davenport Milenium really came good at the end of last season, winning three events within a month, including two Group 1 novice hurdles in the space of three days at Punchestown. He produced a creditable performance when third to Intersky Falcon on his return in the Pertemps Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day. Also entered in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle.

1-11111 LIMESTONE LAD (IRE) 11 b g Aristocracy - Limestone Miss (Raise You Ten)
Owner: James Bowe Trainer: James Bowe
Has a huge fan club in his native Ireland, which is hardly surprising as, since his first victory in a bumper at Limerick in 1997, he has gone on to win a further 34 times. Listing his past successes is impossible in this space but he has been unbeaten over hurdles for 14 months and his seven victories during this time include three Grade 2 hurdles plus the Grade 1 Kevin McManus Bookmakers Champion Stayers' Hurdle at Punchestown in April and the Grade 1 Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse in December. The 11-year-old must have every chance of going one better than his second to Bacchanal in this contest in 2000, and there will be an almighty roar from the Irish contingent if he is successful.

1132-PP OVER THE BAR (IRE) 7 b/br g King's Ride - Merry Madness (Raise You Ten)
Owner: J P McManus Trainer: Edward O'Grady
Over The Bar was a top-class novice last season with two Grade 3 successes to his name as well as the fine second to Galileo in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. So far the seven-year-old has failed to make a successful transition to the bigger obstacles, having been pulled up in two beginners' chases at Navan during the current campaign and, by entering him here, trainer Edward O'Grady is clearly considering reverting back to hurdles.

005-452 ROSTROPOVICH (IRE) 6 gr g Sadler's Wells - Infamy (Shirley Heights)
Owner: Tony Kilduff Trainer: Mouse Morris
Has not won over hurdles since May, 2001, and his official rating in the mid-120s leaves him plenty to do to come into contention. Despite the fact that he would have preferred better ground, Rostropovich was beaten over 18 lengths into fifth by possible rival Bacchanal in the Cantor Sport Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury in November.

FRENCH-TRAINED ENTRIES IN THE BONUSPRINT STAYERS' HURDLE

1111-12 BARACOUDA (FR) 8 b g Alesso - Peche Aubar (Zino)
Owner: J P McManus Trainer: Francois Doumen
Baracouda won last year's Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle on his first visit to Prestbury Park beating Bannow Bay by a quarter of a length. Last time out , he sustained his first defeat in 11 outings when going down by a length to old rival Deano's Beeno in the Cantor Sport Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot last month. The trainer explained that his son and jockey, Thierry Doumen, blamed himself for challenging the eventual winner too early on this occasion. Doumen junior was the subject of media criticism after only just beating Mr Cool by a neck on his previous outing in the PricewaterhouseCoopers Ascot Hurdle in November, having given that rival a huge lead.

1-11312 LAVERON 8 b/br h Konigsstuhl - La Virginia (Surumu)
Owner: Dirk G Grauert Trainer: Francois Doumen
Laveron won five races during 2002, including two Grade One hurdles at Auteuil in France. A measure of this horse's ability is the fact that he was bought in by his owner Dirk Grauert for nearly £430,000 at Deauville last month. Some critics might argue that the son of Konigsstuhl was beaten three times in England last season, but as Grauert was keen to point out: "He has improved tremendously since then." Also entered in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle.

GERMAN-TRAINED ENTRY IN THE BONUSPRINT STAYERS' HURDLE

/222P-P1 VISHNU (GER) 8 b h Shareef Dancer - Vinca (King Of Macedon)
Owner: Stall Jenny Trainer: Mario Hofer
Was last seen on the racetrack when winning a chase at Hoppegarten on August 9. Despite the fact that German-bred horses have become quite fashionable in National Hunt contests in recent years and the eight-year-old has won three times and been placed five times on his ten starts over jumps, it will be a surprise if he can make an impression in this championship race.

BONUSPRINT STAYERS' HURDLE FACTS

1. The Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle is one of the youngest races at the National Hunt Meeting. It was only introduced in its current form in 1972. Before that, it was the Spa Hurdle, now run at Cheltenham's New Year Meeting.

2. The Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle is probably the only race to have been run on each of the three days of the meeting. It moved to Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup Day in 1993.

3. Its first year of sponsorship was 1972, under the title of the Lloyds Bank Hurdle. There have only been three sponsors of the race, Waterford Crystal backed the contest from 1978 to 1990 while this will be the 13th year (including when cancelled in 2001) of sponsorship by Bonusprint.

4. The Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle is a favourite with the Irish, who have won it nine times, most recently in 1995 with Dorans Pride. Baracouda provided a first success for France last season.

5. The late Fulke Walwyn is the only trainer to have won it more than twice. The race was dominated in the mid-eighties by Crimson Embers, trained by Walwyn, and a winner of the race in 1982 and 1986. Indeed, Crimson Embers would have been awarded the race in the stewards' room in 1985 had his rider declined to give evidence to the enquiry after the race, but the trainer won the race anyway with Rose Ravine. The owner, Sally Smart, was ambivalent about the result - she owned both horses!


Breakdown of Entries per Trainer and Past Successes in the Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle

4 Entries
Jonjo O'Neill
Martin Pipe
(1994 Balasani, 1996 Cyborgo)

2 Entries
Francois Doumen FR
(2002 Baracouda)
Lenny Lungo
Willie Mullins IRE

1 Entry
James Bowe IRE
Giles Bravery
Bob Buckler
Charles Egerton
James Fanshawe
Tom George
Nicky Henderson (1989 Rustle, 2000 Bacchanal)
Philip Hobbs
Mario Hofer GER
Alan King
Emma Lavelle
Mouse Morris IRE (1990 Trapper John)
Edward O'Grady IRE
Richard Phillips
Mark Pitman
George Prodromou
Christy Roche IRE
Dai Williams
Venetia Williams

BONUSPRINT STAYERS' HURDLE RESULTS

2002-WINNER-BARACOUDA 7-11-10 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Francois Doumen FR; Jockey-Thierry Doumen; SP-13/8 Fav
2ND-Bannow Bay 7-11-10 Owner-Linda Shanahan and 1Sue Magnier; Trainer-Christy Roche IRE; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-2/1
3RD-It Takes Time 8-11-10 Owner-David Johnson; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-12/1 16 ran, Time-6m 01.70s; Dist-nk, 13

2001 Cancelled

2000-WINNER-BACCHANAL 6-11-10 Owner-Lady Lloyd-Webber; Trainer-Nicky Henderson; Jockey-Mick Fitzgerald; SP-11/2
2ND-Limestone Lad 8-11-10 Owner-James Bowe; Trainer-James Bowe IRE; Jockey-Shane McGovern; SP-3/1
3RD-Behrajan 5-11-10 Owner-The Behrajan Partnership; Trainer-Henry Daly; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-8/1
10 ran, Time-5m 36.60s; Dist-1, 3 5/2 Fav Lady Rebecca (6th)

1999-WINNER-ANZUM 8-11-10 Owner-The Old Foresters Partnership; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey- Richard Johnson; SP-40/1
2ND-Le Coudray 5-11-10 Owner-J P McManus; Trainer-Aidan O'Brien IRE; Jockey-Charlie Swan; SP-2/1 Jt-Fav
3RD-Lady Rebecca 7-11-05 Owner-Kinnersley Optimists; Trainer-Venetia Williams; Jockey-Norman Williamson; SP-3/1
12 ran, Time-5m 51.7s; Dist-nk, 2½ 2/1 Jt-Fav Deano's Beeno (9th)

1998-WINNER-PRINCEFUL 7-11-10 Owner-Robert Hitchins; Trainer-Jenny Pitman; Jockey-Rodney Farrant; SP-16/1
2ND-Splendid Thyne 6-11-10 Owner-John Glavanoni; Trainer-Terry Casey; Jockey-Warren Marston; SP-10/1
3RD-Ocean Hawk 6-11-10; Owner-Matt Archer & Jean Broadhurst; Trainer-Nigel Twiston-Davies; Jockey-Carl Llewellyn; SP-5/1
9 ran, Time-5m 45.9s; Dist-2, 4 6/4 Fav Paddy's Return (5th)

1997-WINNER-KARSHI 7-11-10 Owner-Lord Vestey; Trainer-Henrietta Knight; Jockey-Jamie Osborne; SP-20/1
2ND-Anzum 6-11-10 Owner-The Old Foresters Partnership; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey- Richard Johnson; SP-25/1
3RD-Paddy's Return 5-11-10 Owner-Paddy O'Donnell; Trainer-Ferdy Murphy; Jockey-Richard Hughes; SP-20/1
17 ran, Time-5m 43.9s, Dist-2½, 2 9/2 Fav Escartefigue (5th)

1996-WINNER-CYBORGO6-11-10 Owner-County Stores (Somerset) Ltd; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey- David Bridgwater; SP-8/1
2ND-Mysilv 6-11-05 Owner-Elite Racing Club; Trainer-Charlie Egerton; Jockey-Jimmy McCarthy; SP-16/1
3RD-What A Question 8-11-05 Owner-Joy Valentine; Trainer-Mouse Morris IRE; Jockey-Conor O'Dwyer; SP-33/1
19 ran, Time-5m 47.3s, Dist-¾, 10 4/1 Fav Derrymoyle (4th)

1995-WINNER-DORANS PRIDE 6-11-10 Owner-Tom Doran; Trainer-Michael Hourigan IRE; Jockey- Shane Broderick; SP-11/4 Fav
2ND-Cyborgo 5-11-10 Owner-County Stores (Somerset) Holding Ltd; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-3/1
3RD-Simpson 10-11-10 Owner-M S Jarvis; Trainer-Jim Old; Jockey-Tom Grantham; SP-10/1
11 ran, Time-6m 03.3s, Dist-5,5

1994-WINNER-BALASANI 8-11-10 Owner-Mark Smith; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Mark Perrett; SP-9/2 Jt Fav
2ND-Avro Anson 6-11-10 Owner-Brian Skirton; Trainer-Maurice Camacho; Jockey-Mark Dwyer; SP-8/1
3RD-Minella 8-11-10 Owner-John Nallen; Trainer-Aidan O'Brien IRE; Jockey-Trevor Horgan; SP-7/1
14 ran, Time-5m 48.4s, Dist-sh, 2½ (original finishing order)
(Avro Anson finished first, disqualified and placed second for interference)

1993-WINNER-SHUIL AR AGHAIDH 7-11-05 Owner-Mrs P Kiely; Trainer-Paddy Kiely IRE; Jockey- Charlie Swan; SP-20/1
2ND-Pragada 10-11-10 Owner-Margaret McGlone; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Mark Perrett; SP-9/1
3RD-Baydon Star 6-11-10 Owner-Shirley Robins; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-3/1 Fav
12 ran, Time-5m 43.1s, Dist-2½, 3

1992-WINNER-NOMADIC WAY 7-11-10 Owner-Robert Sangster; Trainer-Barry Hills; Jockey-Jamie Osborne; SP-15/2
2ND-Ubu III 6-11-10 Owner-Marquesa de Moratalla; Trainer-Francois Doumen FR; Jockey-Adam Kondrat; SP- 10/1
3RD-Crystal Spirit 5-11-10 Owner-Paul Mellon; Trainer-Ian Balding; Jockey-Peter Scudamore; SP-7/2
(Trapper John, the 9/4 favourite, finished 2nd, beaten 3½ lengths, but was disqualified for weighing in 3lb light)
17 ran, Time-6m 34s, Dist-3½,2½ (Original finishing order)

1991-WINNER-KING'S CURATE 7-11-10 Owner-C J Ells; Trainer-Stan Mellor; Jockey-Mark Perrett; SP-5/2 Fav
2ND-Run For Free 7-11-10 Owner-Ralph Freethy; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Peter Scudamore; SP-11/4
3RD-Pragada 8-11-10 Owner-Margaret McGlone; Trainer-Josh Gifford; Jockey-Declan Murphy; SP-12/1
15 ran, Time-6m 33.2s, Dist-nk,10

1990-WINNER-TRAPPER JOHN 6-11-10 Owner-Jill Fanning; Trainer-Mouse Morris IRE; Jockey-Charlie Swan;
SP-15/2
2ND-Naevog 7-11-05 Owner-Mrs J J Byrne; Trainer-Liam Browne IRE; Jockey-Tom Taaffe; SP-16/1
3RD-Bluff Cove 8-11-10 Owner-Dickins Ltd; Trainer-Reg Hollinshead; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-33/1
22 ran, Time-6m 28.1s, Dist-1½,1 11/2 Fav Ryde Again(Fell)

BONUSPRINT STAYERS' HURDLE ROLL OF HONOUR

(Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle since 1991, Waterford Crystal Stayers' Hurdle 1978-90, Lloyds Bank Hurdle 1972-77)

2002 Baracouda 7-11-10 Thierry Doumen Francois Doumen FR J P McManus 13/8F 16
2001 No Race (Foot and Mouth)
2000 Bacchanal 6-11-10 Mick Fitzgerald Nicky Henderson Lady Lloyd-Webber 11/2 10
1999 Anzum 8-11-10 Richard Johnson David Nicholson Old Foresters Partnership 40/1 12
1998 Princeful 7-11-10 Rodney Farrant Jenny Pitman Robert Hitchins 16/1 9
1997 Karshi 7-11-10 Jamie Osborne Henrietta Knight Lord Vestey 20/1 17
1996 Cyborgo 6-11-10 David Bridgwater Martin Pipe County Stores (Somerset) Holdings 8/1 19
1995 Dorans Pride 6-11-10 Shane Broderick Michael Hourigan IRE Tom Doran 11/4F 11
1994 Balasani 8-11-10 Mark Perrett Martin Pipe Mark Smith 9/2JF 14
1993 Shuil Ar Aghaidh7-11-05 Charlie Swan Paddy Kiely IRE Mrs Paddy Kiely 20/1 12
1992 Nomadic Way 7-11-10 Jamie Osborne Barry Hills Robert Sangster 15/2 17
1991 King's Curate 7-11-10 Mark Perrett Stan Mellor C J Ells 5/2F 15
1990 Trapper John 6-11-10 Charlie Swan Mouse Morris IRE Jill Fanning 15/2 22
1989 Rustle 7-11-10 Michael Bowlby Nicky Henderson Robert Waley-Cohen 4/1 21
1988 Galmoy 9-11-10 Tommy Carmody John Mulhern IRE Miss D Threadwell 2/1F 16
1987 Galmoy 8-11-10 Tommy Carmody John Mulhern IRE Miss D Threadwell 9/2 14
1986 Crimson Embers 11-11-10 Stuart Shilston Fulke Walwyn Sally Smart 12/1 19
1985 Rose Ravine 6-11-05 Ricky Pusey Fulke Walwyn Sally Smart 5/1F 22
1984 Gaye Chance 9-11-10 Sam Morshead Mercy Rimell Mary Curtis 5/1 14
1983 A Kinsman 7-11-12 Geordie Dun John Brockbank Mrs John Brockbank 50/1 21
1982 Crimson Embers7-11-12 Stuart Shilston Fulke Walwyn Sally Smart 2/1F 11
1981 Derring Rose 6-11-12 John Francome Fred Winter Peter Savill 3/1 14
1980 Mountrivers 6-11-12 Tommy Ryan Edward O'Grady IRE B Burser 7/1 19
1979 Lighter 6-11-12 Philip Blacker John Edwards G Smith 14/1 14
1978 Flame Gun 6-11-12 Mr Niall Madden Edward O'Grady IRE Mary Kenny 14/1 13
1977 Town Ship 6-11-12 Tommy Carberry Peter Easterby Pat Muldoon 5/2 11
1976 Bit Of A Jig 8-11-12 Dessie Hughes Mick O'Toole IRE Mrs Mick O'Toole 2/1F 12
1975 Brown Lad 9-11-12 Tommy Carberry Jim Dreaper IRE Mrs Peter Burrell 7/4F 12
1974 Highland Abbe 8-11-12 Richard Smith Les Kennard Mrs K Hankey 15/2 15
1973 Moyne Royal 8-11-12 David Mould Arthur Pitt E Cook 10/1 8
1972 Parlour Moor 8-11-12 Macer Gifford Tom Jones Miss Charlotte Monkton 13/2 11

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