York to face and ship as UK’s prime racecourse – as a result of it is haunted by Dick Turpin
EXCLUSIVE: The legendary 18th Century highwayman who terrorised travellers across the nation was hanged at the track and his spirit lurks among the trees
York Racecourse has a secret weapon (Image: Getty Images)
York is set to stand and deliver as Britain’s top racecourse thanks to its secret weapon – it is haunted by Dick Turpin.
The legendary 18th Century highwayman who terrorised travellers across the nation was hanged at the track. And history says he was not happy about it. Sightings of the outlaw have been reported across Britain’s most haunted city over the past 300 years.
His ghost – sporting his three-pointed hat and sitting on his famous horse Black Bess – has been spotted lurking between the trees.
But far from scaring off race-goers dastardly Dick has become a tourist attraction – luring in a new crowd desperate to meet him.
The racecourse is reportedly haunted by Dick Turpin(Image: Corbis via Getty Images)
Racecourse chiefs say York is now the Ascot of the north after ticket sales for this year’s Ebor Festival – which finishes today – were up by 12%.
The four-day event featured one of the richest horse races ever staged in Britain, a guest appearance by charity fundraising rugby legend Sir Kevin Sinfield who had a race named in his honour – and two Royal visits from the Queen.
Camilla – who became patron of the racecourse in 2024 – attended the first day of the festival as scheduled on Wednesday but made a surprise return, smiling and dressed in pink, yesterday (August 21).
For the first time the Ebor Festival has been broadcast to viewers in 150 countries.
Not only did it attract some of the top thoroughbreds from around the world and many of the best jockeys, a big draw for fans was the chance to catch a glimpse of Turpin’s ghost.
Queen Camilla attended the first day of the Ebor Festival at York Racecourse(Image: Chris Jackson/PA Wire)
Race-goers could not wait to go and sit on one of the two benches that mark the spot where the gallows stood.
Historians have placed a sign at the scene detailing Turpin’s demise.
Carer Sarah King, 29, said: “It’s brilliant York has got a ghost. Ascot can’t compete with that.
“I’m not scared. I’d love a chat with Dick.”
Software engineer Alan Ward, 52, said: “It might be a load of old codswallop – or he might give me a lift home. Either way I can see why people are interested. It just adds to it all.”
Turpin’s restless spirit has intrigued a host of YouTubers who have produced videos on his turbulent Earth-wandering.
History podcaster DanielsJourney has just posted a video of his own visit to the scene.
While a host of guided tours take visitors around Turpin sites – including those where his spirit has been seen.
According to The Bloody Tour of York, run by ‘Mad Alice’, the highwayman’s turbulent life – and death – was more than enough to trigger any haunting.
The former butcher used to run with a gang of outlaws in his native Essex who looted churches, raided homes and tortured one old lady by roasting her ‘naked bottom’ on a fire until she gave up her gems.
When the rest of the mob was rounded up and hanged Turpin escaped, teamed up with another villain called Tom King and went into highway robbery.
Turpin shot King dead then – wanted for murder – headed north to Beverley, near York, where he changed his name to ‘John Palmer’ and took up horse stealing.
After being arrested for shooting a chicken police rumbled his true identity and he was convicted of horse theft which carried the death penalty.
He bought himself a new suit and shoes for his execution at Tyburn – now part of York racecourse – and for five mourners to walk behind his coffin.
But the moment the noose was placed around his neck he leapt from the ladder leading to the gallows – killing himself before the executioner could do it.
His body was buried in a local churchyard but Mad Alice said: “He wouldn’t be at peace for long.”
Bodysnatchers dug him up and sold his body to a local doctor for dissection practice.
When locals found out they demanded Dick back and reburied him in a secret location in York – covering his body in quicklime to prevent him being dug up again.
Since then his restless spirit has roamed the city – pulling in visitors.
Paddy Power spokesman Paul Binfield said: “The Ebor Festival has firmly placed York on the racing map.
“It’s odds-on as the Ascot of the North and can certainly compete with the big meetings of the south.
“And none of them can boast a ghost.
“I just hope Black Bess stays in her lane and doesn’t decide to join in the 3.15.”
