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.
Waterford Crystal Stayers Hurdle 1985 Seller 3 miles
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 ROSE RAVINE R Pusey Fulke Walwyn Mrs S Smart 5/1 fav
2 CRIMSON EMBERS S Shilston Fulke Walwyn Mrs S Smart 12/1
3 AONOCH Jimmy Duggan Mrs S Oliver Mr M Paciffico 6/1
4 GOLDSPUN Peter Scudamore David Nicholson Lord Vestey 22/1
5 CLINKER M Bosley M Bosley Mr A King 100/1
6 BAJAN SUNSHINE Steve Smith Eccles Martin Tate Mr P Green 11/2
7 BUCKBE Colin Brown David Elsworth Mr R Tory 7/1
8 ANOTHER SHOT T M Walsh P McCreery Ire Mr M white 11/1
9 CHURCH WARDEN Graham Bradley David Murray Smith Mr J Morston 12/1
10 PLAYBOY John Francome Fred Winter Duke of Alberqueque 12/1
11 BOLANDS CROSS Richard Linley Nick Gaselee Sheikh Ali Abu Khamsin 25/1
12 MOSSMORAN P Charlton A Scott Mr D Armstrong 25/1
13 VIVAQUE Jonjo O'Neill David Elsworth Mrs M Harman 25/1
14 BALLY-GO Phil Tuck M W Easterby Mr C Bell 33/1
15 PHENIC Pat Leech J Crowley Ire Mr D Joyce 33/1
16 CAMINO CRYSTAL K Mooney Christian Mr P Doherty 50/1
17 FIGHTER PILOT Paul Leach Martin Pipe Mr P Gray 50/1
18 HERE'S WHY Richard Rowe Josh Gifford Mr Paddy Hopkins 50/1
19 WE'LL SEE A J O'Brien F O'Brien Ire Mr R Bergin 50/1
20 WONDER WOOD P Richards R Holder Mr D Robinson 66/1
21 LITTLE LONDON Richard Dunwoody T Morton Mr T Morton 500/1
22 MALFORD LAD M Richards R Hawker Mr R Hawker 500/1
      Over round 122%

This race was held on Tuesday 12th March 1985 when Rose Ravine beat Crimson Embers and Aonoch by a neck and 5 lengths