| It is known for certain that races took place at Bloxwich in 1842
because The Racing Calendar provides all of the details of the races, but it is thought
that races took place the previous year. Furthermore, there was certainly a race meeting
in 1847, because the actual racecard was auctioned on ebay in late 2006. John Griffiths
possesses a racecard from the 1849 meeting, the details of which are shown on the right
hand side of this page. |
|
| In the book "The Story of Bloxwich", written by Ernest
James Homeshaw, published in 1955 it states "Near The Pinfold stood the Swan Inn
where farmers and tradesmen met to settle their accounts and argue over the performance of
ponies at the last Bloxwich races held on The Slang.Most Bloxwich Inns had a cockpit for
the amusement of their patrons and weekly mains were the fashion." |
| I am indebted to John Griffiths for allowing me to include details of
the 1842 races from his excellent book indicated at the head of this page. Bloxwich Races : Monday 8th August 1842
THE TRIAL STAKES of 2 sovereigns each, with 10
added. The winner to be sold for 40 sovereigns if demanded.
Heats over 1 1/2 miles
1. Miss Ferguson 6
year old 9st 11 lbs Owned by Mr Doncaster
2. St Bonolph
4 year old 9st 2 lbs
THE HURDLE RACE of 2 sovereigns each with 10 added.
1. Kate Kearney owned by Mr Channer carrying
11st 7 lbs |
|
| Bloxwich Races : Tuesday 9th August 1842
THE HURRY SCURRY STAKES of 1 sovereign each, with 5
added.
Distance thrice round
1. Miss Ferguson 6
year old 9st 11 lbs Owned by Mr Doncaster
A HANDICAP STAKES of 1 sovereign each with a purse
added.
1. Oakbranch owned by Mr Harrison carrying
11st 7 lbs |
| The Clerk of the Races was Luke Head, a farmer from nearby Fishley,
who was also a councillor of the village. |
If you can provide
further information about this racecourse then email johnslusar@fsmail.net |
John Griffiths would be glad to hear from
anyone who can provide further information about Bloxwich races. |