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) 2004 Grade 1 3 miles
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 IRIS'S GIFT Barry Geraghty Jonjo O'Neill Robert Lester 9/2
2 BARACOUDA Thiery Doumen Francois Doumen (Fr) Mr John P McManus 8/11 fav
3 CRYSTAL D'AINAY Robert Thornton Alan King Tony & Mrs Jenni Fisher 8/1
4 SOLERINA G T Hutchinson James Bowe John P Bowe 14/1
5 HOLY ORDERS Ruby Walsh Willie Mullins (Ire) Allan McLuckie 33/1
6 YOGI G Cotter Thomas Foley Patrick Delaney jnr 66/1
7 TARXIEN Jamie Moore Martin Pipe B A Kilpatrick 150/1
8 GRALMANO Graham Lee Kevin Ryan Coleorton Moor Racing 150/1
9 REDEMPTION I Carl Llewellyn Nigel Twiston-Davies John Duggan & Michael Purtill 150/1
F SH BOOML L Cooper Jonjo O'Neill TGK Construction ltd 9/1
        Over round 111%
This race was held on Thursday 18th March 2004 when Iris's Gift beat Baracouda and Crystal D'Ainay by 1 1/2 lengths and 13 lengths