Earliest meeting: Wednesday 23rd August 1820
Final meeting: Monday 3rd September 1900
The earliest record of racing recorded as Bromyard was the two day meeting held on Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th August 1820. However, it was a poor meeting with just one race on the Wednesday and two on the Thursday, one of which was a walk over. Prior to this racing had almost certainly taken place on the same course between 1810 and 1819 when results were recorded in the Racing Calendar as Broxash Races. Racing continued at Bromyard until 1823 whence it ceased until 1833. At the revival meeting on Wednesday 18th September 1833 the valuable Bromyard 50 Sovereign Purse saw Eagle beat Acco in a competitive event. However, the feature race that day was confined to horses owned by farmers farming within 6 miles of Bromyard. It did not encourage outsiders to attend the meeting and was won by Mr Patrick’s Fanny. The most competitive race on the calendar was the Broxash Stakes; on Wednesday 16th August 1837 it was won by Mr Drew’s Jerry, and on Wednesday 30th September 1846 it went to Mr Waring’s Rosa. By 1867 racing returned for a prolonged period, offering both Flat racing and Hurdles racing, but the final Flat race meeting was in 1874. Interest waxed and waned, with meetings being organised spasmodically until the final card was held on Monday 3rd September 1900.
James Whyte’s History of the British Turf notes that racing took place in the 'Worcestershire town', on the River Brome, in 1833, with details of that first meeting shown below. It was a single days racing in the middle of August.
Broxash Chase, Froome Maiden Hurdle, Broxash Stakes, Bromyard All-Aged Stakes, Hack Stakes, Bromyard Hurdle Stakes, Bromyard Town Purse
Wednesday 23rd August 1820
Bromyard £50 Maiden Plate over twice round
1. Rebecca, 5 year old black filly by Brigliadoro owned by Mr Farrall 1 1
2. Faunus, 4 year old brown colt by York owned by Mr Saunders 3 2
3. Unnamed 4 year old bay gelding by Junius owned by Mr Duncan 2 3
Thursday 24th August 1820
Bromyard 5 Guineas Sweepstake over twice round (10 subscribers)
1. Mary Ann, 4 year old chestnut filly by Applegarth owned by Mr J Pickernell (walked over)
Bromyard £50 All Aged Handicap over twice round
1. Miss Allegro 8st 8lbs, 5 year old bay mare by Waxy owned by Mr Bodenham 1 2 1
2. Patience 7st 12lbs, 4 year old bay filly owned by Mr Arthur 4 1 2
3. Bolus 9st 2lbs, 6 year old bay horse owned by Mr Vevers 2 3 wdr
4. Brown Betty 8st 2lbs, 6 year old brown mare owned by Mr Stevens 3 4 wdr
Wednesday 8th August 1821
Bromyard £50 Maiden Plate over twice round
1. Rosina 7st 13lbs, 4 year old bay filly by Sir Harry Dinsdale owned by Major Ormsby Gore 1 1
2. Shah Abjah 8st 10lbs, 5 year old brown horse owned by Mr Stevens 3 2
3. Unnamed 4 year old bay filly by Orville owned by Mr Owen 2 wdr
Thursday 9th August 1821
Bromyard 5 Guineas Sweepstake for horses bred in Herefordshire
1. Mary Ann, 4 year old chestnut filly by Applegarth owned by Mr Winnington 1 1
2. Shah Abjah, 5 year old brown horse owned by Mr Barneby 2 wdr
Bromyard £50 All Age Handicap over twice round
1. Letitin 8st 10lbs, 5 year old chestnut mare owned by Mr Prendergast 1 2 1
2. Victorine 8st 10lbs, 5 year old bay mare owned by Mr Bartley 3 1 2
3. Brian Barew 8st 11lbs, 6 year old bay gelding owned by Mr Benson 2 3 wdr
4. The Duke 8st, 4 year old chestnut colt owned by Major Ormsby Gore (distanced)
5. Fonmon 8st, 4 year old brown colt owned by Mr Stevens (distanced)
Note that both The Duke and Fonmon fell, but did they bring each other down, or was the track becoming treacherous?
Note how the Stewards are safeguarding their race by confining entry to horses bred in Herefordshire, a method similar to one employed on many racecourses around the UK at this time. Note further that both horses had run in previous Bromyard races but in different ownership. Had Mr Winnington bought Mary Ann from Mr J Pickernell, and Mr Barneby purchased Shah Abjah from Mr Stevens the previous day?
Wednesday 24th July 1822
Bromyard £50 Maiden Plate over 1 ½ miles
1. Broxash 8st 2lbs, 4 year old bay colt by Juniper owned by Mr H Roberts 1 1
2. Unnamed 3 year old chestnut colt by Lismahago owned by Mr R Price 3 2
3. Unnamed 4 year old bay filly by Fyldener owned by Mr Canning 2 3
4. Dione 6st 11lbs, 3 year old chestnut filly owned by Mr Tomes 4 4
Thursday 25th July 1822
Bromyard 5 Guineas Hunters Sweepstake over 2 miles for horses bred in Herefordshire
1. Sylvan 10st 4lbs, 4 year old bay gelding by Woodman owned by Mr T Pickernell 5 1 1
2. Circe 10st 9lbs, 4 year old brown filly owned by Mr Myton 1 5 2
3. Broomstick 10st 9lbs, 4 year old chestnut colt owned by Mr Morgan 2 3 3
4. Rebecca 12st 9lbs, aged black mare owned by Mr Walters 3 2 wdr
5. Lancashire Lass 12st 7lbs, aged brown mare owned by Mr Mostyn 4 4 wdr
6. Charming Molly 10st 4lbs, 4 year old grey filly owned by Mr Walker 6 wdr
Note that Rebecca, who had won at Bromyard in 1820, was the heavily backed favourite.
Bromyard 5 Guineas Evening Sweepstake over 1 ½ miles
1. Victorine 8st 13lbs, 6 year old bay mare owned by Mr C Day 5 4 1 0 1
2. Leah 8st 13lbs, aged chestnot mare owned by Mr Stevens 1 5 2 0 2
3. Broxash 8st 7lbs, 4 year old bay colt owned by Mr Roberts 4 0 3 wdr
4. Snowdon 9st 5lbs, 6 year old owned by Major Ormsby Gore 2 0 4 wdr
5. Ibla 8st 4lbs, 4 year old owned by Mr L Charlton 3 3 wdr
Note how it took 5 heats before a winner emerged, meaning the winning horse had to run a total of 7 ½ miles. It must have been very late in the evening when the final victory over Leah was accomplished, well before the favourite Snowdon had been forced to withdraw.
Wednesday 6th August 1823
Bromyard £50 Maiden Plate over 1 ½ miles
1. Unnamed bay filly by Sir Oliver owned by Mr Devereux 1 1
2. Unnamed chestnut colt by Selim owned by Mr Painter 3 2
3. Unnamed bay filly by Blucher owned by Mr Patrick 2 3
4. Gallivanter, 4 year old bay colt owned by Mr F L Charlton 4 4
5. Unnamed brown colt by Lismahago owned by Mr A Jones 5 5
Thursday 7th August 1823
Bromyard 5 Sovereign Sweepstake over 2 miles for non-thoroughbred hunters (10 subscribers)
1. Mary, 6 year old bay mare by Weaver owned by Mr T Smith (walked over)
Bromyard 5 Sovereign Handicap Stakes over 1 ½ miles for all horse breeds
1. Transilience 7st 12lbs, 4 year old bay colt owned by Mr Hichman 1 1
2. Unnamed 5 year old grey horse by Walton owned by Mr Standford 3 2
3. Unnamed 3 year old bay filly by Sir Oliver owned by Mr Devereux 2 wdr
Although entries on the first day were healthy, and there were 10 subscribers for the second day, there was a walk over and a race which was open to all types of horse. This would have included thoroughbreds, half-breds, quarter-breds, ponies and galloways. Despite taking all of these measures to ensure the races continued, this was to be the last meeting to be included in the Racing Calendar for 10 years. Did racing just cease, or were the races part of a much wider festival or fair?
I am grateful to Ordnance Survey (© Crown Copyright) and the British Library Online for permission to use the 1816 map shown below.
Wednesday 18th September 1833
Bromyard 50 Sovereigns Purse
Confined to non-thoroughbreds, the property of farmers based within 6 miles of Bromyard
1. Fanny 11st 4lbs, 5 year old chestnut mare owned by Mr Patrick and ridden by Mr Farmer 1 1
2. Jerry 11st 4lbs, 5 year old black gelding owned by Mr Drew 3 2 1
3. Rosebud 11st 11lbs, 6 year old chestnut mare owned by Mr Walker 2 3 2
Note that 9 horses started in the first heat and 8 qualified for the second heat. The 3rd heat was only contested by the horses which were second and third in the first two heats.
Bromyard 25 Sovereigns Hunters Stakes once round and the distance
1. Charles 11st 11lbs, 6 year old bay gelding owned by Mr White and ridden by Walker
The winner was the only horse which turned up from the 9 subscribers and therefore walked over.
Bromyard 50 Sovereigns Purse over 2 miles
1. Eagle 7st 5lbs, 3 year old brown filly by Lottery owned by Mr Moss 1 1
2. Acco 8st 9lbs, 5 year old chestnut mare owned by Mr George 3 2
3. Unnamed 3 year old bay filly by Bobadil owned by Mr Thorne 2 3
Wednesday 23rd July 1834
Bromyard 50 Sovereigns Sweepstake
1. Bilberry 8st 13lbs, aged bay gelding by Hedley owned by Mr Farmer 1 1
2. Swing 8st 9lbs, 5 year old brown horse owned by Mr George Osbaldeston 3 2
3. Radnor Lass 8st 11lbs, 6 year old bay mare owned by Mr Price 4 3
4. Lady Harrington 9st 2lbs, 5 year old bay mare owned by Mr Fuller 2 wdr
The 30 Sovereign Broxash & Town Stakes
1. Rosebud 11st 11lbs, aged chestnut mare owned by Mr Walker
A field of 5 contested this race
Bromyard 25 Sovereigns Hunters Stakes for half-breeds
1. Cannon Ball 11st 3lbs, 5 year old bay horse owned by Mr Thorne
A field of 3 contested this race.
Thursday 13th August 1835
The Broxash Stakes for 30 Sovereigns sponsored by Members of the County
1. Charles 10st 11lbs, 8 year old bay gelding owned by Mr Walker
There was a field of 3 for this race.
Bromyard 25 Sovereigns Hunters Stakes
1. Charity 10st, 5 year old bay gelding owned by Mr Williams
There was a field of 3 for this race.
Races were held in 1836 but were not deemed to be sufficiently important to be included in the Racing Calendar of that year. However, results from the meeting are shown below:-
Tuesday 30th August 1836
The Broxash Stakes for 20 Sovereigns
1. The Moor 10st 6lbs, 4 year old bay gelding owned by Mr Newman 1 1
2. Caroline 10st 6lbs, 4 year old bay mare owned by Mr T Derry 2 2
3. Minimus 11st 4lbs, 5 year old chestnut gelding owned by Mr G Shelton 3 4
4. Unnamed 4 year old bay gelding owned by Mr E West 4 3
5. Gladiator 11st 11lbs, aged brown gelding owned by Mr Williams 5 5
Note that although The Moor was first passed the post, Mr Newman lived more than 7 miles from Bromyard and therefore was ineligible to collect the stakes. The prize was awarded instead to Mr T Derry.
Bromyard Hunters Stakes did not fill.
Bromyard Handicap Stakes
1. Woodman 8st 0lbs, 5 year old bay gelding owned by Mr Hughes
2. Charity 9st 10lbs, 6 year old bay gelding owned by Mr Williams
3. Staysail 6st 6lbs, bay filly owned by Mr Thorne
Bromyard 40 Sovereigns All-Aged Stakes over once round and the length
1. Schoolmaster 8st 10lbs, 5 year old bay horse owned by Mr Smithis 1 1
2. Charity 8st 13lbs, 6 year old bay gelding owned by Mr Williams 2 2
3. Woodman 8st 0lbs, 5 year old bay gelding owned by Mr Hughes 3 wdr
4. Unnamed 3 year old bay filly by Sailor, owned by Mr J Thorne 4 wdr
Note that after racing the Steward’s Ordinary was held at The Falcon when 60 gentlemen sat down to dine. At the end of the evening Mr J Barneby MP consented to accept the Stewardship of the 1837 races. The next day, on Wednesday 31st August the sport continued over the course when 7 ponies raced for a saddle and bridle which were won by Mr T Derry’s Tom Thumb.
Wednesday 16th August 1837
The Broxash Stakes for 30 Sovereigns over once round and the distance
1. Jerry 12st 4lbs, 9 year old black gelding owned by Mr Drew and ridden by Cotterell
There was a field of 6 for this race.
Bromyard 50 Sovereign Sweepstake over once round and the long length
1. Tenbury 8st 12lbs, 5 year old chestnut horse by Wamba owned by Mr Patrick and ridden by Hardy 1 1
2. Gauntlet 7sr 3lbs, 3 year old chestnut colt owned by Mr Gough
A field of 3 contested this race.
The 1 Sovereign Hack Cup Stakes
1. Collington Lass 12st 4lbs, 6 year old bay mare by Piscator owned by Mr Hall
A field of 4 contested this race.
Thursday 16th August 1838
The Broxash 30 Sovereigns Stakes
1. Pic-Nic 11st 2lbs, 4 year old chestnut gelding by Piscator owned and ridden by Mr Walker 1 1
2. Jewstone 12st 2lbs, 6 year old bay gelding owned by Mr Seaborn 2 2
3. Collington Lass 12st 4lbs, 7 year old bay mare owned by Mr Hall 3 3
4. Jerry 12st 4lbs, 10 year old black gelding owned by Mr Drew 5 4
5. Fanny 11st, 4 year old chestnut filly owned by Mr Burrord 4 5
Bromyard 50 Sovereigns All-Aged Stakes over once round and the length
1. Talebearer 7st 10lbs, 4 year old bay filly by Incubus owned by Mr Stevens and ridden by W Hardy 1 1
2. Squirrel 8st 10lbs, 5 year old chestnut horse owned by Mr Trehern 3 2
3. Pussy 8st 6lbs, aged half-bred bay mare owned by Mr Rees 4 3
4. Conservative 7st 13lbs, 4 year old brown colt owned by Mr Collett 2 4
A field of 6 contested this race, although the other 2 bolted.
The 2 Sovereigns Hack Cup Stakes
1. Single Peeper 12st 2lbs, 6 year old bay gelding owned by Mr Smith and ridden by Green
2. Snowdon Lass 9st 12lbs, 3 year old bay filly owned by Mr Parson
Friday 17th August 1839
The Broxash 30 Sovereigns Stakes over once round and the distance
Entry confined to horses the property of persons residing within 8 miles of Bromyard
1. Ranger 10st 11lbs, 4 year old grey gelding by Harlequin owned by Mr Holloway and ridden by Cresswell junior 3 1 1
2. Unnamed aged bay mare by Henwick owned by Mr Walker 1 2 2
3. Jewstone 11st 11lbs, aged bay gelding owned by Mr Seaborne 2 4 3
4. Jerry 11 year old black gelding owned by Mr Drew 4 3 wdr
The 2 Sovereigns Hack Cup Stakes
1. Friday 11st 11lbs, 6 year old chestnut gelding owned by Mr Jenk
A field of 3 contested this race.
Thursday 13th August 1840
The Broxash 40 Sovereigns Stakes once round and the distance
1. Wallington 11st 8lbs, 6 year old chestnut gelding owned and ridden by Mr Hawkins 1 1
2. Collington Lass 12st 4lbs, 9 year old bay mare owned by Mr Hall 5 2
A field of 6 contested this race.
Bromyard 50 Sovereigns All-Aged Stakes over once round and the length
1. Tivy 8st 6lbs, 4 year old bay filly by Langar owned by Mr Collett and ridden by Whitehouse 1 1
2. Viola 8st 2lbs, 4 year old brown filly owned by Mr Lacey 4 2
3. Tippo 7st 6lbs, 4 year old half-bred bay colt owned by Mr George 2 3
4. The Baron 7st 3lbs, 4 year old chestnut gelding owned by Mr J Walters 3 4
5. Unnamed 3 year old chestnut colt by Jupiter owned by Mr Hughes 5 5
Tuesday 27th July 1841
The 25 Sovereigns Broxash Stakes over once round and the distance
1. Villager 11st 10lbs, aged bay gelding owned by Mr Hall and ridden by Hughes
A field of 7 contested this race.
Bromyard 50 Sovereigns All-Aged Stakes over once round and the length
1. Fraility 8st 11lbs, 6 year old bay mare owned by Mr Moss and ridden by Bemitzreider 1 4 1
2. Victoria 8st 6lbs, aged chestnut mare owned by Mr Harris 3 1 2
3. Tippo 8st, 5 year old bay gelding owned by Mr George 2 2 3
4. Bedalian 8st 2lbs, 4 year old chestnut colt owned by Mr Williams 3 3 wdr
The 3 Sovereigns Hunters Cup Stakes over once round and the distance
1. Villager 11st 10lbs, aged bay gelding owned by Mr Hall
2. Pickwick 10st 10lbs, 4 year old chestnut gelding owned by Mr Williams
A field of 3 contested this race.
Note that this was an inspired meeting because the first race was held in the morning, whilst the final two races were staged in the evening, meaning the paying crowd were available for exploitation for the entire day!
I am grateful to Graham Cooper who has passed on useful snippets from the newspaper reports of Bromyard Races. In 1842 it was run in August which was probably a mistake because it was good harvesting weather and Sir Edwin Stanhope's heir became of age, so that the crowd was much depleted.
Thursday 18th August 1842
Bromyard 25 Sovereigns All-Aged Stakes over once round and the length
1. President 7st 2lbs, 4 year old brown colt by Sir Hercules owned by Mr Robbins and ridden by Sam Darling junior 1 1
2. Fitzgambol 8st 11lbs, 4 year old bay colt owned by Mr Wright 2 2
3. Isabella 8st 3lbs, 6 year old half-bred bay mare owned by Mr Pilkington 3 3
The 25 Sovereigns Broxash Stakes over once round and the distance
1. Young Rambler 11st 12lbs, 6 year old brown gelding owned by Mr Hall and ridden by Evans
A field of 4 contested this race.
Thursday 3rd August 1843
The 25 Sovereigns Broxash Stakes over once round and the distance
1. Mountain Maid 11st, 5 year old chestnut mare owned by Mr E Newman and ridden by Vivian
A field of 5 contested this race.
Bromyard 40 Sovereigns All-Aged Stakes over 1 ½ miles
1. Pickwick 8st 11lbs, 6 year old chestnut gelding owned by Mr France and ridden by Crickmere 3 1 1
2. Sunflower 8st 6lbs, 5 year old chestnut mare owned by Mr Fowler 1 2 2
3. Graduate 8st 13lbs, aged chestnut gelding owned by Mr Walker 2 3 3
Bromyard 2 Sovereigns Hack Cup Stakes over once round and the distance
1. Mountain Maid 11st, 5 year old bay mare owned by Mr E Newman and ridden by Vivian
Wednesday 17th July 1844
The Broxash 25 Sovereigns Stakes over once round and the distance
1. Fairplay 11st 4lbs, aged chestnut mare owned by Mr Hardy
2. Gloworm 11st 3lbs, 5 year old bay mare owned by Mr Patrick
A field of 5 contested this race.
Bromyard 20 Sovereigns Hurdle Stakes over 1 ½ miles and 3 hurdles
1. Tantalus 11st, bay horse owned by Mr Bradley
Bromyard 10 Sovereigns Hack Stakes over once round and the distance
1. Sweetheart 10st 7lbs, 6 year old bay mare owned by Mr Bradley
2. Fickle 10st 13lbs, 5 year old bay gelding owned by Mr Davis
A field of 5 contested this race.
Note that this was the first time the Racing Calendar recorded a hurdle race at the track. Is there any evidence of where the 3 hurdles were positioned?
Thursday 11th September 1845
Bromyard 25 Sovereigns Hurdle Stakes over 1 ½ miles and 3 leaps
1. Lilleshall 10st 7lbs, aged chestnut gelding owned by Mr Phillips
2. Man Friday 10st 10lbs, aged bay gelding
3. Tinker 10st 7lbs, aged bay gelding
Bromyard 15 Sovereigns Hack Stakes over once round and the distance
1. Lilleshall 10st 10lbs, aged chestnut gelding owned by Mr Phillips
2. Silver Spur 9st 13lbs, 3 year old brown filly owned by Mr Tongue
A field of 4 contested this race.
Bromyard 20 Sovereigns Handicap over 1 mile and the distance
1. Brewood 11st 4lbs, aged gelding owned by Mr Bosley
A field of 4 contested this race.
Wednesday 30th September 1846
The 20 Sovereign Broxash Stakes over once round and the length
1. Rosa 8st 13lbs, 4 year old grey filly by Defender owned by Mr Waring and ridden by T Carlisle 4 1 1
2. Redstreak 8st 13lbs, 4 year old chestnut gelding owned by Mr Evans 2 4 2
3. Forest Flower 8st 13lbs, 4 year old bay filly owned by Mr Shepherd 1 3 wdr
4. Florine 8st 7lbs, 4 year old bay filly owned by Mr Davenport 3 2 wdr
Bromyard 20 Sovereigns Hurdle Stakes over once round and the length with 3 leaps
1. Chevy Chase 9st, 4 year old brown gelding owned by Mr Holman and ridden by W Archer 1 1
2. Union Jack 9st 4lbs, 4 year old chestnut gelding owned by Mr Luke 2 2
3. Adrian 9st 13lbs, aged chestnut gelding owned by Mr W Scott 4 3
A field of 6 contested this race.
Bromyard 10 Sovereigns Hack Stakes over once round and the distance
1. Chevy Chase 9st 11lbs, 4 year old brown gelding owned by Mr Holman and ridden by W Archer
2. Glideaway 9st 12lbs, 5 year old chestnut mare owned by Mr Price
3. Union Jack 10st 9lbs, 4 year old chestnut gelding owned by Mr Luke
A field of 4 contested this race.
Thursday 17th June 1847
The 20 Sovereigns Broxash Stakes over once round and the length
1. Little Taffy 9st 3lbs, 6 year old chestnut gelding owned by Mr E Herbert and ridden by R Sly junior 1 1
2. Maid of Lorette 7st 11lbs, 3 year old filly owned by Mr Davenport 2 2
3. Teresa 10st 1lb, 6 year old brown mare owned by Mr W B Hankins 3 wdr
Bromyard 20 Sovereigns Sweepstake over once round and the length
1. Playful 10st 10lbs, 4 year old bay filly owned by Captain Dixon and ridden by Land 1 1
2. Banjo 10st 10lbs, aged brown gelding owned by Mr Mill 2 2
3. Maid of Barham 10st, 4 year old bay filly owned by Mr Clayton 3 wdr
Bromyard 10 Sovereigns Hack Selling Stakes over once round and the distance
1. Illumination 9st 7lbs, 4 year old chestnut gelding owned by Mr G Warman and ridden by R Sly
A field of 3 contested this race.
Bromyard 10 Sovereigns Sweepstake
1. Unnamed 4 year old chestnut filly owned by Mr Winney and ridden by G Devereux
A field of 6 contested this race.
Thursday 5th October 1848
Bromyard 20 Sovereigns All-Aged Stakes over once round and the distance
1. Rebecca 7st 12lbs, 3 year old brown filly by Sheet Anchor owned by Mr Hughes and ridden by Meredith 1 1
2. Tenby 8st 3lbs, 4 year old brown gelding owned by Mr Knolles and ridden by W Archer 3 2
3. Alderman’s Son 7st 7lbs, 3 year old bay colt owned by Mr Allcott and ridden by Jones 2 3
Bromyard 20 Sovereigns Selling Stakes over once round and the distance
1. Rebecca 9st 4lbs, 3 year old brown filly owned by Mr Hughes and ridden by Meredith 1 1
2. Alacrity 7st 12lbs, 3 year old bay colt owned by Mr Allcott and ridden by Jones 3 2
3. Tenby 8st 13lbs, 4 year old brown gelding owned by Mr Knolles and ridden by W Archer 2 wdr
The 20 Sovereign Broxash Stakes over once round and the distance
1. Lalla Rookh 9st, 3 year old black filly owned by Mr W Drew
A field of 3 contested this race.
After the 1848 meeting racing ceased in the town until 1866 when the race committee decided that April was a better time to hold a meeting. Over time interest waxed and waned, with meetings being organised spasmodically until the final meeting was held on Monday 3rd September 1900.
The newspaper extract below is shown courtesy of the Hereford Journal and British Library Online.
Results from the 'revival' meeting of 1866 are given below:-
Thursday 26th April 1866
Herefordshire Stakes for 25 Sovereigns over 1 ½ miles
1. Love Letter 4 year old bay mare owned by Mr Halford and ridden by Halford
2. Nidderdale 4 year old chestnut gelding owned by Mr Dimmock and ridden by Matley
3. Colonel 3 year old brown colt owned by Mr J Weyman and ridden by Davies
Union Hunt Hurdle Race over 3 miles for 40 Sovereigns
1. Robin Adair aged brown gelding owned by Mr Davenport and ridden by Milward
2. Maid of the Hill 5 year old chestnut horse owned by Mr S Davies and ridden by A Calder
3. The Steamer 6 year old brown gelding owned by Mr W Mytton and ridden by Mytton
Broxash Stakes
Golden Drop walked over
Welter Hurdle Stakes for 30 Sovereigns over 1 ½ miles
1. St George aged brown horse owned by Mr F B Jones and ridden by A Jones
2. Amy aged grey mare owned by Mr Thomas Butt and ridden by Woods
3. Sam 6 year old black gelding owned by Mr H V Coates and ridden by Jones
Pony Race over a mile
1. Rasping Jasper brown pony owned by Mr Davison
2. Telegram black mare owned by Mr Tranter
3. Perfect Cure brown mare owned by Mr Meredith
Scurry Hurdle Race for 10 Sovereigns over 1 ½ miles
1. Love Letter 4 year old bay mare owned by Mr Halford
2. The Lawyer aged bay gelding owned by Mr Beaufoy
3. Nidderdale 4 year old chestnut gelding owned by Mr Dimmock
Thursday 25th April 1867
Herefordshire 30 Sovereigns Stakes over 1 ½ miles
1. Clarice 3 year old bay mare owned by Mr T Parr and ridden by Gray
2. Havannah 4 year old bay mare owned by Mr Richards and ridden by H Marlow
3. Miss Skerratt 3 year old bay mare owned by Mr T Stevens and ridden by J Clarke
4. Rifleboy 6 year old chestnut mare owned by Mr Nicholson and ridden by F Harper
Betting 2/1 Clarice, 4/1 Havannah, Miss Skerratt, Rifleboy
Broxash Stakes for 30 Sovereigns over 1 ½ miles
1. Flight 6 year old bay mare owned by Mr Walker and ridden by J H Walker
2. Delight 4 year old bay mare owned by Mr J Turley and ridden by A Calder
3. Golden Drop 6 year old chestnut mare owned and ridden by Mr W Leake
Betting 5/2 Miss Barber
Bromyard Hunt Purse for 30 Sovereigns over 1 ½ miles
1. The Nun aged bay mare owned by Mr Green Price and ridden by Milward
2. Brilliant 6 year old bay gelding owned and ridden by Mr A Dabbs
3. Sam aged bay horse owned by Mr H V Coates and ridden by J R Urwick
Betting Evens favourite The Nun
Open Hurdles Hunt Cup for 70 Sovereigns over 3 miles
1. The Colonel 10st 2lbs owned by Mr Weyman and ridden by Tomlinson
2. Oldminster 12st owned by Mr J Turner and ridden by Rudd
3. Ellangowan 13st owned and ridden by Captain Bonnor
Union Hunt 40 Sovereigns Hurdle Race over 3 miles
1. Nidderdale 5 year old owned by Mr P Herbert and ridden by Milward
2. Investment 6 year old owned by Mr Walker and ridden by A Calder
3. Sam aged horse owned by Mr H V Coates and ridden by J R Urwick
Betting 2 to 1 On Nidderdale, 5/2 Sam, 4/1 Investment
Bromyard 20 Sovereigns Match over 1 ½ miles
1. My Neighbour owned by Mr Walker
2. Adela owned by Mr C Oakley
The Members Selling Plate for 25 Sovereigns over 1 ¼ miles
1. Chance 3 year old bay mare owned by Mr Weyman and ridden by Tomlinson
2. Tassifer 3 year old bay horse owned by Mr J Wright and ridden by Sherrington
3. Belle of Cadiz 3 year old owned by Mr Webb and ridden by M W Thomas
Thursday 14th May 1868
The Broxash Stakes for 30 Sovereigns over 1 ½ miles
1. Unnamed black gelding by Gemma Junior owned by Mr Holloway and ridden by C Davison
2. Little Woman 4 year old bay mare owned by Mr James
A field of 6 contested this race.
Froome Hunt Purse for 30 Sovereigns over 1 mile 6 furlongs
1. Shooting Star aged brown gelding owned by Mr Spencer and ridden by J S Halford
2. Gipsy Lass aged brown mare owned and ridden by Mr T Cook
3. Lady Port 6 year old bay mare owned by Mr J Weyman and ridden by G Stevens
A field of 16 contested this race where the betting was 2/1 Gypsy Lass, 4/1 Shooting Star
Herefordshire Handicap Stakes for 20 Sovereigns over 1 ½ miles
1. Vigilant 6 year old owned by Mr Lowdon and ridden by Pearson
2. Chimney Pot 3 year old owned by Mr E Weever and ridden by Sam Darling
Betting 2/1 On Vigilant
Tenant Farmers’ Cup for 20 Sovereigns over 1 ½ miles
1. Unnamed 6 year old bay mare by Defiance owned by Mr Walker and ridden by Walker jnr
2. Chance aged chestnut mare owned by Mr J Smith
A field of 8 contested this race
Graham Cooper comments, ‘There was a carnival atmosphere in 1869 when an African Rhino was on display, but how did they get it there? It would have needed quite a team to pull it there, given that the nearest railhead was miles away. There was also a Punch and Judy show, a shooting gallery (the rifle range was already in use and still continues today) a coconut shy and a merry go round amongst other attractions, including cheap jewellery for sale, so not much has changed over the past 150 years. Despite these additional attractions race entries were down.’ Five years later the line at Yearsett, closer to Bromyard, opened in 1874. There were 2 specials run for the races that year from Worcester Foregate St; 700 people came by train but didn't realise the station was 4 miles from the races, and 4 miles back. The railway did not reach Bromyard until 1877.
Thursday 13th May 1869
Herefordshire Stakes for 20 Sovereigns over 1 ½ miles
1. Andrastia owned by Mr P Merton and ridden by Chandler
2. St Valentine owned by Mr W F M Copeland
Note that after a dead heat in the first race, Andrastia won the run-off by a short head.
Broxash Stakes for 30 Sovereigns over 1 ½ miles
1. Unnamed aged horse by Defiance owned by Mr J Walker and ridden by Walker jnr
2. Lady Stamford
A field of 4 contested this race
Union Hunt Hurdle Race for 40 Sovereigns over 3 miles
1. Chevalier d’Esrit 5 year old ridden by Goodwin
2. Boatman 6 year old owned by Captain Holyoake
Note that the winner was disqualified and the stakes awarded to Boatman
Bromyard Hunt Cup for 30 Sovereigns over 1 ½ miles
1. St Valentine 11st 12lbs 6 year old owned by Mr Copeland and ridden by H Taylor
2. Sulky Bet
3. Middleton
Froome Hunt Cup for 30 Sovereigns over 1 mile 6 furlongs
1. New Oswestry owned by Mr Foulke and ridden by Halford
2. Mayday
3. Lady Leigh
Tenant Farmers’ Cup for 20 Sovereigns over 1 ½ miles
1. Merry Lass aged bay mare owned by Mr Roberts
A field of 6 contested this race.
The newspaper extract below is shown courtesy of the Sporting Life and British Newspaper Online:-
Friday 19th May 1871
Herefordshire Handicap for 30 Sovereigns over 1 ½ miles
1. The English Baron 4 year old bay gelding owned by Mr Adams and ridden by C Clarke
2. Black Joe aged gelding owned by Mr Fletcher and ridden by W Cooke
3. Veda 6 year old bay mare owned by Mr J Rudd and ridden by G Sly
Betting: 4/7 The English Baron, 4/1 Veda, Black Joe
Hunt Cup for 20 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Repentance 6 year old black gelding owned by Mr W Smith and ridden by J Goodwin
2. Shamrock aged brown gelding owned and ridden by Mr Heathfield
Broxash Stakes for 30 Sovereigns over 1 ½ miles
1. Tidsley 4 year old bay gelding owned by Mr J S Walker and ridden by Port
2. Master Whiffler 3 year old brown gelding owned by Mr J S Walker and ridden by J Walker jnr
3. Black Sam aged black gelding owned by Mr J W Philpott and ridden by W Bull
Betting: 1/2 Tidsley, 4/1 May Queen, 6/1 Master Whiffler
Union Hunt Hurdle for 40 Sovereigns over 3 miles
1. Phrynie 5 year old owned by Mr Belfast and ridden by W Weston
2. Underhill 6 year old bay gelding owned by Mr Foulkes and ridden by J S Halford
3. Shamrock aged brown gelding owned by Mr Heathfield and ridden by T Parker
Betting: 1/2 Phrynie, 3/1 Underhill, 5/1 Shamrock
Bromyard Hunt Cup for 30 Sovereigns over 2 ½ miles
1. Domino aged gelding owned by Mr G Lindsay and ridden by W Reeves
2. True Blue aged gelding owned and ridden by Lord Queensberry
3. Sleeping Meggie 5 year old bay mare owned by Mr J Morgan and ridden by Ashbee
Betting: Evens True Blue, 5/2 Domino, 4/1 Mountain Maid
Froome Hunt Purse for 30 Sovereigns over 1 mile 6 furlongs
1. Leonine 5 year old bay horse owned by Mr G Bowen and ridden by H M Rudd
2. Scintilla 5 year old bay mare owned by Mr T Calder and ridden by J Goodwin
3. Dainty 5 year old bay mare owned by Mr S Davis and ridden by Hathaway
Betting: 5/2 Honiton, 4/1 Leonine, Scintilla
Tenant Farmers’ Cup for 30 Sovereigns over 1 ½ miles
1. Tidsley 4 year old bay gelding owned by Mr J S Walker and ridden by J Walker jnr
2. Master Whiffler 3 year old brown gelding owned by Mr J S Walker and ridden by Port
3. Black Bess 6 year old black mare owned by Mr White and ridden by Amys
Betting: 4/7 Tidsley, 4/1 Rosina, 5/1 Queen Bee
Thursday 23rd May 1872
This meeting boasted an impressive group of Stewards which included the Earl of Coventry, the Marquis of Queensberry, Sir Herbert Croft MP, Sir Joseph Bailey MP and Michael Biddulph MP. A very large crowd assembled on Bromyard Downs, including an immense number of carriages from Worcester, Hereford, Ledbury and Malvern. The course was in good order and the scene gave the appearance of a monster picnic.
Herefordshire Handicap for 30 Sovereigns over 1 ½ miles
1. Bordeaux 4 year old brown filly owned by Mr J S Halford and ridden by C Grey
2. La Quarantaine 3 year old bay colt owned by Mr E Weever and ridden by Glover
3. Venom 4 year old chestnut filly owned by Mr E W Taylor and ridden by G Orbell
Betting: 5/4 Shiffnal, 2/1 Appeal, 5/2 Bordeaux
Broxash Hunters Stakes for 30 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. May Queen 4 year old bay mare owned by Mr Etheridge and ridden by Amies
2. Investment aged bay gelding owned by Mr J S Walker and ridden by Walker jnr
3. Ancient Briton, 4 year old bay gelding owned by Mr R Davis and ridden by Giles
Betting: 6/4 Investment, 2/1 Mite, 4/1 May Queen
Union Hunt Hurdle Race for 40 Sovereigns over 3 miles and 12 hurdles
1. Tidsley 5 year old bay gelding owned by Mr J S Walker and ridden by R Jones
2. Maid of Lorn aged chestnut mare owned by Mr T Bowles and ridden by R Giles
3. Master Whiffler 4 year old bay gelding owned by Mr J S Walker and ridden by J Walker jnr
Betting: 6/4 Hazard, 2/1 Tidsley, 5/2 Maid of Lorn
Bromyard Handicap Hunt Cup for 40 Sovereigns over 2 ¼ miles
1. Bordeaux 4 year old brown filly owned and ridden by Mr J S Halford
2. Lady of Croome 6 year old brown mare owned by Mr W Mitchell and ridden by T Parker
3. Planet aged bay gelding owned by Mr Finchley and ridden by J Rudd
Betting 5/4 Bordeaux, 2/1 Planet, 3/1 Lady of Croome
Froome Weight for Age Hunt Purse for 30 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Dainty 6 year old bay mare owned by Mr S Davis and ridden by Hathaway
2. Umpire 5 year old brown mare owned by Mr T Butt and ridden by W Weston
3. Leonine 6 year old bay horse owned by Mr G Conrad and ridden by H M Rudd
Betting 2/1 Leonine, 4/1 Punch, Moonbeam and Dainty
Tenant Farmers’ Cup for 30 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. May Queen 4 year old bay mare owned by Mr Etheridge and ridden by Amies
2. Investment aged bay mare owned by Mr J S Walker and ridden by J Walker jnr
3. Ancient Briton aged bay gelding owned by Mr R Davis and ridden by R Giles
Thursday 5th June 1873
Herefordshire Handicap Stakes for 20 Sovereigns over 1 ½ miles
1. Bachelor 3 year old bay colt owned by Mr E Weever and ridden by Glover
2. Raleigh 4 year old bay gelding owned by Mr J S Halford and ridden by Coslett
Betting: 5/2 Refina, 3/1 Bachelor, 5/1 Raleigh
Tally-Ho Plate for 19 Guineas over 2 miles
1. Cornet 3 year old bay colt owned and ridden by Mr T Goodwin
2. St Albans 5 year old bay mare owned by Mr H Ridgley and ridden by Rudd
Broxash Stakes for 30 Sovereigns over 1 ½ miles
1. Master Whiffler 12st 8lbs owned by Mr J S Walker and ridden by W Walker
2. High Sheriff 12st 2lbs owned by Mr W Leake and ridden by Amys
Betting: 5/4 Master Whiffler, 3/1 Rainbow, 8/1 High Sheriff
Bromyard Hunt Cup for 40 Sovereigns over 2 ½ miles
1. Rufina 4 year old bay mare owned by Mr Sly and ridden by H Owen
2. Aintree aged gelding owned by Mr Jones and ridden by Jameson
Betting: 4/6 Buttress, 3/1 Rufina, 5/1 Aintree
Union Hunt Hurdle Race for 40 Sovereigns over 3 miles and 12 flights
1. May Queen 5 year old bay mare owned by Mr Nott and ridden by H M Rudd
2. Buckenham 5 year old gelding owned by Mr Phillips and ridden by Captain Holyoake
Froome Hunt Purse for 30 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Worcester 6 year old bay gelding owned by Mr Clement and ridden by Halford
2. Zephine 6 year old owned by Mr Read and ridden by Hathaway
6/4 Zephine, 2/1 Worcester, 4/1 St Bees
Tenant Farmers’ Cup for 30 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. High Sheriff 6 year old owned by Mr W Leake and ridden by Amys
2. Master Whiffler 5 year old owned by Mr J S Walker and ridden by W Walker
Betting: 2/1 High Sheriff, 3/1 Master Whiffler
Thursday 28th May 1874
Broxash Stakes for 30 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Billy Barlow aged bay gelding owned by Sir F Winnington and ridden by W Walker
2. Kemptown 4 year old bay gelding owned by Mr W Blissett and ridden by Amyes
3. May Queen 6 year old bay mare owned by Mr T Nott and ridden by Lambert
Betting: 5/4 Rainbow, 2/1 Kemptown, 4/1 Billy Barlow
Bromyard Hunt Cup over 2 miles
1. Bachelor 4 year old bay gelding owned by Mr J Adams and ridden by T Anthony
2. Big Ben 6 year old bay gelding owned by Mr Wynn and ridden by J Rudd
Betting: 4/7 Bachelor, 5/4 Big Ben
Union Hunt Hurdle over 3 miles and 12 hurdles
1. Honiton 6 year old chestnut mare owned by Mr Phillips Walked Over
Herefordshire Handicap for 30 Sovereigns over 1 ½ miles
1. Bachelor 4 year old bay gelding owned by Mr J Adams and ridden by T Anthony
2. Althorpe 6 year old brown horse owned by Mr J S Oliver and ridden by J Davis
Betting: 1/4 Bachelor, 5/2 Althorpe
Froome Hunt Purse for 30 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Emblematical 4 year old chestnut mare owned by Mr E Weever and ridden by Hathaway
2. Honiton 6 year old chestnut mare owned by Mr Phillips and ridden by Captain Holyoake
3. Hazardous 4 year old owned by Mr Wallace and ridden by Lambert
Betting: 3/1 Patriot, 4/1 Emblematical, 5/1 Ashantee
Thursday 20th May 1875
Bromyard Hunt Cup for 40 Sovereigns over 2 ½ miles
1. Bedford 5 year old owned by Mr Wallace and ridden by H Ashwood
2. Rolling Stock aged gelding owned by Mr M A Cooper and ridden by Hathaway
Betting: 4/5 Bedford, Evens Rolling Stock
Broxash Stakes for 30 Sovereigns over 1 ½ miles
1. Rochester 4 year old bay gelding owned and ridden by Mr T Hughes
2. Rainbow 6 year old bay gelding owned by Mr T Nott and ridden by Nott jnr
3. Master Zouave 5 year old bay gelding owned by Mr W Blissett and ridden by C Blissett
Union Hunt Hurdle for 40 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Black Art 10st 7lbs owned by Mr H Lowe and ridden by G Lowe
2. Honiton 4 year old chestnut mare owned by Mr Phillips and ridden by Captain Holyoake
3. Longstop 5 year old chestnut gelding owned by Mr Hadley and ridden by Hathaway
Betting: 4/5 Hussar, 3/1 Honiton, 7/2 Black Art
Herefordshire Plate for 50 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Cassock 5 year old owned and ridden by Mr J Goodwin
2. Rainbow 6 year old bay gelding owned by Mr T Nott and ridden by Nott jnr
3. Adieu 6 year old owned by Mr H Newman and ridden by Trewent
Betting: 2/1 ON Cassock, 3/1 Rainbow
Tenant Farmers’ Cup for 30 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Rochester 4 year old bay gelding owned and ridden by Mr T Hughes
2. Master Zouave 5 year old bay gelding owned by Mr W Blissett and ridden by C Blissett
3. Kemptown 4 year old brown mare owned by Mr T Nott and ridden by Nott jnr
Betting: 2/7 Rochester, 4/1 Master Zouave
Froome Hunt Purse for 30 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Adieu 6 year old owned by Mr H Newman and ridden by Trewent
2. Longstop 5 year old chestnut gelding owned by Mr H Hadley and ridden by Newman
3. Honiton 4 year old chestnut mare owned by Me E Weever and ridden by Hathaway
Betting: 4/6 Adieu, 2/1 Honiton
Thursday 18th May 1876
The local newspaper, the Worcestershire Chronicle, covered the meeting and reported that 10,000 people assembled on the Downs at one of the lovliest times of the year. The ‘merrie (sic) month of May offered fields looking at their brightest, and apple blossom of varied shades and dazzling colours delighted the eye of the beholder. At this time, truly:-
The earth lies robed in her glory,
Like a maid in her bridal array,
And the purple and green
Of the bright vernal sheen,
Adds a charm to the lovely display.
Union Hunt Hurdle for 40 Sovereigns over 2 miles and 8 flights
1. Cornet aged gelding owned by Sir M Crofton and ridden by T Hale
2. Be Humble 5 year old brown gelding owned by Mr Phillips and ridden by R Shaw
Betting: 4/6 Cornet, Evens Be Humble
Tenant Farmers’ Cup for 30 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Wild Duck 5 year old bay gelding owned by Mr W Robinson and ridden by Wilkins
2. Revenge 6 year old bay gelding owned by Mr W Leake and ridden by T Nott jnr
3. Brinsop II 4 year old bay gelding owned by Mr J Ford and ridden by Stephens
Betting: 4/6 Wild Duck, 3/1 Revenge
Froome Hunt Purse for 30 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Kalmia aged chestnut mare owned by Hon. C Howard and ridden by T Hale
2. Tipperary Girl aged bay mare owned by Mr F Platt and ridden by Giles
3. Ada 4 year old chestnut mare owned by Mr E Cockcroft and ridden by Johnson
Betting: 2/1 Ada, 3/1 Kalmis, 4/1 Tipperary Girl
Bromyard Hunt Cup for 40 Sovereigns over 2 miles and 8 flights
1. Cornopean 6 year old chestnut gelding owned and ridden by Mr H S Lucy
2. Pirouette 5 year old brown mare owned and ridden by Mr J Goodwin
3. Be Humble 5 year old brown gelding owned by Mr Phillips and ridden by Shaw
Betting: 2/1 ON Cornopean, 3/1 Pirouette, 20/1 Be Humble
Malvern Stakes for 20 Guineas over 2 miles
1. Kemptown 6 year old bay gelding owned by Mr F C Cobden and ridden by Trewent
2. Ianthe 5 year old bay mare owned by Mr W Tyler and ridden by J Tyler
3. Rainbow aged gelding owned and ridden by Mr J Riste
Betting: ¼ Kemptown, 6/1 Ianthe
Herefordshire Plate for 50 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Thinskin aged gelding owned by Mr R E Catlin and ridden by Shaw
2. Craven 6 year old brown gelding owned by Mr G H Bright and ridden by Lane
3. Fuss 5 year old bay gelding owned and ridden by Sir Francis Ford
Betting: 2/1 ON Craven, 3/1 Thinskin, 4/1 Fuss
Broxash Stakes for 30 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Craven 6 year old brown gelding owned by Mr G H Bright and ridden by Lane
2. Tipperary Girl aged bay mare owned by Mr F Platt and ridden by Giles
3. Revenge 6 year old bay gelding owned by Mr W Leake and ridden by T Nott jnr
Betting: 4/6 Lord Henry, 2/1 Craven, 5/1 Tipperary Girl
Thursday 24th May 1877
Bromyard Hunt Hurdle for 30 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Rapid Garry 4 year old chestnut gelding owned and ridden by Mr J Riste
2. Gingerbread 5 year old bay mare owned by Mr Pudge and ridden by H Bartlett
3. Charity 6 year old chestnut mare owned by Mr Moseley and ridden by Hemmingway
Betting Evens Fred Briggs, 4/1 Prince George, 10/1 Rapid Garry
Tenant Farmers’ Cup for 20 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Simpleton 4 year old bay gelding owned by Mr Wynn and ridden by Trewent
2. Czar 5 year old chestnut gelding owned by Mr C Davis and ridden by T C Nott
3. Tenby 6 year old black gelding owned by Mr W Blissett and ridden by C Blissett
Betting: 6/4 Simpleton, 2/1 Tenby
Broxash Selling Hurdle for 25 Sovereigns over 1 ½ miles
1. Huntingfield 6 year old brown gelding owned by Mr Williams and ridden by J Holman
2. Lancaster 6 year old owned by Mr J Davis and ridden by G Tyler
3. Wild Duck 6 year old bay horse owned by Mr W Robinson and ridden by H Bartlett
Betting: 5/4 Lancaster, 7/4 Huntingfield
Worcester Stakes for 20 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Lady York aged bay mare owned and ridden by Mr J Riste
2. May Queen aged bay mare owned by Mr T Nott and ridden by T C Nott
3. Lady Raglan 4 year old chestnut mare owned by Mr H J Hart and ridden by Fisher
Betting: Evens May Queen, 6/4 Lady York, 5/1 Lady Raglan
Froome Hunt Selling Race for 20 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Armful 6 year old bay mare owned by Mr Castles and ridden by Trewent
2. Rose aged bay mare owned by Mr T Nott and ridden by T C Nott
3. Witton aged bay gelding owned by Mr W Holmes and ridden by Mr Wilkins
Betting: 6/4 Ethelred, 3/1 Armful, 4/1 Panophlite
Thursday 23rd May 1878
The Great Western Railway provided 3 special trains to carry upwards of 2000 people to the Downs for the annual meeting.
Bromyard Hunt Hurdle for 40 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. The Squire 6 year old bay gelding owned by Mr Best and ridden by H Davis
2. Lady Ethel 6 year old bay mare owned by Mr J Gough and ridden by Fox
3. Goldsmith 5 year old brown gelding owned by Mr W Fletcher and ridden by J Holman
Betting: 6/4 The Squire, 3/1 Lady Ethel, 5/1 Minar
Froome Optional Selling Race for 30 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Croesus aged gelding owned by Mr W Walters and ridden by T Hale
2. Bay Malcolm 5 year old bay gelding owned by Mr T A Wilkinson and ridden by E Wilkins
3. Armful aged brown mare owned by Mr C N Alexander and ridden by A Holman
Betting: 6/4 Croesus, 2/1 Woodcote, 5/1 Thinskin
Hereford Stakes for 30 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Sir Morgan 5 year old owned by Mr J Holman and ridden by W Holman
2. Frills 5 year old bay mare owned by Mr G H Bright and ridden by G S Lowe
3. Coolie aged bay gelding owned by Mr B Giles and ridden by Thornton
Betting: 1/3 Sir Morgan, 5/1 Alpha, Fitzroy
Worcester Hurdle for 25 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Alice 6 year old black mare owned by Mr Jas. Batten and ridden by A Holman
2. Rosebud 6 year old brown mare owned by Mr H C Edwards and ridden by W L Sanders
3. Lady York aged mare owned and ridden by Mr J Riste
Betting: Evens Lady York, 7/4 Alice, 5/1 Rosebud
Broxash Selling Hurdle for 25 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Lady Catherine 6 year old brown mare owned by Mr T P Everall and ridden by J Webster
2. Vestris aged bay gelding owned by Captain F Platt and ridden by W Davis
3. Gingerbread 6 year old brown mare owned by Mr W Tudge and ridden by J Rudd
Betting: 4/5 Gingerbread, 3/1 Vestris, 5/1 Lady Catherine
Malvern Stakes for 25 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Rocket 12st 7lbs owned by Mr T Calder and ridden by Wilkins
2. Forester 12st owned and ridden by Mr J H Walker
3. Lacydee 11st 7lbs owned by Mr Sankey and ridden by Bartlett
Betting: Evens Lacydee, 5/4 The Squire, 4/1 Forester
Thursday 22nd May 1879
Bromyard Hunt Hurdle Race
1. Maud owned by Mr M E Williams
Worcester Stakes
1. Alfriston owned by Mr W Puttrell
Hereford Stakes
1. L dy Baker owned by Mr H de Windt
Froome Hunt Selling Race
1. Radnor owned by Mr E P Wilson
Broxash Selling Hurdle
1. Gingerbread owned by Mr Partridge
Thursday 20th May 1880
The annual spectacle on the famous Downs at Bromyard took place under very favourable circumstances when the Downs buzzed with excitement from a thronged crowd of expectant spectators. Although arrangements were not all that could be desired, the Committee deserved thanks for a race meeting which not only afforded a day out for inhabitants of Worcester and Hereford, but also gave enjoyment to many people living in the rural districts which surrounded the old-fashioned country town.
Bromyard Hunt Hurdle Race for 40 Sovereigns over 2 ½ miles
1. Forester aged bay gelding owned by Mr J H Walker and ridden by J Walker jnr
2. Old Fashion 6 year old bay mare owned by Mr E Wadlow and ridden by G S Lowe
3. Alamayou 4 year old bay horse owned by Mr T Nott and ridden by T C Nott
Betting: 4/5 Forester, 5/4 Old Fashion, 6/1 Alamayou
Worcester Galloway Stakes over 1 ½ miles
1. Play Rough 3 year old bay colt owned by Mr A Smith and ridden by J Rudd
2. Miss Ethel 4 year old bay mare owned by Mr J Blake and ridden by Keogh
3. Patchet 6 year old brown horse owned and ridden by Mr W King
Betting: 2/5 Patchet, 2/1 Play Rough, 4/1 Miss Ethel
Hereford Stakes for 30 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Montenegro 4 year old bay gelding owned by Mr W Packman
2. Miss Truelove aged brown mare owned by Mr G H Hood
3. Rufus 6 year old chestnut mare owned by Mr R E L Burton
Betting 4/5 Montenegro, 6/4 Rufus, 2/1 Miss Truelove
Broxash Selling Hurdle for 30 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Lemonade aged bay gelding owned by Mr F Cobden and ridden by J Rudd
2. Miss Truelove aged brown mare owned by Mr G H Hood and ridden by G Palin
Betting 1/3 Lemonade, 2/1 Miss Truelove
Froome Hunters Selling Race for 30 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Despise aged bay gelding owned by Mr C F Cobden and ridden by L Benson
2. Full Sail 5 year old brown mare owned and ridden by Mr John Webster
Betting 2/5 Despise, 6/4 Full Sail
Monday 24th May 1881
The meeting was held on Queen Victoria’s birthday and the crowd enjoyed ‘Queen’s weather’. The feature of the meeting was a treble by jockey G S Lowe.
Hereford Stakes for 30 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Servant Girl 4 year old bay mare owned by Mr Herbert Wood and ridden by Gilpin
2. Zenobia 4 year old bay mare owned by Mr J S Oliver and ridden by Trewent
3. Disgust 5 year old bay mare owned by Mr S Davies and ridden by G S Lowe
Betting: 6/4 Zenobia, 2/1 Disgust, 4/1 Bar
Bromyard Hunt Hurdle for 40 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Brockton 5 year old bay gelding owned by Mr R Lloyd-Ayton and ridden by G S Lowe
2. Nativity aged bay gelding owned Mr J Theyer and ridden by H Mayberry
3. Sportsman 5 year old chestnut gelding owned by Mr John Pye and ridden by G Tustin
Betting: 4/6 Brockton, 3/1 Mystery, Sportsman, 6/1 Nativity
Worcester and Hereford Stakes for 22 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Tomahawk 6 year old brown mare owned by Mr James Hughes and ridden by G S Lowe
2. Barbella aged bay mare owned by Mr B Giles and ridden by Millward
Betting: 2/5 Tomahawk, 7/4 Barbella
Broxash Selling Hurdle for 30 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Luckless 6 year old bay gelding owned by Mr G H Bright and ridden by G S Lowe
1. Lady Ethel aged brown mare owned and ridden by Mr James Gough
3. Montenegro 5 year old bay gelding owned by Mr William Packman and ridden by J Rudd
Betting: 4/6 Lady Ethel, 7/4 Luckless, 4/1 Montenegro
Froome Selling Race for 30 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Nutbush 5 year old bay gelding owned by Mr W Gracebrook and ridden by Gilpin
2. Don Juan 5 year old brown gelding owned and ridden by Mr John Holman
3. Ada aged mare owned by Mr Alex Bayley and ridden by T H Bayley
Betting: 4/6 Nutbush, Evens Don Juan, 5/1 Ada
Friday 4th May 1883
Although no meeting took place in 1882 owing to the lamented death of Mr J S Walker of Knightwick, who was regarded as ‘the father of the races’, and to a lack of funds, the meeting was revived in 1883 due to several energetic townsmen, particularly Mr P W Taylor and Mr H Scarlett Davies, who worked tirelessly.
Worcester Hunters Hurdle for 21 Sovereigns over 2 miles and 8 flights
1. Amburgh 4 year old chestnut gelding owned by Mr William Puttrell and ridden by J Rudd
2. Albatrusse 4 year old bay gelding owned by Mr G H Shepherd and ridden by Mytton
3. Bird of Freedom aged gelding owned by Mr William Page and ridden by Billinge
Betting: 2/1 Amburgh, 4/1 Bird of Freedom, 5/1 Katie, Andy
Froome Hunters’ Flat Race for 21 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Dragon Fly aged gelding owned by Mr W Baker and ridden by Vezey
2. Lady Craw 6 year old chestnut mare owned by Mr Sydney Holland and ridden by Bailey
3. Primrose 6 year old chestnut mare owned by Mr Peter Giles and ridden by J Lewis
Betting: 1/3 Lady Crow, 4/1 Dragon Fly
Bromyard Hunt Hurdle for 40 Sovereigns over 3 miles
1. Dressmaker aged mare owned by Mr William Puttrell and ridden by J Rudd
2. Monitor 6 year old bay gelding owned by Mr Turner and ridden by W Warmington
3. Bustard 5 year old black mare owned by Mr W Wilson and ridden by E P Wilson
Betting: 4/7 Dressmaker, 3/1 Bustard, 4/1 Commoner
Hereford Hunt Hurdle for 25 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Bear II aged bay gelding owned by Mr L R James and ridden by G S Lowe
2. Glen Crystal 6 year old gelding owned by Mr J Riste and ridden by Billinge
3. Nelly aged mare owned by Mr H C Cock and ridden by Braithwaite
Betting: 2/1 ON Bear II, 5/2 Glen Crystal
Monday 26th May 1884
Hereford Hunt Hurdle for 22 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. In Bounds 5 year old owned by Mr H Mills and ridden by C Holman
2. Pirate 6 year old owned by Mr J Rogers and ridden by Braithwaite
3. Flirt aged mare owned by Mr E C Ainsworth and ridden by Friend
Broxash Hunters Hurdle for 25 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Albatrusse 5 year old owned by Mr G Shepherd and ridden by Wilkins
2. Justice 5 year old owned and ridden by Mr M Mence
3. Hatfield Lass 4 year old owned by Mr W Till and ridden by J Lewis
Worcester Hurdle Race for 21 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Highland Lad 4 year old owned by Mr H U Taylor and ridden by J Hume
2. Bonnie Joey 4 year old owned by Mr E J Lewis and ridden by Stephen
3. Bounce 4 year old owned by Mr J Heywood and ridden by McLean
Froome Hunters Flat Race for 30 Sovereigns over 2 ½ miles
1. Beckhampton aged gelding owned by Baron C De Tayils and ridden by E A Craddock
2. Jabberwock 5 year old owned by Mr A France and ridden by Captain Hayhurst
3. In Bounds 5 year old owned by Mr H Mills and ridden by Braithwaite
Friday 5th June 1885
Froome Hunters Flat Race for 30 Sovereigns over 2 ½ miles
1. Ladylike 5 year old owned and ridden by Mr Dames
2. Hard Times 5 year old owned by Mr J Skone and ridden by W H Lewis
3. Matilda 4 year old owned by Mr A Frances and ridden by T Wadlow
Betting: Evens Woodman, 2/1 Indian Summer, 4/1 Hard Times
Bromyard Hunt Hurdle for 25 Sovereigns over 2 ½ miles
1. Coolie aged gelding owned by Mr H Hardeman and ridden by W H Lewis
2. Luna 4 year old owned by Mr E N Hadley and ridden by Gillett
3. Chat aged gelding owned by Mr S Clarke and ridden by Mr T Nott
Betting: 4/5 Luna, 2.1 Coolie, 5/1 Chat
Worcester Hurdle for 21 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. L’Exception 4 year old owned by Mr T Hones and ridden by J Hall
2. Mona 5 year old owned by Mr E N Hadley and ridden by Gillett
3. Axminster 5 year old owned by Mr Crump and ridden by Drury
Betting: 4/5 L’Exception, 4/1 Brown Holland, 5/1 Axminster
Hereford Hunt Hurdle for 25 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. The Trapper 6 year old owned by Mr Williams ridden by G Palin
2. Ladylike 6 year old owned and ridden by Mr Dames
3. Highland Lad 5 year old owned by Mr Lewis and ridden by Stephens
Betting: 6/4 Highland Lad, 2/1 The Trapper, 5/2 Indian Summer
Broxash Hunters Hurdle for 25 Sovereigns over 2 ½ miles
1. Coolie aged gelding owned by Mr H Hardeman and ridden by J Lewis
2. Little Thought Of 5 year old owned by Mr Webster and ridden by J Jones
3. Chat aged gelding owned by Mr S Clarke and ridden by T C Nott
Betting: 4/5 Little Thought Of, Evens Coolie, 10/1 Chat
Thursday 20th May 1886
Bromyard Hunters Hurdle Race
1. Polly Distin ridden by Mr Villar
2. Luna
3. Harlequin
Betting 7/4 Polly Distin
Worcestershire Hurdle
Race declared void
Bromyard 50 Sovereigns Match
1. Scraggs owned by Mr J Jones
2. Miss Chatham owned by Mr Lowe
Betting 4/7 Scraggs, 5/4 Miss Chatham
Broxash Hurdle Race
1. Eaton Peeler owned by Mr Wivell
2. Harlequin
3. Red Streak
Betting Evens Eaton Peeler
Hereford Hurdle
1. Merry Maiden ridden by Captain Sandeman
2. Polly Distin
3. Jacamar
Betting 4/6 Merry Maiden
Froome Hunters Stakes
1. King’s County (walked over)
I am grateful to Ordnance Survey (© Crown Copyright) and the British Library Online for permission to use the 1887 map shown below.
Tuesday 10th May 1887
There was beautifully sunny weather for this meeting which is seen more as a family gathering than for the tame sport on offer. The railway accommodation was ‘taxed to the utmost’ and general arrangements were more than satisfactory, but the quality in the races was disappointing.
Hereford Hunt Hurdle over 2 miles for 25 Sovereigns
1. Miladi owned by Mr C H Corbett and ridden by W E Drury
2. Bustle owned by Captain Childe and ridden by Hewitt
Betting 2/1 On Miladi, 6/4 Bustle
Broxash Hunters Selling Race over 2 miles for 25 Sovereigns
1. Bustle owned by Captain Childe and ridden by Hewitt
2. Actress owned by Mr H Hardeman and ridden by Braithwaite
3. Wormwood owned by Mr Marrian and ridden by Dorrell
Betting 4/6 Actress, 2/1 Bustle, 10/1 Wormwood
Bryngwyn Hunters Hurdle over 2 miles and 8 hurdles for 21 Sovereigns
1. Bonnibel owned by Mr J Goodwin and ridden by W L Saunders
2. Shamrock owned by Captain Ball and ridden by A Wilkins
3. Unnamed mare by Victorious owned by Mr Mason and ridden by J Lewis
Betting Evens Bonnibel, 11/10 Victorious mare, 10/1 Shamrock
Bromyard Hunters Hurdle Selling Race over 2 miles
1. Tender and True owned by Captain Childe and ridden by Hewitt
2. Lord Byron owned by Mr J Cook and ridden by A Wilkins
3. Forget-Me-Not owned by Mr J Webster and ridden by Braithwaite
Betting 6/4 Tender and True, 5/2 Lord Byron, 7/2 Forget-Me-Not
Froome Hunters Flat Race over 2 ½ miles
1. Ipsley King owned by Mr T Rickard and ridden by Braithwaite
2. Spark owned and ridden by Captain Childe
3. Unnamed gelding by Herbertstown owned and ridden by Mr R C Forster
Betting 2/5 Ipsley King, 2/1 Spark, 10/1 Bar
Races were staged on Saturday 19th May 1888.
Tuesday 30th April 1889
Bryngwyn Hunters Hurdle Race over 2 miles for 21 Sovereigns
1. Onibury owned by Sir Richard D Green-Price and ridden by Jones
2. Vera owned and ridden by Mr J Cook
3. Village Girl owned and ridden by Mr Grundy
Betting 6/4 Onibury, 3/1 Balloon, 4/1 Mutineer, 6/1 Village Girl, 10/1 Vera
Bromyard Hunters Selling Hurdle over 2 miles for 30 Sovereigns
1. Loch Silver owned by Mr H T Fenwick and ridden by Hamlyn
2. Freckles owned by Mr R Corbett and ridden by Lewis
3. Warrior owned by Mr John Fisher and ridden by Braithwaite
Betting 4/6 Warrior, 6/4 Loch Silver, 6/1 Freckles
Hereford Hunt Hurdle Race over 2 miles for 30 Sovereigns
1. Mintridge owned by Mr R Corbett and ridden by J Lewis
2. Patton owned by Mr H T Fenwick and ridden by Hewitt
3. Onibury owned by Sir Richard D Green-Price and ridden by Jones
Betting Evens Patton, 5/2 Mintridge, 10/1 Onibury
Broxash Hunters Selling Hurdle over 2 miles for 30 Sovereigns
1. Loch Silver owned by Mr H T Fenwick and ridden by Hamlyn
2. Freckles owned by Mr R Corbett and ridden by J Lewis
3. Warrior owned by Mr John Fisher and ridden by Braithwaite
Betting 2 to 1 On Loch Silver, 3/1 Warrior, 6/1 Freckles
Froome Hunters Flat Race was declared void
BROMYARD GALLOWAY RACES
Tuesday 10th June 1890
Note that for many years Steeplechases were run under the auspices of the National Hunt Rules. These did not always receive the entries they required for the programme to be viable, so in 1890 Mr Scarlett Davies initiated a programme of Galloway race meetings.
Bryngwyn Stakes for 12 Sovereigns over 6 furlongs
1. Little Amy 4 year old owned by Mr W Sheaf and ridden by J P Evans
2. Teesdale Lass aged mare owned by Mr Palmer and ridden by E Johnson
3. Black Tommy 6 year old owned by Mr Reynolds and ridden by P Roberts
Betting: 1/3 Little Amy Amy, 6/1 Teesdale Lass, 8/1 Black Tommy
Bromyard Stakes for 20 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Schoolmaster aged gelding owned by Mr Christie and ridden by L R Thomas
2. The Curate aged gelding owned by Mr Bruce and ridden by Braithwaite
3. Invention 5 year old owned by Mr Manning and ridden by H Childs
Betting: Evens Schoolmaster, 5/2 The Curate, 6/1 Invention
Froome Stakes for 10 Sovereigns over 1 ½ miles
1. Rebecca Salop aged mare owned by Mr P Essex and ridden by Wood
2. Miss Froggatt 5 year old owned by Mr R G Benbow and ridden by J Morris
3. Parachute 5 year old owned by Mr E G Pudge and ridden by Holloway
Betting: 5/4 Rebecca Salop, 2/1 Miss Froggatt, 3/1 Parachute
Broxash Stakes for 10 Sovereigns over a mile
1. The Curate aged gelding owned by Mr Bruce and ridden by Braithwaite
2. Schoolmaster aged gelding owned by Mr W F Christie and ridden by L R Thomas
Betting: 4/5 The Curate, Evens Schoolmaster
Herefordshire Stakes for 25 Sovereigns over 1 ½ miles
1. Wineglass 5 year old owned and ridden by Mr L G Edmund
2. Sweet Blossom 5 year old owned by Mr Bruce and ridden by Braithwaite
3. Woodbury Hill aged gelding owned by Mr Lea and ridden by T Davis
Betting: Evens Woodbury Hill, 3/1 Sweet Blossom, Wineglass
Consolation Stakes for 5 Sovereigns over 1 ½ miles
1. Parachute 10st 7 lbs owned by Mr Pudge and ridden by Aspery
2. Woodbury Hill 11st 7lbs owned by Mr Lea and ridden by T Davis
3. Hanbury Lass 10st owned by Mr Green and ridden by Harrison
Betting: 4/6 Woodbury Hill, 2/1 Parachute
.The meeting on Tuesday 2nd June 1891 was conducted under National Pony Club and Galloway Rules.
Although the House of Commons adjourned over Epsom Derby Day, the faithful common man of Worcester displayed more Spartan heroism and ventured to Bromyard Downs.
Broxash Stakes over a mile
1. Little Amy 5 year old owned by Mr W Sheaf and ridden by J P Evans
2. Good Counsel 6 year old owned by Mr Clifford Mellor and ridden by H J Braithwaite
3. Mariner aged gelding owned by Captain Threshie and ridden by L R Thomas
Betting: 5/4 Good Counsel, 6/4 Little Amy, 10/1 Mariner
Herefordshire Stakes over 1 ½ miles
1. Nadine 6 year old owned by Mrs Parsons and ridden by Newton
2. May Hastings 6 year old owned and ridden by Mr E W Buck
3. Wild Girl 5 year old owned by Captain Threshie and ridden by D Davis
Betting: 2/1 Nadine, 3/1 Little Hero, 4/1 Wild Girl
Bryngwyn Stakes over 6 furlongs
1. Teesdale Lass 5 year old owned and ridden by Mr H J Braithwaite
2. St Valerie aged mare owned by Mr F Farmer and ridden by D Davis
3. Ringdove 4 year old owned by Mr Lawrence and ridden by E Johnson
Betting: 4/6 Teesdale Lass, 5/1 St Valerie, 10/1 Ringdove
Bromyard Stakes over 2 miles
1. Pawney 6 year old owned by Mr G Andrews and ridden by A Wood
2. Tempest 6 year old owned by Mr Meredyth (sic) and ridden by Newton
Betting: 2/5 Pawney, 7/4 Tempest
Froome Stakes over 1 ½ miles
1. Wild Girl 5 year old owned by Captain Threshie and ridden by D Davis
2. Parachute 6 year old owned by Mr J S Turner and ridden by Twinberrow
3. Little Hero 4 year old owned by Mr H Hemus and ridden by A Wilkins
Betting: 1/4 Wild Girl, 4/1 Little Hero, 10/1 Parachute
Friday 5th August 1892
Having postponed the June meeting, scheduled for Tuesday 14th June, because of lack of entries, the attendance at this meeting was down on previous years and the crowd had to endure small fields, mundane racing and mediocre odds.
Herefordshire Stakes for £20 over 5 furlongs
1. Little Amy owned by Mr W Sheaf and ridden by J P Evans
2. Tralee owned by Mr R W Bamford and ridden by A W Wood
3. Princess owned by Mr E Davies and ridden by H Childs
Betting 2/5 Little Amy, 5/2 Tralee, 4/1 Princess
Bryngwyn Stakes for £15 over 1 ½ miles
1. Nadine owned by Mrs Parsons and ridden by A W Wood
2. Bonnie Alice owned and ridden by Mr W Bucke
Betting 2/7 Nadine, 5/2 Bonnie Alice
Bromyard Stakes for £25 over a mile
1. Little Amy owned by Mr W Sheaf and ridden by J P Evans
2. Pawney owned by Mr G Andrews and ridden by A W Wood
Betting 4/7 Pawney, 5/4 Little Amy
Broxash Selling Stakes for 20 Sovereigns over 6 furlongs
1. Nadine owned by Mrs Parsons and ridden by A W Wood
2. Libation owned by Mr Dagg
3. Teesdale Lass owned by Mr Braithwaite
Betting 4/6 Nadine, 2/1 Libation, 8/1 Teesdale Lass, 20/1 Little Dinah
Froome Members Stakes for 10 Sovereigns over a mile
1. Pawney owned by Mr G Andrews
2. Little Amy owned by Mr W Sheaf
Betting ½ Little Amy, 6/4 Pawney
Consolation Stakes for 8 Sovereigns over 7 furlongs
1. Bonnie Alice owned by Mr W Bucke
2. Little Dinah owned by Mr Parsons
BROMYARD HUNT MEETING
Monday 16th April 1894
Bryngwyn Maiden Hurdle Race over 2 miles for 21 Sovereigns
1. Douglas Campbell owned by Mr Bayford and ridden by E Phillips
2. Backbiter owned by Captain E K Money and ridden by H Lord
3. Miss Bendigo owned by Mr R J Shannon
Betting 4/5 Douglas Campbell, 3/1 Backbiter, 5/1 Miss Bendigo
Broxash Hunt Steeplechase over 2 miles for 25 Sovereigns
1. Wanderer owned and ridden by Captain R L Heygate
2. Alexander owned by Mr Wood and ridden by Barry
3. Abbess owned by Mr W Allsopp and ridden by H Harris
Betting 2 to 1 ON Surprise, 4/1 Wanderer, 5/1 Alexander, 8/1 Abbess
Hereford Selling Steeplechase over 2 miles for 25 Sovereigns
1. Trentham owned by Mr L A Shipway and ridden by A W Wood
2. Rising Storm owned by Lord Shrewsbury and ridden by James Calder
3. King Fox owned and ridden by Captain Heygate
Betting Evens Rising Storm, 3/1 Trentham, 4/1 King Fox
Bromyard Open Steeplechase over 3 miles for 40 Sovereigns
1. Bally O’Hara owned by Lord Shrewsbury and ridden by Ellis
2. Balzac owned and ridden by Mr E Rose
3. Northside owned and ridden by Captain Heygate
Betting 2 to 1 On Bally O’Hara, 4/1 Northside, 6/1 Balzac
Froome National Hunt Flat Race over 2 miles for 25 Sovereigns
1. Jesuit owned by Lord Shrewsbury and ridden by Harper
2. Marienbad owned by Mr Thane and ridden by W A Villar
3. Myrrh owned and ridden by Mr E Rose
Betting 4/7 Jesuit, 7/4 Marienbad, 10/1 Myrrh
BROMYARD STEEPLECHASES
Friday 15th October 1897
This meeting was advertised as being over a new, all grass course half a mile from Bromyard.
BROMYARD STEEPLECHASES & HURDLE RACES
Monday 9th May 1898
This meeting was advertised as being on a ‘new course situated on Dry Thistle meadows half a mile from Bromyard’.
BROMYARD STEEPLECHASES
Monday 26th September 1898
There was a long, continual drought leading up to this meeting, the consequences of which were that two races did not fill and small fields in the 4 events which were able to be scheduled.
Bryngwyn Hurdle
1. Lohengrin owned by Mr Hunt
2. Vanity owned by Mr James
3. Fudge owned by Mr T Mace
Betting: 4/5 Lohengrin, 5/4 Fudge, 10/1 Vanity
Froome Flat Race
1. Terpischore II owned by Mr Lort Phillips Walked Over
Thistle Selling Hurdle
1. Fudge owned by Mr Mace
2. Phil Fellow owned by Mr Wilkins
3. Cardross owned by Mr Raven
Betting: 1/2 Phil Fellow, 2/1 Cardross, 10/1 Fudge
Hereford Steeplechase
1. Fussy owned by Mr D Davies
2. Snowflake owned by Mr Wood
3. Bunkum owned by Mr C Blizzard
Betting: Evens Snowflake, 5/4 Fussy, 8/1 Bunkum
BROMYARD STEEPLECHASES
Thursday 11th May 1899
For this meeting the committee members were:-
Honorary Secretary and Stakeholder: Mr H Scarlett-Davies
Auctioneer: Mr W Mytton
Clerks of the Course: Mr E F Skyrine & Mr F G Page
Judge and Clerk of the Scales: Mr F G Page
Starter: Mr T Lawson Walker
A very large crowd gathered at Drythistle to enjoy a packed programme and the day was not marred by continuous heavy thunderstorms.
Froome Maiden Hurdle over 2 miles for 25 Sovereigns
1. Conjure owned by Mr N Crump and ridden by N Butler
2. Hecate II owned by Mr Baker and ridden by A W Wood
3. Lady York owned by Mr Darby and ridden by J T Rogers
Betting 4/5 Hecate II, 4/1 Conjure & Fintons, 6/1 Lady York
Thistle Selling Hurdle over 2 miles for 30 Sovereigns
1. Drowsy owned by Mr R C Earle and ridden by W Oates
2. Water Bird owned by Mr F Hassall and ridden by P W Jones
3. Kemerton owned by Mr E S Woodward and ridden by W Donnelly
Betting 2/1 Drowsy, 5/2 Kemerton, 5/1 Water Bird & Kippur
Herefordshire Maiden Steeplechase over 2 miles for 25 Sovereigns
1. Best of Three owned by Mr Trigg and ridden by A W Wood
2. Erin owned by Mr Fitz-Hugh Whitehouse and ridden by W Slinn
3. Recompense owned by Mr L Fane-Gladwin and ridden by A Hastings
Betting 5/4 Best of Three, 3/1 Recompense, 6/1 Erin & Disputant
Broxash Steeplechase Plate over 3 miles for 40 Sovereigns
1. Specs owned by Mr W H Walker and ridden by J Fergusson
2. Wonston owned by Mr D Beale-Brown and ridden by G B Fletcher
3. Sandboy owned by Mr J Gibbs and ridden by Titterton
Betting 8/11 Specs, 4/1 Wonston, 5/1 Sandboy
Bromyard Steeplechase over 2 miles for 30 Sovereigns
1. Perhaps owned by Mr D Jones and ridden by H Hewett
2. Fairsail owned by Mr T C Nott and ridden by W Grosvenor
3. Billy Buttons owned by Mr Wilkes and ridden by G T Lucas
Betting 9/4 Frivolity, 5/2 Perhaps, 4/1 Ingebrigt, 10/1 Fairsail & Billy Buttons
Bryngwyn Hurdle over 2 miles for 25 Sovereigns
1. Sum Total owned by Mr N R Graham and ridden by A W Wood
2. Merry Love owned by Mr W H Walker and ridden by J Fergusson
Betting 8/11 Sum Total, Evens Merry Love
In 1900 a meeting under National Hunt rules was staged on Monday 21st May. The final meeting was held on Monday 3rd September and proved to be a disaster from start to finish, as shown by race details given below. As early as the first race there were pointers to suggest it would prove to be the final meeting. The day began so badly when the opening Broxash Steeplechase Plate over 3 miles was delayed because the National Hunt Racing Club rule stipulated that all races had to have a first prize of at least £20, but that condition was not met. Stewards held a meeting and deliberated too long before deciding to add the required £3 to the stakes to enable the race to go ahead. Racing finally commenced over an hour late, but there was further misfortune when an objection to the winner was upheld. Given that no other horse successfully completed the course the race which had caused so much angst was declared void. However, the entire meeting was a catalogue of disasters as shown in the details given below.
Monday 3rd September 1900
1.30 Broxash Steeplechase Plate for 28 Sovereigns over 3 miles
Race declared void.
2.10 Thistle Selling Hurdle Race for 30 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Sophos 10st 12lbs aged gelding owned by Mr G R Lawrence and ridden by D Davies
2. Svengali 10st 12lbs aged gelding owned by Mr J Farmer and ridden by H Booth
Betting 1/8 Sophos
Disaster: No one could really back an 8/1 On chance.
2.45 Bromyard Selling Steeplechase for 30 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Continental 11st 9lbs aged gelding owned and ridden by Mr E T Cripps
2. Francis 11st aged gelding owned by Mr Godfrey Preece and ridden by H Hopkins
3. Speculation 11st aged gelding owned by Mr E Rollaston and ridden by Savage
Betting Evens Speculation, 5/4 Continental, 3/1 Francis
Disaster: Although the favourite Speculation won by 6 lengths in a common canter, he was disqualified, much to the consternation of the crowd, because of ‘insufficient description’ of the horse.
3.30 Froome Maiden Hurdle Race for 25 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Little Bee 6 year old owned by Mr M A Shipway and ridden by Savage
2. Ethelred 4 year old owned by Mr H Griffiths and ridden by Parvin
3. Kayle 4 year old owned by Mr F C Burroughs and ridden by Felix
Betting 4/6 Ethelred, 3/1 Little Bee, Kyle
Disaster: All but Little Bee ran out at some stage during the race and although the favourite was ‘righted’ and ran on, he was easily beaten by a distance.
4.10 Bryngwyn Hurdle Race for 22 Sovereigns over 2 miles
1. Chrism 4 year old owned by Mr J B Lawrence and ridden by D Davies
2. Harry Monmouth aged gelding owned by Mr J Farmer and ridden by Booth
Betting 1/6 Chrism
Disaster: Unbackable favourite won in a hack canter.
Course today
Although initially the racecourse was replaced by a Golf course, evidence still remains of the old racecourse and it is possible to enjoy walks of up to 3 ¼ miles around it which are organised by the ramblers of Bromyard Walking Group. The Royal Oak is a 300 year old pub which is in the middle of the old course on Bromyard Downs.
Although there were no more meetings run under rules, the course was still used after 1900 for pony racing, including a meeting on Thursday 21st May 1914 when a crowd of 1500 witnessed Mr Birch’s Bonfire win the Ladies Plate; the Bromyard Town Cup was won by Miss Pettifer’s Farmer, and the Farmers’ Plate went to Mr J James’s Little Cora.
Much of the information about this course has been found using internet research and is in the public domain. However, useful research sources have been:-
London Illustrated News
Racing Illustrated 1895-1899
The Sporting & Dramatic Illustrated
Northern Turf History Volumes 1-4 by J.Fairfax-Blakeborough
The Sporting Magazine
A Long Time Gone by Chris Pitt first published in 1996 ISBN 0 900599 89 8
Racing Calendars which were first published in 1727
