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 Div 1 1948 Seller 3 miles
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 SPAM A Brabazon D Rogers, Ireland Mr John Ismay 10/11 fav
2 WHISTLING BUOY Bob Turnell Bruce Hobbs Mr Stanhope Joel 10/1
3 GRAFTON Major C Blacker Kilpatrick Mr A Frost 100/9
4 JACK TAR Mr A Hunter Whiteman 100/6
5 GLENGYLE Jack Dowdswell Powell 20/1
6 ROSTRUM P Conlon Yates 25/1
7 BLACK MAGNET R Black de Moraville 10/1
8 CATAPUS J Hyde Private 25/1
9 AFRICAN SCOUT B Marshall C A Rogers 100/8
10 TREGOR C Hook Duller 6/1
11 GOLD CROWN R Bates Hanbury 25/1
12 GLENGRIGOR R Morgan Rayson 100/6
13 PALM COURT Mr J Bloom Furman 25/1
14 SILVER HIGHNESS J Brogan Wilson 25/1
15 BRISHAH M Keogh Private 25/1
      Over round 147%
This race was held on Thursday 4th March 1948 when Spam beat Whistling Buoy and Grafton by 2 lengths and 4 lengths