The Sandown Contenders Hurdle has struggled to attract competitive fields in recent seasons but has served as the final prep race for two Champion Hurdlers (Binocular and Rooster Booster) since 2003.
The last three renewals have been lost to a variety of weather issues.
Sandown Contenders Hurdle Stats 2003-2014
- 7 favourites have won in the 9 renewals run since 2003
- 8 of the last 9 winners were priced at 2-1 or less
- 7 of the 9 winners were rated 161+
- Nicky Henderson has trained 3 of the last 4 winners
- Tony McCoy and Richard Johnson have both ridden two winners since 2003
Sandown Contenders Hurdle Winners 2003-2014
| Year | Horse | Age | Jockey | Trainer | OR | SP | FoF |
| 2011 | Binocular | 7 | Tony McCoy | N J Henderson | 171 | 1-10 | 1 |
| 2010 | Binocular | 6 | Tony McCoy | N J Henderson | 163 | 1-7 | 1 |
| 2009 | Celestial Halo | 5 | Ruby Walsh | Paul Nicholls | 163 | 1-2 | 1 |
| 2008 | Afsoun | 6 | Mick Fitzgerald | N J Henderson | 161 | 2-1 | 2 |
| 2007 | Detroit City | 5 | Richard Johnson | Philip Hobbs | 165 | 1-3 | 1 |
| 2006 | Royal Shakespeare | 7 | Tom Scudamore | Steve Gollings | 150 | 9-4 | 1 |
| 2005 | Self Defense | 8 | R Thornton | P Chamings | 148 | 5-1 | 2 |
| 2004 | Rhinestone Cowboy | 8 | Mr J. P. Magnier | Jonjo O’Neill | 165 | 2-5 | 1 |
| 2003 | Rooster Booster | 9 | Richard Johnson | Philip Hobbs | 167 | 2-7 | 1 |
Cheltenham Festival Race Stats and Trends
