Two each-way plays to take on Epatante in the Champion Hurdle

Sharjah has cemented his position as Ireland's leading Champion Hurdle hopeCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

In the golden age of hurdlers (1968-81) repeat winners of the Champion Hurdle were the norm and Persian War (twice), Bula, Night Nurse, Monksfield and Sea Pigeon all successfully defended their titles.

Over the following four decades, only four horses have managed to hold on to their hurdling crowns and trainer Nicky Henderson was responsible for two of them, firstly in the 1980s with See You Then (twice) and more recently with Buveur D'Air (165).

Given the style of Epatante's (170) emphatic success last season, her progressive profile and her easy reappearance win in Newcastle's Fighting Fifth, all looked set fair for the mare to enhance Henderson's record in the race by adding her name to an illustrious list of back-to-back winners, which also include the mighty Istabraq (twice) and Hardy Eustace.

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Published on 21 January 2021inIn Focus

Last updated 13:57, 4 February 2021

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