400 metres hurdles to 400 metres, or one lap of the stadium, and the number of hurdles was reduced to ten. The official height of the hurdles was set to 91.4 cm (3 feet) for men and 76.20 cm (2 ft, 6 inches) for women. The hurdles were now placed on the course with a run-up to the first hurdle of 45 metres, a distance between the hurdles of 35 metres each, and a home stretch from the last hurdle to the finish line of 40 metres. The first documented 400 m hurdles race for women took place in 1971. The International Association
Betfair Stayers' Handicap Hurdle Unlike the traditional hurdle they are very rigid in construction. In 2017 the race reverted to standard hurdles. The race was first run in 2005. It was awarded Grade 3 status in 2011. It has been sponsored by Betfair since its inception and the race title has changed to promote various Betfair websites and promotions. The race is currently run on the same day as the Betfair Chase. Prior to 2018 it was run over distances around 2 miles and 7 furlongs. Betfair Stayers' Handicap Hurdle The Betfair Stayers' Handicap Hurdle is a Grade 3 National Hunt hurdle race in