Earliest Meeting: Wednesday 12th June 1723
Final Meeting: Friday 12th June 1724
The small Lincolnshire village of Folkingham today boasts a population of less than 750, but in the very early 18th century the village organised its own races. It is situated just 11 miles north of Bourne, in the South Kesteven district of the county, and was mentioned in the Domesday Book when known as Folchingeham. It has a number of historically important buildings, including the ‘House of Correction’, a small prison dating back to the time when the village held trials which was built on the site of the former Folkingham Castle, and the Greyhound which is now flats, but in the mid-17th century was a coaching inn. The village was famous for its market place, while adjacent to the market place is Folkingham Manor which was built by Lord Clifton in the 17th century using some of the stone from the former castle.
On Thursday 30th May 1723 the Stamford Mercury advertised Folkingham Races which took place on Wednesday 12th June on Stowgreen. Today the village has a road called ‘Greenfields’, but could this have been the location of the races? The main race of the day was a Selling Race run over 3 heats with each horse carrying 10 stone. The winner was to be sold for 7 Pounds. All entries were made at the Market Cross on Tuesday 11th June between 2pm and 7pm, with dignitaries who had made a contribution to the race fund charged 2 shillings and 6 pence for their entry, whilst non-contributors were charged 7s 6d. After registration all horses were stabled at the Public House (possibly the Greyhound or the New Inn), and had to pay a stabling fee of 2s 6d.
The next day, Thursday 13th June 1723, a Galloway race was staged on the same course with each horse carrying 10 stone. The prize was a 30 Saddle and Bridle valued at 30 shillings. Entries were made on the day at the Winning Post, with the second horse to receive a 2s 6d Bridle. The day concluded with a foot race for men, the winner being presented with a pair of gloves valued at 2s 6d.
Although the Stamford Mercury advertised the races, there is no evidence that they subsequently went on to publish the results.
The newspaper extract below is shown courtesy of the Stamford Mercury and British Newspaper Online.
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
