“Many persons determined to see the race, were compelled to walk, as they did, under a burning sun, four miles and a half.” -- Spirit of the Times, 8 April 1837 At the same time that he was Postmaster of Big Lick in 1831, twenty-one-year-old Yelverton N. Oliver was …
A Toast to Bumper, the Best Winded, the Fleetest Horse of All [Part II. – 1837 Races]
“The public may probably never have it in their power again to witness such sport!” Captain Yelverton N. Oliver It was a landmark day for racing in the United States, for this was a Sunday–and the first occasion for a Jockey Club anywhere to hold a contest on the …
Drunken Horse – Extraordinary Exhumation(!)
Dear Readers of the Turf Times: In honor of the upcoming holiday weekend and related celebrations, here's a tale from the Spirit of the Times archives about the escapades of Jack Ragg, a 19th century English draught horse. Next week's issue will continue coverage of the New …
[Read more...] about Drunken Horse – Extraordinary Exhumation(!)
Going to the Races? Good Luck Finding a Seat on the New Orleans and Carrollton Railroad
“The day will come when the Eclipse Course will be the first in the United States.” – New Orleans Picayune, 18 March 1837 New Orleans race fans in 1837 benefitted from the recently established New Orleans and Carrollton Railroad, which transported thousands to the …
Song to the Silver Tea Service of the Louisiana Jockey Club [Part V. – 1837 Races]
“The plate is worth going to see without the race.”–New Orleans Picayune, 22 March 1837 After a week of contests dominated by fillies and colts, Wednesday, Day Six, closing day of the New Orleans Jockey Club’s inaugural spring races over the new Eclipse Course at Carrollton, …