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 1962 Seller 3 miles
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 MERRY DEAL I Markham A W Jones Mr Arthur Jones 7/1
2 RAES GILL T Barnes C Bell Major R Buchan 100/8
3 PERFECT MATE Derek Ancil Derek Ancil Mr W Morton 9/1
4 SUNNY BRIGHT D Moore Bolton Mr Douglas Young 6/1
5 SAGO Whittle S Warren Mrs G Hobbs 100/6
6 STENQUILL Gifford Laidler Mrs Z Hickman 5/2 fav
7 GALLOPING GREEN Stan Mellor Nesfield Lady Rootes 10/1
8 CROBEG Bill Rees Bob Turnell Mr H Joel 6/1
9 REINE D'ECOSSE A Flood S Pinch Mrs A Dickinson 33/1
10 FORTROSA Walthew A Gilbert Mrs G Barling 33/1
11 FREJUS Gibson E Gibson Mr E Gibson 33/1
12 FORWARD CHARGE Reg Akehurst P Dawson Lady Mackeson 33/1
13 CALFSTOWN PRINCE Delamain N Delamain Captain N Delamain 33/1
14 CLARE SOLEIL Fred Winter H Ryan Price Mr G Judd 100/6
      Over round 122%
This race was held on Thursday 15th March 1962 when Merry Deal beat Raes Gill and Perfect Mate by 1/2 length and 2 lengths