One of the most fascinating stories unearthed through the C140 project is that of racing legend Ras Prince Monolulu. Known for his flamboyant attire and larger-than-life personality, Monolulu made history as Britain’s first black racing tipster in the early twentieth century. He worked at racecourses across Britain, including at Chamber member Newmarket Racecourses.
Early life and Move to Britain
Ras Prince Monolulu was born Peter Carl Mackay in October 1881, in St Croix, then part of the Danish West Indies.
He claimed to be a prince of the Falasha tribe from Abyssinia, and was allegedly kidnapped and forced to work on a British ship, before arriving in Britain in 1902. However, records indicate his family were horse breeders and racers, and he likely moved to Britain for work.
Following his arrival in London, Monolulu quickly made a name for himself as a race tipster – someone who advises racegoers which horse they think will win, in exchange for money.
He rose to prominence after the 1920 Derby, when he picked out the horse Spion Kop, at the odds of 100-6, who went on to win. From this bet, he personally made a vast sum – £8,000 – equivalent to around £400,000 today.
Distinguished by his flamboyant robes and ostrich-feathered headdress, Monolulu became instantly recognisable and well-loved in the racing community. His signature catchphrase, “I’ve got a horse”, became a well-known part of his extravagant persona.
Media Presence
Monolulu made history as one of the first black people to appear on British television. His first appearance came on the same day as the launch of the BBC’s Television Service, in November 1936. His engaging persona and distinctive style made him a popular feature on newsreels at the time.
In the 1939 newsreel “London Carries On,” he is seen encouraging Londoners to wear gas masks, using the catchy phrase, “I gotta gas mask protector!”. He even made a few cameo appearance in racing films of the 1950s.
The Prince Monolulu Quandary by Whistledown Productions
Listen below to a BBC Radio 4 feature, The Prince Monolulu Quandary, by Whistledown Productions, voiced by Stephen K Amos.
First aired in December 2016, comedian Stephen K Amos sets out to discover the incredible truth behind this mystical character, meeting people who remember the Prince and the vigilant detectives striving to get to the bottom of his story.
His tale takes us from Ethiopia to Honolulu, from Germany to Soho.
With contributions from Derek Griffiths and John McCrirrick, and produced by Claire Crofton.
To find out more about Monolulu, head to the BBC, or visit the National Horse Racing Museum’s website to take a look at Monolulu’s jacket, held at the museum in Newmarket.
