Stalls fly open at Nottingham Racecourse

The starting stalls will fly open at Nottingham Racecourse for the first time in 2014 today (Wednesday).

The racecourse has an exciting schedule of 21 racing fixtures – an increase of three on 2013 - between April and November with a number of the meetings being at weekends or in the evening

Pip Kirkby, general manager of Nottingham Racecourse, said: “We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for what looks to be a mouthwatering start to our 2014 season during the Easter school holidays.

“It is a great delight to welcome all the top jockeys to Nottingham on a regular basis and the support we receive from trainers, including the top Newmarket yards, is terrific.”

“Everyone is welcome at Nottingham Racecourse and our four Saturday and Sunday meetings in particular are designed for the family to enjoy.”

Visitors will also discover new informational ‘story boards’ when they visit the racecourse this season.

The seasonal launch day on 9th April features the high-class £40,000 Totepool EBF Stallions Barry Hills ‘Further Flight’ Stakes. The one and three quarter mile race, which attracts quality older horses, is in memory of the late popular grey horse Further Flight which raced in the 1990s at a high level into relative old age for a Flat racing horse and whose final victory was at Nottingham Racecourse.

The race is now named in honour of the former trainer Barry Hills who retired in 2011 and at whose stables Further Flight was trained. He will be at the racecourse on 9th April to present the trophy to the owner of the winning horse.