H.D. Stanton

Bicycle versus horse and cart race at Alexandra Palace, between H.D. Stanton and Mr. Macdonald’s “Lady Flora”.

With 196 acres of parkland, a mix of steep slopes and flats, Ally Pally has been frequently visited and used by professional cyclists and enthusiasts.

The Park was the scene of many races as spectators gathered to watch penny farthing riders career around the grounds. Another popular event was cyclists vs horses. One such contest pitted H.D. Stanton against Mr. Macdonald’s mare “Lady Flora”. Stanton, putting in a valiant effort, briefly overtook the horse, before losing the match by forty seconds.

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