Earliest meeting: Tuesday 2nd March 1847
Final meeting: Monday 25th September 1871
The North Yorkshire village of Myton-on-Swale, in the Hambleton district of the county, is situated just 3 miles east of Boroughbridge. The village was recorded in the 1086 Domesday Book when known as Mitune and, at that point in time, the manor of Myton was held by Robert de Mortain. The village and its surrounding countryside was the site of the Battle of Myton which took place on 20th September 1319. In the middle of the 19th century that same open countryside was used by the village to hold its first race meeting on Tuesday 2nd March 1847. The 3 mile course, containing 40 fences, started in front of Myton Hall, close to Helperby Road, and proceeded to Mr Brotherton’s farm before turning back. The opening Purse of Gold was won by Princess Royal for Mr J Headley, and after racing a Ball and Dinner were given in Myton Hall. Further meetings were staged annually in the village as part of their feast celebrations. Normally the celebrations ran to two days, the first for horse racing and the second for games. A meeting was held on Monday 25th September 1871 when the feature race was the Myton Handicap. After this date the races were no longer run under rules. |
| This racecourse is covered in Volume 1 of Racecourses Here Today and Gone Tomorrow. Ordering details shown below. |
| Local Patrons |
Major Stapylton, Mr R Johnson (Handicapper), Mr Headley (Steward) |
| Principal Races |
Myton Handicap, Innkeepers’ Plate, Foxhunters Stakes |
Tuesday 24th March 1857
Foxhunters Stakes
1. Cramp, brown gelding owned by Mr Batty
2. The Swan, brown gelding owned by Mr Backhouse
3. Lady Scorton, chestnut mare owned by Mr Hutchinson |
The final recorded meeting took place on Monday 25th September 1871. |
| Course today |
A 3 mile course starting at Myton Hall. |
| 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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| Volume 4 Ireland £9.99 + £3 postage |
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