Earliest meeting: September 1647
Final meeting: September 1701
Barlow Moor was in the suburbs of Manchester near Chorlton-cum-Hardy and the site of Barlow Hall, an ancient manor house built in the 13th century which was the property of the Barlow family who continued to live there until selling it to the Egertons in 1785. Although the first races held in the Manchester area were believed to be on Kersal Moor, there is evidence that racing took place on nearby Barlow Moor as early as September 1647. The next record of races on this moor were in 1697 when the London Gazette reported on the meeting held from 13th to 16th September. The report indicated that Manchester weather was inclement, and said ‘Whereas there was notice given, that on the 15th and 16th September instant, there would be two Plates run for on Barlow Moor, near Manchester. These are to give notice, that the said Plates will not be run for till the Monday and Tuesday after Michaelmas-Day next ensuing, by reason that great rains hath hindered the repairing of the said course as was intended’.
After the initial races were held on Barlow Moor as early as 1647, the next recorded races on this moor were in 1697 when the London Gazette reported on the meeting held from 13th to 16th September. The report indicated that Manchester weather was inclement, so what has changed !?, and said ‘Whereas there was notice given, that on the 15th and 16th September instant, there would be two Plates run for on Barlow Moor, near Manchester. These are to give notice, that the said Plates will not be run for till the Monday and Tuesday after Michaelmas-Day next ensuing, by reason that great rains hath hindered the repairing the said course as was intended’.
Barlow Moor was in the suburbs of Manchester near Chorlton-cum-Hardy and was the home of Barlow Hall, an ancient manor house built in the 13th century. The house, shown below, was the property of the Barlow family and they continued to live there until selling it to the Egertons in 1785.
Today the ground on which the former racecourse once stood is now a golf course, with Barlow Hall the Club house of the local golf club.
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
