Prize-fighting was long the popular sport of high and low life blackguards, and Birmingham added many a redoubtable name to the long list of famous prize-fighters, whose deeds are recorded in “Fistiana” and other chronicles of the ring.  Among the most conspicuous of these men of might, were Harry Preston, Davy Davis, Phil Sampson, Topper Brown, Johnny and Harry Broome, Ben Caunt, Sam Simmonds, Bob Brettle, Tass Parker, Joe Nolan, Peter Morris, Hammer Lane, and his brothers, with a host of other upholders of fisticuffs, the record of whose battles will not be handed down to posterity in the pages of Showell’s Dictionary of Birmingham, though, as a matter of history, it may be noted that the earliest account we have of a local prize-fight is of that which took place in Oct. 1782, for 100 guineas a side, between Jemmy Sargent, a professional, and Isaac Perrins, one of the Soho workmen.  Jemmy knuckled under after being knocked down thirteen times, in as many rounds, by the knock-kneed hammerman fiom Soho, whose mates, it is said, won L1,500 in bets through his prowess.  Attempts have lately been made to revive the old sport, but the sooner the would-be adepts learn that their occupation is gone the better it will be for them, and all men.

Racing and Steeplechasing was not, unknown to the Brums of the 18th century, as the Gentleman’s Magazine makes note of the races at Birmingham, May 27 to 29, 1740, but where the old racecourse was situated it is impossible to tell.  Indeed it is doubtful whether any special course has ever long been in existence, as at various dates we read of races being held at Aston, Bordesley, Deritend, Walmer Lane, and other places.  The Four Oaks Park, adjoining Sutton Park, formerly the property of a private gentleman, was bought by a company in June, 1879, for the purpose of laying out a racecourse in this neighbourhood, of a similar nature to that of Ascot, and other great racing centres.  In addition to the Hall, the buildings comprise a grand stand (the memorial stone of which was laid June 2, 1880), and a club stand, each 70ft. by 66ft., with two galleries of seats refreshment, private, and other rooms.  Also a second stand for the general public, 62ft. by 31ft. and a press and jockey stand, 53ft. by 31ft.  The “paddock” occupies nearly three acres, while an area of 115ft. by 72ft. is devoted to “the Ring.”  The cost of these various buildings and their necessary adjuncts is estimated at about L12,000, the structures themselves, which are built of red brick with stone facings, accommodating 3,000 persons.  The course is about a mile and a half in circumference, and the “straight” about five furlongs in length.  The Park includes an area of 130 acres, and the first race was run March 1, 1881.—­No steeplechases have been run on the old Wolverhampton course since 1855, and no flat races since Aug. 1877.

Running Records.—­Mr. W.G.  George, of the Moseley Harriers, won a two mile handicap at Stamford Bridge, April 24, 1884, in 9 min. 17 2-5 secs.  On May 17, same year, he ran four miles, in 19 min. 39 4-5 secs.  On July 28 following, he covered, in the hour, 11 miles, 932 yds., 9 in., being 37 yds. 2 ft. 3 in. less than the hitherto unsurpassed hour record of the celebrated Deerfoot in 1862.  Another of George’s feats took place May 1, 1882, when he ran ten miles in 52 min. 56-1/2 secs.