Katchit’s Surprising Triumph: Robert 'Chocolate' Thornton Guides the Underdog to Victory in the 2008 Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival
On March 11, 2008, the opening day of the prestigious Cheltenham Festival, the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle became the setting for a thrilling showdown between some of the best hurdlers in the racing world. Among the strong contenders in this Grade 1 race were Katchit, Osana, and Punjabi.
The race was especially significant for Robert "Chocolate" Thornton, the jockey who rode **Katchit**, a horse trained by Alan King. Katchit, a 6-year-old gelding, was not the overwhelming favorite, with many pundits expecting Osana, ridden by Sam Thomas, or Punjabi, with Tom O'Brien in the saddle, to secure the victory. However, Thornton's determined ride on Katchit brought a surprising turn of events.
As the horses approached the final stretch of the Champion Hurdle, Katchit was in a tightly contested battle with Osana and the ever-present Punjabi. With a dramatic burst of speed, Katchit surged ahead, taking the lead in the final few yards. Thornton's quick decision-making and Katchit's impressive stamina allowed them to hold off the fast-charging Osana, who took second place, and Punjabi, who finished in third. Katchit’s victory was a testament to the jockey's skill and the horse’s resilience, making it a memorable moment in the world of horse racing.
This victory was especially notable because it marked the first time Katchit had won the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle, and it was a significant milestone in Robert Thornton's career as well. The win was a surprise to many, as Katchit was not considered the favorite heading into the race, but the horse's brilliant performance earned him the top spot on one of the biggest stages in National Hunt racing.
Katchit's win at the Cheltenham Festival not only solidified his place as one of the great hurdlers of his generation but also marked a memorable moment for the Cheltenham crowd, who witnessed an exciting and unpredictable finish to one of the Festival’s highlight events.
