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.
Lloyds Bank Hurdle 1974 Seller 3 miles
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 HIGHLAND ABBE Mr R Smith Les Kennard Mrs K Hankey 15/2
2 MOYNE ROYAL Jeff King A J Pitt Mr E Cook 8/1
3 SEA TALE Terry Biddlecombe Fulke Walwyn Mrs B Heath 9/1
4 SWIFT SHADOW David Mould H Thomson Jones Mrs A Gibson 9/4 fav
5 TRUE LUCK K B White Fred Rimell Mrs G Haynes 11/2
6 LOT T Skiffington Jimmy Fitzgerald Mrs H Botterill 9/1
7 SILENT PARTNER Dessie Hughes Mick O'Toole Ire Mr R Eastwood 10/1
8 RED HOUSE Paul Kelleway H Ryan Price Mr J Weir 12/1
9 SALVIATI Brian Fletcher Toby Balding Mr M Vickers 14/1
10 CARBURY'S PRINCE Richard Rowell Miss Auriel Sinclair Mr P Goulandris 16/1
11 GARRYMUST Graham Thorner Mrs Oughton Lt-Col J Benson 25/1
12 MAC'S BIRTHDAY C Gorman F Gorman Mr F Gorman 33/1
13 MAID OF LORIEN B R Davies J Edwards Mrs A Morley 33/1
14 RABBLE ROUSER Bob Champion Josh Gifford Mr F Pullen 33/1
15 ROSSMON Bill Smith Bill Marshall Mr L Wreford 33/1
      Over round 134%
This race was held on Wednesday 13th March 1974 when Highland Abbe beat Moyne Royal and Sea Tale by 1 1/2 lengths and a head