St. Louis' Abbey Course and Laclede Course

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steward
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St. Louis' Abbey Course and Laclede Course

Postby steward » Fri Jan 01, 2016 8:33 am

I did some research to resolve my own confusion about the racing that was conducted in St. Louis while the Civil War was going through its last year or so. In news stories and subsequent racing compilations, mention was made of the "Laclede Association" and the "Laclede Course" during those meetings. It leaves the impression that the track was newer than the pre-war site.

In May of 1864, the racecourse was the site of the initial races of both Norfolk and Asteroid; the former on the 16th and the latter on the 19th. However, it is my opinion that the racing was done on the old Abbey Course. The newer Laclede Course would not open until late 1866.

Here are some links for consideration:

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d= ... 22-------1

Two pages in the next link provides the dates in which the changeover happened:

https://books.google.com/books?id=jTMDA ... 22&f=false

The Laclede Course lasted for only a few years, before being subdivided into a development. The Abbey Course was dusted off in 1871 for at least one more meeting.