Historic National Hunt Race Shifts to New Track and Gets a New Name as 32-Year Tradition Concludes

BRITISH racing is set for a major switch-up this season as it was confirmed a big race will be moved to a new track and run under a completely different name.

The Grade 2 Elite Hurdle – won in the past by the likes of Azertyuiop, Well Chief, Zarkandar and Sceau Royal – was one of the jewels in the crown of Wincanton.

Paul Nicholls loves the Elite Hurdle and his horse Rubaud, left in the purple silks, has won it for the past three years Credit: Getty

But it won’t be run there again and will instead be contested at Aintree as part of a program overhaul.

Gone is the name too – the race will now be known as the Molyneux Hurdle when run at the Grand National venue.

Paul Nicholls’ Rubaud won the Elite Hurdle for the third year in a row last year.

Being run over 1m7f, it has always rewarded faster, slicker hurdlers and formed part of the big Badger Beers fixture.

But now the Molyneux Hurdle will be run on Becher Chase day at Aintree.

Scheduled for Saturday, December 5 this year, Becher Chase day – where horses and jockeys jump the Grand National fences – will also see the return of the Grand Sefton Chase.

Sulekha Varma, head of racing and clerk of the course at Aintree, said: “We’re pleased to welcome the Grade 2 Molyneux Hurdle to Aintree.

“It is a race with a rich history and its addition to our programme reflects our ambition to strengthen the quality and competitiveness of autumn jumping.

“We look forward to seeing it become an important feature of our November fixture.”

More to follow.

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our .