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 1971 Seller 3 miles
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 CLEVER SCOT B R Davies H Thomson Jones Mr M Ritzenberg 11/4 fav
2 ALL FOUND N Wakley Mrs E Kennard Mrs E Floyd-Walker 4/1
3 THE SPANIARD Tommy Stack Ken Oliver Mr W Rimmer 10/1
4 GLASSERTON J Glover T Taylor Mr R Owen 14/1
5 BANQUO John Williams Les Kennard Mr H Neilson 16/1
6 COLONEL IMP Brian Fletcher Denys Smith Mrs A Fawcett 6/1
7 ATHLETE Eddie Harty R Head Lord Pembroke 20/1
8 GUS CARTER D Sparkes S Bridge Mr D Scotford 50/1
9 HEATH ROW Mr A Wilson David Nicholson Mr A Wilson 50/1
10 IRISHMAN F Ennis P Doyle Ire Mr M King 50/1
11 LORD SHIVA R Evans R C Price Mr W Thomas 50/1
12 AVONDHU R Coonan P Sleator Ire Miss J Proud 4/1
13 LATCH P Cowley S Kernick Mr R Crossman 50/1
      Over round 117%
This race was held on Wednesday 17th March 1971 when Clever Scot beat All Found and The Spaniard by 8 lengths and 8 lengths