Earliest meeting: Thursday 15th May 1817
Final meeting: Thursday 16th May 1878
The Northumbrian village of Warkworth, on the River Coquet, is located 30 miles north of Newcastle and boasts a well-preserved medieval castle which dates from the middle of the 12th century. The earliest record of racing in the village was a two day meeting on Thursday 15th and Friday 16th May 1817 when the principal race was for the Mayor’s Purse of Gold. The course was on Warkworth Moor and that early card included a Saddle and Bridle race. On Monday 16th May 1842 an ancient custom was held in which the Mayor and Free Burgesses of the Borough walked the boundaries and proceeded to the races on Warkworth Sands. The Mayor’s Cup was won by Mr Todd’s Coquet Lass, while the Ladies Plate saw Gauger beat Rolla and Deceiver. The final meeting took place on Thursday 16th May 1878.
Monday 16th May 1842
Freeholders’ Stakes
1. The Hermit, bay gelding owned by Mr Muer
2. Rolla, grey gelding owned by Mr G H Hickman
3. Insole, bay gelding owned by Mr Browell
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
