T he race date was Monday 15 January. “Auld Hansel (or Handsel) Monday” for centuries was a Scottish rural holiday that marked the first Monday after the New Year – and in the old Scottish calendars, New Year used to be observed on 12 January. James Watson, who built the Flemington Inn, and James Dunbar, the hotel keeper, were both Scots. “A good many persons were in attendance,” according to the papers, and the quality of the racing that day was excellent. The race for the Flemington Cup with its silver trophy opened proceedings. It was a handicap race in heats – the best of three. Belzoni, ridden by Richard Lovelock, carried 60.7 kg, the lightest weight. His opponents were Honi Heke, Romeo, Liberty, Red Rover and Woolstapler. In the first heat, over 1½ miles (2400 metres), “Romeo got a beautiful start and went off at a tremendous bat.” Lovelock on Belzoni bided his time and came home to win easily. Four horses came back for the second heat. Honi Heke tried to lead all the way, but faded. In a great race to the finish, Belzoni beat Red Rover by a mere neck. Race time: 3 minutes 5 seconds. The third and deciding heat was not needed. A hack race for a prize of saddle and bridle came next. This needed four heats to find the winner. Dunbar had the satisfaction of beating a field of eight or nine with his horse Wallaby. This was small consolation for the publican. Licensing magistrates had refused his application to sell liquor on the course, stating they were determined not to encourage horse racing. This must have damaged his profits, and may have contributed to Dunbar’s bankruptcy the following year. One thing is certain. There was never another Flemington Cup run - until 2020. THE FLEMINGTON CUP 1849
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