WBX Hurdling Triple Crown Positive Effect on National Hunt Racing

4th March 2010

As the 2009/10 WBX Hurdling Triple Crown draws to its exciting conclusion it is clear to see the positive effect it has had on National Hunt racing and the two mile hurdling division in the four years the WBX Hurdling Triple Crown has been in existence.

Phil Smith, Head of Handicapping in the UK said this about the WBX.COM Fighting Fifth Hurdle and the quality of the race, “Since WBX began sponsoring the Fighting Fifth Hurdle in 2006, the winners of the race have always posted a 160+ performance in the eyes of the BHA Handicappers. Straw Bear managed 164 in 2006, Harchibald posted a 162 in 2007 and the second Al Eile recorded a 160 performance figure.

Races where horses achieve a 160+ performance in winning are relatively rare for 2 mile hurdlers and there is no doubt that the WBX bonus takes a major responsibility in attracting trainers into running their classiest animals in the Fighting Fifth. The bonus has been hugely important in maintaining and improving the race as a genuine Grade 1 target.”

Jim Allen, Head of Racing Development for Northern Racing said, “The WBX.COM Fighting Fifth Hurdle has certainly become one of the best Jump races in the North of England since WBX began sponsoring the race and started their fantastic £1 million bonus for any hurdler who wins all 3 Grade 1 two mile races in the same season.

Northern Racing Ltd would like to thank WBX.COM for their fantastic support of the race and wish the connections of Go Native the best of luck as he attempts to become the first horse to win the WBX Hurdling Triple Crown when he runs in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.”

James Armstrong, Clerk of the Course at Newcastle said, “Since WBX.COM started the sponsorship and associated bonus the field sizes have grown and the quality of runners has increased dramatically. There has been strong interest from the Irish since the outset, with the likes of Harchibald and Go Native winning.”

Iain Turner, PR and Sponsorship Manager for World Bet Exchange said, “It was always our intention when taking over sponsorship of the Fighting Fifth Hurdle to turn it into a true Grade 1 contest. We have worked with Owners and Trainers on both sides of the Irish Sea and I would like to go on record and thank them for their support. This is the first year the WBX Hurdling Triple Crown has made it to Cheltenham and fingers crossed for Noel Meade, the Tu Va Stable and the Docado Syndicate that he wins the Champion Hurdle and with it the biggest bonus in National Hunt racing.”

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