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 1976 Seller 3 miles
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 BIT OF A JIG Dessie Hughes Mick O'Toole Ire 2/1 fav
2 SIMONS PET John Francome Fred Winter 7/2
3 IRISH FASHION Ron Barry M Cunningham Ire 11/4
4 SKIDDAW VIEW Mr A Eubank J Dixon 33/1
5 OROSIO Bob Champion P Cundell 50/1
6 SILKSTONE Jonjo O'Neill Steve Norton 25/1
7 PHILOMINSKY D Munro P Cundell 7/1
8 MR STRAIGHT Barry Brogan W Fisher 20/1
9 HERACLES Duke of Alberqueque Fred Winter 33/1
10 SAFFRON CAKE Bill Smith Les Kennard 33/1
11 UNCLE VANYA Tommy Stack I Jordon 50/1
12 DRUM MAJOR Ron Atkins D Underwood 50/1
      Over round 117%
This race was held on Wednesday 17th March 1976 when Bit of a Jig beat Simons Pet and Irish Fashion by 3/4 length and 6 lengths