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.
Stayers Hurdle (World Hurdle/Spa Hurdle) 1997 Grade 1 3 miles
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 KARSHI Jamie Osborne Henrietta Knight Lord Vestey 20/1
2 ANZUM Richard Johnson David Nicholson The Old Foresters Partnership 25/1
3 PADDY'S RETURN Richard Hughes Ferdy Murphy Paddy O'Donnell 20/1
4 SOHRAB Chris Maude Martin Pipe Joe & Joanne Richards 33/1
5 ESCARTEFIGUE David Bridgwater David Nicholson K W Biggins 9/2 fav
6 WHAT A QUESTION Conor O'Dwyer M F Morris (Ire) Mrs Miles Valentine 6/1
7 TRAINGLOT Richard Dunwoody Jimmy Fitzgerald Marquesa De Moratalla 7/1
8 PRIDWELL A P McCoy Martin Pipe Jones, Berstock, Fleet 8/1
9 TARRS BRIDGE Jamie Magee Charlie Mann The Tuesday Partnership 40/1
10 DERRYMOYLE J P Broderick Michael Cunningham (Ire) Herb M Stanley 25/1
11 OCEAN HAWK Carl Llewellyn Nigel Twiston-Davies Matt Archer, Miss J Broadhurst 7/1
12 EALING COURT Barry Fenton N M Babbage R S Brookhouse 100/1
13 TOP SPIN Timmy Murphy John Jenkins Mrs Carol Davis 100/1
14 WISLEY WONDER David Walsh Nigel Twiston-Davies The Wisley Golf Partnership 66/1
F CONQUERING LEADER Mick Fitzgerald Nicky Henderson Mrs R A Proctor 15/2
F URBANDE Charlie Swann Aidan O'Brien (Ire) M G St Quinton 6/1
RO TRAGIC HERO Norman Williamson Martin Pipe Knight Hawks Partnership 50/1
      Over round 123%
This race was held on Thursday 13th March 1997 when Karshi beat Anzum and Paddy's Return by 2 1/2 lengths and 2 lengths