NOTTINGHAM RACECOURSE
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Introduction:
Modern era horse racing in Nottingham has been taking place in the 280 acres of Colwick Park since 1892. But the history of horse racing in the Nottingham area can be traced back a further two hundred years.
The original Nottingham racecourse, named the Forest Recreation Ground, was situated on land between the river Trent and the surrounding forest, and records suggest it was first used as a horse racing venue as early as 1689.
It is known the early horse racing in Nottingham was very popular, as we have a first hand account. In his 1722 publication, The Whole Island of Great Britain, Daniel Defoe, (of Robinson Crusoe fame), has this to say about the original Nottingham races:
“here they have the most pleasant plain to accommodate the gentlemen who assemble once a year at least, for the manly noble diversion of racings, and chiefly horse racing”. Defoe goes on to describe the crowd as follows, “the illustrious company at the Nottingham races was in my opinion, the glory of the day. For there we saw besides eleven or twelve noblemen, an infinite throng of gentlemen from all the countries round, nay even out of Scotland”.
After the closure of the Forest Recreation Ground in September 1890, a limited company was set up, with a starting share capital of £35,000. This company of local businessmen, chose Earl Harrington of Elvaston Castle as their chairman. They purchased the Colwick Park site in 1891, and staged their first race meeting on 19 August 1892.
Nottingham stages around 20 flat racing fixtures during the normal turf flat season. Apart from many competitive handicaps, Nottingham stages two early season listed races, with a one mile six furlong event in April, and a fillies six furlong sprint in May, both of these races usually produce several winners during the rest of the season, and are well worth noting.
Track facts:
Although the course staged national hunt racing in the past, Nottingham is now used exclusively for flat racing.
On the long course, races are run left handed over an oval course measuring one mile four furlongs in circumference. With easy bends, and a long four and a half furlong home straight, the racecourse suits gallopers.
Sited on part of the former hurdles course, the straight sprint course can stage races of up to six furlongs. On this course, the positioning of the stalls is important. If sited on the far side of the course, low drawn horses have a statistical advantage. If sited on the near side, high drawn horses have the advantage.
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Enclosures and hospitality:
The listings below do not include the facilities available to Annual Members, Owners and Trainers, and Corporate Guests. These can be obtained by contacting the racecourse.
Premier Ticket.
The compact Centenary Grandstand provides panoramic views of the racecourse, with close up views of the winning post, parade ring, and winners enclosure. Ticket holders also have access to the Members Steps, and all the other public areas of the racecourse.
The air conditioned Rooftop Restaurant offers three course lunches, or a choice from the carvery table. Situated on the second floor of the Centenary Grandstand, it offers diners superb views of all the racing action.
The Centenary Bar provides drinks and snacks, plus from its trackside balcony, it provides an elevated birds eye view of the racecourse.
From May, the Lawn Bar caters for the weekend summer race crowds. It also has a terrace, and provides access to the members lawns.
Grandstand Ticket.
This is the largest enclosure, and the main Grandstand offers views across the racecourse, the parade ring, and the winners enclosure.
The Bistro, and Champagne Bar are located on the first floor of the Grandstand, and both offer hot and cold snacks, including a hot dish of the day.
Serving drinks and snacks, the Champions Bar and patio is located on the ground floor of the Grandstand. While further drinks and snacks are available on the first floor of the grandstand at Frankies Bar and tea room.
In the summer months, the bar and snack facilities of the Summer Pavilion are extensively used, particularly as the terrace on the Summer Pavilion is adjacent to the parade ring.
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Disabled Facilities:
There are disabled parking bays in the Members car park.
Designed specifically for disabled race goers, the racecourse has trackside and parade ring viewing platforms.
There are lifts in both grandstands.
Specialist toilet facilities are available in key areas of both enclosures. Disable Grandstand ticket holders also have special dispensation to use the disabled toilet on the ground floor of the Centenary Grandstand.
Fixtures:
Nottingham only stages flat racing.
2011:
Wednesday 28 September (first race time 2.20pm).
Wednesday 05 October.
Wednesday 12 October (Construction & Industry Day).
Wednesday 26 October.
Wednesday 02 November.
Transport Links:
By Road:
Nottingham racecourse is situated 2 miles East of the city centre, on the B686 Colwick Road.
From the North, traffic should leave the M1 at junction 25. Join the A52, and then at West Bridgford, join the A6011. From this point, the racecourse is signposted on brown tourist signs, and park and ride signs.
To reach Nottingham from other directions, traffic can use either the A1, A52, or A46.
Car parking at the racecourse is free of charge.
By Rail:
There are direct train services between Nottingham and London Saint Pancras. Nottingham also has direct services to Sheffield, Derby, Grantham, and Manchester Oxford Road. These four stations give access to most of the UK rail network.
Nottingham Midland railway station is just over 2 miles from the racecourse.
By Bus:
National Express coaches operate services to Nottingham from several UK towns and cities.
There is a half hourly Skylink express bus service from East Midlands Airport to Nottingham, which runs 24 hours per day.
By Air:
East Midlands Airport is situated 18 miles South of Nottingham city centre.
Light aircraft can land at Tollerton airfield, which is around fifteen minutes drive from the racecourse. For landing fee details, telephone 0115 981 13 27.
Subject to prior permission from the racecourse authority, helicopters may land on the racecourse.
Contact Details:
Address: Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park, Nottingham NG2 4BE.
Telephone Number: 0115 958 06 20.
Fax Number: 0115 958 45 15.
E-Mail:
Accommodation:
Holiday Inn Nottingham.
UK Tel No: 0115 993 5000.
From Eire Tel No: 00 44 (0)115 993 5000.
Situated adjacent to the City’s canal marina, and offering views of the historic Castle, the Holiday Inn Nottingham can provide the ideal oasis for a restful and enjoyable overnight stay in the modern and vibrant City of Nottingham.
While the hotel is just a short car or taxi ride from Nottingham’s Colwick Park Racecourse, it is also just a mile from the retail, recreational, and historic city centre of Nottingham, and with its comfortable surroundings and warm friendly staff, the hotel provides race-goers with the perfect base to convert an overnight stay into a mini-break in one of England’s most interesting and historic cities.
Recognised for providing some of the finest accommodation in theCity, the Holiday Inn Nottingham offers a choice of single, twin and double standard rooms, and 3 rooms especially adapted for guests with limited mobility. But the title ‘standard’ is somewhat misleading, as all of the hotel’s guest rooms are stylish and comfortable, and offer a huge range of facilities, including: en suite bathrooms, air cooling system, remote controlled television with cable\satellite channels, wi-fi internet access, tea and coffee making facilities, and the usual room amenities guests expect in a top quality hotel. While for those guests looking for outstanding accommodation during their stay, the hotel’s executive Club Level provides larger superbly appointed rooms incorporating king sized beds, mini fridge, large screen remote controlled television, enhanced room and desk space, and a lap top safe. All guests also have access to 24 hour room service, while a same day dry cleaning service is available on request.
While Eatons Brasserie also serves breakfast and lunch, it is best known for it’s fine cuisine in the evenings, and offering both British favourites, and a fine selection of A La Carte dining, there is something to suit every taste on the restaurant’s dinner menu.
Lighter meals and a fine selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks can be enjoyed in the contemporary surroundings of Eaton’s Bar and lounge. The latest sports news is available on the Bar’s large plasma screen television, but on warmer summer evenings, guests can enjoy al fresco snacks and drinks outside on the patio.
For guests wishing to keep in trim during their stay, the hotel offers a mini-gym facility, while more elaborate sporting facilities and spa treatments are open to residents at a nearby Health Club, and the hotel’s staff will be delighted to make reservations at the Health Club on behalf of all hotel guests.
To obtain full details on the Holiday Inn Nottingham, or to ensure your quality accommodation ahead of your next trip to Nottingham Races, please click on the link below:
Hilton Nottingham Hotel
United Kingdom Tel No: 0115 934 9700.
Tel No from Outside UK: 00 44 115 934 9700.
The Hilton Nottingham is renowned for its fine city centre facilities and a warm and friendly welcome, and with East Midlands airport, the main trunk road network of the East Midlands, and Nottingham railway station all within easy reach, it is perhaps not surprising the Hilton Nottingham is already a very popular and sought after destination within the City of Nottingham.
As existing customers already know, the Hilton Nottingham is also just a short ride away from Nottingham’s Colwick Park Racecourse, and this fact, combined with the hotel’s close proximity to the Main historic and entertainment facilities of one of Britain’s liveliest cities, makes the Hilton Nottingham the perfect oasis for race-goers attending the many race meetings staged each year at Colwick Park.
It is also worth noting, by prior arrangement, and as part of your stay at the Hilton Nottingham, the hotel’s staff will be happy to arrange private hire transport too and from the races.
The Hilton Nottingham offers a huge range of accommodation possibilities, including - single rooms, twin rooms, compact double, standard double, and double plus rooms. All rooms incorporate well appointed en suite facilities, comfortable beds and ample desk space, remote controlled television, wi-fi internet access, and all the other room amenities discerning guests would expect from a superior hotel. In addition, the hotel also offers accessible rooms for disabled guests.
For those wishing to push the boat out for a special occasion, or for guests who simply want to sample extra luxury during their stay, the Hilton Nottingham also offers a comprehensive range of Executive Rooms – for full details on these enhanced facilities, please use the link at the foot of this entry.
Nicholson’s Bar and Diner ensures Hilton Nottingham guests can enjoy the latest up-market American style dining experience. Open to residents and non-residents alike, Nicholson’s is open for Breakfast, lunch and dinner, and offering modern food with a twist, Nicholson’s is the place to go for the very best of modern American style cuisine. In the evening, Nicholson’s Bar serves fantastic cocktails, and is the perfect venue to meet old and new friends.
For hotel guests who would prefer to eat in their room, the Hilton Nottingham offers a comprehensive 24 hour room service menu, with special dietary requirements also being catered for – subject to prior arrangement.
Catering both for guests who want to keep in trim during their stay, or those who just want to kick-back and relax, the Hilton Nottingham also offers a fully equipped fitness room, a swimming pool, and a solarium.
To obtain full details on the services and facilities of the Hilton Nottingham, or to ensure your quality accommodation ahead of your next trip to Nottingham Races, please click on the link Below:
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