| There is evidence that racing took place in the brewing town of Burton on
Trent, Staffordshire, from 1811 until the final meeting recorded as being held on 18th
August 1840. The racecard shown at the foot of this article is from the 2 day meeting held
in 1836. |
Burton on Trent in
1836
|
| The 2 main inns of the day were The George Hotel and The White Hart. At
the former lunch (or Ordinaries) was held for the race stewards before the Tuesday meeting
on 23rd August, while a similar meal was held at the White Hart Inn prior to the Wednesday
meeting. |
| The principal race on the Tuesday was The Bretby Cup worth 100 sovereigns
to the winner. It was won by General Yates' Sylvan a 4 year old carrying 7st 12 lbs.
defeating a field of 11 runners once around and the distance. 1
SYLVAN 4
year old 7st 12 lbs General Yates
2 PARTISAN 3 year old
6st 4 lbs Lord
Chesterfield
3 HERON
3 year old
6st 4 lbs Mr Fowler |
Burton today:
|
| The principal race on Wednesday 24th August wasThe Two Year Old Stakes
worth 25 sovereigns. It was won by Mr E Peels Beggar my Neighbour carrying 8st 5 lbs.over
the half mile trip defeating 3 rivals. 1 BEGGAR MY NEIGHBOUR
8st 5 lbs Mr E Peel
2 GRANBY
8st
5 lbs Mr W Lacy
3 PRIAM
8st
5 lbs Lord Chesterfield |
During the 2 day meeting there were 4 races on the first day and a further
3 on the second day, with two of the races, a 3 year old stakes and a Half Bred stakes not
taking place due to lack of runners. The meeting was to last for a further 4 years,
with the final meeting on 18th August 1840. |
The racecard shown above, from 1836, is
available for 60 credits |
Today there are no visible signs of the
racecourse that once existed in Burton on Trent. Even the Library cannot provide evidence
of its previous existence. |
If you can provide any details
about the course then email me at johnslusar@fsmail.net |