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) 2026 Grade 1 3 miles
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 HOME BY THE LEA J J Slevin Joseph O'Brien (Ire) Sean O'Driscoll 33/1
2 BALLYBURN Paul Townend Willie Mullins (Ire) R A Bartlett & D Manaseh 11/2
3 BOB OLINGER Darragh O'Keeffe Henry De Bromhead (Ire) Robcour 13/2
4 KABRAI DU MATHAN Harry Skelton Dan Skelton Neil & Alfie Smith 4/1
5 HONESTY POLICY Mark Walsh Gordon Elliott (Ire) Mr John P McManus 11/1
6 TEAHUPOO Jack Kennedy Gordon Elliott (Ire) Robcour 9/4 fav
7 HEWICK Paddy Hanlon John Joseph Hanlon (Ire) T J McDonald 50/1
8 MA SHANTOU Harry Cobden Emma Lavelle Mighty Acorn Stables 17/2
PU DODDIETHEGREAT James Bowen Nicky Henderson Kenneth Alexander 40/1
PU IMPOSE TOI Nico De Boinville Nicky Henderson Mr John P McManus 8/1
        Over round 117%
This race was held on Thursday 12th March 2026 when Home By The Lee beat Ballyburn and Bob Olinger by 1 1/4 lengths and 1 1/2 lengths