May Diary, Page 3: Racing Festivals

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Apr 28, 2002

This is Page 3 of a three part article and reference for the Royal Jubilee Month, May 2002. To return to Page 1 click on The Royal Jubilee Month, May. Chelsea Flower Show and Arts Festivals

Horse Racing

It was not until I went to live abroad for some years that I realized just how much horse racing is in the blood of Englishmen. It was something that I took for granted. We can thank King Charles II and practically every British monarch since for ensuring that this 'Sport of Kings' remains such a part of our way of life. In this Golden Jubilee Year every racing enthusiast is hoping that The Queen will see one of her horses win one of the great 'Classics'. A Derby win still eludes her. Will she win the greatest of the world's flat races in her Golden Jubilee Year?

EVENT: The Sagitta Guineas Festival at Newmarket
DATE: First weekend in May
VENUE: The Rowley Mile, Newmarket Racecourse, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 OTG

DESCRIPTION: The first two Classics of the flat racing season, the 2,000 (open to three-year-old fillies) and 1,000 Guineas (colts) are run on the historic Rowley Mile course named after King Charles II and one of his horses. Old Rowley (the horse's name became the King's nickname). The 2,000 Guineas has been run since 1809, the 1,000 Guineas beginning five years later. Newmarket is the original home of British racing and it remains its headquarters. The town lives and breathes the sport. Its historic relationship with the Sport of Kings goes back to the patronage of King James I. Charles II spent as much time here as in London, and there is no question which of the two venues he prefered. They say that he required his mistresses to be as good on a horse as at other pastimes.

The Queen has won most of the big races here: her horse Highclere won the 1,000 Guineas in 1974, and Pall Mall won the 2,000 Guineas in 1958. Earlier Royal victories included those of King Edward VII in 1909, when Minoru won the 2,000 Guineas. His son King George V won the 1,000 Guineas in 1928 with his horse Scuttle. Holders of Grandstand and Members Enclosure badges can take advantage of the superb facilities of the new Millennium grandstand, featuring enhanced race viewing, tote betting points, gourmet restaurants, champagne and oyster bar and access to the Parade and winner's circle. Book in advance for an unforgettable day at the races.

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The copyright of the article May Diary, Page 3: Racing Festivals in Royal Britain is owned by Stuart Buchanan MacWatt. Permission to republish May Diary, Page 3: Racing Festivals in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.