The Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle, sometimes simply referred to as the Christmas Hurdle in Ireland, is a Grade 1 Hurdle run over 3-miles at Leopardstown (Thursday 28 December). First run in 1996, the race’s most famous winner is Limestone Lad, who won it in 1999 and 2002.
Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle 2017 10-Year-Trends
- The last 10 winners have been rated between 145 and 164
- Vroum Vroum Mag at 8/15 was the shortest-priced winner in the last 10 years
- Prince Of Scars at 10/1 was the longest-priced winner in the last 10 years
- Mares have won 3 of the last 10 renewals
- Willie Mullins has trained 3 of the last 7 winners
- Gigginstown Stud have owned 2 of the last 3 winners
Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle 2017 Horse Racing Preview
Apple’s Jade
Gordon Elliott’s 5-year-old mare keeps going from strength to strength, and she impressed in slamming Nicholls Canyon by 9-lengths last time. However, her last 4 wins have all been over trips of around 2½ miles, and she’ll have to prove she’s as good at 3-miles if she lines up here. Her run-style actually suggests she might improve for the extra distance though, and she runs in the Gigginstown Stud colours.
Nicholls Canyon
Trained by Willie Mullins, and won last year’s Stayers Hurdle in eye-catching fashion after travelling easily behind a fast pace and pouncing late. Could only finish second in the Punchestown version, and again had to settle for second behind Apple’s Jade last time. Proven stamina though and, as he was conceding race-fitness to Apple’s Jade last time, he’s fancied to get much closer to her this time.
Jezki
Won the 2014 Champion Hurdle, and the 2015 Punchestown Stayers Hurdle, and those wins prove he’s top-class at his best. Had to have nearly two-years off that Punchestown win, and looked a shadow of his former self last season after making a winning return. However, has looked more like his old self this season, recording a win and a decent second to Faugheen last time. Trainer Jessica Harrigton has suggested he’s ready for 3-miles again now, and probably best to overlook his flop in last year’s Stayers Hurdle, where he was sent off shorter than Nicholls Canyon.
Supasundae
Also trained by Jessica Harrington, and she also thinks last year’s Coral Cup winner is crying out for 3-miles. He certainly looked good over 3-miles last season when second to Yanworth at the Grand National Meeting, but has ground to make up on both Apple’s Jade and Nicholls Canyon on their running over half-a-mile shorter last time.
Killultagh Vic
Last seen chasing in January 2016, and holds a variety of entries over the Christmas period. Looks a tough contest to return in, but worth remembering that he has beaten Thistlecrack over 3-miles over hurdles, form which would give him a leading chance in this contest. Interesting if the money comes for him.
Our Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle 2017 Preview & Betting Tip: Jezki
If the main contenders turn up, this will be one of the best ever renewals of the Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle. Apple’s Jade is a worthy favourite but, as she’s a short-price for a horse who still has to prove her stamina, Jezki could be worth an each-way bet, whilst Killultagh Vic could be the fly in the ointment.