Reminiscences of Rotherham
by G. Gummer, J.P.
« « prevequally were they matched, in some sports held in the Park, that the 120 yards hurdle race resulted in a dead-heat between Foers and Thirlwall, Later in the day this was run off, Hardwicke Foers winning by a few feet. Jack Bull a few years later turned 'Pro', and won one of the handicaps promoted by Mick Murray at Sheffield and a pile of money with it.
At the sports referred to I ventured to enter as a competitor in the bicycle race and received what I thought to be a good mark, being several yards in front of Mr.E. P. Sherwood, the then manager of Stubbs’ Steel Works. He rode a 'Kangaroo' machine, the first to make its appearance in Rotherham. I well remember the roars of laughter that greeted him as he careered round the course on this peculiar looking machine. His appearance could only be compared to a big man on a small donkey. Directly the pistol cracked, instead of taking it easy and conserving my strength, I put every ounce I possessed into the race, getting well away amidst the encouraging cheers of the crowd lining the ropes. In this event were some 'crack' riders from Sheffield and Nottingham who gradually overtook me. I found after two or three laps, when a spurt would have been useful I was exhausted and compelled to retire. Thus ended my first and last attempt as a competitor in such races.
MAN V HORSE
A sporting event of great interest took place in the early 80’s, when Geo. Littlewood, a well-known pedestrian, ran a race of 18 miles against a horse owned by a well known Sheffield man. The course chosen was from Doncaster to Sheffield. As the contestants approached Rotherham the roads were crowded with vehicles resembling the evening of the return from the St. Leger. Crowds cheered Littlewood as he passed through the town. Although he made a game struggle, he was beaten, and gave up a short distance from the finishing post.ROTHERHAM’S RACE MEETINGS
Hunt races, which had long been talked about, were inaugurated in 1889 by Mr. G. A. Wilson and others. Visitors came from all directions, Sheffield contributing its thousands. This newly.instituted turf fixture received distinguished’ patronage - from amongst others, the Hon. H. W. Fitzwilliam, M.P., the Hon. I. W. Fitzwilliam, MP., Colonel Vickers, Mr. T. W. Jeffcock and Mr. Colin Smith.The thoroughfares from Westgate Station to the course at the Broom were crowded with pleasure-seekers, and drivers of wagonettes and other vehicles bawled their fares out to attract customers, while wandering programme or race card sellers loudly proclaimed the 'correct card'.
A few years brought the end. Some people said this was owing to the Jockey Club refusing to licence the fixture, and others thought the patronage did not warrant a continuance.
In the seventies a similar fixture was held in Doncaster road on the site now occupied by the East Dene houses. I recollect, on the Herringthorpe course, a horse which received good support, being largely fancied, named 'Crazy'. It always ran in blinkers and belonged to Geo. Robinson, a local butcher. The horse originally belonged to Mr. R. Bentley, who was killed whilst riding in some steepleehases at Dover.
Mr. Geo. Oldfield, eldest son of Sammy Oldfield, the hairdresser, generally cut a big figure at these races. Whilst riding a mare belonging to Mr. John Moorhouse, he received from Spud Flintham a cigar loaded with powder. Lighting up as ho paraded before the grandstand, to his amazement and consternation the cigar exploded, creating a very amusing diversion to those looking on.