BEDFORD

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Grateful thanks to Robin Charnock for providing the detailed information shown below

Records show that racing took place at Bedford as early as 1774 and lasted at the same venue until the final meeting on 1st October 1873. The course was situated just outside of Bedford on Pear Tree Farm in the village of Elstow.

Key Questions still to be answered:-

  • Where exactly was the course situated?

  • What shape and distance was it?

  • What remains of the course today?

  • Can anyone provide a map, badge or racecard from the course?

SEPTEMBER 1836

His Majesty's Plate was run for 100 guineas at the Wednesday meeting on September 28th. It took place over 3 miles with the following result:

1.     ROYAL GEORGE        3 years old   7st 11lb   Owned by Mr W Edwards

2.     RIOTER                       5 years old   9st 9lb     Owned by Mr Sowerby

3.     THE PROFESSOR       3 years old   7st 11lb   Owned by Colonel Peel
At the same meeting the Duke of Bedford gave a purse of 50 sovereigns for a race over 2 miles with the following result:-

DUKE OF BEDFORD STAKES

1.     ZENANA                    3 years old   8st 4lb  Owned by Colonel Peel

2.     GORHAMBURY        3 years old   8st 7lb  Owned by Mr Coleman

TWO YEAR OLD STAKES

1.     SHERIFF                   2 years old   8st 7lb    Owned by Mr Phillimore

2.     TALE BEARER        2 years old   8st 4lb   Owned by Mr Stevens

3.     PAPHIAN                  2 years old   8st 4lb   Owned by Mr Cooke

COUNTY PLATE

1.     PRODIGAL               3 years old   6st 9lb    Owned by Mr Hall

2.     WATER NYMPH     3 years old   6st 9lb   Owned by Mr Mason

3.     GORHAMBURY      3 years old   7st 3lb   Owned by Mr Coleman
On Thursday 29th September records show that 2 races took place with the following results:-

CORPORATION & TOWN PLATE

1.     PRODIGAL                   3 years old   7st 0lb    Owned by Mr Hall

2.     WATER NYMPH         3 years old   6st 11lb   Owned by Mr Mason

3.     GORHAMBURY          3 years old   7st 3lb   Owned by Mr Coleman

HANDICAP STAKES

1.     JANE                            4 years old  8st 10lb   Owned by Mr G Ongley

2.    WATER NYMPH        3 years old  8st 0lb      Owned by Mr Mason

3.    NEEDHAM                    5 years old  9st 0lb     Owned by Lord Alford

If you can provide further information about this racecourse then email   johnslusar@fsmail.net

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