We have another packed schedule of National Hunt action to look forward to this coming weekend with top class contests on offer from both sides of the Irish Sea. Topping the bill over in Ireland is this Grade 1 from Fairyhouse. Won by the likes of Champion Hurdlers Jezki and Hurricane Fly in recent years, the 2018 edition sees a talented mare bidding for a place in the history books.
There’s a lot to like about a number of the runners in this year’s field in what looks set to be an enthralling renewal. For our money though the challengers have it all to do if they are to dethrone the defending champion.
Hatton’s Grace Hurdle Past Winners
Nine of the past 10 winners of this have been between five and seven years of age. Apple’s Jade was the only exception, when scoring as a four year old in 2016. This has also been a good race for those towards the head of the market, with the past 10 years seeing five wining favourites or joint favourites and no winner returning an SP of bigger than 11/2.
| Year | Winner | SP | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Honeysuckle | 4/11 | Henry De Bromhead | Rachael Blackmore |
| 2019 | Honeysuckle | 9/10 | Henry De Bromhead | Rachael Blackmore |
| 2018 | Apple's Jade | 4/6 | Gordon Elliott | Jack Kennedy |
| 2017 | Apple’s Jade | Evs | Gordon Elliott | Jack Kennedy |
| 2016 | Apple’s Jade | 4/1 | Gordon Elliott | Bryan Cooper |
| 2015 | Arctic Fire | 4/5 | Willie Mullins | Ruby Walsh |
| 2014 | Lieutenant Colonel | 7/2 | Sandra Hughes | Bryan Cooper |
| 2013 | Jezki | 4/6 | Jessica Harrington | Tony McCoy |
| 2012 | Zaidpour | 7/4 | Willie Mullins | Ruby Walsh |
| 2011 | Voler la Vedette | 7/4 | Colm Murphy | Andrew Lynch |
| 2010 | Hurricane Fly | 11/4 | Willie Mullins | Paul Townsend |
| 2009 | Oscar Dan Dan | 11/2 | Tom Mullins | Davy Russell |
| 2008 | Catch Me | 7/4 | Edward O'Grady | Andrew McNamara |
| 2007 | Aitmatov | 2/1 | Noel Meade | Paul Carberry |
| 2006 | Brave Inca | 100/30 | Colm Murphy | Tony McCoy |
| 2005 | Solerina | 6/4 | James Bowe | Gary Hutchinson |
| 2004 | Solerina | 4/5 | James Bowe | Gary Hutchinson |
| 2003 | Solerina | 7/4 | James Bowe | Gary Hutchinson |
| 2002 | Limestone Lad | 8/15 | James Bowe | Barry Geraghty |
| 2001 | Limestone Lad | 9/4 | James Bowe | Paul Carberry |