NOTTINGHAM |
Badges through the decades |
Brief History |
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| 1689 Evidence that even at this early date the Corporation wished to promote racing in the area of Basford Lings by subscribing towards a plate to be awarded as a prize. The racing was held on the Old Racecourse at Forest Recreation Ground over a 4 mile course. 1727 The first Royal Plate was competed for at Nottingham at the Sherwood Forest course. 1761 On 30th July a match took place between Carless and Atlas, a rematch of a race at York in 1760 when Atlas prevailed. Carless was heavily supported to gain his revenge but Atlas proved too strong. 1770 Eclipse wins the Kings Plate on 3rd July. 1777 A grandstand, designed by John Carr from York, was opened this year. The foundation stone was laid on 1st February and the stand was funded by selling two silver subscribers tickets to each of 48 people who made a donation of 20 guineas or more. 1797 Part of the course is enclosed for the first time and a figure of eight course is established. 1867 The first recorded meeting to be held under National Hunt Rules took place on 26th February. 1890 The last meeting to take place on the old course in the September meeting. This marked the end of 200 years of racing at the Forest Recreation Ground.. 1892 A 2 day meeting on 19th & 20th August is the first to be held at Colwick Park under the auspices of the Colwick Racing and Sporting Company. 1931Golden Miller wins a steeplechase at the January meeting. 1933 Sir Gordon Richards rides a winner at Nottingham on 3rd October. Not remarkable in itself, but made remarkable becuase it was to prove to be the first of 12 consecutive winners, the next 11 being at Chepstow. 1940 The Newmarket meeting takes place at Nottingham for the one and only time, with famous races like the Jockey Club Cup, the Middle Park Stakes and The Cambridgeshire being run at Colwick Park. 1959 The railway station at the racecourse is closed down after the meeting on 8th December.
Nottingham Racecourse as it is today (2007) with thanks to David Gorham for the photos.
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1961 Legalised betting shops open and the first race was from Nottingham on 1st May. 1965 The Corporation once again take charge of the 293 acre racecourse, purchasing it for £5 million from Nottingham Racecourse Company. 1971 Stan Mellor wins on Ouzo in December to record his record breaking 1000th winner. 1974 Nottingham hosts the first ever race between male and female jockeys at the 1st April meeting. 1985 Lester Piggott records his final win on 29th October in the Willington Handicap Stakes on Full Choice. He later rdies a loser on Wind from the West. 1986 The Grandstand is set on fire in March and an extensive rebuilding programme is required. 1987 The new grandstand is opened on 27th April. 1992 Colwick Park celebrates its centenary when the New Members Stand is completed and opened by Desert Orchid on 1st February. 1996 The final National Hunt meeting takes place on 29th February of this year. |
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