Wye Racecourse

WYE RACECOURSE

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Earliest meeting: Tuesday 29th May 1849 Final meeting: Thursday 2nd May 1974 When Ashford racecourse closed in 1840 it seemed likely that this region of Kent would be without a racecourse. However, within 8 years another meeting was staged between Ashford and Wye in fields adjoining the works of the South Eastern Rail Company on Monday 10th July 1848. Within a year the first recorded meeting took place at Wye Racecourse at The Crown, a local landmark feature in the hillside, on Tuesday 29th May 1849 on a flat piece of ground on the Downs. The course extended to 1 ¾ miles with a 6 furlong straight run in. The meeting continued to offer flat racing at this venue, but gradually added hurdle races to the programme, operating at the same course for almost 30 years. On Wednesday 29th May 1878 the last flat race at Wye was staged when the 5 furlong Olanleigh Towers Handicap Plate was won by the aptly named Maid of Wye. By then the meeting had moved to what was to become its permanent home at Harville Farm, next to Wye railway station, on a course which was less than one mile round and more suited to a greyhound track than a racecourse. In 1925 the Farm was purchased by John Long, and he and his family ran the course as a private business, passing it down through the family via son Bedo and grandson Philip. Wye could never be classed as the ideal preparation for a tilt at the Champion Hurdle, but nevertheless some horses did use it as a preparation for the big race. In March 1970 the Deal Hurdle was won by Escalus, owned by the Queen Mother, and then went on to contest the Champion Hurdle, finishing a creditable third behind Persian War. The final National Hunt meeting took place on 2nd May 1974.
This racecourse is covered in Volume 2 of Racecourses Here Today and Gone Tomorrow. Ordering details shown below.
Local Patrons	Mr B Land, Mr B Sherratt, Mr C Formby
Principal Races	Wye Centenary Chase, Wye Sweepstake
Wednesday 30th May 1855	Wye Mile and a Half Sweepstakes 1. Vestige owned by Mr B Land 2. Merrythought owned by Mr Sherrard 3. Evening Star owned by Mr Barling Wye Auction Sweepstakes over 1 ½ miles 1. Grey Chicken owned by Mr B Land 2. Lady Blanche owned by Mr Formby 3. The Doctor owned by Mr Barling Wye One Mile Sweepstakes 1. Dartford owned by Mr B Land 2. Prevarication owned by Mr B Sherrard 3. Diminutive owned by Mr C Formby
I am grateful to Nick Onslow who comments,'The original Wye Racecourse (not the one near the railway line) was as per the attached Google Maps satellite, and the OS map from the late 19th century images. A local shepherd used to 'look' sheep on that field and bumped into a metal detectorist who had permission to be there and passed to her 'fair tokens'. The following report is from the *'The Sporting Gazette 30/5/1863'*
After the turmoil and excitement of Epsom, which is as disagreeable in dusty as in wet weather, a more enjoyable “out” is not to be met with than a trip to the rural and picturesque village of Wye, in Kent, the only drawback to which, so far as Londoners are concerned, is the distance (72 miles) from the Metropolis,-a two hours’ journey only by “express,”but a much longer and far more tedious one by the cheap or ordinary trains, to travellers by which an extra inducement is truthfully held, out in the advertisements of the South Eastern Company, “of viewing the most beautiful scenery in Kent.” That county has long been characterised as the “garden of England,” and though early at present for the display of its two main products-hops and cherries-it would be impossible to discover throughout the kingdom a more richly cultivated district than that through which the route to Wye extends; increased as its beauties were on this occasion by the luxuriance of the summer foliage, and the delightful warm summer weather which set in for Whitsuntide, to the great joy of the many thousands who look forward to that festival for the indulgence of holiday time. Wye is a most primitive little village, close to the station of that name, on the branch line between Ashford and Canterbury, and the racecourse is situated in Farnscombe valley, a “good mile” from the village and a stiff walk, too, especially under a broiling sun, being “against collar” all he way, paradoxically though it may appear, from the name of the locality where the races are held. The valley of Farncsombe is situated in the high range of downs that form the southern boundary of the Valley of the Stour, but is in so sheltered a spot visitors are puzzled even when in close proximity to it to find its whereabouts. Geographically, it resembles the harbour of Balaclava, without the water, hemmed in by high hills, from the beautifully wooded slopes of which a far better view of the racing is obtained than from the Stand in the bottom, where the course-a horizontal figure of 8-is laid out. The limited character of the ground may be imagined when we state that the whole of the figure measures a little over three-quarters of a mile only; whilst the undulating character of the ground, and the sharpness of the upper and lower turns presents difficulties in the formation of a racecourse that fairly entitle the designer in this instance to an honourable mention. For two year olds, in particular, it is very trying, and a winner of that age at Wye will not require to have the country picked for him elsewhere. The turf, however, is unexceptionable, and though it would have been none the worse on this occasion for a few hours of rain, its sheltered position prevents the baking that more exposed localities are liable to in hot and dry weather. On the opposite slope, is Beech Wood, from which and the more famous cover of Fans Wood, over the hill beyond, the East Kent Foxhounds have had many a good run, this being the extreme limit of their country, which is separated from the Tickham by the silvery Stour which flows through the vale of that name, into which the more limited valley of Farnscombe opens; and a charming “bit” of landscape it forms, with the high grounds and nobel woods of Godmersham Park for a background. It was at Godmersham, the seat of Lord St. Vincent, that the Derby “crack,” Lord Clifden, was trained during the winter months, consequently his overthrow for the Derby was a subject of universal regret in the neighbourhood, as Kent almost to a man was “on” the favourite. Though not much of a sporting county, it can boast of many distinguished patrons of the national pastime amongst its aristocracy and county families; and within a stone’s throw of Wye are the seats of the Earl of Winchilsea [sic] and Sir Joseph Hawley, each of whom, as well as Lord St. Vincent, take great personal interest in the welfare of the local meeting. The Earl and Countess of Winchilsea entertained a large party of fashionables at Eastwell Park, on the occasion, including the Marquis of Anglesey, the Earl and Countess of Uxbridge, Lady Florence Paget, Sir Joseph Hawley, Miss Heneage, Captain Bulkeley, Captain A. Peyton, Captain Little, Mr. Payne, Mr. W. G. Craven, Mr. J. L. Baldwin, Captain Billington, Captain Blackwood, all of whom, accompanied by Viscount Maidstone, and his sisters the Ladies Constance, Mabel, and Hilda Paget, were present at the meeting. We also noticed the Marquis of Hastings, Lord St. Vincent, lord Mountcharles, Sir Courtney Honeywood, Colonel adn Mrs. Montressor, Col. Johnson (9th Lancer,) Col. Hankey, Capt. Taswell, Mr. and Mrs. Huguessin, and a great many of the officers from Canterbury, Shorncliffe, and Dover. Such a display of beauty and fashion, in fact, is rarely seen on a country racecourse; nor have we been charmed with the sight of so many pretty faces for a long time as distinguished the general character of the “fair maids of Kent,” on this occasion, whose grouping upon the hill sides, and in the surrounding woods presented a coup d’oeil of indescribable beauty. Love making is a “game at skill,” in which Kentish women evidently excel, and a more favourable spot for its fulfilment could not possibly be desired than the scene of today’s operations. We heard the attendance variously estimated at from ten to twenty thousand, and should put down the latter figure as nearer-if not within-the mark. The hill behind the Stand was literally covered with spectators, and if the crowd was not quite so dense on the opposite slopes, the valley itself was sufficiently crowded with vehicles and footpeople as to cause wonderment that no accident happened during the running for the different races. Another feature that could not fail to attract the notice of the ordinary race-goer was the amount of feasting that went on between every race, and gave the whole affair the character of a monster pic-nic, with all the usual “appurtenances,” and the additional excitement of some capital racing, reminding one, in fact, of “the good old times,” when our forefathers left off for an hour or two to dine between the races. It was “open house” at the luncheon tents of Lord Winchilsea and Sir Courtney Honeywood, and never was moselle, champagne, or claret cup more appreciated than in the intense heat that, let us hope, at last ushered in the ever popular summer-tide.
The meeting referred to above was staged on Wednesday 27th May 1863 with results shown below. Wednesday 27th May 1863 Wye Handicap (50 sovereigns) over 1 1/2 miles 1. LORD OF LINNE ridden by Hibberd 2. GENERAL HESS ridden by S Rogers 3. MERMAID ridden by E Taylor 4. NEEROMANCER ridden by Reeves 5. CONSTERNATION ridden by States Olanteigh Tower Stakes (50 sovereigns) over 6 furlongs 1. THE BEAVER ridden by George Fordham 2. FAITH ridden by Payne 3. MULBERRY ridden by Sopp SER Company Sweepstakes (25 sovereigns) over a mile 1. ALLOW ME ridden by Hibberd 2. DUMMY ridden by E Taylor 3. WEASEL ridden by J Daley Ashford Town Plate over 1 1/2 miles 1. CONSTERNATION ridden by J Daley 2. COPIA ridden by Lanker 3. LURLINE ridden by Martin Some idea of the number of people transported to the meeting by the SER Company can be gauged from the fact that from 6 o'clock onwards 10 trains of immense length were filled and dispatched every 15 minutes.

*I am grateful to Nick Onslow for the 1876 map below showing the racecourse.*

The photo below shows a massive crowd enjoying Wye races on 31st May 1871. Results from the meeting are shown below the photo. Wednesday 31st May 1871 Ashford Cup over 1 ¾ miles and 7 hurdles 1. Crown Piece, 4 year old owned by Mr J Mannington and ridden by C Smith 2. La Martiniere, 5 year old owned by Mr Burton and ridden by Marsh 3. Guiscard, 5 year old owned and ridden by Mr Bontus Betting: 3/1 Crown Piece, La Martiniere, 6/1 Guiscard Wye Handicap over 1 ½ miles 1. Merman, 4 year old owned by Mr E Beard and ridden by Mordan 2. Little Fairy, 4 year old owned by Mr H Wright and ridden by Newhouse 3. The Little Drum, 4 year old owned by Mr W Bevill and ridden by Wyatt Betting: 2/1 The Little Drum, 4/1 Little Fairy, 10/1 Merman Godmersham Park Stakes over 4 furlongs 1. Admiration, bay gelding owned by Mr J Nightingall and ridden by Wyatt 2. Activity, bay filly owned by Lord St Vincent and ridden by G Jarvis 3. Stilts, bay filly owned by Mr T Stevens and ridden by Payne Betting: Evens Admiration, 5/2 Stilts, 7/1 Activity Welter Stakes over 6 furlongs 1. Disdain, 3 year old owned by Lord St Vincent and ridden by Mr W Bevill 2. Delusion, 3 year old owned by Mr H Wright and ridden by Marsh 3. Symphony, 3 year old owned by Mr G Weaver and ridden by H Jackson Betting: 5/2 Disdain, 100/30 Delusion, 5/1 Golsple

	On Monday 21st March 1955 the Tote introduced a new bet at Wye called the ‘reversed forecast’. With the Lincolnshire Handicap just two days away, and the Grand National completing the Spring Double at the end of the week, eagle-eyed punters were attracted to the new bet on the first race, the Wye Hurdle. Wye Hurdle (£137) over 2 miles 1. Cape Herion (6/1) ridden by J Wibberley 2. Cheerful Aspect (5/1) 3. St Blazey (8/1) 4. Percy Piggott (Evens f) 5. The Till (100/7) 6. Rolling Stone (20/1) 7. Paoli II (25/1) The winner was trained by Marks and owned by Mr R Hurst

	The rare Members badge shown opposite was for six meetings for the entire 1957 season, although the typical fare the Members bought into was similar to the mundane racing on a miserable Monday as shown below. Large fields, small prize money and infrequent wins by favourites. Monday 28th October 1957 Chatham Selling Handicap (£137) over 2 miles 1. MONSIEUR EGBERT (25/1) ridden by J Beasty 2. BOBY IV (10/1) ridden by Mr J Leigh Hythe Handicap Steeplechase (£136) over 2 miles 1. CLAREVILLE (7/2) ridden by H T Cross 2. CHARLIE BOY III (8/1) ridden by R E Jenkins Torrington Handicap Hurdle (£101) over 2 miles 1. SPECIFIC (5/2) ridden by J Beasty 2. KUMAST KING (100/8) ridden by R Martin East Kent Handicap Steeplechase (£136) over 3 miles 1. FEZZAN (11/2) ridden by R G F Kindersley 2. CLAPPER (9/4) ridden by A Grantham Northam Novices Hurdle (£102) over 2 miles 1. BLUE DOLPHIN (6/4 fav) ridden by Mr E Cazalet 2. ROBERTSON (7/2) ridden by R A Carter Maidstone Novices Steeplechase (£102) over 2 miles 1. DELMACARE (100/30) ridden by C Chapman 2. YERBAMA (4/1) ridden by A Grantham


I am grateful to Merlyn Edwards (Merlyn Edwards @allmanbros2) for the course layout in 1960 shown here. His Twitter feed on horse racing, especially closed racecourses, is well worth visiting on a regular basis.


The final National Hunt meeting took place on Thursday 2^nd May 1974, but Flat racing finished at the course in 1878. I am grateful to Andy Thrower for the scan of the rare final day racecard shown below. Thursday 2nd May 1974 Eastling Selling Handicap Hurdle over 2m 1f 1. DJEBWAY (5/4 fav) ridden by T Finch 2. ROCKYMOUNT (7/2) ridden by A Williams 3. LORD BING (7/2) ridden by H Mann Elmstead Handicap Chase over 2m 1f 1. BE NICE (2/1 fav) ridden by McNaught 2. CRUISIN LAN (7/2) ridden by Ron Atkins 3. ESKIMO MAID (7/2) ridden by Candy Rochester Handicap Hurdle over 2m 1f 1. TUDOR FRIENDSHIP (20/1) ridden by John Jenkins 2. SCRIBEEN (4/1) ridden by Johnny Haine 3. CINGALESE (5/1) ridden by Mc Naught (5/1) Stour Handicap Chase over 3m 1f 1. CHANCE A LOOK (9/4 fav) ridden by C Goldsworthy 2. MISTER HANSBURG (7/1) ridden by Stanley 3. THE WEARY FRIAR (4/1) ridden by Wakley Eastling Selling Hurdle over 2m 1f 1. FLYING TUDOR (7/2) ridden by John Williams 2. PACKER (3/1 fav) ridden by Girling 3. KELLY’S IMAGE (5/1) ridden by Long Charing Novices Chase over 2m 1f 1. ROMPALONG (6/1) ridden by Ron Atkins 2. CELTIC VIEW (5/4 fav) ridden by Candy 3. GALLIC REBEL (13/8) ridden by Bridge
Course today	Initially at The Crown and then at Harville Farm adjacent to the railway station.

The rare handbill shown below is provided courtesy of the Robert Shaw collection.

The front cover/ principal races from this rare racecard are provided courtesy of the Robert Shaw collection.


If you have photos, postcards, racecards. badges, newspaper cuttings or book references about the old course, or can provide a photo of how the ground on which the old racecourse stood looks today, then email johnwslusar@gmail.com
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

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774 former courses

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400 former courses

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140 former courses

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264 pages

235 former courses

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