The United Kingdom is a country with a long and illustrious association with horse racing. There are numerous well-known races that have been taking place in the country for hundreds of years, delighting the crowds that have been to watch them.

Only one can lay claim to being the country’s oldest horse race, however. That honour goes to the Kiplingcotes Derby, which is also written as the Kipling Cotes Derby from time to time. It is widely accepted to be the oldest race run on an annual basis in the British sporting calendar, having taken place for the first time in 1519.

With the majority of horse races in the UK coming into existence in the 1700s at the earliest, it shows just how long the Kiplingcotes Derby has been taking place that is more than 200 years older than most of them.

It is, as the name suggests, run at Kiplingcotes in the East Riding of Yorkshires and traditionally takes place on the third Thursday of March each year. That means that it has been run in some truly terrible conditions. Interestingly, a quirk in the rules means that it is actually more beneficial financially to finish second in the race than it is to finish first.

Origins and Early History

The origins of the Kiplingcotes Derby can be traced back to the year 1519. According to local folklore, the race was established after William Bradley, a local farmer, made a bet with the Lord of the Manor that he could ride his horse from Market Weighton to Londesborough and back within a specified time.

Bradley succeeded in this feat, and the wager led to the creation of an annual horse race in the area. The earliest documentation of the race dates back to 1618, when it was officially recorded in the Beverley Town Archives. The entry mentioned that the race had already been a long-standing tradition at that time, suggesting that the event had been taking place for decades prior.

There are others that say that the event was started by the Earl of Burlington, with 1618 reference being to stipulate the rules as follows:

“A horse race to be observed and ridd yearly on the third Thursday in March open to horses of all ages to carry horseman’s weight, 10 stones, exclusive of saddle, to enter at ye post before eleven o’clock on the morning of ye race. The race to be run before two.”

Unbroken Tradition

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Kiplingcotes Derby is its unbroken tradition. Unlike many other historical races that have experienced interruptions or cancellations over the years, the Kiplingcotes Derby has taken place every year since its inception. Even during challenging times such as world wars and pandemics, the race has persevered, serving as a symbol of resilience and community spirit.

The race’s continuity is often attributed to the ‘Kiplingcotes Derby Act’ of 1618, which formally recognised the race as a legal event. This act stipulated that the race would continue in perpetuity, and it would be held on the third Thursday of March every year.

Consequently, the race has remained an integral part of the local calendar for centuries, attracting generations of participants and spectators. There are always some young riders sat ready, should there be no entrants made for the race by 11am. In such an instance, they would jump on any old horse and take the field in order to ensure that its unbroken tradition continues.

Given the extreme weather some years, the number of entrants have been thin on the ground. In 1947, for example, the weather was so harsh that just one local farmer led his horse around the course to complete the race.

The Unique Course and Rules

The Kiplingcotes Derby has a distinctive course that sets it apart from other horse races. The race starts and finishes at the Kiplingcotes Railway Crossing, a location that has become synonymous with the event.

The course covers a distance of approximately four miles, through scenic countryside, including fields, woodlands and bridleways. It is an arduous course, which normally takes around ten minutes to complete but in 1947 the weather was so poor that it took the farmer one hour and 20 minutes to make it around. It is run partly alongtheu wide verge of a nearby roadside.

Another unique aspect of the race is its lack of grandstands, VIP enclosures or any formal infrastructure typically associated with modern horse racing events. The Kiplingcotes Derby has retained its rustic and traditional charm, offering a refreshingly intimate and unpretentious experience for participants and spectators alike. On top of that, the race operates on an honour system with minimal formalities. There is no designated starting signal and no formal finish line. The participants are responsible for keeping track of their time and completing the course within the specified time limit.

The rules of the race dictate that the winner will received the ‘accrued interest’ on an original investment of 16 guineas. That amounts to about £100, with the remainder of the entry money going to the rider who finishes in second place. As a result, the person who comes second is likely to take more money home than the actual winner of the race.

Cultural Significance and Local Heritage

Over the centuries, the Kiplingcotes Derby has become an integral part of the local culture and heritage in East Yorkshire. It is not just a horse race; it is a celebration of community, history and shared identity. The race attracts participants from various backgrounds, including local farmers, horse enthusiasts and individuals seeking to partake in this iconic tradition.

All of those that wish to enter the event have to be at the starting post by 11am or else they won’t be allowed to participate. The event fosters a sense of camaraderie and unity, bringing together people from different walks of life to celebrate their love for horses and their shared connection to the region’s history.

The race is not just about winning; it is about taking part, honouring tradition and being a part of something much larger than the individual race itself. As the rules of the race say that it should never be run again should it not take place one year, the desire to keep the event going during times of trouble has far outweighed the likely prize money that you’d get to take home.

There is much less competitiveness in the race than in other events, including the fact that there is no age limit on the horse and the only real restriction is on the weight of the rider, which must be ten stone without their saddle.

Enduring Legacy

The Kiplingcotes Derby’s remarkable longevity and continuity have earned it a place in the record books and the hearts of racing enthusiasts. As the oldest horse race in Britain, the event continues to capture the imagination of people worldwide. The race has been featured in various media outlets, documentaries and literature, cementing its status as an iconic and cherished tradition.

Whilst other horse races may boast larger crowds, bigger prizes and international fame, the Kiplingcotes Derby holds a special place in the hearts of those who recognise its historical significance and cultural value.

The event serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of tradition and the power of community bonds. To ensure the continued success of the Kiplingcotes Derby, efforts have been made to preserve and promote the event for future generations. Local organisations, historical societies and passionate individuals have played instrumental roles in organising and supporting the race year after year.

On top of that, advancements in technology and social media have allowed the event to gain broader recognition and reach a wider audience. Photographs, videos and stories from the race are shared across various platforms, connecting people from all corners of the globe to this extraordinary event in East Yorkshire.

The race stands as a living testament to the enduring spirit of tradition and the power of local heritage. For over five centuries, this unique and unbroken horse race has captivated the hearts of its participants and spectators, offering a glimpse into a bygone era while preserving its relevance in the modern world.

As long as the third Thursday of March arrives each year, the Kiplingcotes Derby will continue to be a cherished event that reminds us of the value of tradition, community and the deep bond between humans and horses. Whether you are a racing enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of history, the Kiplingcotes Derby is an event that captures the essence of Britain’s rich equestrian legacy.