1838 in sports

Events

• 3 April — in his return fight with Ben Caunt, William "Bendigo" Thompson is disqualified in the 75th round for going down without being struck.[1]
• Caunt claims the English Championship after defeating Bendigo but is not recognised because of the prior claim of James Burke, who has now returned to England from America; meanwhile, Jem Ward continues his refusal to formally surrender the title even though he has long retired.[2]
• Publication of the London Prize Ring Rules of 1838 which succeed and are built upon the Broughton Rules of 1743.

Events

• Melbourne Cricket Club is founded; it is generally regarded as the oldest sporting club in Australia

England

• Most runs – Charles Taylor 339 @ 16.95 (HS 73)
• Most wickets – James Cobbett 71 (BB 8–?)

Events

• A pupil at Rugby School called Jem Mackie is noted for his "running in" ability and this is understood to be the equivalent of try scoring, which is evidence of a distinct handling game.

England

• Grand National[3] – Sir William
• 1,000 Guineas Stakes – Barcarolle
• 2,000 Guineas Stakes – Grey Momus
• The Derby – Amato[4]
• The Oaks – Industry
• St. Leger Stakes – Don John

The Boat Race

• The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race is not held this year

Other

• In the U.S. six men of Providence, Rhode Island establish the Narragansett Boat Club on the tidal Seekonk River.[5]