Earliest meeting: Friday 24th October 1851
Final meeting: Wednesday 26th October 1853
The Midlothian town of Dalkeith, on the River Esk, grew up around its 12th century castle now called Dalkeith Palace. Back in the middle of the 19th century races were organised in the town on a regular basis, although the first meeting widely reported in the press was on Friday 24th October 1851. The course was in a field on the edge of the town, owned by Mr Plummer of Newbattle. The opening Sweepstake went to Luxury who defeated The Tartar, while the feature Silver Mounted Whip race was won by Elopement. A second meeting was staged the next year on Tuesday 26th October 1852 when Luxury again won the opening event, while the Whip went to Mr W Shank’s Outcast. The final meeting took place on Wednesday 26th October 1853 when entries were made at the Bay Horse Inn. Strict rules were in operation which stated, ‘on the day of the races a bell will be rung for saddling, and a second bell for going to the post. Only those horses ready within 5 minutes of the second bell will be allowed to start’. Races of minor significance did continue after this date, although they did not receive full press coverage. |
| This racecourse is covered in Volume 3 of Racecourses Here Today and Gone Tomorrow. Ordering details shown below. |
| Local Patrons |
Mr R Graham, Mr W Shank |
| Principal Races |
Silver Mounted Whip, Dalkeith Sweepstake |
Friday 24th October 1851
Silver Mounted Whip
1. Elopement, bay mare owned by Mr R Graham
2. Sir John Franklin, chestnut mare owned by Mr Peter Adam
3. Sir Astley Cooper, chestnut mare owned by Mr Dobbie |
| The final meeting took place on Wednesday 26th October 1853. |
| Course today |
In fields owned by Mr Plummer on the edge of the town. |
| 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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ISBN 978-0-9957632-0-3
652 pages
774 former courses |
ISBN 978-0-9957632-1-0
352 pages
400 former courses |
ISBN 978-0-9957632-2-7
180 pages
140 former courses |
ISBN 978-0-9957632-3-4
264 pages
235 former courses |
| Copies of the above books are only available by emailing johnwslusar@gmail.com stating your requirements, method of payment (cheque payable to W.Slusar) or Bank transfer, and the address where the book(s) should be sent. |
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