BRECONSHIRE

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

Breconshire Racecourse was situated by the side of the River Usk just on the outskirts of the town of Brecon. There is evidence of racing taking place throughout the period 1825 to 1868, although mysteriously there appears to have not been racing in 1851. The final race meeting took place on 14th September 1868. The famous jockey Geoff Lewis was born in Brecon close to the former racecourse.

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

The South Wales Produce Stakes took place on Wednesday 28th September over 2 miles for 3 year olds. The result was:-

1.     MANTUA             7st 13lb   Owned by Captain B Davies

2.     MOMUS                8st 2lb     Owned by Captain B Davies

3.     BARNACLES       8st 7lb     Owned by Mr Andrews
Also at the Wednesday meeting the records show that 2 further races took place, the Usk Stakes and The Ladies Plate with the following result:-

LADIES PLATE

1.     CHANGELING     9st 5lb   Owned by Mr J H Peel

2.     LATONA               9st 5lb   Owned by Mr Davis

3.     CALIPH                 8st 13lb  Owned by Captain Pettat
The meeting extended to a second day on Thursday 29th September and included a Hurdle Stakes, Members' Plate, County Stakes, Welter Stakes and the Breconshire Stakes.

The Breconshire Stakes

1.     THE SCHOOLMASTER  5 years old  8st 2lb  Owned by Mr Smythie

2.     CHANGELING                 6 years old  9st 0lb Owned by Mr J H Peel

3.     DESPERATE                    4 years old  7st 6lb  Owned by Mr Reeves
In 1866 the Stewards Cup took place and was won by Gomera who was owned by the Duke of Beaufort.

Brecon cup.JPG (9806 bytes)

I am indebted to Colin James for the scan of the Stewards Cup.

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

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