Richard Gauthier Collection

Hexham Racecourse

The earliest evidence of racing in the vicinity of Hexham was at Tyne Green in 1720, although the first races did not take place on the Hexham race ground until 1793, with details of two meetings held that year shown below courtesy of the Newcastle Courant. In the mid to late 19th century Hexham had to take a back seat when Wark races gained in popularity from 1854. However, Wark (North Tyneside) closed for the final time on 16th May 1878, providing Hexham with the opportunity to prepare for a relaunch. In 1890 racing resumed on 23rd April, masterminded by Charles William Chipchase Henderson, with full race details shown below, although it was a further ten years before permanent buildings began being built. Painted in distinctive blue and yellow, the racing colours of Charles Henderson, the same colours were used for member’s badges in the early years they were issued. In 1907 the Heart of All England Cup and Steeplechase were introduced into the programme for the first time, the race was recognised as the point to point championship in the area. It is thought that James VI of Scotland gave the ‘Heart of All England’ title in spite of Hadrian’s Wall being so close. A limited company was formed in 1926 under the directorship of Captain Stephen Henderson jnr, making the future of Hexham racecourse secure. Racing ceased during the war years, the site being used to store ammunition, but returned in 1946. A new weighing room was completed in 1990; a new watering system in 1997, and the Horse Race Levy Board helped to finance the Ramshaw Stand in 1998. Currently the course offers 15 fixtures annually.
For the opening meeting a Steward was Captain Atkinson; the Judge was H Patrickson; the Starter Nicholas Cornish, and the Honorary Secretary was Charles William Chipchase Henderson.
Wednesday 23rd April 1890
FIRST RACE: Yarridge Steeplechase Plate over 2 miles
1. Saunby, aged horse owned by Mr C Perkins
2. Bangor, 4 year old owned by Mr H Hall
3. Midget, 6 year old owned by Mr John Slater
4. Spring, 6 year old owned by Mr Laycock
Wednesday 23rd April 1890
SECOND RACE: Tynedale-Haydon Hunt Plate over 4 miles
1. Woodlawn, aged horse owned by Mr C E Hunter
2. Sandboy, aged horse owned by Mr Laycock
3. Black Peter, aged horse owned by Mr F Straker

Wednesday 23rd April 1890
THIRD RACE: Open Hunters’ Steeplechase Plate over 3 ½ miles
1. Sir Herbert, aged horse owned by Mr C J Cunningham
2. Parseproud, 5 year old owned by Mr J Rogerson
3. Daloraine, 6 year old owned by Mr Laycock
Wednesday 23rd April 1890
FOURTH RACE: Border Counties Hunt Plate over 3 ½ miles
1. Minster, 6 year old owned by Captain M Cradock
2. Cambria, aged horse owned by Lord Henry Vane Tempest
3. Tynemouth, 6 year old owned by Mr Fogg
Wednesday 23rd April 1890
FIFTH RACE: Selling Hunters’ Steeplechase Plate over 2 miles
1. Fowberry, aged horse owned by Mr C E Browne
2. Matador, aged horse owned by Mr R Jefferson
3. Gipsy Lass, 4 year old owned by Mr A Bryden
Wednesday 23rd April 1890
SIXTH RACE: Hexham Steeplechase Plate over 2 ½ miles
1. Gamecock, 4 year old owned by Mr Davidson
2. Come Again, 6 year old owned by Mr John Peel
3. Clatter, 5 year old owned by Mr E Joicey