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Description: | Song describing the triumphs of famous Newcastle racehorse Doctor SyntaxOne of a number of songs written on legendary racehorse 'Doctor Syntax' this song is made especially interesting by John Bell's accompanying manuscript notes. Owned by a Mr. Riddell, owner of the legendry XYZ, Doctor Syntax became a household name after winning 38 of his 48 races. Bell's notes reveal that this song was purchased at the race ground on Thursday 17th July, 1823, following the Gosforth Stakes of the 14th of the same month. Bell notes the results and comments that the race excited much interest, not from any uncertainty as to the result, but from it being the first time Doctor Syntax ran at Newcastle.Racing was one of the few leisure pursuits enjoyed by all classes. Men gambled on anything, but a constant favourite was horse racing. Gambling became such a passion with the lower classes that an Act in 1740 attempted to make the sport more exclusive. Its popularity, however, only increased. Racing was one of the first sports to be recorded in Newcastle. Although races were held on other Newcastle moors in the seventeenth century, racing became a regular feature on the Town Moor in the eighteenth century. From 1751 a 'race week' was held, and in 1800 local gentry organised a permanent grandstand on the Town Moor. Racing remained on the Town Moor until 1880, when it was suggested that a private site may be more suitable. A number of popular ballads were written on horses of local fame, immortalizing racing favourites such as 'XYZ' and 'Beeswing'.This song is part of the John Bell Collection. ; A collection of broadsheets on various subjects, with accompanying press cuttings and manuscript notes in the hand of John Bell. | Publisher: | W. Stephenson Gateshead ; Tyne and Wear | Rights holder: | rights holder : Newcastle University | Subjects: | entertainment and sport horse racing & gambling Leisure | Temporal: | start=1801;end=1840; | Source: | Folk Archive Resource North East | Identifier: | farne:N0125901 | Go to resource |
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