The World Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt horse race.

It is run on the New Course at Cheltenham Racecourse during the Cheltenham Festival.

There are twelve hurdles to be jumped in the race.

It was first run under its current conditions in 1972 as the Stayers' Hurdle, changing to the present name in 2005.

It is the most prestigious long distance hurdle race in the United Kingdom.

Until 1992 it was run on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival over a distance of 3 miles 1 furlong on the Old Course. In 1993 it was moved to the third day and run on the New Course over 3 miles for the first time.

The race was sponsored by Waterford Crystal until 1990 and then by Bonusprint until 2004. Since 2005 it has been sponsored by Ladbrokes.

Age Trend: Range: 6 - 9yo.

Trainer Trend: PF Nicholls has won the last two renewals of this race with Big Buck's. J Howard Johnson has trained three winners of this race in the last eight years.

Jockey Trend: R Walsh was the jockey on both of Big Buck's wins.

Favourite Trend: The favourite has won three times in the last eight years (one was a joint-favourite).

Official Rating Trend: Range: 157 - 174. (No OR for 2003 winner.)