Greatest Cricket Moments

Squire Osbaldeston's 200-Mile Horse Ride at Newmarket — November 1831

1831-11-05n/aPedestrian/equestrian wager: Osbaldeston rides 200 miles in 10 hours, Newmarket, November 18311 min readSeverity: Mild

Summary

On 5 November 1831 George Osbaldeston rode 200 miles on Newmarket Heath in 8 hours 42 minutes, using a string of relay horses, for a wager of 1,000 guineas. The ride was the most celebrated single sporting feat of the Regency era — repeating in equestrian form the 1818 pedestrian feat and confirming Osbaldeston as the most flamboyant amateur sportsman of his generation. He had been an MCC committee member since his 1828 reconciliation with Beauclerk.

What Happened

Osbaldeston, by then forty-five, had been preparing the wager for months. He laid out a 4-mile course on Newmarket Heath and arranged for a relay of 28 horses. He started at 7am on 5 November and completed the 200 miles at 3.42pm — under nine hours including all changes. The feat was reported across the British and continental press. He won the 1,000-guinea wager and the side bets. The ride is one of the most-cited sporting events of the early Victorian period.

Timeline

1818

200-mile pedestrian wager

1828

Reconciliation with Beauclerk; rejoins MCC committee

5 Nov 1831

200-mile horse ride at Newmarket

1866

Osbaldeston dies

⚖️ The Verdict

The most celebrated single sporting feat of the era — and a reminder of cricket's place within the wider Regency-Victorian sporting culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many horses did he use?▾
Twenty-eight, in a relay system with each horse covering between five and ten miles before being changed.

Tags

#roundarm-era#early-victorian#george-osbaldeston#horse-racing#wagers#1831#iconic-moment#regency-sport

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