NEHL - Horse racing took place on the Dodmire fields in the 18th and 19th centuries. The first meeting was held in October 1732, spread over 4 days. Races were moved to Blackwell 30 years later and ended in the mid 19th century, when the final Darlington Plate was won.

A race in 1845 featured the Terrace Stakes, the Darlington Plate and the Ruby Castle stakes with appearances from the Duke of Cleveland, Lord Zetland, Lord Chesterfield, Lord Edlington and Sir J Gerard.

You can find some excellent info on the racecourses at http://www.greyhoundderby.com/Darlington%20Racecourse.html