NUNHEAD SHIV proved a surprise but deserved winner of the Ladbrokes Champion Hurdle Final at Crayford on Sunday as Barry O’Sullivan landed a first victory in the famous competition – which might surprise those aware of his family’s history with hurdlers.

Having trained Springbok and Grand National winners and sent out a few Champion Hurdle finalists in the past, let alone schooled a number of winners of the big race, it was 12-1 chance Nunhead Shiv, the oldest runner in the £10,000 decider, who broke the Crayford and Central Park handler’s duck in the Category One jumps showpiece.

“We’ve certainly gone close before, back in the day especially at Wimbledon, and would have schooled two or three Champion Hurdle winners, but not lifted the trophy – until Sunday!” said O’Sullivan after the Austin McNamara-trained grabbed longtime leader Harlequin Ernie on the line for a short-head success.

The pair had dominated the 380m contest from the outset as Harlequin Ernie, one of four Ricky Holloway-trained, skipped clear against the fence but could never quite shake off the attentions of the September 2019 daughter of Ballymac Best and Flat White who kept up the pressure, her persistency paying off for a short-head victory in 23.54sec (+30).

“Shiv just never gives up and is probably running as well as ever, despite her age,” added O’Sullivan. “She’d be showing really good early pace and when she’s got a sniff of victory is a tough nut to crack and so it proved. I’m delighted for Austin (McNamara) and, yes, it’s nice to have our name on the roll of honour now. It’s about time!

“Great credit must go to my daughter Rose who paraded her on the night and gets on so well with Shiv. She does a great job.”

The Darren Whitton-trained Newinn Lotto, an April 2021 son of Ballymac Best and Proud Prize, landed the supporting £1,000 Ladbrokes Summer Sprint Cup Final, edging out Mini Eva (Dave Lee) by a short-head in 23.21sec (+20) for the 380m flat trip.

Commenting on the Ladbrokes Champion Hurdle, Crayford racing manager Danny Rayment said: “It’s been great to stage it for just the second time and our commitment to hurdles racing remains strong – we hope to advertise the details for the Grand National shortly – we’re looking at a November date alongside the Ladbrokes Gold Collar – and there’s talk of the Springbok also coming here in 2025 and that will be discussed down the line.”

O’Sullivan confirmed the Grand National would be the long-term for Nunhead Shiv.

Results: https://www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=413902&raceId=1054367