Earliest meeting: Wednesday 6th June 1849
Final meeting: Monday 11th July 1853
The small Kent coastal village of Dymchurch is in the Shepway district of the county on Romney Marsh some 5 miles south west of Hythe. In the middle of the 19th century it held its own races, initially on Wednesday 6th June 1849. The 3 race programme, instigated by Mr Blake, was held on the sands with a view of the East Bay of Dungeness and in the extreme distance Dungeness lighthouse. Two vessels and several boats decorated with their colours had a spectacular view of the races. After racing a Dinner was served at the Ship Inn. Racing continued for the next 4 years until the final meeting in July 1853 when the main Sweepstake saw Mr Sherrad’s Friendless Boy grab the spoils. Although this was the last occasion races took place in the village, a single match was held in 1866. |
| This racecourse is covered in Volume 2 of Racecourses Here Today and Gone Tomorrow. Ordering details shown below. |
| Local Patrons |
Mr Blake (organiser) |
| Principal Races |
Dymchurch Sweepstake, Dymchurch Hurdle |
Monday 11th July 1853
Dymchurch Hurdle over 1 ½ miles and 5 flights
1. Miss Emily, 5 year old owned by Mr Wootton
2. Prospect, aged horse owned by Mr Barling
3. Sally Clarke, aged horse owned by Mr Coate |
| The final meeting took place on Monday 11th July 1853. |
| Course today |
On the sands in view of Dungeness Bay |
| 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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