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.
Spa Hurdle 1951 Seller 3 miles
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 WHIM II J Gilbert H Christie Mr G Palmer 100/7
2 CLOUDLESS DAYS D Dillon R Smyth 7/1
3 SUSSEX MARTLET M Molony W Stephenson 5/1
4 LEE SAVOLD R Morrow Kilpatrick 33/1
5 SOUTHDOWN John Hunter S Bennett 100/9
6 SEASIDE COTTAGE T Shone Morant 33/1
7 FLAMING MARQUIS T Molony W Hall 9/2 fav
8 JACK LEAL A Grantham Peter Cazalet 33/1
9 DANGER LIGHT Bill Marshall Bill Marshall 33/1
10 TRAMBEZA S Francis Hide 20/1
11 CHANCELLOR Fred Winter Archibald 100/8
12 DONATA Dick Francis F Cundell 13/2
13 USHER Tim Brookshaw G R Owen 9/1
14 CAPE LIGHT Bob Turnell Ivor Anthony 100/8
15 CUBBINGTON Mr F Bristow Bush 33/1
16 PEN-Y-DON F Muggeridge K Bailey 33/1
17 GOLDEN HORUS R Hamey R Hobbs 20/1
18 COLBRIGHT P Murray R Hobbs 33/1
19 CARRIFFA Mr G Bullard G Bullard 33/1
20 DIABLE LUTIN R Black De Moraville 20/1
21 WINSTAINO D Thomas Arm 20/1
      Over round 146%
This race was held on Wednesday 25th April 1951 when Whim II beat Cloudless Days and Sussex Martlet by 2 lengths and 5 lengths