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 14th October 1880
Town Plate for aged horses carrying 12 stone
CHARLIE, owned by Mr Moir beat one other

Thursday 8th October 1885
Town Plate for aged horses carrying 12 stone
Unnamed hack, owned by Mr John Dawson and ridden by Master Charles Waugh walked over

Thursday 14th October 1886
Town Plate for aged horses carrying 12 stone
Unnamed hack, owned by Mr John Dawson and ridden by Master Charles Waugh walked over

Thursday 13th October 1887 (222nd running)

Thursday 13th October 1887
Town Plate for aged horses carrying 12 stone
FABRICO, owned by Mr W Segrott and ridden by Mr A Bloss walked over

Thursday 9th October 1890
Town Plate for aged horses carrying 12 stone
HONEYDROP, ridden by Mr J E W Imrie walked over

Thursday 11th October 1891
Town Plate for aged horses carrying 12 stone
GANNET, owned by Mr William A Jarvis and ridden by Mr J G Chennel walked over

Thursday 10th October 1895
Town Plate for aged horses carrying 12 stone
JUMBO, ridden by Mr O E Griffiths walked over

Thursday 12th October 1899
Town Plate for aged horses carrying 12 stone
PRESTONFIELD, owned by Mr James Waugh and ridden by Mr Tom Waugh walked over