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.
Lloyds Bank Hurdle 1979 Seller 3 miles
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 LIGHTER Philip Blacker John Edwards Mr G Smith 14/1
2 JUST ABLE R Townend T Nicholson Mr T Nicholson 14/1
3 PETERHOF Ridley Lamb A Scott Mr A Lancaster 9/4 fav
4 MOUNTRIVERS Mr Niall Madden Eddie O'Grady Ire Mr B Buser 5/1
5 JOHN CHERRY Steve Smith Eccles H Thomson Jones Mr M Ritzenberg 12/1
6 DEEP GALE T J Ryan Eddie O'Grady Ire John P McManus 5/1
7 DRUSUS Colin Tinkler Fred Rimell Mr R Brown 7/1
8 MILAN MAJOR Reg Crank M Oliver Mr S Marsh 7/1
9 KELSO CHANT S Charlton Jumbo Wilkinson Mrs M Richardson 8/1
10 JACKS THE BUOY Tommy Carbery Arthur Moore Ire Mrs M Snell 14/1
11 KING NEPTUNE Andy Turnell Bob Turnell Mr H Joel 20/1
12 LE BON LEVANSTELL Frank Berry Liam Browne Ire Mr H McCaffrey 20/1
13 MIDLAND GAYLE F Leavy S Scott Ire Mrs B Scott 20/1
14 CAPER'S LAD Mr N Mitchell N Mitchell Mrs E Mitchell 33/1
      Over round 144%
This race was held on Wednesday 14th March 1979 when Lighter beat Just Able and Peterhof by 5 lengths and 4 lengths