Major National Hunt horse race moved to new track and renamed as 32-year tradition ends with immediate effect

SportHorse Racing WINCANTON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 10: Jeremiah McGrath riding Verdana Blue (red cap) clear the last to win The Unibet Elite Hurdle at Wincanton Racecourse on November 10, 2018 in Wincanton, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images) Credit: Getty Images – Getty 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 programme 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, earning his owners a cheque for just shy of £42,000. The legendary jumps trainer has an incredible record in the race and also won it with the likes of Knappers Hill, Celestial Halo and Irving. Being run over 1m7f, it has always rewarded faster, slicker hurdlers and formed part of the big Badger Beers fixture. According to the Racing Post, the newly retitled race will keep its place in the schedule, being run in early November. Meanwhile, this year’s Becher Chase day – where horses and jockeys jump the Grand National fences – will see the return of the Grand Sefton when run on Saturday, December 5. 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. Most read in Horse Racing “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.” FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org. 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 detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here. Comment now