History of Horse Racing

A Brief History of Horse Racing in Britain

The history of modern horse racing in Britain dates back to the early 17^th century. Horse racing really took off during the reign of James I when the monarch had a royal palace built near Newmarket.  Members of the Royal Court, who had developed a passion for horse racing in Scotland, helped to establish Newmarket as the home of organised horse racing in Britain and public races were soon set up all over England.

Charles II was perhaps the most enthusiastic racing royal, naming horse racing ‘The Sport of Kings’ and founding a series of races known as Royal Plates. As horse racing became more popular the breeding of these horses began to develop rapidly. This was mainly thanks to the import of Arabian stallions, with which British mares were bred to create the forefathers of the Thoroughbred racehorses we see racing today.

Around the middle of the 18th century, horse racing became the first regulated sport in Britain, thanks to the formation of the Jockey Club. Before this time, most horse races took the format of match races contested by just two horses.

After World War Two, racecourses benefited from the introduction of several technical advancements, such as the photo finish, first used in 1947, and the starting stalls for Flat races, introduced in 1965.

In 1961, betting away from racecourses became legalised, and the high street betting shop was born - dramatically increasing the volume of betting turnover.

The arrival of the mass medium of television in the 1950s and 60s meant that the sport could be enjoyed from the comfort of your living room, as horse racing became a regularly televised sport. Today horse racing is the second most widely televised sport after football.

Carlisle Racecourse History

Horse racing in the historic border city of Carlisle dates back the mid 16th Century. In 1599, the Elizabethan era saw the first ‘Carlisle Bell’ race. The name originates from the bells which were awarded to the winning horses of the race during Elizabeth I’s reign.

Carlisle Racecourse was originally located at Swift, but moved to its current location in June 1904 and shortly afterwards built its first grandstand.  Each year Carlisle Racecourse holds the Cumberland Plate and Carlisle Bell races carrying on a tradition which dates back to the time when the Bells and Plate races were first founded by Elizabeth I and Charles II.

Carlisle Racecourse over the years

In 1929 the first Tote betting system was launched here at Carlisle Racecourse, the first Tote to be established on a British Racecourse.

During the 1960’s there was extensive development made to the racecourse in order to make it suitable for night racing. This included a new grandstand to accommodate the rapidly increasing number of spectators to the sport.

In 1974 Carlisle Racecourse held its first Ladies Race, a tradition which has remained very popular to this day. The 1970’s is also noted here at Carlisle racecourse for its visiting celebrity. Red Rum came here to run before each of his Grand National victories. 

Red Rum’s Runs here at Carlisle Racecourse:

1973, 31^st Jan – Cumberland Grand National Handicap Chase – 3 miles – 3^rd to Bountiful Charles

1973, 29^th Sept – Windermere Handicap chase – 3miles – WON

1977, 17^th Sept – “                                           ” – “       ” – 2^nd

Red Rum

The facilities at Carlisle Racecourse have continued to develop further in more recent years, most notably the Jubilee Grandstand in 2002. A big screen has also been built opposite the main grandstand which broadcasts close up-action of every race, so you never miss a thing. Progressive upgrading of the facilities has taken place over the years but none as significant as the construction of a brand new 'state-of-the-art' Edinburgh Woollen Mill Grandstand which opened in October 2002. Race goers can now enjoy superb horse racing from their own private box or in the luxury of the Swifts Restaurant.

The Future of Carlisle Racecourse

There are many plans to continue improving Carlisle Racecourse. The new hurdles track is currently under construction and will be ready to race on in Autumn 2010. There is also work due to start on a new ‘state of the art’ Weighing Room in September 2009 to be ready for the summer racing season, 2010. In addition, a new conference/raceday facility will be constructed on the site of the old Weighing Room and will be ready in Autumn 2010.