A pivotal moment in horse racing history, and in the history of Newmarket, occurred in 1665 when, on 16th October 1665, King Charles II issued an Article for a race, the Newmarket Town Plate, for horses carrying 12 stone over the Newmarket Round Course on the second Thursday in October each year. Although there was no Jockey Club at this stage, this is one of the first sets of rules governing a race in Newmarket. It is clear that, at this point in time, there is a Clerk of the Course, a Clerk of the Race, a Treasurer, many Judges, one of whom is responsible for checking the weights of riders.

Unnamed horse owned by 12th Earl of Kent, Henry Grey.

Evidence:New-Markitt Calendar by J B Muir

Unnamed horse owned by Earl Sidney Godolphin

Evidence:New-Markitt Calendar by J B Muir

Thursday 13th October 1720
Town Plate for aged horses carrying 12 stone
1. MONKEY owned by Lord William Manners 1 1 1
2. TOM TIT owned by Lord Drogheda 2 3 2
3. QUIET owned by Duke of Wharton 3 2 3
4. CROP owned by Duke of Wharton 4 dist
Evidence from Baily’s Racing Register Volume 1

Thursday 11th October 1722
Town Plate for aged horses carrying 12 stone
1. TICKLEPITCHER owned by Lord Drogheda 1 2 2 1
2. SINGLEPEEPER owned by Lord Hartington 2 1 1 2
Evidence from Baily’s Racing Register Volume 1

Thursday 10th October 1723
Town Plate for aged horses carrying 12 stone
1. NEAL owned by Mr Glassock 2 2 1 1
2. RUFFLER owned by Mr Morgan 1 2 2 dist
3. OTHELLO owned by Lord Drogheda 3 wdr
Evidence from Baily’s Racing Register Volume 1

Thursday 8th October 1724

Thursday 8th October 1724
Town Plate for aged horses carrying 12 stone
1. SIMPLETON owned by Mr Neal 2 2 1 1
2. CHIMNEY-SWEEPER owned by Mr Turner 1 1 3 2
3. STRIPLING owned by Mr Stanhope 3 3 2
Evidence from Baily’s Racing Register Volume 1

Friday 1st October 1725
Town Plate for aged horses carrying 12 stone
1. Unnamed black horse owned by Mr Cornish 1 1 1
2. STOTE owned by Sir R Fagg 2 2 2
3. Unnamed bay mare owned by Mr Gulston 3 wdr
Evidence from Baily’s Racing Register Volume 1