A museum exhibition is exploring the historical past of one of many UK’s most essential racecourses because it marks a major milestone.
Sandown Park in Esher, Surrey, is celebrating 150 years because it was based in 1875 with reveals displaying the origins of the racecourse, its royal hyperlinks and the half it performed in creating fashionable horse racing.
The course, the primary purpose-built venue with paid admission and enclosures, is the centre of the exhibition on the Home of Killik in Esher Excessive Road, which runs till 31 October.
Sarah Drabwell, common supervisor of Sandown Park, mentioned the racecourse was “vastly proud to have been a part of the native Elmbridge group for the previous 150 years”.
In 1875, Sandown’s entry charge of at the least half a crown made it one of many first programs to cost racegoers to attend its occasions.
Throughout World Struggle One and Two the racecourse was sown with crops to assist battle efforts, whereas housing the Royal Engineers throughout World Struggle One and the Welsh Guard throughout each conflicts.
The course continued to make historical past when, in 1948, it hosted the primary ever televised horse race.
In 1957, Sandown additionally hosted the primary sponsored race in British historical past.
These days, the venue additionally hosts music occasions, exhibitions and has its personal golf course.
A spokesperson for Elmbridge Museum, which helped to create the exhibition, mentioned: “100 and fifty years is a momentous milestone and an exquisite alternative to have a good time the wealthy heritage, defining moments, and communities which have formed the racecourse over time.
“We hope guests get pleasure from exploring its fascinating story and legacy, and we’re grateful to Killik for kindly internet hosting the show at their premises.”
The exhibition is free to attend, however guests are invited to make a donation to The Neighborhood Fund, a brand new charity which goals to pool funds for tasks in Elmbridge.
