Destroyed the opposition by 15 lengths in a time 2 seconds quicker than Monksfield's Champion Hurdle an hour later. Was cantering all over Sea Pigeon and Night Nurse in the Scottish Champion Hurdle the following month when suffering a fatal fall at the last.
Third in this race was Flyingbolt; classed as the second best chaser ever, only 2lb behind his stablemate Arkle. He had won the Champion Chase at odds of 1/5 the day before.
At ten years old, it looked like Sea Pigeon's chance to be champion had gone. As usual he travelled well, but this time he powered up the hill away from Monksfield.
Pendil again started odds-on, but was brought down 3 out. Captain Christy ran away from The Dikler after the last and became the last novice to win the race
The year before Tied Cottage fell at the last, handing the race to Alverton. In 1980 he won easily, but failed a dope test from what was thought be a rogue batch of oats. All involved were cleared, yet Tied Cottage was disqualified and the race awarded to runner-up Master Smudge
