The rules for the Gordon-Bennett Race stipulated that it should be run in the country of origin of the previous year's winner - which, since S.F. Edge had won the 1902 race in his Napier, meant the 1903 event should be held on English soil. However, despite considerable pressure, the Government would not allow this, and it was run in Ireland on 2 July, 1903. 

Peter Garnier in the Art of Gordon Crosby