BELLE VUE RACECOURSE, DOUGLAS
The Isle of Man is said to have hosted one of the oldest horse races in history called the Manx Derby which is supposed to have been contested initially over just 3 furlongs. It was arranged by James the 7th Earl of Derby who, at that point in time, was Lord Mann. The first Derby to be contested in the Isle of Man was as early as 1627 and was introduced by 7th Earl of Derby. Almost 3 centuries later the historic 1929 Man Derby was run at Belle Vue racecourse in Douglas on 5th September 1929. The Belle Vue course was operational between 1912 and 1931 and much later was replaced by Castletown Racecourse. The silver trophy showing a jockey aboard a racehorse, was designed by German artist Wilhelm Zwick and manufactured by J P Kayser & Sons based in Krefeld. The trophy had been first presented in 1910, but was given to Mr Swift, the owner of the winner, Vice Regent, ridden by J Nolan in 1929.
I am grateful to David Copland for the rare, impressive trophy shown below.

Manx Derby over 1 mile
Thursday 5th September 1929
1. VICE REGENT (12/1) owned by Mr Swift and ridden by J Nolan
2. BANKSIAN (8/1) owned by Mr Allan and ridden by Barliss
3. WHITE FUR (6/1) owned by Mr Eglinsky and ridden by McCracken
Also ran; Giant (5/2 fav), Bouncer (8/1), Mars (6/1), All Alone (12/1), Jack’s Choice (4/1), Master Jack (12/1), Jack S (20/1)
Won by 3 lengths, with 1 length between second and third.

If you have badges, racecards, pictures of the racecourse or further details about the course, including your memories, then email johnwslusar@gmail.com