Wednesday 25 June 2025
Carlisle Bell & Cumberland Plate Day
Buy Tickets HospitalityHISTORY MAKERS
Be part of history at Carlisle Racecourse this summer as we host one of the most iconic fixtures in the racing calendar – The Carlisle Bell, the world’s oldest sporting trophy, first contested in 1599.
This historic race is the centrepiece of a thrilling day that’s firmly rooted in tradition yet bursting with modern excitement. Running alongside the fiercely competitive Cumberland Plate and the prestigious Listed Class 1 Eternal Stakes, it's a day that captures the spirit of racing at its very best.
Join us for Bell and Plate Day – where past meets present and champions are crowned.
Celebrating Our Race Sponsors – Stablemate by AGMA
We are proud to once again welcome Stablemate by AGMA as our valued sponsors of the Carlisle Bell and Cumberland Plate Handicap Stakes.
A long-standing supporter of the Carlisle Bell, Stablemate by AGMA has been instrumental in helping us uphold the tradition of one of Britain's oldest and most prestigious flat races. This year, we are also delighted to see their sponsorship again extend to the Cumberland Plate, reinforcing their deep commitment to the racing community.
Stablemate by AGMA’s specialist range of equine cleaning, disinfection, and hygiene products, is designed to enhance biosecurity in racing yards and equestrian environments. Their products play a vital role in supporting the health and performance of racehorses and the safety of their handlers.
2025 is a particularly important year for AGMA, as they celebrate 20 years of ownership by the Franklin family. The Carlisle Bell and Cumberland Plate Day will mark the official launch of a year of celebratory events to honour this milestone. We are delighted that Bell and Plate Day — steeped in history and tradition — has been chosen as the starting point for what promises to be a memorable year for AGMA.
Through their ongoing sponsorship and unwavering support, Stablemate by AGMA continue to make a real difference in the world of horse racing. We are thrilled to have them as part of our historic Bell and Plate Day celebrations and thank them for their dedication to the sport.
Timings and races subject to change.
| START TIMES | RACE | DISTANCE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.15pm |
|
5f | |
| 2.45pm | The Tattersalls £40,000 EBF Novice Stakes (Class 2) | 5f 182y | |
| 3.15pm | The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Eternal Stakes (Class 1) | 1m 3f 39y | |
| 3.45pm | The Stablemate by AGMA Cumberland Plate Handicap Stakes (Class 4) | 6f 195y | |
| 4.15pm | The Lady Daker Bell Handicap (Class 4) | 7f 173y | |
| 4.50pm | AGMA 20 Years of Franklin Ownership Carlisle Bell (Class 4) | 7f 173y | |
| 5.25pm | The Racing Staff Week Fillies Handicap (Class 4) | 6f 195y |
Bell & Plate History
Horse racing has been a popular activity in Britain for many centuries, the first properly recorded races date from the 16th century. During this period, silver bells were common racehorse prizes, along with bridles, plates’ and purses of money. The larger bell, has the inscription:
'The sweftes horse thes bel to tak for mi lade Daker sake' (The Swiftest horse this bell to take for my lady Dacre's sake).. The second bell, is inscribed: 1599 H.B.M.C. In this case, the initials are believed to stand for: Henry Baines, Mayor of Carlisle. The bells appear to have survived as part of the council's collection of civic silver, which has allowed them to be preserved until today- hence being the worlds oldest sporting trophy. An incredible history which continues to this day, join us to see who is added to the Carlisle Bell’s illustrious roll of honour.
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