Richard Gauthier Collection

Worcester Racecourse

The first evidence of racing in the vicinity of Worcester was on Friday 20th June 1718 when three 2 mile heats were contested at Pitchcroft meadow (shown on the map below), with the winner being offered for sale at £7. Six years later, on Tuesday 25th August 1724 the 80 Guineas Contribution Purse was won by Lord Herbert, while the Worcester £20 Town Plate went to Mr Creswell’s horse. Exactly 15 years later, Cato carried 11st to victory on Wednesday 22nd August 1739, winning the princely sum of 40 guineas for owner Mr Middleton. In 1754 a three day meeting was staged, which extended to four days in 1755. The Hereford Journal reported on the 3 day meeting from Tuesday 3rd to Thursday 5th August 1790. The meeting opened with a 50 Sovereign Maiden Purse in which Mr William’s Benedict defeated Brown Charlotte owned by William Herrick. The result of the main race at the meeting is show below. Prestigious races like the Worcester Gold Cup and Worcester Stakes were included on the card in 1823, while by 1837 National Hunt racing took place over a course consisting of 29 jumps of various sorts. An interesting figure of eight course was used for the first time in 1880, but its artificial fences did not please everyone and were abandoned at the turn of the century. The final flat race was held on Saturday 20th August 1966, and a new grandstand was opened on Wednesday 26th March 1975. Currently the course stages 20 fixtures annually.
Thursday 5th August 1790
Worcester 50 Sovereigns All Age Purse
1. Florizel, 6 year old bay colt owned by Lord Stamford
2. Sweetbriar, aged bay gelding owned by Mr Povall
3. Young Hephestion, bay gelding owned by Mr Lyne
4. Morwick Ball, 6 year old chestnut horse owned by Mr Lambourn