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 1902
Town Plate for aged horses carrying 12 stone
PRESTONFIELD, owned by Mr James Waugh and ridden by Mr Frank Simpson

Thursday 8th October 1903
Town Plate for aged horses carrying 12 stone
PRESTONFIELD, owned by Mr James Waugh and ridden by Mr Frank Simpson

Thursday 13th October 1904
Town Plate for aged horses carrying 12 stone
PRESTONFIELD, owned by Mr James Waugh and ridden by Mr Frank Simpson

Thursday 12th October 1905
Town Plate for aged horses carrying 12 stone
PRESTONFIELD, owned by Mr James Waugh and ridden by Mr Frank Simpson

Thursday 11th October 1906 (241st running)

Thursday 12th October 1916
Town Plate for aged horses carrying 12 stone
KINGSWOOD, owned and ridden by Mr Charles Stevens walked over

Thursday 17th October 1918
Town Plate for aged horses carrying 12 stone
TWEEDLEDUM, owned and ridden by Mr Charles Stevens walked over

Thursday 11th October 1923 (258th running)

Click the link for a clip of the 258th running of the Town Plate in 1923
https://www.britishpathe.com/video/girl-jockey-third/query/newmarket+town+plate

Thursday 9th October 1924 (259th running)

Click the link for a clip of the 259th running of the Town Plate in 1924
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42uarp8E1cw

Thursday 8th October 1925 (260th running)

Click the link for a clip of the 260th running of the Town Plate in 1925
https://www.britishpathe.com/video/the-town-plate