Champion Hurdle 2020

[Kevloaf]

If the Mares Hurdle is more exciting than the Champion Hurdle, the sport has gone wrong somewhere.

[Morley Street]

I think you are talking through your pocket if you genuinely believe that Honeysuckle should line up in the CH. To be fair to connections they gave it a go in the Irish Champion but her performance over 2 miles just wasn’t good enough. For those of you who think it was then I would suggest piling on Darver Star. Why be an also ran in a sub standard CH when you can test your abilities over the right trip against one of the best in training. For what it’s worth I don’t think she’ll beat Benie but I do think she’ll give her a race.

[ryanh97]

I think you are talking through your pocket if you genuinely believe that Honeysuckle should line up in the CH. To be fair to connections they gave it a go in the Irish Champion but her performance over 2 miles just wasn’t good enough. For those of you who think it was then I would suggest piling on Darver Star. Why be an also ran in a sub standard CH when you can test your abilities over the right trip against one of the best in training. For what it’s worth I don’t think she’ll beat Benie but I do think she’ll give her a race.

If she hadn't have absolutely clattered the last and went on to win by 5 lengths would you still say it wasn't good enough?

[Craigy14]

I suppose the question is, is it down to the lack of quality in this race in that would either of the mares defecting make it that much better?

It would a little of course (potentially 2 best mares running in it) but in general it would still have all the s*** 2mile hurdlers we would probably not touch any other year.

3 big fancied players in the race out injured is obviously going to bring the race down a level, I think if you did that with all races at Cheltenham it would be a similar issue.

I completely understand the point that the 2 mares would make the race better but if it’s not the best race for them there’s no point chancing it just because it’s the champion hurdle. If anything BDD best trip on her form of late is further not 2m. Honey scraped home in the Irish champion, but a strong pace and her stamina you’d think would suit but owner has decided otherwise.

If it was a small time owner they’d take the chance but I don’t see the issue for these 2 if they feel the best race isn’t the champion.

[Vautour]

It’s a bit of a sad day when racing fans will be looking forward to the Mares far more than the Champion Hurdle.

Bring back 3 days!

[Kevloaf]

The Mares race shouldn't be a Grade 1.

They would both carry the G1 winners penalty in the G2 Mares and that's fine.

It isn't pocket talk to say the Champion Hurdle should always be a better race than the Mares at THE FESTIVAL.

They can clash over a mid trip wherever they like.

If you think the clash between Honey and BDD is better than seeing them both in the CH or Stayers, ask yourself whether it's because you've backed them or not.


It would be amazing if BDD and Honey were clashing at 2 miles.

I don't care which one of these is the best mare at the trip, it's now just a financial interest.

[Super Raven]

The Mares race shouldn't be a Grade 1.

They would both carry the G1 winners penalty in the G2 Mares and that's fine.

It isn't pocket talk to say the Champion Hurdle should always be a better race than the Mares at THE FESTIVAL.

They can clash over a mid trip wherever they like.

If you think the clash between Honey and BDD is better than seeing them both in the CH or Stayers, ask yourself whether it's because you've backed them or not.


It would be amazing if BDD and Honey were clashing at 2 miles.

I don't care which one of these is the best mare at the trip, it's now just a financial interest.

Is it not better to see them clash over both of their optimum trip so there are no question marks against it after the race?

[Can't Catch Me]

I think you are talking through your pocket if you genuinely believe that Honeysuckle should line up in the CH. To be fair to connections they gave it a go in the Irish Champion but her performance over 2 miles just wasn’t good enough. For those of you who think it was then I would suggest piling on Darver Star. Why be an also ran in a sub standard CH when you can test your abilities over the right trip against one of the best in training. For what it’s worth I don’t think she’ll beat Benie but I do think she’ll give her a race.

I think Honeysuckle should go for the CH, and not for my pocket, but because it will be an easier race to win.

BDD over 2m4f is one of the best horses in training.

[Quevega]

It'll be a smashing clash on the day.
But the race of the day is lessened because of this.
If they do clash, then one of them will be regretting it for sure.

Winnable Champion hurdles don't come around very often, and the Mares can be won 6 times on the trot if you're good enough, stepping off the beach too.

[Hardy Eustace]

Is it not better to see them clash over both of their optimum trip so there are no question marks against it after the race?

Completely with you on this. Never be scared of one horse especially when you know your horse is better over 2 mile 4f.

[Istabraq]

If the Mares Hurdle is more exciting than the Champion Hurdle, the sport has gone wrong somewhere.

Just knew this news would get Kev fired up...

[Can't Catch Me]

Is it not better to see them clash over both of their optimum trip so there are no question marks against it after the race?

Totally agree as well. Doesn't bother me at all that the Mares Hurdle could be better than the Champion Hurdle tbh. Two great mares taking each other on... its a rarity and most years the CH will be a great race. So lets just enjoy this clash while we have it.

[jack1092]

Totally agree as well. Doesn't bother me at all that the Mares Hurdle could be better than the Champion Hurdle tbh. Two great mares taking each other on... its a rarity and most years the CH will be a great race. So lets just enjoy this clash while we have it.

Great clash, but if you were Honeysuckle's owner, weigh up the rating she'd have to run to to win either race.

Champion IMO.

[Can't Catch Me]

Great clash, but if you were Honeysuckle's owner, weigh up the rating she'd have to run to to win either race.

Champion IMO.

Which is what i said above at 12.59 jack!

[Super Raven]

Completely with you on this. Never be scared of one horse especially when you know your horse is better over 2 mile 4f.

Exactly my thoughts. You want your horse running over their ideal trip. I think Honeysuckle connections would regret it more if they went to the weaker Champion Hurdle and lost, rather than running her over her optimum trip against one of the best in training where she still has a great chance of winning.