ABERDEEN
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| There is evidence that racing took place on the beaches around Aberdeen as early as 1661, although it is likely that these were spasmodic and that the main, prolonged period of racing so far north started in 1793. Both the Aberdeen Journal and the Aberdeen Gazette make reference to matches taking place on the Links at Aberdeen in 1766 and 1787. |
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| Racing took place on the 1st October 1793 opening with a plate for hunters to the value of £50. Records show that a full 5 day meeting took place in 1794 which began on 30th September. The meeting lasted until 1799 but was revived in 1815. | |
| In 1823 the Royal Caledonian Hunt Club held their meeting at Aberdeen starting on 30th August. Although the club had a choice of 8 different courses in Scotland, they only chose Aberdeen once. The main race was the Caledonian St Leger Stakes which was won by Stratherne. | |
| The popularity of the meeting is shown by the fact that the 1824 meeting lasted an amazing 8 days starting on 30th August. Often there would be three or four full races each day, with the final race not taking place until 6th September. | |
| It is acknowledged that todays trainers take their horses long distances if they feel they have a chance to triumph. Imagine the distances that they would have had to travel to get to Aberdeen, and then ask yourself how they would have got themselves and their horses to the course, and where would they have stayed? In days of old the trainers had a saying, "I'd take horses to Aberdeen if there was any racing there and I thought I could win races'. Unfortunatley there are no more races at Aberdeen and haven't been since 30th August 1876. | Aberdeen races had various spells of racing from 1793 through to a final meeting on 30 August 1876. This subscribers badge, providing a ticket granting premission to stand, was issued in 1817 for the races at Aberdeen, Fofar, Kincarny and Banff. Thanks are due to Richard English for providing the scan and invaluable information. If you can provide further information then email johnslusar@fsmail.net |
