It was the nearby village
of Exning that was one of the major settlements in this area during Anglo-Saxon
and Medieval times.
After Britain was hit by the plague during the 14th, 15th & 16th Centuries,
the population of Exning decided to leave their homes to contain the disease
and build a new settlement nearby and so 'New'market was born.
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who have lived in this area of East Anglia throughout history. |
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Horse Racing History |
King
James I was the first to discover that the flat
land in the area was ideal for galloping horses, and the tradition was
carried on by many following English Monarchs...
The
Shadowfax Stables are located in Newmarket, considered the "Headquarters"
of horse racing since the sport blossomed under Royal patronage during
the 17th Century.
It was Charles II, the "Merry
Monarch" who made Newmarket truly fashionable. He used to move
his court there from London for the big race meetings, so that at times
the town was capital of England in all but name.
The first recorded race at Newmarket took place in 1622, when a horse
belonging to Lord Salisbury beat one of the Marquess of Buckingham's for
a stake of £100, then an enormous sum. But there were horses there
long before that, for Queen Boudicca's Iceni tribe used the Heath to tune
up their war chariots before battles with the Roman invaders who built
the road that runs through the town and on into East Anglia.
Newmarket's Royal history is apparent at every turn. Near the end of the
High Street the Rutland Arms Hotel stands on the site of King Charles'
old palace, and just down the road are his stables, and the house of his
mistress Nell Gwynn. The Rowley Mile Racecourse was named after the King,
whose nickname was that of his favourite horse, Old Rowley.
The first public trainer in Newmarket, Tregonwell, Frampton, had Queen
Anne among his owners. The present Queen, who maintains her family's tradition
of breeding racehorses at the Royal Stud in Norfolk, is a frequent visitor
to the town, and her daughter The Princess Royal, had one of her finest
victories as a jockey on the Newmarket-trained horse Ten No Trumps in
the big Ladies' Race at Ascot in July.
King Charles used to enjoy watching his horses being exercised on Warren
Hill. Three centuries later champions are still being trained on the timeless
turf, but much else has changed, and for the better.
Newmarket may be steeped in history, but it is now a centre of excellence
where heritage and technology lie easily together:
Today, Newmarket is not just headquarters of racing in
Britain, but arguably the world, with facilities second to none. There
are 2,500 acres of heath and woodland devoted to racing and training horses,
including 40 miles of turf gallops, 17 miles of artificial gallops and
30 miles of traffic-free walking tracks
.
The other facilities include a public equine swimming pool, two top class
veterinary practices and a state-of-the-art research centre.
Europe's biggest horse auction house, Tattersalls (founded in 1776), is
based in Newmarket, bringing a wonderful cosmopolitan atmosphere to the
town in the Autumn, when buyers from all over the world come to bid.
A century ago the auctioneers used to sell horses in the High Street,
outside the Jockey Club Rooms, but now business is conducted in a handsome
domed arena, where bids are translated into yen, dollars and francs on
the flickering number-board.
Newmarket is surrounded by studs, where some of the world's best stallions
and most desirable brood mares are based. Many a champion has been born
and raised in Newmarket.
Of course Newmarket is famous for its racing. From those early days, when
the nobility used to match their horses against each other the sport has
developed into a major industry that is a business to some and a much-loved
hobby to others, but fun and enjoyment to all.
Adjacent to the Shadowfax Stables there are two racetracks, the Rowley
Mile for the Autumn and Spring sport and the July course for the Summer
There are top-class contests at both venues: the two Classics, The 2,000
and 1,000 Guineas; The July Cup; The Champion Stakes; The Middle Park
and Cheveley Park Stakes; The Dewhurst Stakes.
