Southwell Racecourse celebrates 30 years of all-weather racing

Southwell Racecourse will celebrate a landmark 30 years of All-Weather racing tomorrow (November 9) at the track with a very special anniversary fixture.

Back in November 1989, the track introduced revolutionary fibresand at what is now the longest-serving All-Weather surface in the country.

The first ever Flat winner on that track was Crystal Pool, ridden to victory by the legendary jockey and racing’s biggest personality Frankie Dettori.

Following the introduction of the All-Weather surface, Southwell became synonymous with Flat racing and has been graced by a host of impressive equine and human stars including the Michael Owen owned Brown Panther, who enjoyed success back in 2010 before going on to win a number of prestigious races across the world such as the Dubai Gold Cup, Irish St Leger and Goodwood Cup.

Mecca’s Angel, the 2015 and 2016 winner of the prestigious Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes, also broke a track record when triumphing by twelve lengths at Southwell back in 2013. Jockey Hayley Turner also began her career at the track and has gone on to be one of the most decorated female riders in the sport.

Joe Fanning, who is the top performing jockey at the racecourse, said: “It’s a great track and I always enjoy racing there. I have had some great wins at Southwell and I look forward to being part of the anniversary on Saturday.”

Saturday’s anniversary fixture is an Irish Night, which not only features a seven-race card under the spectacular floodlights but also live music after racing from The Wild Murphys.

There will also be a parade of equine stars who have raced on the Fibresand over the years, including 15-times winner General Tufto and Crosse Fire, who has enjoyed 13 wins on the track and is still in training with local trainer Scott Dixon, who this year became the first UK racehorse trainer to hold a permanent training facility on a racecourse.

Tickets are still available, starting at £10.

For more information, visit: https://www.southwell-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/irish-night