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  • Fascinating account of the colourful history of the racecourse in Alexandra Park by Hugh of Harringayonline - very detailed and well-illustrated. The 50th anniversary of the last race at 'London's Favourite Racecourse' was in September - sadly unmentioned on APN! The vast crowds who attended the races can be judged from this photo of a racemeeting in 1947:

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     Shortlived side-attractions included a Trotting track, Hunting, the Great Horse Show and dog races. It was the subject in 1895 of a popular musical, Toffy's Trotter. Don't miss the newsreel of racing at the racecourse in 1921 near the end of the piece ...

    Its Italianate grandstand (below) was lauded as the 'finest grandstand in the country'.

     

    The racecourse was known as the 'frying pan' for its peculiar shape, with a circular section and a straight bit. The grandstand was located on the car park where circuses and similar are now held.

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    Thank you, Hugh, for an amazing story!

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