Newmarket Town Plate 1776-1800

A pivotal moment in horse racing history, and in the history of Newmarket, occurred in 1665 when, on 16th October 1665, King Charles II issued an Article for a race, the Newmarket Town Plate, for horses carrying 12 stone over the Newmarket Round Course on the second Thursday in October each year. Although there was no Jockey Club at this stage, this is one of the first sets of rules governing a race in Newmarket. It is clear that, at this point in time, there is a Clerk of the Course, a Clerk of the Race, a Treasurer, many Judges, one of whom is responsible for checking the weights of riders.
Thursday 9th October 1777 (112th running)

Thursday 9th October 1777
Town Plate for aged horses carrying 12 stone
TROUNCE'EM, owned by Mr Peachey and ridden by Ralph Buckle beat one other
Evidence from Newmarket Match Book
Thursday 8th October 1778 (113th running)

Thursday 8th October 1778
Town Plate for aged horses carrying 12 stone
RASBERRY, owned by Mr Goodison and ridden by Ralph Buckle beat one other
Evidence from Newmarket Match Book
Thursday 14th October 1779 (114th running)

Thursday 14th October 1779
Town Plate for aged horses carrying 12 stone
WAFER, owned by Mr B Porter and ridden by Ralph Buckle (walked over)
Evidence from Newmarket Match Book
Thursday 12th October 1780 (115th running)

Thursday 12th October 1780
Town Plate for aged horses carrying 12 stone
HOUGHTON, owned by Mr Lacey and ridden by Ralph Buckle (walked over)
Evidence from Newmarket Match Book
Thursday 11th October 1781 (116th running)

Thursday 11th October 1781
Town Plate for aged horses carrying 12 stone
RANGER, owned by Mr Adams and ridden by Ralph Buckle walked over
Evidence from Newmarket Match Book

Wednesday 9th October 1782 (117th running)

Thursday 9th October 1782
Town Plate for aged horses carrying 12 stone
QUICKSAND, owned by Mr Goodison and ridden by Mr John Clarke beat one other
Evidence from Newmarket Match Book
Thursday 9th October 1783 (118th running)

Thursday 9th October 1783
Town Plate for aged horses carrying 12 stone
MISS, owned by Mr James Brewster and ridden by Richard Marshall walked over
Evidence from Newmarket Match Book
Thursday 14th October 1784 (119th running)

Thursday 14th October 1784
Town Plate for aged horses carrying 12 stone
NEPHEW, owned by Mr Wiltshire and ridden by Richard Marshall walked over
Evidence from Newmarket Match Book
Thursday 13th October 1785 (120th running)

Thursday 13th October 1785
Town Plate for aged horses carrying 12 stone
PUMPKIN, chestnut horse owned by Mr Richard Vernon and ridden by George Browning walked over
Evidence from Newmarket Match Book
Thursday 12th October 1786 (121st running)

Thursday 12th October 1786
Town Plate for aged horses carrying 12 stone
ARGOS, owned by Mr Philip Burlton and ridden by Richard Marshall beat 2 others
Evidence from Newmarket Match Book
Thursday 11th October 1787 (122nd running)

Thursday 11th October 1787
Town Plate for aged horses carrying 12 stone
STRAWBERRY, owned by Mr Stacie and ridden by Richard Marshall beat one other
Evidence from Newmarket Match Book
Thursday 9th October 1788 (123rd running)

Thursday 9th October 1788
Town Plate for aged horses carrying 12 stone
TOSS, owned by Mr Goodison and ridden by Richard Marshall beat one other
Evidence from Newmarket Match Book
Tuesday 13th October 1795 (130th running)
Tuesday 11th October 1796 (131st running)
Although the result is unknown, the Sporting Magazine confirmed that the race was held on the second Tuesday in October rather than the traditional Thursday.
Tuesday 10th October 1797 (132nd running)
Although the result is unknown, the Sporting Magazine confirmed that the race was held on the second Tuesday in October rather than the traditional Thursday.