- This topic has 5 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 16 years, 10 months ago by
.
- Posts
Sat 11th July had three racecourses at the top end of the scale racing in the afternoon, namely Ascot,Chester and York, for me i decided to knock racecourse 35 off in the list and go to Nottingham for what was a very above average card and certainly not a top class one.
Nottingham racecourse is about 2m from the Train Station and no doubt near some motorways if you drive, A taxi cost me £5.20 both ways so it is better if you can rustle up some other racegoers to spread the cost.
As far as courses go Nottingham is OK but could easily be done up in many ways, For example the Stands need doing again as the Grandstand has about 5-8 long pillars so you cannot get an all round view of the course but you can of the sprint track if you are down at ground level.
Their are lots of bars and places to eat, I had a Tuna and Cucumber baguette for £4.20 which was filled and had some salad and crisps to go with it.
Now card wise the DG Taxis H’cap over 1m6f Class 4 for 3yo was the feature race and more importantly it was Hayley Turners comeback winner from her long absence due to injury and on only her 3rd ride since coming back she was in the place where she belongs, the number 1 spot, The winner hadnt shown much but was held up to begin with and was brought along slowly to win with a smart edge about him, I can imagine a few jumps trainers trying to buy it although Michael Bell may have some other ideas.
After the race Hayley got a rich round of applause from a very respectful crowd of people who all knew how much this winner meant to her and the course officals gave her a bottle of champers which no doubt will be drunk in moderation of course.
It was a day for the girls, Trainer Christine Dunnett got her 100th winner in her training career with Russian Rocket who flew to victory in the 5f h’cap and was returned at a good 11-1.
Jockey wise Sophie Doyle won the 6f 3yo h’cap,Kelly Harrison whose praises i have been singing for a bit was impressive in the Seller with Shared Moment who was bought in and in the finale Debra England won the concluding apprentices race.
All in all it was a nice afternoon out and while the quality of horses was not on show its always good to see the lower rated horses get their day in the sun, The crowd which was quite healthy were just happy to have a nice afternoon out in the sun albeit with a bit of rain and see some racing.
Nottingham might not be the best course in the county but it has a nice feel to it and even felt a bit July Course style with the BBQ area and seats in the open like a Garden Party.
After racing it was back on the train into Manchester then change to get to Newton, One thing is for sure though, Of all the people who were at Piccadilly Station this morning with their Racing Papers getting ready for the trains outward i think i was the only one not going to York or Chester.
Good review Neil
For those who do drive Nottinham has one of the best racing car parks in the country – fully tarmac probably because it doubles up as a park and ride for the city (although oddly enough the O&T car park is on grass and worse)
The other downside (although some locals probably know an alternate) is approaching the course from the M1 does mean driving through the City.
Well done, Neil.
I’ve only been to Nottingham once, it is a bit of a trek by train from South Wales, and I really enjoyed it there. Pretty compact yet enough space, if that makes sense.
Colin
I heard there was quite a local plunge on Hayley’s winner- a mate of mine in Notts couldn’t get paid from the local Hills who had run out of money!
Yep was backed in to 5s from 12s i think.
I didnt back it as i thought it was being backed purely because of Hayley being on and the horse not having much form.
Nice day out and Crowd much smaller than York and Chester so moving about was much easier.
Good stuff, Neil. Shame the jumps course there bit the dust in the late 90s, but Nottingham’s still a dose of Colwick a lot of people don’t mind catching.
gc
Jeremy Grayson. Son of immigrant. Adoptive father of two. Metadata librarian. Freelance point-to-point / horse racing writer, analyst and commentator wonk. Loves music, buses, cats, the BBC Micro, ale. Advocate of CBT, PACE and therapeutic parenting. Aspergers.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.