Though the concept of a Brighton Racing Festival has only really taken hold this century, an early August meeting lasting two or three days has been held here longer than you might think. Consecutive midsummer meetings at Goodwood, Brighton and Lewes had been fixed in the racing calendar for most of the nineteenth century, and the “Sussex Fortnight” was a recognised part of the social, as well as the racing season.
But the very first Brighton Festival could be said to be that of 2-3 August 1784 - the first year the Prince of Wales (the future Prince Regent and George IV) attended Brighton races. He brought with him several of the English and French nobility, and also a carnival atmosphere. The most notable race was away from the track, though. A challenge was proposed by one of the Frenchmen. He would run half the length of the Steine backwards, versus any man Sir Charles Bunbury should support to run the whole length forwards, for twenty guineas. Sir Charles selected a waiter from the Castle Inn. Soon after the race began, the French noble stopped, mistakenly thinking there had been a false start. But it wasn’t so, and the waiter won.
After a stewards’ enquiry the loser offered Sir Charles the twenty guineas, but he refused it and suggested they run again in the morning. But it was wet the next day, so they didn’t bother. Nevertheless, the Prince returned to Brighton Racecourse many times with his entourage and his love for the town blossomed.
The Star Sports Festival of Racing returns on Wednesday 6th August through to Friday 8th August, with Ladies Day landing on Thursday 7th August. With spaces still available in hospitality across the three days, why not upgrade your experience this Festival of Racing. With plenty of entertainment, live music after racing and plenty of thrilling racing, including the Brighton Mile Challenge Race, this year's Festival of Racing is not one to miss.
