SAFETY FACTOR REDUCED FOR STRAIGHT COURSE AT NOTTINGHAM

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The maximum field size for races on the 5 furlong  straight course at Nottingham is to be reduced from 17 to 15 for the next meeting, on Thursday 16th October.

Explaining the reasoning for the decision, which has been taken in consultation with the British Horseracing Authority Inspector of Courses, Nick Patton, the Clerk of the Course at Nottingham, said:-

“ We have cut the maximum field size for sprints at the next meeting so we can doll out 3 metres around the bottom bend. The effect of this is to narrow the straight at that point and therefore, on safety grounds, the numbers need to be reduced.

“ As everyone is aware, the drainage work that has been going on has meant that in any event we have no 6 furlong races this autumn, and this action will, I hope, ensure we can race on the best possible ground.”

Patton added: “We have two further meetings after the 16th October before our season ends and we have yet to decide if we will repeat the exercise for either or both of those fixtures. We will update everyone in due course.”

A seven race card is programmed for Nottingham on 16th October, when the course stages its Autumn Construction Day. The first race is provisionally set for 2.10pm.

For further information, please contact:
Pip Kirkby, managing director, at Nottingham Racecourse, on 0870 850 7634 or 07796 996081.                                    Email: pip.kirkby@jockeyclubracecourses.com

9 October 2008