Here’s a bonus race, simply because I couldn’t decide what the last advent calendar post should be. You can choose from this and tomorrow’s option.
The 1981 Champion Hurdle confirmed Sea Pigeon as one of the finest two-mile hurdlers ever to grace Cheltenham, as he successfully defended the title he had won the previous year. Trained in Yorkshire by Peter Easterby and ridden with supreme confidence by John Francome, the tough, battle-hardened hurdler produced another display of class and resolution.
In a masterclass from Francome, Sea Pigeon was given a quiet ride, his jumping was fast and accurate, gaining ground at each flight and maintaining momentum throughout the race. Turning for home, Francome waited – motionless – just behind Pollardstown and Daring Run and popped the final flight, before unleashing the 11-year-old up the hill. Sea Pigeon responded instantly. He moved cheekily clear on the run-in, almost laughing at his younger, inferior rivals as the pair powered relentlessly up the Cheltenham hill to win decisively, defending his crown of champion hurdler.
The victory secured Sea Pigeon’s place among Champion Hurdle greats and underlined Peter Easterby’s brilliance as a trainer capable of nurturing toughness and longevity at the very highest level. It was a triumph built on durability, professionalism and perfectly judged Festival race-riding – a true Champion performance.
