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A Beginner’s Guide to Nottingham Racecourse

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A Beginner’s Guide to Nottingham Racecourse

Nottingham Racecourse is set in Colwick Park on the eastern edge of the city, and has been a huge part of British horse racing for over a century. It is known for being a valuable flat racing venue with a straightforward track setup and regular fixtures that draw a crowd of both experienced and new fans. The course has developed a steady reputation, with plenty of quality race and horse racing betting opportunities, like many of the other reputable tracks across the country. It has a place in British horse racing culture, where the overall experience is catered towards the traditional elements while implementing some of the local culture.

The Location of Nottingham Racecourse

The racecourse is in Colwick Park, just a short distance east of Nottingham city centre. It is close to Gedling and other nearby suburbs, making it easy to reach without a long journey. The setting feels quite green and open thanks to its parkland surroundings and position near the River Trent, even though it is only a few minutes from the city. 

A Brief History

Racing in Nottingham dates all the way back to the 1700s; however, it wasn’t until 1892 when Colwick Park opened. It replaced some earlier venues that were not really established across the city, and gave a permanent home to the sport. As time went on, it developed into a dedicated flat racing course that remains a big part of the area today, attracting people from all across the East Midlands and beyond.

When Meetings Take Place

The racecourse runs a seasonal calendar, like many others across the country, mainly spanning from spring all the way through to autumn. Fixtures spread across the week and weekends with full-day meetings that depend on the event, but each offer an incredible atmosphere with dramatic racing. It does not rely on a single festival to succeed during the year, but offers frequent and regular racing that brings the local area together, as well as attracts enthusiasts to Nottingham each year.

The Racecourse Layout 

The course is a left-handed oval with a long finishing straight that provides a challenge to horses, testing their endurance. Viewing areas are spread around Colwick Park, including the available stands and open sections that allow for a good view of the track, no matter where people are. The layout is designed so that spectators can easily follow the action from all angles, as well as get access to any of the facilities.

What to Expect on Race Day

A race day at Nottingham usually includes several races across the afternoon or evening. Visitors often arrive early to look around, watch horses in the parade ring and get a feel for the atmosphere. The pace is relaxed between races, with food and drink available on site and steady movement between viewing areas. 

Tips for First Time Visitors

Dress is generally more casual than most of the other tracks around the country, although some of the hospitality areas do require some more smart clothing options. Most people often wear something that is more practical for the weather conditions on the day, as a result of a lot of the facilities being outdoors. For first-time visitors, it is common practice at any race track to dress to the occasion and climate, doing research beforehand on any dress codes and forecasts.

Accessibility

Nottingham Racecourse is relatively simple to reach from Gelding via car, with clear routes into Colwick Park making it easy to visit. Parking is usually available on the site and is managed on race days, as well as regular bus links from Nottingham city centre and taxis that connect the nearby areas. Its close location makes the travel to the track quick and straightforward.

Facilities

Nottingham Racecourse offers a variety of facilities designed to make a day at the track feel straightforward and as comfortable as possible. There are covered stands for viewing the races, as well as outdoor areas that allow people to be even closer to the action. Food and drink outlets can also be found around the site, which keep visitors on track for the full day, much like many other tracks. Overall, the venue offers everything that is required to make the day of the occasion, while offering some incredible racing action.

Why Nottingham Racecourse is Worth Visiting

Part of the appeal for Nottingham Racecourse is the facilities and racing action it offers, as well as the traditions it maintains. It is close to the city and is incredibly beneficial to the local area, bringing together people from surrounding areas to watch some of the top horses go head to head. It’s a perfect venue to visit for both enthusiasts and newbies, which is a credit to everything that is on offer.

The Evolution of Casino Gaming in Nottingham

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The Evolution of Casino Gaming in Nottingham

Nottingham has a long history that stretches back to medieval times. Centuries before any form of formal gambling venues existed, Nottingham would host frequent fairs and inns, which offered a chance for people to play simple games that had become increasingly popular across many towns in England.

Over the decades, laws enacted by the UK Parliament began to shape what was permitted and how. From early changes in the 1960s that allowed more formalised betting establishments, to later national legislation that placed licensing in local hands, Nottingham’s approach reflects broader shifts in how public authorities regulate leisure activities, including those in modern training and entertainment spaces. 

Medieval Gaming Traditions

Long before the times of the online jackpot were introduced, people living in and around Nottingham would gather in its markets and inns to play simple games with friends or fellow travellers. Town fairs were a regular feature of life in medieval England and provided space for music, food, and various pastimes that included informal games. These early activities were not regulated in the way modern laws work, but they were woven into everyday social life, much like similar practices across other parts of the country at that time.

Folklore and Fairs

Stories about Nottingham’s past are often shaped by local legend, especially when it comes to how people spent their free time. Seasonal fairs and public gatherings offered residents a break from work and drew crowds into the town for food, music, and spectacle. The name of Robin Hood still hangs over the city’s history, even though historians debate how much of the tale is rooted in fact. In the noise and movement of inns and market squares, small games were simply part of the scene, played alongside trading, storytelling, and travelling performances.

Changing Laws

National laws passed by the UK Parliament have gradually shaped how activities linked to games are managed. One of the earlier changes came with the Betting and Gaming Act of 1960, which made different forms of betting and gaming lawful in licensed settings for the first time under post-war law reform. This shift was part of a broader move to bring different types of play out of informal or private spaces and into settings that were recognised and overseen by authorities. Later acts, including reforms in 2005 and 2014, updated the framework further to accommodate new forms of play and advertising across the country.

20th Century Expansion

During the twentieth century, licensed betting shops and bingo halls became part of everyday leisure in towns and cities across Britain. Licences issued by local magistrates under national legislation meant that people could visit recognised premises for various games within set rules and standards. This period saw a standardisation of how premises were run and what activities they could offer, ensuring a level of oversight that had not existed previously. These licensed venues were distinct from the unregulated street activity of earlier times and formed a recognisable part of the urban landscape.

Arrival of The Modern Casino

In contemporary Nottingham, venues with formal licences have existed alongside other licensed premises for decades. One of the best-known operators in the city is Grosvenor Casinos, a national company that has run a venue in Nottingham for many years. The brand was established in 1970 and has since grown to include sites in towns and cities across the country. Its premises provide table gaming and related facilities, all of which fall under the supervision of the UK Gambling Commission, the body responsible for regulating commercial gaming throughout Great Britain. There are also other card rooms and gaming clubs that have opened in Nottingham in the 2000s, adding to the variety of licensed leisure spaces available in the city.

Digital Transformation

Across the UK, technological change has made digital platforms more accessible and shaped how people engage with different forms of games and leisure. Changes to the law in the past decade altered how online services are regulated in Britain. The Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act 2014 introduced a point of consumption system, which means that companies based overseas must hold a UK licence if they offer services to customers in this country. The aim was to bring remote operators under the same regulatory structure as those with premises on British high streets, recognising that many people now access digital platforms through phones, tablets, and home computers rather than visiting physical venues.

Economic Contributions

In Nottingham, decisions about licences sit with Nottingham City Council. In 2006, the council put forward a proposition that looked into casino licensing to ensure player safety and legality. Venues that were already licensed before the rule change could remain open; however, new casinos must apply and promise to comply with the legal framework before they are granted permission to open. Licensing authorities balance a range of considerations when they assess applications, including social and economic factors, to make sure that premises meet the standards expected in a city like Nottingham.

Community Groups receive a £55,000 funding boost to improve health and wellbeing in Gedling

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Community Groups receive a £55,000 funding boost to improve health and wellbeing in Gedling

Sixteen community groups across Gedling Borough have received a combined funding boost of £55,000 to support projects aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of local residents through increased physical activity.

The funding, secured through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and facilitated by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), has enabled local community organisations and sports clubs to expand and improve their provision of physical activity opportunities.

A number of organisations have benefited from capital grants to improve and upgrade facilities, making them more accessible and allowing them to extend their current provision. These include Daybrook Bowls Club, Calverton Parish Council, Brighter Futures Through Sport, and Newstead Parish Council.

In addition, several groups have received revenue funding to deliver inclusive physical activity sessions within the community.

Organisations such as Cornwater Evergreens, SEND PACT CIC, Netherfield Forum, Dice and Balls, Runspire Together and other local groups provided activities including dance sessions, walking groups, sensory swimming, and chair-based exercise.

The funding programme aims to make physical activity more accessible to residents of all ages and abilities, supporting both physical and mental wellbeing across the borough.

Councillor Henry Wheeler, Portfolio Holder for Lifestyles, Health, and Well-being, said: “This funding represents a significant investment in the health and well-being of our local community. By improving sports facilities and access to community provision, we are ensuring that more people can enjoy the benefits of physical activity”.

‘There’s more potholes than road’: The Mapperley street in desperate need of repair

Lauren Monaghan
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‘There’s more potholes than road’: The Mapperley street in desperate need of repair

Mapperley residents say they risk slipping over on loose tarmac as their road has been left to crumble away.

The steep Beech Avenue in Mapperley, connecting Plains Road to Shortcross Avenue, has reached a dilapidated state over the last two years.

A number of deep potholes and large sections of road damage can be seen up and down the hill, particularly towards the top travelling towards the main Road.

Residents say they have been contacting Nottinghamshire County Council about the growing ‘craters’ since January 2026 but were told by the authority’s highways team, VIA, that the potholes were not deemed a priority and were given a rough goal of June for road fixes.

But the road is getting ‘worse by the day’, with the hill often used as a cut-through to and from the main road, and loose tarmac scattered across has become a slip hazard for pedestrians.

Val Thompson, 78, who has lived in Beech Avenue for about 34 years, said she has been ringing the council for the past year about its worsening state.

She said: “It’s getting worse by the day because of the amount of traffic. I’m continually sweeping [the loose tarmac].

“We’re going in and out of the drive, I try to keep my neighbours’ drive clear, but I’m frightened also of people slipping.

“It’s a steep hill and, if they’ve got shoes on that haven’t got a grip, and they stand on these stones, they’re likely to fall.”

Mrs Thompson said she had become ‘frightened’ to walk down the hill, adding: “There’s more potholes than there are road aren’t there?… I’ve had people visit me in the last couple of weeks and they’ve all said this is the worst road they’ve been on.”

Mrs Thompson’s daughter, Lisa Brown, 57, said the road had become a ‘danger’ for her parents to drive on and that she had been contacting the authority since January but was told they wouldn’t be fixed until June as they were not a ‘priority’.

She said: “The one off Birkland Avenue – you can’t call that a pothole, it’s a crater… the whole length of the road is just atrocious.

“We’re just not happy with the timeframe, saying they’re not an immediate danger. They’re not normal little potholes, they’re deteriorating daily because it’s such a busy road and cars do race up and down because they use it as a cut through from Woodthorpe to Mapperley Top.”

Maria Ciliberti, 56, who now lives in her old family home on the road, said she had slipped on the lose tarmac while walking across the street. She added its condition had been deteriorating for around two years.

She said: “It has been filled over the years with a little bit of tarmac and it’s always come out with the weather, when it rains it always sort of disappears.

“It’s upsetting really because of the damage it’s doing to the cars… it’s affecting my car and my tyres, wearing my tyres out.”

With her job meaning she travels across the county, Ms Ciliberti said she thought her street was the “worst road” in Nottinghamshire for potholes.

In a statement to the LDRS, a spokesperson for the County Council said repairs can be expected “in the coming weeks”.

They said: “We’re aware of deterioration to the road surface on Beech Avenue and whilst it is not included in our current resurfacing plans, we are considering it for a future programme.

“Alongside this, the road has recently been inspected and some potholes have been identified for first-time permanent repairs to take place in the coming weeks.”

In April 2026, the County Council announced more than £181 million was being invested to tackle the poor state of Nottinghamshire roads in 2026/27 – the “largest investment ever made”.

The boost of cash comes after a September 2025 survey found about 38 percent of the county’s roads in ‘poor condition’, along with more than half of all road marking being in ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’ condition.

Man charged with attempted murder after hit-and-run in Arnold town centre and remanded in custody

Emily Sanchez
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Man charged with attempted murder after hit-and-run in Arnold town centre and remanded in custody

A man has been charged with five counts of attempted murder after a car struck a group of people in Arnold town centre on Saturday.

Multiple pedestrians were injured after a red Vauxhall Astra mounted a kerb and struck them.

One man sustained life-threatening injuries during the collision in Market Place at 1.12am on Saturday (9).

Three members of Woodthorpe Park Rangers FC were injured in the incident.

Detectives have been investigating the incident since then, with police arresting a 40-year-old man later that same day.

Counter Terrorism Police have not been involved in the investigation.

Suspect Duane Anthony has now been charged with multiple offences, including five counts of attempted murder.

He has also been charged with aggravated vehicle taking, driving while disqualified and driving without valid insurance.

Anthony, of Marton Road, Bulwell, appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court

Detective Chief Inspector Ruby Burrow, who is leading the investigation for Nottinghamshire Police, said: “As we share today’s news, our thoughts remain with those affected by this incident, in particular the man who sustained life-threatening injuries.

“The victims and their families have been updated on today’s charging decision, which we hope will provide some small degree of comfort at this difficult time.

“This was a shocking incident that will have been incredibly distressing for all those involved and anyone who witnessed it happen.

“On that note, I’d ask people to please not speculate about this incident, online or otherwise, as doing so could potentially impede the pursuit of justice.

“As our investigation continues, I would like to thank the entire investigation team, who worked around the clock throughout the weekend to help secure these charges.”

Anthony will appear at Nottingham Crown Court on June 8.

Developer tables plans for 116 homes north of Arnold

Joe Locker (LDR Reporter)
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Developer tables plans for 116 homes north of Arnold

A farming field to the north of Arnold could become the site to 116 homes under newly-tabled plans.

Langridge Homes is looking to build the houses on the land which sits between Calverton Road and the A60, Mansfield Road, about 1.4 miles from Arnold town centre.

In August 2019, plans for 148 homes were approved on the site by Gedling Borough Council, but complications with access led to them being shelved.

New plans have now surfaced, with a mix of one to five-bed houses.

The site, known as Lodge Farm in Redhill, is surrounded by other new housing developments.

To the east is the recently completed Davisons development, while there are homes to the south and west at Arch Hill.

Langridge Homes also owns the agricultural land to the north of the site.

A planning statement said: “The development will be served by two vehicular access points, one from Mansfield Road, accommodating 52 dwellings, and another from Hadston Drive, serving 64 dwellings.

“The site benefits from strong sustainable transport connections, including frequent bus services along Mansfield Road, providing links to Nottingham city centre, Arnold town centre, and other destinations.

“The location offers convenient access to a range of local facilities and services, supporting the creation of a well-connected and sustainable community.”

Langridge Homes said a key feature of the revised plans for the site is the “significant area of public open space, forming a central green corridor along the north-east to south-west axis of the site.”

They add: “Langridge Homes is known for its drive to build great homes and places by creating long-standing communities demonstrating the dedication in creating sustainable developments and a legacy.

“The proposals will create a distinct and unique character to the North Edge of Arnold and move the area towards a sustainable future through an increase in housing stock and tenures.”

Concerns raised Calverton has been ‘ruined’ as decision due on further expansion

Lauren Monaghan
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Concerns raised Calverton has been ‘ruined’ as decision due on further expansion

Concerns Calverton has been “ruined” and “destroyed” have been raised as plans for its further expansion are set to be decided.

Housebuilder Persimmon submitted plans to Gedling Borough Council in March this year to build up to 154 new homes off Oxton Road in Calverton, close to its nearly-finished 363-home development.

Calverton has been growing in size in recent years with various developments taking shape and there has been continuing concern the area is becoming more town-like.

Gedling Borough Council has identified the borders of the village as possible suitable locations for more housing as part of its local plan for the borough’s future development.

Plans state the potential 154-home development, which would sit on land at the end of Stag Drive and Pheasant Way, would be a “logical extension” to Persimmon’s large Forest View estate that’s nearly complete.

Carl Noon, 58, was born in Calverton and has lived in his current home for around 17 years. He said he is “massively against” the proposed new homes and that the village has been “ruined”.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Mr Noon said: “One of the reasons I bought this house was because there used to be orchards, I could walk straight over there in the field – just the feel of it, not having to look out [at homes].

“There’s more cars, more traffic, more people you don’t know about, crimes gone up, vans are getting done every weekend… I think it will merge with Arnold.

“It’s just ruined it, it definitely was a village. It don’t feel like a village now at all – everyone knew everyone but you see people walking around and you haven’t got a clue who they are.”

Mr Noon says Calverton is “just scraping on” being called a village, with the area becoming more like a town.

Seun Duro-Ishola, 47, has lived in the village for the last nearly three years and said he did not mind new homes being built, adding: “We can’t keep things the same, things have to evolve.”

But he says better infrastructure will also have to grow with the increasing population in the village.

He said: “If there are new buildings they should put up more facilities – the amenities need to increase… I think the local council should improve their game.

“I don’t think it’s a village, it’s probably going to be competing with Arnold now.”

If plans are approved, it appears access to the new site would come through the existing new-build development off Park Road, where Pheasant Way and Stag Drive would continue into it.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said the plans look “relatively in keeping” but he had concerns of the current plans to have no connection to Oxton Road.

He said: “My fear is it’s going to disrupt [things]… I’d have less fears if they’re going to connect to the main road or even the side road.

“If you build 154 more houses in a location, averaging three to four people per household, you’re talking another 600 people.”

He also called for the “extremely” tired shopping precinct in the village centre to have further investment to accommodate extra residents.

Another resident, Mrs Cordery, has lived nearby for more than 19 years. She said she “hated” the existing expansion on the north side of the village.

She said: “It’s destroyed ancient hedge row, there used to be hedgehogs around there. Now there’s a lot less birds. They’ve destroyed it, it’s not a village anymore.

“There should be more shops and parking, it’s now a town effectively. I can’t get an appointment at the doctors anymore without going online… [the village] had so much life in it.”

The applicant’s planning agents say that 20 per cent of the new homes – 31 in total – would be classed as affordable housing and new open spaces, including a play space, would be included.

As part of developer financial contributions for the community,  Nottinghamshire County Council would seek contributions of £704,256 for primary education, £726,480 for secondary education, £151,350 for post-16 secondary education, and £104,556 for SEND education.

The NHS would seek a £82,365 contribution towards healthcare for future residents, they added.

Jail for brazen and persistent shoplifter who targeted Arnold stores

Emily Sanchez
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Jail for brazen and persistent shoplifter who targeted Arnold stores

A brazen thief who filled a bag with skincare products in front of shoppers in Arnold has been jailed.

Persistent shoplifter Michael Delaney walked into the Boots store, in Front Street on April 27, 2026 and grabbed the products before fleeing.

He returned to the store on Monday (4) and again stole a number of items from the shelves.

Neighbourhood officers were informed about the theft over the airwaves and tracked Delaney down after a search of the area.

He has also been linked to a series of earlier thefts following an investigation by the Gedling Central neighbourhood policing team and went on to plead guilty to 14 counts of shoplifting.

He also admitted breaching previously imposed bail conditions and two counts of fraud by false representation after twice using a stolen bank card at local shops in February this year.

At Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (5) he was jailed for a total of eight months.

Sergeant Alison Riley, of the neighbourhood team, said: “Delaney has been relentless in his offending around Arnold and we know shop staff and business owners are fed up of his brazen stealing and other criminality.

“Hopefully this period behind bars for Delaney will give them some respite.

“Help is made available to persistent offenders like him but if they don’t take the opportunities presented to them we will keep arresting them and putting them before the courts.”

Police appeal for witnesses after car ploughs into group injuring five people in Arnold town centre

Emily Sanchez
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Police appeal for witnesses after car ploughs into group injuring five people in Arnold town centre

Police are now appealing for further information after a car collided with pedestrians in Arnold town centre, injuring five people.

Officers were called to Market Place at 1.12am on Saturday (9) following reports a red Vauxhall Astra had struck a group of people.

Investigations have revealed an altercation took place in Arnold town centre a short time earlier.

One man was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Four other men suffered less serious injuries.

The car was abandoned at the scene, with the driver then fleeing on foot.

Police tape
Market Place and the junctions from Gedling Road to Derby Street, Hallams Lane and Central Avenue are closed off. PICTURE: Notts Police

Detectives have identified a suspect – a white man – and are working to track him down.

Counter Terrorism Police are not involved in the investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector Ruby Burrow, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Although there is no wider risk to the public, this was a serious incident which will have caused concern in the community.

“We believe an argument has taken place in Arnold town centre and this has resulted in a car being driven at a group of people.

“We know five people were injured but we’d still like to hear from anyone else involved.

“Any witnesses who were in Arnold Market Place, or the wider town centre area around this time, should also get in touch.

“We’d appeal to anyone with relevant dashcam, CCTV, doorbell or mobile phone footage to speak to an officer.

“A number of roads are closed while investigations continue and we’d thank people for their understanding.”

Market Place and the junctions from Gedling Road to Derby Street, Hallams Lane and Central Avenue are closed off.

A police spokesman added: “These closures will remain in place for some time, so motorists are advised to avoid the area, where possible.”

Anyone who witnessed what happened or has any information relating to the incident should please call 101, quoting incident 46 of 9 May 2026.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Multiple injuries after pedestrians struck by car in Arnold

Gedling Eye
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Multiple injuries after pedestrians struck by car in Arnold

An investigation is underway after a car collided with multiple pedestrians in Arnold.

The incident involved a red Vauxhall Astra and happened in Market Place at 1.12am today (9 May).

The car was abandoned at the scene following the incident, with the driver then fleeing on foot.

Officers have identified a suspect – believed to be a white man – and are in the process of tracking him down.

Police have set up a road closure following the incident

Detective Chief Inspector Ruby Burrow, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“There is no indication at this stage of any ongoing threat to the wider public.

“However, we understand the incident will cause concern in the community.

“Officers will remain at the scene today to carry out further inquiries, speak to local people and offer reassurance.

“It is also important anyone with information, or relevant dashcam, CCTV, doorbell or mobile phone footage, gets in touch without delay.”

Road closures have been introduced around Arnold town centre while police continue to investigate the incident.

Market Place and the junctions from Gedling Road to Derby Street, Hallams Lane and Central Avenue are closed off.

These closures will remain in place for some time, so motorists are advised to avoid the area, where possible.

Anyone who witnessed what happened or has any information relating to the incident is asked to share it with the police.

This can be shared to the police directly by calling 101, quoting incident 46 of 9 May 2026.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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