Champion Hurdle 2021

[Saxon Warrior]

For Goshen, reading between the lines, its Haydock or Newmarket at the end of September and then the Ces 2 weeks later, and thats it.

Then a bit of moaning by Gary Moore about not having many options for him over hurdles (mentioned only the Fighting Fifth and Christmas Hurdle).

So he is looking only at Grade 1 Hurdles? Probably feels he is owed one after the Triumph fall.

He could go to the Grade 2 International at Cheltenham, for a bit more course experience, in December.

Or, failing that, he could run in any Listed or Graded Hurdle anywhere, without a penalty, as he hasnt won anything out of Class 2, over hurdles, yet.

[JackieMoon33]

Although I have no science or stats to back this up, I have always held the belief that if a horses needs further than 1m4f on the flat then they will want a trip in excess of 2m over jumps.

[Saxon Warrior]

Although I have no science or stats to back this up, I have always held the belief that if a horses needs further than 1m4f on the flat then they will want a trip in excess of 2m over jumps.

They do eventually, I agree.

Maybe Goshen has one year to have a crack at the Champion Hurdle, before becoming a dour stayer.

[Quevega]

Thats just wrong.


Unless this whole website is just guessing.

Espoir D was improving at a rate of knots, had won 7 out of 8 hurdle races and was unbeaten in his Champion Hurdle winning season.

He had risen in the ratings from 147 to 155 two races before the CH, then

He rose from 155 to 162 in his last race before the Festival.

His OR of 162 when he lined up put him in with a reasonable chance.

FWIW 162 this year would have him better than every horse lining up in this seasons Champion Hurdle apart from Sharjah 1pt higher at 163. Epatante on 159 (+7lb) was the top rated.

Truth is ED was a CH longshot player from the start of the season.
He mooched around Grade 2 and 3s keeping a lower profile because his trainer thought he was 1 year short of a shot at the big race.

He changed his mind after his last run pre-Festival and decided to run.

He was well worth a bet at 33/1 or 25/1 with cashout, or even NRNB by the time the horse was confirmed as definitely going for the race.

If he was 4/1 at that time, like Goshen is now, I wouldnt have given him a second look though.

His official rating was not ‘the most solid’ from memory
And in that line up he had no chance.
I know people who backed him as I was stood next to one and had to high five him.
But there was no real case to be made prior to the race. It was guesswork mainly.

[Istabraq]

Although I have no science or stats to back this up, I have always held the belief that if a horses needs further than 1m4f on the flat then they will want a trip in excess of 2m over jumps.

Back in the day when ex flat horses were dominant in the Triumph there was a strong trend they needed to be rated 80 or above and have won over at least 12f and of course the Triumph is 17f and on the New course so your belief is solid.
From memory far more Triumph horses go on to be Stayers horses rather than Champion hurdle horses...

[Saxon Warrior]

His official rating was not ‘the most solid’ from memory
And in that line up he had no chance.
I know people who backed him as I was stood next to one and had to high five him.
But there was no real case to be made prior to the race. It was guesswork mainly.

I understand now.

All horses you don't back are guesswork.

[Quevega]

Definitely not educated guesswork

[Lobos]

Although I have no science or stats to back this up, I have always held the belief that if a horses needs further than 1m4f on the flat then they will want a trip in excess of 2m over jumps.

Agree and Triumph winners have gone on to be thorough Stayers. His style of running suggests to me that staying is his biggest asset.

[Spectre]

The National Hunt Chase for Goshen next season then.

[ComplyOrDie]

Agree and Triumph winners have gone on to be thorough Stayers. His style of running suggests to me that staying is his biggest asset.

Speed and stamina, perfect for a Triumph horse. Remains to be seen if it will be as effective against seasoned, more settled horses, as he steps up. Always a worry.

[Lobos]

Speed and stamina, perfect for a Triumph horse. Remains to be seen if it will be as effective against seasoned, more settled horses, as he steps up. Always a worry.

For me he doesn't have the look of a Champion Hurdler either. He looks a big scruffy thing, not a lot of class about him. He's a bit of rough. Poor bugger, I'm bullying him now.

[Ballybeen]

Geroid O’Loughlin confirmed in the Irish field the other day that Couer Sublime will again be aimed here.

[JackieMoon33]

Goshen actually has a 3yo full sister called Harrisburg who recently won nicely over 2m2f in France. Her jumping seems more proficient than her older brothers though.

[Ray]

Goshen actually has a 3yo full sister called Harrisburg who recently won nicely over 2m2f in France. Her jumping seems more proficient than her older brothers though.

Still think goshens jumping was pretty mich spot on until he done a klinsman into the last

[Middle_Of_March]

Still think goshens jumping was pretty mich spot on until he done a klinsman into the last

Tbf his jumping all season was why plenty of us were totally against Goshen. All season it appeared he really couldn’t jump.

Using the Triumph as a guide that he can jump, when he still fell (unseated technically), isn’t really proof that he can.