Meynell, Alicia (fl. 1804–1805)

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Meynell, Alicia (fl. 1804–1805)

English equestrian. Born around 1782; flourished around 1804–05.

On August 25, 1804, Alicia Meynell competed in a horce race over a four-mile course at York, becoming the first woman known to have done so. The mistress of a Colonel Thornton, 22-year-old Meynell was riding his horse Vingarillo sidesaddle under the name Mrs. Thornton against Captain William Flint and his horse Thornville. Though Meynell was a pre-race favorite and held the lead for the first three miles, her 20-year-old horse faded and Flint was victorious. The following year, Meynell competed once again in August, winning two races: the first, by default; the second, by half a neck.