Big fields, big gambles, big names and a board game

1 The Lincolnshire Handicap was first run at Lincoln, on the course known as the Carholme, in 1858. It was born out of the amalgamation of two races, the Lincoln Spring Handicap (run in the spring over 1m4f) and the Lincolnshire Handicap (run in the summer over 2m). The move was made in a bid to increase the number of runners (sound familiar, 21st-century race planners?) but field sizes didn't improve until the distance was reduced to a mile in 1865.

2 Bookmakers as race sponsors are an everyday sight now, but the concept was initiated long before William Hill, Cyril Stein or Joe Coral laid a bet. Concerned at the lack of support for the race, local bookmakers collected £1,000 (a considerable amount in the 1870s) to add to the prize-money and reaped the benefit with 35 runners in the 1874 renewal. The race was won by 14-1 shot Tomahawk, ridden by 17-year-old Fred Archer on his way to being champion jockey for the first time.

3 By far the best horse to run in the Lincolnshire Handicap was the magnificent Sceptre, who began the 1902 season in which she would win four Classics (missing out on the Derby) by trying to land a gamble for her owner Bob 'Neck Or Nothing' Sievier under 6st 7lb (including rider Hardy's claim). She was 11-4 favourite but was collared in the final strides and beaten a head by St Maclou.