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 1965 Seller 3 miles
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 ANTIAR Dave Dick Peter Cazalet HM The Queen Mother 6/1
2 TOBAGO David Nicholson H Nicholson Lord Sefton 9/2
3 IMPERATOR Jumbo Wilkinson Fawcus Mr T Hunter 50/1
4 BLUE RONDO Michael Scudamore Bailey Colonle C Sidgwick 50/1
5 MY CHARMAINE Tommy Carberry Piggott Mrs D Solomon 100/7
6 ROYAL CONQUER Lyons P Kennedy Ire Miss M Kennedy 33/1
7 WELSH BARD O'Donovan Bowie Mr W Atterbury 50/1
8 CHINESE LACQUER Stan Mellor Beeby Lord Bicester 9/2
9 PERSPEX Crowley J Murphy Ire Mr P Cashman 50/1
10 CARRARA T Jones H Ryan Price Mr G Becvar 100/6
11 RUE DE PARIS Gaselee Thomson-Jones Mrs C B-Bruce 50/1
12 JOMSVIKING Haine Bob Turnell Mr H C Harvey 100/8
13 PYTHON Tim Norman Dill Mrs R Dill 50/1
14 HONOUR BOUND Terry Biddlecombe Fred Rimell Mrs E Gaze 9/4 fav
15 SEAZA Mackeson Armytage Sir M Mackeson 50/1
16 CAYUKA Macer Gifford R Stringer Mrs A Rekstin 50/1
17 WILDRON D McNally Toby Balding Mr W Tazewell 50/1
      Over round 122%
This race was held on Thursday 11th March 1965 when Antiar beat Tobago and Imperator by 1 1/2 lengths and 6 lengths