This opening race on Day four of the Festival at Prestbury Park, was won last year by Defi Du Seuil. This year’s race on Friday, 16th March 2018 at 13.30 GMT is specifically for horses aged four years. Run over two miles over hurdles, this Grade 1 National Hunt race is taking place on the New Course.
Defi Du Seuil won the 2017 race at (5-2f) ridden by Richard Johnson the jockey, and trained by Philip Hobbs. Second place was Mega Fortune (7-1) and third Bapuame at (10-1). Apple’s Shakira is named as the favourite to win this year’s Triumph Hurdle, after winning three races at Cheltenham for Nicky Henderson after moving to Seven Barrows from France.
As this race is only for horses at four years of age, it’s never been won twice by the same runner, however jockey Barry Geraghty has five victories to his name in this race, Ivanovich Gorbatov in 2016, Peace And Co in 2015, Soldatino in 2010, Zaynar in 2009 and Spectroscope in 2003.
This race, sponsored by JCB, has had the field size reduced in recent years, with currently 28 horses going to the post. There have been many outstanding horses beginning their jumping careers taking part in this Triumph Hurdle, where punters will watch with interest to see which novices have a promising future.
