West Essex Yeoman Cavalry Horse Racing 1834 to 1871
From 1834 to the First World War
Essex Yeomanry delighted in demonstrating their cavalry riding
skills by taking part in races.
Initially they were held at Nazing
Mead near the home of their founder Colonel George Palmer
although from 1871 they were held at Galleywood Race Course,
Chelmsford before being taken over by the Essex Hunt. They were
held again after the war at intervals in various locations
although they were smaller events than those seen on the
1800's..
The most prestigious race was the
silver cup for a one mile race which was presented by the
'Ladies of Essex' for non commissioned officers and men of the
West Essex Cavalry for horses that were owned and ridden by
members of the troop and have been ridden at least 6 times at
field days or drill.
In 1835 the winner was Mr Webb
followed by Mr J Chapman and Mr Biggs.
In 1836 the winner was Mr T Webb
followed by Mr Wright and Mr Pollett. Other troop races that
year were won by Mr Pryer followed by Mr Earl, Mr T Smith and Mr
J Chapman and the next won by Mr Algar followed by Lt Palmer and
Mr J Chapman.
In 1837 the winner was Mr Bruty
followed by Mr T Webb, Mr G Clark and Mr Algar. A second race
was won by Mr Algar followed by Mr Jessop and Mr Bruty.The last
race was won by Mr Algar followed by Mr Wasson, Mr Webb, Mr
Frankling, Mr Hall Dare, Mr Redding and Mr F Palmer
In 1840 the winner was Mr Norman
followed by Mr S Baker, Mr Bruty, John Bacon and Arthur Bacon.
The races continued and in 1856
followed a weeks training. The event was Supervised by Major
Palmer and his two sons Lt Palmer and Quartermaster Palmer. The
races were officiated by Quartermaster Fairman, Sergeant
Major Cannon and Sergeant Major Gray.
The 1st race winner was Corporal
Pritchett followed by Mr Chaplin, Mr Spencer, Mr Hopcraft, Mr
Webb and Mr Powell.
The 2nd race was won by Mr Boutell
followed by Mr Chaplin, Mr Champness and Mr Goodwin.
By 1871 the races had moved to
Galleywood racecourse as part of a full racing program.
The winner in 1871 was Mr G Baker
followed by Mr Medlicott and then Mr J J Thomas.
The tradition continued into the
Great War where in 1915 the Essex Yeomanry took part in a horse
race for the 8th Cavalry Cup which they won ahead of the 10th
Hussars and the Royal Horse Guards.