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 1968 Seller 3 miles
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 PARK RANGER Stan Mellor Thomson-Jones Mr Stanhope Joel 100/30
2 WHADDON HERO P Elliott P J King Mr P J King 100/9
3 TAPINA Begley Les Kennard Mr P Miller 8/1
4 TIBIDABO Johhny Haine Bob Turnell Mrs A Gibson 9/4 fav
5 JOLLY SIGNAL Uttley E Jones Mrs D Crouch 7/2
6 FRENCH DAWN S Roberts S Roberts Mr S Roberts 7/1
7 OLD MAID Tim Norman J West Mr J West 20/1
8 BLUE NOTE G W Robinson Fulke Walwyn Major D Daly 20/1
9 LIGHTNESS D Moore Mrs Smyth Mr J Smyth 20/1
      Over round 123%
This race was held on Saturday 6th April 1968 when Park Ranger beat Whaddon Hero and Tapina by 2 1/2 lengths and 2 lengths