This page has the goal of illustrating some of the major changes and advancements made over the years, comparing 'A Day at the Races at Newmarket, in 1838,' to today. Newmarket has changed enormously over the centuries, but we hope we can capture just a little of the essence of those changes. Please pick from this buffet of titbits, which hopefully will whet your appetite to find out more about the history of Newmarket Race Course. Thank you, John Slusar
In May of 1838 the Nobility came to Newmarket Races in their own private horse-drawn vehicles. The well-to-do came via stage coach from Cambridge, Norwich and as far away as London. The everyday man came on foot. If staying in Newmarket, there were a number of inns offering a variety of accommodation, some of which still stand today. These inns were The Crown, White Hart, Black Bull and the Rutland Arms.
Below there is a facsimile racecard of the events of May 4th 1838, with the runners and riders listed.
Below there is a facsimile racecard of the events of May 4th 1838, with the runners and riders listed.
BELOW THIS TEXT THERE IS A FACSIMILE OF A RACE CARD OF 1838. THE RACES DEPICTED ON THE CARD ARE DESCRIBED IN MORE DETAIL ELSEWHERE IN THE PRESENTATION. PLEASE CLICK THE SMALL IMAGE TO LOAD THE FULL SIZE VERSION IN A NEW PAGE
AN INTRODUCTORY NARRATION IS IN THE NEXT PANEL
A DAY AT NEWMARKET RACES
PLEASE CLICK ON A THUMBNAIL BELOW TO SEE AN ENLARGEMENT
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HEAR AN AUDIO PRESENTATION OF THESE TEXTS, PLEASE OPEN THE INDIVIDUAL PLAYERS BELOW EACH PANEL
THE AUDIO WILL PLAY WHETHER OR NOT THE PANEL IS EXPANDED
BREAKFAST IN THE FENS
PREPARING FOR RACE DAY
TO NEWMARKET HEATH
THEIR LORDSHIPS
BRIGHT OUTLOOK FOR PUNTERS?
FAVOURITES AND OUTSIDERS
CARAVAN OR RAT-TRAP?
CONSIDERATION AT THE CROWN
BANTER AT THE WHITE HART
CONSIDERING RACE 9
CHEVELEY PARTY TRAVEL TO NEWMARKET
DISCUSSION AT THE BLACK BULL
THE LADIES TRAVELLING FROM CHEVELEY
THE PRESS OF THE CROWD
REMINISCENSES OF THE SIX-MILE RACES
THE JUDGE
PREDATORS AND PREY
BALANCING THE BOOKS
RACE DESCRIPTIONS AND NARRATIONS ARE INTERSPERSED BETWEEN THESE PANELS, SUCH AS THE ONE BELOW
RELOCATING THE JUDGE FOR RACE 2
GLAD RAGS AND GOWNS
RACE 2 TROILUS OR THE CARPENTER
RACE 3 OVER THE ROWLEY MILE
DIVERSIONS
THIS RACE AND THE NEXT
AFTER RACE 3
DOCKY TO DOUGHNUTS
SHARP PENCILS, SHARP OPERATORS
PIES OR PINOT
ON TO RACE 6
PRIVILEGE THEN AND NOW
FASHIONS ACROSS TIME
WINNERS AND LOSERS DEPART
ALL BETS ARE OFF
THE MIDDLE MEN
IF NOT TODAY PERHAPS TOMORROW
