Lots of fun for all the family

SOUTHWELL Racecourse is the place to be on August Bank Holiday Monday (August 27) as it welcomes families to the Nottinghamshire Sports Day.

It’s a great value extravaganza, in partnership with the Nottingham Post, featuring flat racing and activities for kids. (See the panel below on how you can take advantage of our great ticket offer).

The day will include pony rides, golfing fun, penalty shoot-outs with Notts County and sporting challenges with Nottingham Rugby Club.

Alongside all this will be a programme of seven flat races, including a prize fund of £12,500 for the featured sprint at 3.35pm.

Gates open at 11.30am and the races, which will take place on the course’s all-weather surface, cover a range of different distances - with the shortest three run over five furlongs (that’s 5/8ths of a mile or 1,000 metres).

The furthest race is two miles long (16 furlongs, or 3,200 metres).

Race one at 1.50pm is The Nottingham Post Handicap Stakes over a mile-and-a-half (which is just over a circuit of the track). This is followed by two maiden races (those specifically designed for horses yet to win a race).

The feature race of the day is race four, run over five furlongs, with £12,500 in the prize fund.

The Nottingham Post on Twitter Handicap covers six furlongs at 4.10pm, followed by the Nottingham Post on Facebook Handicap Stakes over seven furlongs, before the final race at 5.20pm, being run over two miles.

As well as the sporting action, there’s a tasty range of food outlets available for visitors as well as Seasons Restaurant upstairs in the Grandstand alongside the Premier Enclosure.

Racecourse marketing assistant Will Bowler said those wanting to take their own picnic were also welcome.

And he added: “Last year’s inaugural August Bank Holiday family event saw us welcome between 3,500 to 4,000 people to the racecourse, so it was a fantastic success.

“This the perfect day out for all the family, with something for everyone. You don’t have to be a huge racing fan to come along and join in - and the great news is that under 18s get free entry.”

There’s a range of ticket options available this year - as well as our great 2-for-1 tickets offer.

The dress code in hospitality areas and the Premier Enclosure is smart casual. Sportswear, trainers and fancy dress are not permitted.

There is no dress code in the Grandstand and fancy dress is allowed, providing it wouldn’t cause offence to other guests.

For a full rundown on ticket options and to find out more, visit