The 'Local' Race - The Kiplingcotes Derby
The History of the Race
The Kiplingcotes Derby is said to be the oldest flat race in England, dating back to
1519, but it was not until 1669 that it became an endowed race thus ensuring its future.
It traditionally takes place on the third Thursday in March and is a challenge to all who take part, whether riders or spectators, as the weather can be very unkind at this time of the year.
The next race : 20th March 2008
The race covers a distance of 4 miles over farm lanes and tracks, starting at an old stone post on the grass verge in the parish of Etton, not far from the old Kiplingcotes railway station near Market Weighton, and finishing at Londesborough Wold Farm.
The route follows grass verges along the roadside over Goodmanham Wold to Enthorpe Woods, where the course follows unmetalled tracks towards the finishing post at Londesborough Wold.
The hamlet of ENTHORPE originally known as JANELFESTHORPE (according to the Domesday book) where once more than 800 people worked and lived, now consists of a farm and a disused railway station.
The 'Rules' drawn up in 1618 say:-
'A horse race to be observed and ridd yearly on the third Thursday in March; open to horses of all ages, to convey horsemen's weight, ten stones, exclusive of saddle, to enter ye post before eleven o'clock on the morning of ye race. The race to be run before two.'
The incentive to win the race is a prize of 拢50, however the second horse home can, unusually, receive a higher amount, this being made up of the sum of all the entrance fees, each of 拢4.25 !
In keeping with the unusual, no one knows how many horses and riders will enter the race until the actual morning of the race itself. The 1998 race attracted a total of seven entries, ensuring an entertaining sight for the many spectators.
A commemorative corn wreath and floral tribute in honour of the late Neil Thwaites, was attached to the winning post on the occasion of the 1999 race. Neil was a big supporter of the race, and helped to erect the winning post some years ago.
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