Trotting Match at Springfield Park, Wigan (1904)

Edwardian spectators and bookies enjoy an exciting day of horse racing.

Attending trotting matches - in which horses in harness race at specific gaits - was a popular Edwardian pastime. We see the highlight of the day: a race in which the favourite, Wig Wag, is pipped to the post by General White thanks to the superior handling skills of his driver, George Wiltshire. For the benefit of the audience a showman holds up a 'winner' sign next to the victorious steed.