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 2 1948 Seller 3 miles
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 ALBOR R Black W Payne Mr P Oldfield 6/1
2 THE HERON T Moloney W Hall Mr C Nicholson 8/1
3 NICKEL B Marshall Fulke Walwyn Mr A Cooper 9/2
4 URGAY T Cusack G Laurence 9/4 fav
5 TOY TRAIN S Magee Hardy 8/1
6 STALBRIDGE ROCK J Maguire Ivor Anthony 100/9
7 BOMBER J Gilbert T R Rimell 25/1
8 KBO J Brogan Gerry Wilson 25/1
9 WARNBOROUGH LAD E Mumford Mumford 25/1
10 CLOUDLESS MAY P Murray George Todd 100/6
11 U SEARCHLIGHT E Hannigan Private 25/1
12 GARRYDOWNE Jack Dowdswell Powell 25/1
13 CRACOW G Bowden Sweet-Escott 25/1
14 PENTON STAR P Kinsella Hill 25/1
15 JAMES HOOK Mr A Bevan Private 25/1
16 FULL COUNT J Barraclough Bruce Hobbs 25/1
17 COMPENSATION D Dartnall Stratton 100/6
      Over round 142%
This race was held on Wednesday 3rd March 1948 when Albor beat The Heron and Nickel by 2 lengths and 4 lengths