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 1938 Seller 3 miles
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 CHESTNUT Keith Piggott Ernest Piggott Mrs E M Johnson 7/1
2 MRS GRUNDY Gerry Wilson W Stubbs Mr G Whitelaw 8/1
3 SETHOS Mr J Gordon G Bennett Mr E Robson 10/1
4 LEMON PEAL Mr H Blyth Rayson Mr H W Blyth 100/7
5 LAC D'ANNECY Mr C Hennecart Owen Anthony Mr C Hennecart 100/8
6 RUBIN WOOD Mr H Llewellyn Llewellyn Sir David Llewellyn 20/1
7 PRIDDY HILL Mr H Applin George Todd Mr W Maiden 7/1
8 PHILIP'S FANCY W O'Grady F More-O'Ferrall Mr F More-O'Ferrall 6/1
9 STOP PRESS Staff Ingham Evans Mr James Rank 9/4 fav
10 DUREX Magee Wootton Mr S Wootton 3/1
11 BOB EACH WAY Skyrme Jack Anthony Mrs E Tozer 20/1
      Over round 139%
This race was held on Thursday 10th March 1938 when Chestnut beat Mrs Grundy and Sethos by 1 1/2 lengths and a neck