National Hunt Racing’s Modern Legends: From Istabraq to Constitution Hill
National Hunt racing has captivated the UK and Ireland since the 18th century. This thrilling jumps sport boasts iconic stars that have stamped their mark on the hearts of millions. As the 2024-25 season heats up, with festive meets like the Leopardstown Christmas Festival and King George VI Chase at Kempton looming, it’s time to salute the modern greats of this millennium.
Istabraq: The Hurdling Legend
Istabraq dominated the late 1990s and early 2000s, bagging the Champion Hurdle, December Festival Hurdle, and two Irish Champion Hurdles. Initially bred for flat racing, he struggled early on and was sold for just 38,000 guineas to JP McManus. Training under the master Aidan O’Brien, Istabraq raced 29 times, winning 23 and earning over £1 million. He’s widely hailed as the greatest hurdler ever.
Best Mate: Unbeaten Confidence
Best Mate was a Grade 1 star over hurdles before smashing it as a chaser. In 2002, he completed a rare treble by winning the Peterborough Chase, King George, and Cheltenham Gold Cup. He then became the first horse since Arkle to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup three years in a row. Remarkably, he never fell once and never finished outside the top two until his tragic end at Exeter.
Kauto Star & Tiger Roll: Chasing History
- Kauto Star: The only horse to reclaim the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Kauto won in 2007 and after a narrow miss in 2008, took the crown back in 2009. He also smashed records with five King George wins and triumphed in 19 of 31 steeplechases.
- Tiger Roll: A true Grand National legend, Tiger Roll was the first since Red Rum to win back-to-back Nationals in 2018 and 2019. Trained by Gordon Elliott and owned by Gigginstown House Stud, Tiger Roll also shines at Cheltenham with five wins, including the Triumph Hurdle and three Cross Country Chases.
Altior & Hurricane Fly: Masters of the Jumps
- Altior: With 19 straight wins and two Champion Chase titles, Altior is arguably the greatest two-mile chaser ever. Trained by Nicky Henderson, he notched 11 Grade 1 wins, four at Cheltenham, during his unbeaten streak.
- Hurricane Fly: Dominating the two-hurdle scene, Hurricane Fly boasts a record 22 Grade 1 wins. Originally bred for flat racing and sold after modest success, he flourished under Willie Mullins, winning multiple Champion and Irish Champion Hurdles.
Looking ahead, Willie Mullins’ stars like Al Boum Photo and Galopin Des Champs have cemented their names among recent greats, while rising talent Constitution Hill is on track to become a hurdling legend.
