ACCORDING to the Cartmel Racecourse website, the long tradition of racing at Cartmel was started by the monks from Cartmel Priory in the 12th Century.
“The Whit Holiday Races have been a feature of the Racing Calendar since 1856 and there are now nine race days to enjoy each year at Cartmel, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Lakeland fells,” states the website.
Action at Cartmel Races on May Bank Holiday Monday in 1992
Cartmel Races certainly make a great day out.
Thousands of people attend for the excitement of the horse racing itself, the event’s colour and spectacle and its myriad of attractions, which include a fairground, trade stands and great opportunities to sample food and drink.
The setting is glorious - it is surely one of the most picturesque racecourses in the country.
In May 1992, sky-high temperatures attracted a bumper crowd to the races.
Almost 18,000 racegoers sweltered on one of the hottest days of the year on the Spring Bank Holiday Monday.
Tic-tac at Cartmel Races in August 1992
By mid-afternoon the temperature had reached a sizzling 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Mail’s headline for its coverage was ‘Blazing saddles!’
Of the afternoon’s six races, four were won by the favourites.
Among the winners were Pinemartin, the 6-4 favourite, who galloped home first in The Burlington Slate Handicap Steeplechase, and Monaru, the 11-10 favourite, who won The Stanley Leisure Handicap Hurdle.
In August that year the weather was less kind, but a day at the races proved a big attraction despite the constant threat of rain.
Nearly 10,500 ignored the risk of a drenching and made the traditional bank holiday pilgrimage to Cartmel racecourse.
Kate Mercer, ten, enjoying her day at the race at Cartmel in August 1992
One punter who was not having much luck was Barrow’s own Emlyn Hughes, whose Viktor company was sponsoring the novices’ chase.
“I haven’t won anything all day, not even a placed horse,” said the former Liverpool and England football captain, as he waited to judge a competition for the best turned-out horse.
But he added: “Cartmel is always the best little racecourse in the world.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here