In the colourful world of British horse racing, few figures captured the public imagination quite like Ras Prince Monolulu.
From the 1920s until his death in 1965, this flamboyant tipster became one of the most recognisable personalities in Britain, breaking down racial barriers with his infectious enthusiasm and theatrical flair.
Born Peter Carl MacKay in the Caribbean, he transformed himself into an Ethiopian prince and became a beloved fixture at racecourses across the nation, proving that charisma and determination could overcome the prejudices of his era.
The Making of a Legend
Peter Carl MacKay was born on October 26, 1881, in St Croix, then part of the Danish West Indies and now the US Virgin Islands. His family background was rooted in horses – his father William Henry McKay and brothers were horse breeders, raisers, and racers on the island. This early exposure to the racing world would prove instrumental in shaping his future career, though his path to fame would take many unexpected turns.
MacKay arrived in London in 1902, initially taking on various menial jobs to survive. However, his fortunes changed dramatically when he managed to the chorus of In Dahomey, the first all-black West End musical show. The production had initially struggled on Broadway with just 53 performances, but when it transferred to London’s Shaftesbury Theatre, British audiences were captivated.
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The show became such a sensation that it earned a command performance at Buckingham Palace celebrating the Prince of Wales’s birthday, where it was hailed as “the most popular musical show in London.”
When In Dahomey ended, work opportunities for black musical actors in London were scarce. MacKay reinvented himself, travelling across Europe as a fortune teller, violinist, singer, lion tamer, and even performed as a “cannibal” in travelling roadshows. His adventurous spirit led him through Russia, , Italy, , Switzerland, and Belgium, gaining worldly experience that would later serve him well in his theatrical career.
War, Internment, and Reinvention
MacKay’s European adventures took an unexpected turn when World War I erupted while he was in . He found himself interned at Ruhleben internment camp near Berlin, where he spent the entire duration of the war alongside other Allied civilians. Ironically, this former harness racing track housed between 4,000 and 5,500 prisoners, mostly British. The experience of being confined in what was once a racing venue seemed almost prophetic, considering his future career. He finally returned to London via Denmark in 1919.
Upon his return, MacKay fully embraced his new persona as “Ras Prince Monolulu.” He claimed to be a chief of the Falasha tribe of Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia), a fabrication that allowed him to adopt an exotic identity in an era fascinated by colonial narratives.
His costume was spectacular: an ostentatious ostrich feather headdress, multi-coloured robes, baggy pantaloons, gaiters, a huge scarf around his waist, and his trademark shooting stick-cum-umbrella. This theatrical presentation, combined with his booming voice and charismatic personality, made him instantly recognisable.
The Birth of a Racing Icon
Monolulu first attended the Derby at Epsom in 1903, but his breakthrough moment came in 1920. He successfully picked Spion Kop to win the Derby at impressive odds of 100/6 (approximately 16/1), reportedly winning £8,000 – equivalent to around £400,000 in today’s money. This spectacular success established his reputation and launched his career as Britain’s most famous racing tipster.
His signature catchphrase, “I gotta horse, I gotta horse to beat the favourite,” became legendary. Monolulu would sell his tips in sealed envelopes for ten shillings at the height of his fame, always warning buyers with a theatrical whisper: “If you tell anyone, the horse will lose.” Remarkably, his horses rarely won, yet punters never seemed to complain – they were paying as much for the entertainment as for the tip itself.
The character drew inspiration from religious revivalist Gypsy Daniels, whose shout of “I’ve got heaven” Monolulu cleverly adapted to “I gotta horse.” This transformation of spiritual fervour into racing enthusiasm perfectly captured his ability to blend entertainment with commerce.
Breaking Television Barriers
Monolulu made history as one of the first black people to appear on British television. His debut came on 2 November 1936, the very same day the BBC Television Service launched. This timing was no coincidence – his engaging persona and distinctive style made him perfect for the new medium. His television appearances, combined with regular features in newsreels from major racing fixtures, made him as recognisable as of the Royal Family.
During World War II, he continued his media presence with characteristic flair. In the 1939 newsreel London Carries On, he encouraged Londoners to wear gas masks, adapting his famous catchphrase to “I gotta gas mask protector!” This ability to reinvent his messaging while maintaining his theatrical persona demonstrated his natural understanding of public communication.
A Community Figure Beyond Racing
While Monolulu was famous for his racing activities, he played an important role in London’s Soho community. He regularly held court from his bench in Soho Square, where he kept “a benevolent eye on the local kids for their busy parents,” serving as an unofficial childminder without charge. This gentler side of his personality revealed a man who understood the importance of community , particularly for working families in the area.
His presence at Petticoat Lane market every Sunday made him a fixture in London’s East End. Standing alongside regular stallholders, he brought his unique brand of entertainment to one of London’s most famous markets, demonstrating how he had integrated himself into the fabric of London life across different social levels.
Personal Life and Recognition
In 1931, Monolulu married Nellie Adkins from Edmonton, London, at St Pancras office. The wedding attracted widespread national press attention, with photographs of the couple appearing in newspapers across the country. This media coverage demonstrated how thoroughly he had captured public imagination – his personal life had become newsworthy in its own right.
Throughout his career, Monolulu appeared in several films during the 1950s, including Derby Day starring Anna Neagle and Michael Wilding. These appearances cemented his status as a genuine celebrity rather than merely a sporting curiosity.
Legacy and Impact
Ras Prince Monolulu died in London on 14 February 1965, at the age of 84. Some s suggest he choked on a strawberry cream from a box of Black Magic chocolates given to him by journalist Jeffrey Bernard, though this story may be apocryphal. His death marked the end of an era in British racing and entertainment.
His impact on British culture extended far beyond horse racing. By creating a flamboyant persona that both played with and subverted racial stereotypes of his time, Monolulu found a way to achieve success and acceptance in a society where opportunities for black performers were severely limited. He demonstrated that personality, talent, and determination could overcome significant social barriers, paving the way for future generations of black entertainers and public figures.
From his humble beginnings in the Caribbean to becoming one of Britain’s most beloved characters, Monolulu’s story illustrates the power of reinvention and performance. His ability to turn his outsider status into his greatest asset remains an inspiring example of how individuals can shape their own path through creativity and perseverance.
