Earliest meeting: Tuesday 5th September 1738
Final meeting: Friday 22nd May 1740
The Northumbrian village of Stamfordham, 10 miles east of the racing town of Hexham, is famous for its unusual village green which contains a 19th century Grade II listed lock-up that pre-dates the formation of the police force. The lock-up might well have been necessary when a race meeting was staged in the village on 22nd May 1740, with the principal race for a 20 Guineas Plate. A chestnut mare, Sally Salisbury, owned by Mr Bradley was successful in fending off the challenge of Scarborough. However, the first meeting to be held in the village, which was also known as Stannerton, was a 3 day meeting from Tuesday 5th September to Thursday 7th September 1738. The race on day one was the Innkeeper’s Subscription over 4 miles; on day two a 20 Guineas Purse, and on the final day a Give and Take race. Entries had to be made at the Bird in the Bush public house prior to racing. The course was on the outskirts of the village on Stamfordham Mead.

Friday 22nd May 1740
Stamfordham 20 Guineas Plate
1. Sally Salisbury, chestnut mare owned by Mr Bradley
2. Scarbrough, black horse owned by Mr Pulleyne
3. Partner, chestnut mare owned by Mr Widdrington
4. Red Rose, bay horse owned by Mr Walker

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

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