QTS Champion Hurdle 2017

April 2017

QTS Group, one of the UK’s leading railway contractors sponsors the Grade 2 listed, QTS Scottish Champion Hurdle Race at the 2016 Scottish Grand National

Now in its fifth year, the QTS Scottish Champion Hurdle has become one of the most exciting jump races in the Scottish racing calendar. The prize pot has grown from £20k in 2011/12 to a staggering £105k in 2017. This year’s entries were from some of racings biggest trainers, not limited to but including entries from Nicky Henderson, Paul Nicholls, Philip Hobbs and Dan Skelton.

The race built up to an exciting, on the line finish, where Chesterfield edged in front of Zubayr to take home the title. Chesterfield owned by The Rumble Racing Club was trained by Seamus Mullins and ridden to victory for Jockey, Daniel Sansom. This win provided Mullins and Sansom with the biggest wins of their careers, a great achievement, especially for Sansom, who turned professional last year.

For young jockey Daniel Sansom, he rode his way into the history books last Saturday with his win and the record prize purse of £105,000. We commissioned Special EFX to design custom made trophies to mark the momentous occasion. 

Sansom said: " It feels a bit surreal. You can't do anything without the horse, though.

"I started in the pointing fields about three years ago and then Seamus asked me to join him as an amateur before turning professional last year.

"I just feel so thankful to everyone. I wasn't even sure I'd won crossing the line."

Mullins said: "This was the plan after Newbury as we knew we wouldn't get in at Cheltenham.

"One of the owners then suggested taking in Aintree on the way as he'd get his ground. He's now won both." 

With fantastic weather, the 17 thousand strong crowd at Ayr Racecourse made it an event to remember. A great way to end the jumps fixtures ahead of the flats season starting this week. Won’t be long now till QTS Ladies Night in August. Don’t miss out, book your tickets online at http://www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk/races-tickets/2017-fixtures/qts-ladies-night-2017/