Stayers Hurdle (World Hurdle/Spa Hurdle)

m

The Stayers Hurdle, also known as the World Hurdle, is an important Grade 1 race over 3 miles, but started off as the Stayers Selling Hurdle in 1912, which in turn was replaced by the Spa Hurdle in 1939, albeit over just 2 miles, but in 1942 it was increased to 3 miles as a stayers race, although the Spa Hurdle was also staged as a one-off in 1923.
Early history:-Whilst it is difficult to put a precise date on when this race was first run, a 3 mile stayers hurdle was contested at the second Festival meeting in 1912, although it was a selling race on Wednesday 13th March 1912 when won by Aftermath (11/10 fav) owned by Mr J W Pullen, trained by Newey and ridden by Alf Newey, beating Port Meadow (100/8) and Borodino (10/1) by 15 lengths and 2 lengths.

Over the entire history of the race 38% of favourites have been successful, placing the race 4th of the 28 current races.
Over the entire history of the race a level stake bet of £10 on every favourite would have resulted in a £80 profit, placing the race 3rd of the current 28 races.
Over the entire history of the race the Irish have been successful 18% of occasions, placing the race 20th of the 28 current races.

Stayers Selling Hurdle 1934 Seller 3 miles
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 FOBDOWN David Nicholson J Reardon Mr J Reardon 6/4 fav
2 RED MONEY Staff Ingham Gosden Mr E Hatry 2/1
3 LITTLE BLACKBIRD W Parvin Woodland Major J M J Evans 5/2
4 LONDON WALL Mr G Vallance Baker Mr T Baker 33/1
5 QUEEN'S PARK J Hamey F Armstrong Mrs Leetham 20/1
      Over round 109%
This race was held on Thursday 8th March 1934 when Fobdown beat Red Money and Little Blackbird by 1 1/2 lengths and 10 lengths