A different part of the massive mural 'Future’s Past and Present' close to Doncaster railway station, and here we have horses. I assume this reflects the spirit of horses rather than the horse racing for which Doncaster is well known. No bridle or reins suggests wild horses, though it is horse racing for which Doncaster is known.
The best known of the Doncaster horse races is the St Leger. The St Leger Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Doncaster over a distance of 1 mile, 6 furlongs and 115 yards (2,921 metres), and it is scheduled to take place each year in September.
Established in 1776, the St Leger is the oldest of Britain's five Classics. It is the last of the five to be run each year, and its distance is longer than any of the other four.
The event was devised by Anthony St Leger, an army officer and politician who lived near Doncaster. The inaugural running was held at Cantley Common on 24 September 1776. The title St Leger Stakes was decided at a dinner party held in 1776 at the Red Lion Inn located in the Market Place, Doncaster, to discuss the following year's race. The event was moved to its present location, Town Moor, in 1778.
I have memories of the racecourse on Town Moor, since in the late 1960s I was part of our school cross country running team, and we competed against Doncaster grammar school. Their course was around the racecourse and was a flat fast and furious race, and very different from the hilly course where I did much of my running.
Thank you all for your interesting comments and fav, they are very much appreciated.
It would have been nice to post a shot of the full mural, but that would be quite a challenge since it is 108 metres long, and the buildings on which it is painted are at different angles, but I will be looking at what can be done next time I see it.
impressive mural!
just read your comment 108 metres of exquisite artwork painted outdoors! wow! must be very impressive to see it.
Looking forward to this series, of close ups, so I can learn more about your history and customs
The head of one horse is almost central, the head of the second is top right. They are facing to the right.
Ian
Thank you all for your interesting comments and fav, they are very much appreciated.
It would have been nice to post a shot of the full mural, but that would be quite a challenge since it is 108 metres long, and the buildings on which it is painted are at different angles, but I will be looking at what can be done next time I see it.
Ian
just read your comment 108 metres of exquisite artwork painted outdoors! wow! must be very impressive to see it.
Looking forward to this series, of close ups, so I can learn more about your history and customs
Thank you Nina. I haven't had chance to go back for more photos, but I will be doing quite soon!
Ian