Stayers Hurdle (World Hurdle/Spa Hurdle)

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 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.
Spa Hurdle 1939 Seller 2 miles
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 VELVET CUSHION Keith Piggott J Hall Mr Sedgwick 100/7
2 STARLETA T Elder P Thrale Mr I Davis 8/1
3 COCKLAW DENE Mr R Black Paton Major Marshall 5/1
4 SHREWD GLANCE M Hogan Wight Colonel Tweedle 10/1
5 CHARLIE III M Prendergast W Stubbs Mrs Whitelaw 20/1
6 PENNY HILL D Rayson Dale Mr H Blagrave 4/1 fav
7 RECORD REIGN M Keogh F Brown Mr P Dennis 20/1
8 BLUE CHECK T McNeill Hardinge Mr Hardinge 20/1
9 SMERWICK C Mitchell W Payne Mrs Hollins 8/1
10 GYPPO P Lay R Bennett Mr Honour 100/8
11 ALGY David Nicholson Holman Mr W White 20/1
12 FLYING FOAM Fred Rickaby C Beechener Mr W Whitehead 20/1
13 AIGLE ROYAL W Redmond P Thrale Mr Dixon 20/1
14 BILL VILLAR I Crabb Roberts Mr Morel 100/6
15 HAGGIS Gerry Wilson T R Leader Lord Rosebery 6/1
      Over round 132%
This race was held on Thursday 9th March 1939 when Velvet Cushion beat Starleta and Cocklaw Dene by 1 1/2 lengths and 4 lengths