Isle of Wight Observer November 10, 1860

Some donkey racing came off on Tuesday afternoon near the Nelson Tavern, but as we were not favoured with a “card” our readers, if interested in the asinine affair, must seek information elsewhere. We can nevertheless inform them that the Ryde donkey won, so the star of our reputation for “fast donkey” would seem to be in the ascendant, which however is a species of celebrity more to be deprecated than encouraged, for we would not like to hear enterprising tourists, in giving glowing descriptions of their travels, pass over Ryde with a casual remark that it was distinguished for its donkeys. After the mounted racing was over, some of the more ardent supporters of the donkey turf got up some running matches between boys, which if not extraordinary in itself created extraordinary fun and laughter.

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