In the fast-paced world of horse racing, where talent is paramount and victory is fleeting, the Triumph Hurdle stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of youthful promise.
Since its inauguration in 1939, this historic race at the Cheltenham Festival has witnessed the crowning of a new generation of champions — each leaving a lasting mark on the sport.
Nicky Henderson is a name synonymous with the Triumph Hurdle, with the veteran trainer winning the contest a record seven times.
The Seven Barrows handler looks set to extend his tally to eight this year, as Sir Gino is the odds-on favourite in the Triumph Hurdle betting 2024.
As we reflect on the triumphs of more recent years, we delve into the stories behind the last five winners of the Triumph Hurdle.
Read on to find out more.
2019: Pentland Hills
The journey begins in 2019 when Pentland Hills won Henderson his seventh Triumph Hurdle with an impressive victory from outside odds.
The four-year-old was a 20/1 underdog in the horse race betting, and he stunned Prestbury Park into silence with an impressive display.
Pentland Hills went second and was travelling well approaching the last before being driven out to a three-length win over Coeur Sublime by Nico de Boinville.
2020: Burning Victory
Despite Willie Mullins’ immense success at Cheltenham each year, there were almost two decades between his first Triumph Hurdle victory with Scolardy in 2002 and Burning Victory’s win in 2020.
Another pre-race outsider, Burning Victory was a 12/1 shot for the Triumph Hurdle despite winning a Grade 3 Juvenile Hurdle at Fairyhouse on debut for Closutton a month before.
Burning Victory’s win was not without a stroke of luck though, as Goshen unseated his rider — which allowed Mullins’ horse to pick up the pieces and prevail.
2021: Quilixios
A horse to win the Triumph Hurdle with a much shorter price, Quilixios was hot in the market before the off – boasting odds of 2/1.
Quilixios was unbeaten under Gordon Elliott, including winning the Grade 1 Spring Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown, but the Irish trainer was caught up in a controversy that resulted in him losing several of his best horses right before the 2021 Cheltenham Festival.
Quilixios was one of those, as Cheveley Park Stud moved him to Henry de Bromhead’s yard. That didn’t disrupt the horse’s Triumph Hurdle prep, as he won by over three lengths from Adagio.
2022: Vauban
Fan favourite Vauban is the first market leader on our list to prevail on his status and get the job done in the Triumph Hurdle.
Vauban was beaten on his debut for Mullins. But, like Quilixios, he won the Spring Juvenile Hurdle to bounce back — that made him the 6/4 favourite for the Triumph.
Fil Dor closed the gap somewhat from the Spring Juvenile Hurdle, but only by a slender margin as Vauban won at Cheltenham by two-and-a-half lengths as opposed to three at Leopardstown.
2023: Lossiemouth
Owner Rich Ricci, jockey Paul Townend, and Mullins won the Triumph Hurdle back-to-back, as Lossiemouth followed in the footsteps of her predecessor Vauban last year.
Donning the unmistakable pink and green polka-dot silks of Ricci, Lossiemouth flattered to deceive in the Spring Juvenile Hurdle after successive wins.
However, she reversed the form on her rival Gala Marceau in the Triumph Hurdle — beating her fellow Mullins-trained horse by over two lengths.
