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How a stroll down a Dublin street provided the 'missing link' at the National Horse Racing Museum

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Newmarket correspondent
Portrait of King Charles II is unveiled at Palace House
Portrait of King Charles II is unveiled at Palace House

The National Horse Racing Museum has long been one of the main attractions in Newmarket, but there has always been a 'missing link' there – until now.

The museum includes part of King Charles II's residence at what is known as Palace House and now includes a forgotten portrait of the 'Merry Monarch', the first to hang on the walls of his former Newmarket palace.

King Charles II was a passionate supporter of racing, visiting Newmarket regularly and competing in races and winning the Newmarket Town Plate in 1671. He also founded the Round course, part of which is still used today as the July course. He stayed in Newmarket for the last time in 1684, the year before his death.

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Published on inPostcard from Newmarket

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