Grassroots racing heads to Nottingham

Nottingham Racecourse is preparing to host the finals of a major series of horse races held across Britain this year.

The Jockey Club’s Grassroots Series began at Colwick Park in May and the momentum has built around the country over 36 races during the summer.

The qualifiers have been split into two categories, sprint and middle distance, at eight of The Jockey Club’s racecourses.

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The 18 qualifiers for each distance now culminate in two £25,000 finals at Nottingham Racecourse on Wednesday, 1st October.

The showpiece day is the highlight of the racecourse’s six-fixture autumn programme.

Run as part of The Jockey Club’s commitment to support all levels of British racing, the Grassroots Series aims to provide opportunities for horses operating below the highest level to compete for considerable prize-money.

The parent company of Nottingham Racecourse – The Jockey Club – is the largest commercial group in British horse racing and reinvests every penny it makes back into the sport.

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Pip Kirkby, General Manager, Nottingham Racecourse, said: “We are delighted to be hosting the finals of the Grassroots Series.

“The Jockey Club recognises the importance of prize-money at all levels of the sport for owners, trainers, jockeys and stable staff.

“With £50,000 on offer at the finals, The Jockey Club Grassroots Flat Series has proved popular for horsemen, and in return they support those investing the most back into British racing.”

Nottingham Racecourse in the autumn is where the dreams of horse racing’s greatest triumphs can start, as the youngest racehorses are put through their paces or make their racing debuts in September, October and November.

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Racehorse trainers love the city’s flat, wide and fair galloping track that is ideal for inexperienced colts and fillies. Over the years, a number of the thoroughbred stars of tomorrow have appeared at Nottingham Racecourse before becoming famous.

Oh So Sharp graduated to become one of the greatest racehorses of the second half of the 20th Century after winning on her debut at Nottingham. She claimed the classic ‘triple crown’ for fillies of 1000 Guineas, the Oaks and the St Leger.

And future Derby winner Oath won his first race at Colwick Park before glory in the world’s greatest race on Epsom Downs eight months later. He now has a race at Nottingham Racecourse in his name – this year it’s on Wednesday 29th October.

Autumn fixtures: Tuesday 23rd September (first race 2pm); Wednesdays 1st (2.10pm), 8th (2.20pm), 15th (2.10pm) and 29th (1.30pm) October; Wednesday 5th (1.20pm) November.

Tickets: £12 (£10.80 in advance).

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Accompanied children aged under 18 are always admitted free of charge.

Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 0844 579 3011 or booked online at www.nottinghamracecourse.co.uk. Awesome Autumn offer – two tickets for £10 when quoting Autumn10.

Gates open two hours before the first race at each meeting.

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