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) 1998 Grade 1 3 miles
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 PRINCEFUL R Farrant Mrs Jenny Pitman Robert Hitchins 16/1
2 SPLENDID THYNE Warren Marston Terry Casey John Galvanoni 10/1
3 OCEAN HAWK Carl Llewellyn Nigel Twiston-Davies Matt Archer, Miss J Broadhurst 5/1
4 MIGHTY MOSS Mr F Hutsby David Nicholson K Hutsby 9/1
5 PADDY'S RETURN Norman Williamson Ferdy Murphy Paddy O'Donnell 6/4 fav
6 COMMANCHE COURT Ruby Walsh Ted Walsh (Ire) Mrs Helen Walsh 9/1
7 GYSART A P McCoy Martin Pipe Mrs R Cobbold 10/1
8 BUCKHOUSE BOY Adrian Maguire David Nicholson The Bawtry Boys 8/1
PU FRIENDSHIP Mick Fitzgerald Nicky Henderson T Benfield, W Brown 33/1
      Over round 115%
This race was held on Thursday 19th March 1998 when Princeful beat Splendid Thyne and Ocean Hawk by 2 lengths and 4 lengths