Image Licensing : Newbury Racecourse Station, September 1905

EDITORS COMMENTS

In this evocative photograph taken at Newbury Racecourse Station in Berkshire during September 1905, the spirit of horse racing in the early 1900s comes alive. The scene at the paddock is bustling with activity as a horse, adorned with jockeys' silks and a numbered saddle cloth, is led across the lush, green grass towards a crowd of eager spectators. Dressed in their finest attire, the racegoers are a testament to the social occasion that horse racing represented during this era. Newbury Racecourse, established in 1905, was a popular destination for horse racing enthusiasts from across the region. The station, which served as the primary means of transport for racegoers, was a hive of excitement on race days. The photograph captures the anticipation and energy that filled the air as the horses and their riders prepared for the big event. The image also offers a glimpse into the past, providing a window into the history of horse racing and the role that the railway played in bringing people together for this cherished pastime. The steam trains that once transported racegoers to Newbury Racecourse have long since been retired, but the tradition of horse racing continues to thrive at the racecourse to this day. This photograph, taken over a century ago, is a reminder of the rich history and enduring appeal of horse racing in Berkshire and beyond. It invites us to imagine the sights, sounds, and sensations of a bygone era, and to appreciate the lasting connection between horse racing and the communities that have embraced it for generations.