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 1952 Seller 3 miles
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 SARDA II Bob Turnell Ivor Anthony Miss P Vaughan 2/1 fav
2 JACK LEAL Bryan Marshall Peter Cazalet Mrs A S Arnold 100/7
3 THUNDERSTRUCK J A Bullock Gosden Mrs A E Bouverie 6/1
4 RED OXIDE Dave Dick D Dick 7/2
5 OUI OUI II D Dillon V Smyth 100/9
6 JIGAWAY Mr P Chisman Neville Crump 100/8
7 ARCTIC SILVER Pat Taaffe Ireland 20/1
8 ARNHEM B S Foster S Warren 20/1
9 LYRICAL LADY T P Burns Ireland 20/1
10 CABALISTIC II C Smithers H L Christie 20/1
11 ALBERONI Mr M Westwick Ireland 100/6
12 BLUE LAUR II G Kelly P Lay 20/1
13 EL GRANDOR C Hook C Pratt 20/1
14 PORTA-FERRY Mr D Wales W Wales 20/1
15 DEVONIC J Gilbert S Bennet 20/1
      Over round 139%
This race was held on Thursday 6th March 1952 when Sarda II beat Jack Leal and Thunderstruck by 6 lengths and a short head