Liverpool Hurdle

2.50 Aintree: The John Smith’s Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1) (3m 1/2f)

The Liverpool Hurdle was first run in 1974 but interestingly was not part of the Aintree Festival and took place at Ascot racecourse under the name of The Long Distance Hurdle. It was switched to Aintree as late as 2004 and renamed to its present title and eventually was given grade 1 status in 2010 due to the World Hurdle runners from Cheltenham coming here and increasing the quality of the race. Since its promotion Big Bucks has landed this race three times and a total of four victories in all and is now a race that captures the imagination of the public and attracts the best staying hurdlers in the game.

In 2013 the race was switched to take place on the last day of the Festival, effectively swapping places with the Aintree Hurdle, which is now on the opening day.  The committee agreed that the more important Aintree Hurdle was being overshadowed by the Grand National on the Saturday and deserved to take centre stage in its own right.

Previous Winners

2013: Solwhit D.Hughes 9/4f

2012: Big Bucks P.Nicholls 2/9f

2011: Big Bucks P.Nicholls 4/6f

2010: Big Bucks P.Nicholls 30/100f

2009: Big Bucks P.Nicholls 5/6f

2008: Blazing Bailey A.King 5/1