Southwell set for big switch-on next month but with reduced capacity

Southwell is hoping to have its new floodlighting in place early in the new year in preparation for its first twilight meeting on January 29.

Some of the pylons for the new lighting are already in place along the straight at the Nottinghamshire circuit, with the power currently being installed.

Plans are in place for the track to stage trials next month to test the strength of the illumination, which will allow the course to stage evening fixtures in the future as well as extending the length of some of their current afternoon meetings.

Executive director Mark Clayton said: "We have around a quarter of the poles up at the moment, most of which are in the straight. Work is ongoing but we are on schedule to have them up and running by Tuesday, January 29 which will be our first ever twilight meeting."

The track has just had the capacity of its grandstand reduced by Nottinghamshire County Council on safety grounds.

The grandstand now has a revised capacity of 3,056 for regular fixtures, which is down 324 from its previous figure. While the council has no concerns about safety management on racedays, the reduction is due to the shortcomings in "safety culture" at senior level.

The course accommodates around 8,000 for its popular ladies' day in the summer when temporary marquees are erected.

Mark Clayton: excited by plans for racing under floodlights at SouthwellCredit: David Carr

Clayton said: "The total capacity of the grandstand has been reduced but we rarely get above 500 at routine meetings. However, safety has always been a key priority at Southwell racecourse, and we have been in regular dialogue with Nottinghamshire County Council regarding all aspects of our safety certificate throughout the recent floodlight installation.

"This ongoing dialogue will continue as we address any points that are raised by the council with regards the work."

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