Bedford Racecourse was a former horse racing venue in Bedford, England.

Bedford Racecourse
LocationBedford, England
Owned byDefunct
Notable racesFirst ever steeplechase

In 1811, it held the first steeplechase over manufactured fences in front of a crowd of 40,000 spectators. A horse called Fugitive won, beating a horse called Cecilia over a three-mile course in which four 4ft 6in fences were each jumped twice.[1]

It was hosting two annual meetings by 1840.[2]

References

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  1. ^ Barrett 1995, p. 10.
  2. ^ Whyte 1840, pp. 190–191.

Bibliography

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  • Barrett, Norman, ed. (1995). The Daily Telegraph Chronicle of Horse Racing. Enfield, Middlesex: Guinness Publishing.
  • Whyte, James Christie (1840). History of the British turf, from the earliest period to the present day, Volume I. London: H. Colburn. OL 6544990M.