Towcester hoping to resurrect the Champion Hurdle in 2027
There will be no Champion Hurdle run in 2026 but hopes are high for the return of the contest next year at Towcester.
Hurdles still in the plans at Towcester
Towcester has shelved a late plan to stage a Champion Hurdle in 2026 - but say watch this space in 2027!
The home of the Star Sports & Orchestrate English Greyhound Derby was looking to bring in the unused hurdles at Central Park to the Northamptonshire venue but given the preparation needed and GBGB inspections required time has got the better of them.
James Chalkley, Towcester’s head of racing, said: “It’s been full-on here with all the changes as everyone knows. We’re in Derby mode, too, now and time is just running out. But Richard (Thomas, Towcester CEO) is keen on getting a Champion Hurdle here. He’s from a horse racing background after all!
"We've seen what Star Pelaw is doing in terms of hurdling which is good to hear in terms of that code of the sport, but there's definitely room for another track to bring hurdles back and Towcester does have history when it comes to the Champion Hurdle."
Traditionally staged on English Greyhound Derby Final night, Towcester hosted the Champion Hurdle when Wimbledon closed before the competition headed to Crayford where it was last run in 2024.
