1838 in sports

[Boxing]

• 3 April — in his return fight with Ben Caunt, William "Bendigo" Thompson is disqualified in the 75th round for going down without being struck.
• 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.
• Publication of the London Prize Ring Rules of 1838 which succeed and are built upon the Broughton Rules of 1743.

  [Cricket]

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

• Most runs – Charles Taylor 339 @ 16.95
• Most wickets – James Cobbett 71

  [Football]

• 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.

  [Horse racing]

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

  Rowing">Rowing (sport)">Rowing

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

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