Lanark Racecourse facts for kids
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The old odds/results board at Lanark
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| Location | Lanark, Scotland |
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| Coordinates | 55°39′45″N 3°44′31″W / 55.6624°N 3.7420°W |
| Date closed | October 1977 |
| Course type | Flat |
| Notable races | Lanark Silver Bell |
Lanark Racecourse was a historic place in Scotland where horse racing took place. It was located in the small town of Lanark, which is about 25 miles from Glasgow. People believe that King William the Lion of Scotland, who lived from 1165 to 1214, first started the races here. The racecourse closed its doors in October 1977.
Contents
Lanark Racecourse: A Look Back
Lanark Racecourse was shaped like an oval, and horses ran around it in a right-handed direction. The track was about 10 furlongs long, which is roughly 1.25 miles or 2,000 meters. There was also a straight part of the track, about 5 furlongs (1,000 meters) long, for shorter races.
The Famous Lanark Silver Bell
This racecourse was home to Britain's oldest horse race, called the Lanark Silver Bell. After Lanark Racecourse closed, this special race moved to Hamilton Park Racecourse nearby. The original Silver Bell is said to have been a gift from King William the Lion way back in the 12th century. While that first bell is gone, the one used today dates from the 17th century.
William the Lion Handicap Race
Lanark also hosted the longest handicap race in Scotland, the William the Lion Handicap. A handicap race means horses carry different weights to make the competition fair. This race was about 2.5 miles long and was the last flat race of the Scottish racing season.
Lanark's Aviation History
Lanark Racecourse was not just for horses! It also hosted the very first aviation meeting in Scotland. This exciting event happened between August 6 and 13, 1910. The racecourse was chosen because it had flat land, facilities for crowds, and stables that could be used as hangars for the early airplanes.
Why Lanark Was Perfect for Flying
The location was easy to reach by road and by train. The Caledonian Railway Company even built a new station near the entrance just for the event. Airplanes were brought to the meeting by train because they weren't advanced enough to fly long distances safely yet.
Setting Aviation Records
Safety was a big concern after a similar event in Bournemouth where a pilot named Charles Rolls died. So, at Lanark, planes had to fly at least 300 yards away from spectators. For the first time ever, airplanes were accurately timed over a measured distance. This allowed the first world records for flights over 1 mile to be set. The Aero magazine called the Lanark meeting "the most successful yet held in Britain."
Why Lanark Racecourse Closed
The races at Lanark were generally not the biggest or most famous. They were mostly attended by loyal Scottish racing fans. Sadly, the racecourse faced financial problems and had to close in October 1977. Even today, you can still see parts of the old course.
