2019 saw the well backed favourite Band of Outlaws deliver the goods for Ireland, as he went away winning for JJ Slevin and Joseph O’Brien. It was a second successive victory for the Irish who were successful in 2018 too with Veneer of Charm for Gordon Elliot and Jack Kennedy.
No jockey has won the race more than once, such is the competition however Paul Nichols has the most impressive record amongst the trainers, having trained the winner of the race on three occasions with the following horses:
Paul Nichols:
Sanctuaire (2010)
Qualando (2015)
Diego du Charmil (2016)
Despite the favourite winning the race in 2019, the race can often cause an upset, with young unexposed hurdlers taking advantage of low marks. The betting has reflected that, with six of the last eight winners being double figure prices and it may be worth again looking towards the bottom of the market, particularly with bookmakers who will be paying extra places come the day.
With his impressive record, anything Paul Nichols fields will no doubt warrant a lot of respect, but Gordon Elliot isn’t far away from joining him. Alongside his 2018 success with Veneer of Charm, he also won the 2013 race with Flaxen Flare and anything he sends over this year should be noted.