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 1970 Seller 3 miles
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 ARCTIC FEAST K B White Fred Rimell 7/2
2 PARK RANGER Stan Mellor Thomson Jones 4/1
3 TE FOU Johnny Haine Bob Turnell 100/6
4 CODE OF THE ROAD C Gorman T Fowler 10/1
5 JACTHELOT B R Davies C H Davies 8/1
6 ALBINELLA R Coonan K Bailey 11/4 fav
7 LEILA MARGARET Mr K Pike T Johnsey 33/1
8 ELBERTO Capt C Stephenson Peter Calver 33/1
9 FAIRY GAMBOL T M Jones K Denning 33/1
10 ALBATROS N Wakley G Francis 33/1
11 PERRY PRINCE Andy Turnell R Wilson 33/1
12 STUD GROOM Dessie Hughes C H Davies 20/1
13 MISS TRESPASS Ron Atkins J Gilbert 33/1
14 FRIENDLY SOCIETY K Begley Rees Thomas 33/1
      Over round 120%
This race was held on Saturday 11th April 1970 when Arctic Feast beat Park Ranger and Te Fou by a head and 2 lengths