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) 2014 Grade 1 3 miles
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 MORE OF THAT Barry Geraghty Jonjo O'Neill Mr John P McManus 15/2
2 ANNIE POWER Ruby Walsh Willie Mullins (Ire) Mrs Susannah Ricci 11/8 fav
3 AT FISHERS CROSS A P McCoy Rebecca Curtis Mr John P McManus 9/1
4 ZARKANDAR Noel Fehily Paul Nicholls Chris Giles & Potensis Bloodstock 14/1
5 BIG BUCK'S Sam Twiston-Davies Paul Nicholls The Stewart Family 7/2
6 RULE THE WORLD Brian O'Connell M F Morris (Ire) Gigginstown House Stud 14/1
7 MEDINAS Wayne Hutchinson Alan King Mr & Mrs F D Bell 25/1
8 REVE DE SIVOLA Richard Johnson Nick Williams Paul Duffy Diamond Partnership 33/1
9 SALUBRIOUS Nick Schofield Paul Nicholls Johnson & Stewart Families 25/1
10 CELESTIAL HALO Daryl Jacob Paul Nicholls The Stewart Family 20/1
        Over round 115%
This race was held on Thursday 13th March 2014 when More of That beat Annie Power and At Fishers Cross by 1 1/2 lengths and 5 lengths