Horse racing in Scotland

Horseracing first flourished in the country during the reign of King James VI and I when members of the Royal Court developed a passion for the sport, before they began to establish a centre for horse racing in Newmarket.

[2] From that time onwards, in contrast to England, wealthy owners have been rare in Scotland, and the main development of the sport took place south of the border.

The Lanark Silver Bell, reputedly first contested in the reign of William the Lion of Scotland in the 12th or early 13th century[4] is among the first horse races recorded anywhere.

In fact, until 1977, when Lanark Racecourse closed, it was the oldest continually run horse racing event in the world.

[5] A well-known annual race, with a bell for a prize, was instituted at Haddington in 1552,[6] but reference to this in royal records is restricted to a single entry.