Crowds set to return to Southwell Racecourse as Storm Babet flood damage cleanup from River Greet in Southwell continues

Crowds set to return to Southwell Racecourse once again after it shut due to flood damage last year.

The popular sporting venue was affected by flooding when the nearby River Greet overflowed during Storm Babet in October and has remained closed since.

While repairs to extensive flood damage across the site continue, it will now partially reopen to visitors from Saturday, February 24.

Up to 100 members of the public will be given access at a time in a staggered reopening approach, alongside racehorse owners, annual members and associated staff, at all fixtures.

Further work on the public facilities take place, the racecourse aims to return to full operation as soon as possible in the coming months.

Southwell Racecourse executive director, Mark Clayton, said, “The damage caused by Storm Babet last October was devastating for the Racecourse, but I have to thank all of the team here who have been working incredibly hard to deliver our staged return to normal operation.

“To be able to start racing again in the first instance, with all of the work required in repairing our turf and tapeta racing surfaces alongside the installation of temporary facilities, was a big step for us.

“We acknowledge that whilst the number of public tickets that we are able to make available is relatively small, it is equally represents another step forward. The damage, particularly to the ground floor of the Grandstand, the bars, kitchens and other facilities located there was extensive, but the renovation work continues and we look forward to a return to full operation as soon as possible”.