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 1986 Seller 3 miles
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 CRIMSON EMBERS S Shilston Fulke Walwyn Mrs S Smart 12/1
2 RAVARO K O'Brien J Crowley Ire Mr J Crowley 4/1 jt fav
3 AGAINST THE GRAIN Richard Dunwoody David Nicholson Mr B Brooks 50/1
4 SHEER GOLD Graham Bradley Toby Balding Lady Harris 4/1 jt fav
5 MIDNIGHT COUNT Richard Rowe Josh Gifford Mr H Joel 9/2
6 SABIN DU LOIR Colin Brown M Smith Mr B Kilpatrick 13/2
7 GALA'S IMAGE Hwyel Davies Mercy Rimell Sheikh Ali Abu Khamsin 10/1
8 KINGS COLLEGE BOY John White Nicky Vigors Mr H Thomson 12/1
9 THE LIQUIDATOR Paul Leach Martin Pipe Mr B Wheatley 12/1
10 BRITTANY BOY Tom Taaffe Hitchmough Ire Mr J Glynn 14/1
11 BAJAN SUNSHINE Jonjo O'Neill Martin Tate Mr P Green 25/1
12 KRISTENSON M Williams R Fisher Mr J Coward 25/1
13 RISING FOREST Mark Dwyer Jimmy Fitzgerald A Budge Ltd 33/1
14 GOLDSPUN Peter Scudamore David Nicholson Lord Vestey 50/1
15 NEWLAR G Jones Stan Mellor Mr S Tindall 50/1
16 ANGEL BANK E Murphy J Edwards Captain Lumsden 200/1
17 CADDAGAT Simon Sherwood F Heyes Mr J Tackley 200/1
18 PRINCE'S DRIVE C Evans Palling Mr Bernard Manning 200/1
19 MELLIE Judy Blakeney J Blakeney Mr R Blake 200/1
      Over round 123%

This race was held on Tuesday 11th March 1986 when Crimson Embers beat Ravaro and Against the Grain by 15 lengths and 2 1/2 lengths