Read on Twitter
A quick wander through some of Manchester’s forgotten sporting venue history, including hosting the World Snooker Championship final, the most valuable horse race in England, the FA Cup Final and more.
The legendary Joe Davis and Tom Newman pictured here before a snooker match at Houldsworth Hall (90 Deansgate) in 1939. His namesake, Fred would later win a world title there in 1954. Wythenshawe Forum hosted the last final in 1976 before it moved to The Crucible.
The 15,000 capacity Fallowfield Stadium in South Manchester hosted the 1893 FA Cup final with @Wolves beating @Everton 1–0. The attendance of 45,000 meant the majority of spectators had no view. The stadium, primarily an athletics track and velodrome, was demolished in 1994.
Manchester racecourse - actually Salford - had three different locations in its history. The original course on Kersal Moor, then New Barns (Salford Docks) and finally Castle Irwell. The last meeting took place on 9 Nov 1963.
The prestigious Lancashire Plate was run at New Barns, Manchester, over 7f at the September meeting from 1888 to 1893.
At the time, the most valuable horse race in England (£11k prize money, equivalent to £1.4m today). For 1888 context, St Leger (£4350) & Epsom Derby (£3675).
At the time, the most valuable horse race in England (£11k prize money, equivalent to £1.4m today). For 1888 context, St Leger (£4350) & Epsom Derby (£3675).
Glorious black and white footage here from Castle Irwell of the 1950 November Handicap courtesy of @BritishPathe. The traditional flat season finale is now run at @DoncasterRaces but originated in Salford. 
Castle Irwell also hosted England’s first ever evening horse race meeting in 1951 and the following year, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her first winner as an owner after acceding to the throne. 
North Road (capacity 12000) was the original home of Newton Heath LYR FC (later @ManUtd) from their founding in 1878 to 1893 when the team moved to Bank St., Clayton. Players changed in The Three Crowns public house, a few hundred yards away on Oldham Road. #MUFC
#MUFC
Finally, a mention for the past glories of White City and Belle Vue. Both experienced golden eras of greyhound racing, speedway and stock car racing. What a city of sporting history. 
