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 1963 Seller 3 miles
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 BEAU NORMAND W Rees Bob Turnell Mr H Joel 5/1 fav
2 UNION PACIFIC Mr G Macmillan C Bell Mr A Sowerby 100/8
3 SARTORIUS Terry Biddlecombe R L Smith Lt-Col R L Smith 7/1
4 TRUNK CALL J J Rafferty J Cox Ire Mr R Patton 10/1
5 KINGTON DOME R Davies F Akerman Mr J Akerman 50/1
6 OOU-DE-BEE T T Bishop T T Bishop Mr T T Bishop 33/1
7 CLONAGARA Dave Dick Fulke Walwyn Mrs P Spicer 100/7
8 BIRTHDAY PRESENT D Bassett D Bassett Mrs T Stuck 100/9
9 RAINSTORM Michael Scudamore W A Stephenson Colonel E Williams 11/2
10 STAGGERED M Phillips R Lawry Mr R Lawry 10/1
11 NO RESTRICTIONS E F Kelly P Upton Captain P Fenwick 50/1
12 UNION CLIPPER J Hudson D Macdonald Mr D Macdonald 50/1
13 JOHN D J Haldane J Oliver Senator J Sheridan 6/1
14 ARDENT VENTURER Mr R Willis P Wilsdon Mr P Wilsdon 50/1
15 FOINAVON Pat Taaffe Tom Dreaper Ire Duchess of Westminster 11/2
      Over round 122%
This race was held on Thursday 14th March 1963 when Beau Normand beat Union Pacific and Sartorius by 8 lengths and 4 lengths