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York
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York History |
York Racecourse is situated on the
Knavesmire, southwest of the city of York in North Yorkshire, England.
Its history dates back to Roman and Viking times, with equestrian races
being held at York under the ruling of the Emperor Severeus. According
to York Corporation records, racing was first wholly supported by the
town in 1530.
It seems that even in that era, the town of York was so fanatical
about racing, that in 1607, it's documented that races took place on the
iced up river Ouse, between Micklegate Tower and Skeldergate Postern.
1709 marks the date of the first comprehensive records of track
meets at the course. This is due to the fact that the track at Clifton
Ingsm which was vulnerable to flooding had a substantial amount of work
done to improve the course. In 1730, in spite of their endeavors, the
flooding was unrelenting and racing was relocated to its current
location in Knavesmire.
1731 saw the first meet held in the recently created Knavesmire.
As the name suggests, the town was a 'mire', and as it had a stream
flowing through it, it required an extensive amount of leveling and
draining in order to form the horseshoe shaped course.
In 1754, 250 people funded the construction of the first
Grandstand, which was designed and built by the York architect, John
Carr. They each contributed 5 guineas, and in return were awarded a
brass token, which was to become the model for the future esteemed
County Stand Badge.
The Gimcrack Stakes was introduced by 1846, and annually in
August, during the Ebor Festival meeting, the Ebor Handicap is
held, which is the most legendary race to be held in York. The
International Stakes, the Nunthorpe Stakes and the Yorkshire Oaks
are also held at the course, which make up three of the UK's 31 Group
One races. |
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York Contact Info |
Phone +44 (0)1904 620911
Fax +44 (0)1904 611071
Website www.yorkracecourse.co.uk
Email enquiries@yorkracecourse.co.uk
Physical Address York Racecourse
York
YO23 1EX
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| | 2008/12/07 09:46:25 PM |
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