Farewell Manchester Racecourse
A brief history of Manchester Racecourse.
There is a song, ‘Farwell Manchester composed about 1740 by the Reverend Will Felton, it was also a harpsichord piece known as, ‘Felton Gavotte.’ Thought to have been sung to Prince Charles Edward Stuart as they left the city in December 1745. Farwell Manchester it was eventually to the racecourse also.
1963 saw the closure of the old racecourse. It began its life in 1647 at Barlow Moor and then later races being held on Kersal Moor in 1687. Horse racing was held on small courses wherever locals and aristocrats chose to put them on such as Heaton Park, Eccles, Old Trafford, and many more.
Racing had it supporters and its detractors and one named John Byrom (1692-1763) was hugely against the sport. He had racing halted in 1746 but at least one race was held in 1750. A grandstand was built by subscription as at Epsom Downs. Kersal moor was finally closed in 1847 and racing moved to the River Erwell.
Richard Wright proctor wrote in 1862
‘The river is also the source of occasional merriment. As the approaches to the race-ground are jealously guarded by toll-men, it follows that many urchins, penniless tramps, and artizans out of employ are annually excluded. Of these unfortunates some turn listlessly homeward, while others, more persevering, gather in groups along the bank of the stream, and select a place for fording. The youngsters then strip, and fasten their bundled apparel upon their heads; the men turn up their trousers, slinging their shoes and stockings over their shoulders; thus prepared they enter the water, some crossing with comparative ease; but others, on dropping a cap, or swimming a stocking, or sinking deeper than they expected, lose heart and return, to the infinite amusement of those on the winning side. If, as Poor Richard affirms, a penny saved be a penny gained, this is the way to gain it with a vengeance.’
This unfortunate racecourse without a permanent home was transferred yet again to Castle Irwell. The course was an unusual shape with a flat course of 1 mile 6 furlongs.
In June 1952 Queen Elizabeth ll celebrated her first winner as an owner after acceding the throne.
The Manchester Cup was won a length by Mr. Gerald Oldham’s Expresso 5 yrs, 8.12 ridden by Lester Piggott. watched over by a crowd of about 20,000.
1963 the last November Handicap was won by John Gosden training Mr. Herbert Allen’s Best Song, ridden by Jeremy Lindley.
The Racecard November 12th 1960, was a meeting of National Hunt and also flat races. The first race was Final Maiden Plate for 2 year olds, 5 furlongs. The Consolation Plate, one mile and a quarter for three year olds and upwards. The Emblem Steeple Chase and the Lancashire Nursery Handicap for 2 year olds, 6 furlongs.
I recognise Archive, his son a bay gelding called Rath Hill would have been a half brother to Arkle, Rath Hill was running in the Pathfinder Steeple Chase.
Hyperion and Artic Prince, were both well-known stallions; I think Artic Prince won the Derby. They both have progeny running here. I also see the sire High Treason has a son, High Pressure, in the Lancashire Nursery Handicap. Louie Dingwall trained Treason Trial also a son of High Treason. Blue Peter from Rosebery’s stable is a sire here with his son Blue Peak
Another famous sire in Magic Red, the sire of Red Candle who beat Red Rum in the Hennessy in 1974. He has Just Grey and Humour in the Greengate Consolation Plate.
References:
A Long Time Gone, Chris Pitt
Farwell Manchester, Caroline Ramsden