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 1969 Seller 3 miles
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 YOUNG ASH LEAF Jimmy Uttley Ernie Weymes Mr R McDonald 5/1
2 PALE WARRIOR Terry Biddlecombe Thomson Jones 15/2
3 HANS ANDERSEN J Speid-Soote A Nuttall 100/8
4 IRISH RULE T S Murphy W A Stephenson 11/8 fav
5 RIGHT HONOURABLE GENTLEMAN David Mould J Peacock 9/2
6 KINGWARD T Jennings D Owen 7/1
7 WAWEL Josh Gifford Dennistoun 100/6
      Over round 114%
This race was held on Saturday 12th April 1969 when Young Ash Leaf beat Pale Warrior and Hans Andersen by 4 lengths and 8 lengths