Historic images show horseracing capturing fans’ imagination
It may be known as the sport of kings, due to its long and traditional association with royalty and the nobility.
But horseracing has remained a passion for thousands of other dedicated followers across North Yorkshire over the centuries.
Discover thousands of fascinating images from North Yorkshire’s past. Browse our extensive collection and own a piece of history today.
Here we take a look back in our archives at some of the images that show how horseracing has been part of life in the county over the years.
From horses being trained on the gallops at Middleham, which remains one of the most famous centres for training nationally, to punters hoping their bets will come in at Ripon races, the images provide a fascinating glimpse into how the sport has been woven into our communities.
North Yorkshire Archives holds thousands of historic photos - you can browse the collection through the online shop.
If you have any further information about any of the images on this page, our archivists would be keen to hear about it. Please email yny@northyorks.gov.uk.
Racehorses at Castle Stables in the horse-training town of Middleham, mid-20th-century. From the Bertram Unné photographic collection.
A racehorse grazing in the meadow above Middleham Castle, mid-20th-century. From the Bertram Unné photographic collection.
Ripon races, 1949. From the Bertram Unné photographic collection.
Richmond Racecourse showing the Grandstand, 1945. From a collection of British Council photographs within Richmond District Council records.
Dawn gallop on Richmond Racecourse ,1945. From a collection of British Council photographs within Richmond District Council records.
Exercising racehorses at Middleham, no date.
List of races and results at Northallerton, 1765. Pasted in a volume containing rentals of Frankland estates.
Photograph signed by Jack Anthony, the rider of Troytown, winner of the Grand National in 1920. From the Clifton Castle archive.
Handbill advertising sale by auction at Bedale of racing stud by Messrs. Tattersall, late the property of Henry Peirse Esquire, 1824. From the Beresford-Peirse archive.
List of horses to run at Bedale, 1730. From the Beresford-Peirse archive.
List of horses to run at York, 1738. From the Beresford-Peirse archive.
Letter to Henry Darley from Thomas Darley of Aleppo, about the Darley Arabian horse, 21 December 1703. From the Darley of Aldby archive.
Ivory writing tablet bearing pencil notes of bets, 1762. From the personal papers of Lord Dundas in the Zetland/Dundas archive.
Memorandum of cash won and spent at Newmarket, 1780. From the personal papers of Sir Laurence Dundas, in the Zetland/Dundas archive.
Poster advertising Leyburn School Board Stakes, no date. From the papers of Malcolm E. Scott and Company, Solicitors, Leyburn.
Plans of Middleham Common showing the racecourses, early 19th century. From the Scrope of Danby archive.