Off To The Races...

Today is Ladies Day at Newmarket horse races. The Moet and Chandon July Festival. Tomorrow is Gents Day. These people were waiting to get on the coaches in the High street which would deliver them to the racecourse. In 1605, James 1st discovered the village of Newmarket whilst out hawking on his horse. and since then it has been known as the home of horse racing in England. Because he spent so much time there, The House of Commons petitioned him to spend more time running the country and less time running his horses ! Race meetings were introduced in Newmarket in 1634  but Oliver Cromwell banned them in 1654, and requisitioned the horses for the army, although, he kept his own stud !  Racing was reinstated with the restoration of Charles 2nd. I used to go quite often in my working days with friends from the office. Only for fun, not much gambling only the office sweepstake.