1838 in sports

1838 in sports describes the year's events in world sport.

Boxing
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.
 * 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
Events England
 * Melbourne Cricket Club is founded; it is generally regarded as the oldest sporting club in Australia
 * Most runs – Charles Taylor 339 @ 16.95 (HS 73)
 * Most wickets – James Cobbett 71 (BB 8–?)

Football
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.

Horse racing
England
 * 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
The Boat Race Other
 * 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.