AN early trophy from the historic Northallerton Racecourse will be offered for sale at a major auction house.

Cheffins, based in Cambridge, will include the trophy as part of the Jewellery, Silver & Watches Sale on April 15.

The ‘Stewards’ Silver Cup’ dates from the three-day meeting hosted at Northallerton racecourse from Thursday, October 8 to Saturday, October 10, 1835 and is estimated to sell for £2,000 to £4,000. It was made by Emes and Barnard, the famous London-based silversmithing company.

Northallerton first staged a three-day racing event on its course near Otterington back in 1765 which by the 1800s was established as ‘Northallerton’ and one of the most prestigious race meetings in the North of England.

The three-day meeting from which this cup dates was stewarded by the Duke of Leeds and the Honourable Colonel Arden.

On the second day of the meeting, the Silver Cup in question was awarded to the Duke of Leeds’s horse, ‘Longinus,’ along with 50 sovereigns. Runners up in the race included ‘Durham’, ‘Morpeth,’ ‘Winkley’ and ‘Opodeldoc.’

Meetings continued for over 100 years at Northallerton before the final race day on Friday, October 22, 1880. Today the former racecourse is covered by County Hall, County Offices and Broomfield Primary School.

The cup is inscribed with the words, 'Northallerton Races 1835 The Duke of Leeds The Honble Col. Arden Stewards.’

George William Frederick Osborne was the 6th Duke of Leeds and a British peer and politician and held posts including Master of the Horse during George Canning’s government.

He was an avid racehorse trainer and there is a plaque dedicated to him at Middleham stables.

Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Pepper Arden was the third Baron Alvanley and a British Armny officer and peer.

Steven Collins, Associate at Cheffins said: “This historic trophy was created by one of the most famous silversmithing companies of the period, Emes and Barnard, who at the time were well-known for their unsurpassable workmanship.

The cup in question is a fabulous example of some of the best in 19th century silversmithing and with its history as a prize from the famous Northallerton racecourse, it is sure to be of interest to the racing fraternity as well as the usual silver collectors and trade buyers.”