WINDSOR

  Badges through the decades

Brief History

1684

It is recorded that Charles II attended the races at Datchet Ferry, in the vicinity of Windsor, on 24th August.

Pre 1860

Racing takes place in Windsor Great Park and in Datchet.

1866

The present day, figure of eight, course is opened at Rays Meadow on 5th June.

Windsor 1903n.JPG (16580 bytes)

1926

The year of the General strike and a famous event in Windsor's and racing history when bookmakers refused to bet because Betting Tax had been introduced. The move had the desired effect when Betting Tax was repealed.

Windsor 1929ph2.JPG (21706 bytes)

1939-45

Windsor is given approval to continue to race throughout the Second World War.

1943

On the 26th April Scotch Mist wins at Windsor. Not remarkable in itself, but the horse was ridden by Gordon Richards and he was notching his 2,749th winner to pass Fred Archers total.

1947

Severe flooding adversely affects Windsor.

1949

Winston Churchill's Colonist II won the Lime Tree Stakes on 10th September and the horse goes on to achieve 12 more successes.

Windsor 1929ph.JPG (26261 bytes)

circa 1929

Windsor_1928.JPG (5903 bytes)

 

1951

The new weighing rooms and offices are opened.

1964

The first occasion a famous Windsor Monday evening programme is held in the Summer.

1966

The second right handed loop was adjusted and made tighter meaning that 2 1/2 mile races can no longer be run at Windsor.

1988

Windsor racecourse is sold to Thompson Investments.

 

For a brief encounter with Windsor by Eric Graham

windsor_1953.JPG (14607 bytes)

Windsor_1978.JPG (11841 bytes)

Windsor_2000.JPG (8301 bytes)
Windsor_2003.JPG (16142 bytes)