I love browsing through the digital Whitby Gazette archive in the Museum Library. It never disappoints, but this time I found something I had been totally unaware of – The Whitby Races – horse racing on the sands. What fun!
The first mention is in the 18th September 1858 edition, but we have to bear in mind that when the Whitby Gazette was first published in July 1854 as “The Whitby Gazette: Horne’s List of Visitors”, it really was little more than a list of visitors. Not until January 1858, did it become a regular weekly newspaper, reporting on national and local events, so it has proved impossible to discover for sure when the races began.
In that 18th September 1858 edition we read that the Whitby Races “came off on Wednesday last”. The weather had been remarkably fine and the event had attracted between four and five thousand spectators. The cliffs, which commanded a complete view of the course, were thronged with residents and visitors who seemed highly delighted with the day’s proceedings, all of which was “conducted in the most orderly manner”.
Subsequent reports give an idea of the different events:
The report in the Gazette of 24th September 1859 describes a very similar format. We read that:
“Fortunately for the great number of people who turned out to see the sport and for the multitudes who arrived by rail and other conveyances, it was a fine day, although in the early part of the morning there was cause for fear lest it should be otherwise”.
Great preparations were made erecting booths and tents, and a band played. Watching from the cliffs gave an excellent view.
Mr. Simpson’s grey horse “Galliant” won the Hurdles despite an objection on the grounds that it had missed one of the hurdles, but the stewards decided in his favour. The Tradesmen’s Plate was won by Mr. Harrison’s “Annie Millie” with the Gazette writing that:
“So good a race as this was never run on Whitby sands, and never was better seen on any course – each rider and each horse going to the very last extremity in striving for the first place”.
“… the rider of “Jeannie Deans” (who was apparently unused to sand riding) took the outside turning every time and woefully distressed the mare.”
In the Mulgrave Stakes, “Hilda” “fairly overpowered her jockey, ran into the sea, and lost all chance of repairing the disaster”.
Other events included a Pony Race, a Hound Race and a Scramble Race for hounds and harriers.
Not everyone enjoyed the races! September 1859 edition of the Gazette reads:
In an October 1859 edition there was report from the Northallerton Michaelmas Quarter Sessions:
And sadly the 1860 races, the following year did not go well.
It started off in exemplary fashion, with an immense number of people thronging the sands and sitting in groups along the cliffs. However, the Gazette solemnly reports that:
“…owing to poor sport, bad entries, and to say the least of it, dishonourable conduct of some of the parties concerned, the managers have resolved to discontinue the races.”
They were unimpressed with the racing, commenting that the Mulgrave Stakes was the best and only good race of the day. It was won by two lengths by Mr. Welford’s “Flower of Roxby”. A controversial decision in the Pony Race annoyed the concourse so much that there was fear of violence. The meeting concluded with the Cart Horse Race for harness which was disputed and held over for a decision.
The Whitby Races continue to feature at various other locations as well as Whitby Sands late into the19th century. If you are interested in learning more visit us in the museum library Tuesday to Friday 10am-4.30pm to access the digital Whitby Gazette.
List of races from September 1875:
Explore: Read: Discover!
By Lynn Hilton (Volunteer)
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