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 1967 Seller 3 miles
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 BEAU NORMAND Jeff King Bob Turnell Mr H Joel 6/1
2 KING VULGAN P Woods Tom Dreaper Ire Mr J Costello 7/1
3 MIDDLETON TOWER Stan Mellor Fulke Walwyn Mr Fred Pontin 20/1
4 CANDYVILLE Crotty J Woods Ire Mr A Watson 20/1
5 BURLINGTON II Holmes H Ryan Price Mrs Wigan 100/30 jt fav
6 MERMAID'S SONG Trafford Trafford Mrs Trafford 66/1
7 CHINESE LACQUER David Nicholson H Nicholson Lord Bicester 100/30 jt fav
8 TOLEDAN II Bailey Toby Balding Mr R Cuppa 9/1
9 MOUNTCASHEL PRINCE Shortt P Murphy Ire Mr Arthur Moore 33/1
10 NORTHERN CHALLENGER Terry Biddlecombe Fred Rimell Mr A Watson 25/1
11 COTTAGER Eddie Harty Fred Winter Mr J F Wilson 25/1
12 CLEAR TUNE A Fisher A Fisher Mr K Godson 66/1
13 WANDERING MINSTREL Josh Gifford E Parker Mr E Parker 20/1
14 COMHAILL Johnny Haine Whelan Captain Langton 20/1
      Over round 118%
This race was held on Thursday 16th March 1967 when Beau Normand beat King Vulgan and Middleton Tower by 3/4 length and 4 lengths