CHELTENHAM'S Stan James Champion Hurdle is set to be the race of the annual National Hunt Festival — possibly outdoing the Denman versus Kauto Star build-up to last year's Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup.

But this is a different kettle of fish because there several horses potentially with winning chances, including Menorah — who has shown his liking for the Prestbury track — Peddlers Cross, and the current champ Nicky Henderson's Binocular, to say Nothing of Mille Chief and Irish raider Hurricane Fly.

The Champion Hurdle takes place on day one of the NH?Festival, which starts on March 15, and it is a spectacle not to be missed.

Some of the greatest names in the sport grace the race's role of honour including Persian War, Bula, Night Nurse, Monksfield, Sea Pigeon, See You Then and Istabraq.

Interestingly, despite it being the race all the best hurdlers are aimed at, multiple winners are not uncommon as Istabraq and Hardy Eustace have proved in recent years.

This is probably partly due to the unique requirements of the race and horses with previous course form, especially previous Festival form, have fared particularly well in the event.

In addition, you often need a horse that stays further than two miles, as the good record in the race of recent SunAlliance Novices Hurdle (now Ballymore Properties Hurdle) winners shows.

The big four-day feast of racing ends of Friday, March 18, when Imperial Commander will be favourite to retain his crown after upsetting both Denman and Kauto Star last year.

Keep an eye on the Cornish & Devon Post website for more news as the featival fast approaches.

Keith Whitford.