Vincent Hinde Collection

Pershore Racecourse

Earliest meeting: Tuesday 29th September 1846
Final meeting: Monday 1st May 1939
The Worcestershire market town of Pershore, on the banks of the River Avon, lies in the Vale of Evesham some 6 miles west of Evesham and the same distance east of Upton-upon-Severn. The earliest record of racing in the town was at Bridge Meadow, adjoining the town, on Tuesday 29th September 1846 and afforded a sufficient degree of sport for the experience to be repeated the next year. The running ground was in fine fettle, except the far distance which was rough, and there was scope for improvement next year. The Grand Stand, built before rules were fashionable, was erected by Pershore Innkeepers for public convenience. Records show that the next race meeting took place on the edge of Pershore on Tuesday 26th October 1847, principally involving the Pershore Stakes which was run in 4 heats, as was the norm in those days. The mile and a half race was won by Amazement, owned by Mr Wood, beating Augustus and Monsieur Perrot, and was due to be sold for 100 sovereigns after winning. The course was less than a mile from the town centre, surrounded by beautiful Worcestershire countryside. At the meeting there was a fatality when Joseph Peart, a 25-year-old from Great Comberton, was crossing the course during the second heat when he was knocked down by a horse ridden by Cox. He was removed to the Coach and Horses Inn where he died 30 minutes later. Although the racing was enjoyable, the tragedy caused a negative reaction and no further flat race meetings were staged in the town, with racing not returning until the very last year of the century. The final meeting took place on Monday 1st May 1939.