On the nose at Fakenham

On April 12, 1884 the first recorded steeplechase was won by a horse called Useful over an improvised course at East Winch, near King's Lynn.

Racing continued on that course until Easter Monday 1905 when the present site just to the South of Fakenham was selected.

Fakenham Racecourse, West Norfolk

Since 1905, there has been uninterrupted racing at Fakenham, except for during the two world wars.

Being the 'local' racecourse to the Royal family's home at Sandringham, racing in Norfolk has enjoyed extended royal patronage.

In 1886, at the invitation of the West Norfolk Hunt Club, who organised the racing at the time, the then Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, became its President, a post he held for over 20 years.

Riding off into the sunset

Her Majesty The Queen became patron of the racecourse within days of acceding to the throne in February 1952.

After almost 50 years as patron, Her Majesty handed over the reins to HRH The Prince of Wales on January 1 2000.

Text courtesy of Fakenham Races

Internet links:
Fakenham Racecourse website

<<<R

S>>>

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites