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) 2016 Grade 1 3 miles
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 THISTLECRACK Tom Scudamore Colin Tizzard John & Heather Snook Evens fav
2 ALPHA DES OBEAUX B J Cooper M F Morris (Ire) Gigginstown House Stud 8/1
3 BOBS WORTH David Bass Nicky Henderson The Not Afraid Partnership 33/1
4 COLE HARDEN Gavin Sheehan Warren Greatrex Robin & Mrs Jill Eynon 15/2
5 AUX PTITS SOINS Nick Scholfield Paul Nicholls John Hales 16/1
6 SAPHIR DU RHEU Sam Twsiston-Davies Paul Nicholls The Stewart Family 11/1
7 MARTELLO TOWER Adrian Heskin Ms Margaret Mullins (Ire) Ms Margaret Mullins 14/1
8 WHISPER Nico De Boinville Nicky Henderson Walters Plant Hire ltd 9/1
PU KNOCKARA BEAU Liam Treadwell George Charlton J I A Charlton 100/1
PU AT FISHERS CROSS Barry Geraghty Rebecca Curtis Mr John P McManus 33/1
PU KILCOOLEY Richard Johnson Charlie Longsden J H & S M Wall 20/1
PU LIEUTENANT COLONEL Davy Russell Mrs Sandra Hughes (Ire) Gigginstown House Stud 33/1
        Over round 119%
This race was held on Thursday 17th March 2016 when Thistlecrack beat Alpha Des Obeaux and Bobs Worth by 7 lengths and 22 lengths