Description: The barrel vaulted stand opened in 1987, after a fire in March 1986. The centenary stand (left) opened in September 1991, replacing the 1892 weighing room. Although horse racing in Nottingham dates back as far as 1689, the first meeting at Colwick Park took place in 1892 and continued to thrive under the management of the Colwick Racing and Sporting Company until 1965. That's when the 293-acre park was purchased by the City Council for £5 million. The future of the track hung in the balance until the Levy Board financed much needed improvements, but it is under the wing of RHT (Racecourse Holdings Trust), who lease the track from the local authority, that Nottingham has really flourished. Facilities at Nottingham have also been upgraded under RHT's leadership. A decade ago the Centenary Stand was opened, which offers a panoramic view of the track from its members' lounge and hospitality suites. And this year (2004) the racecourse has completed its £750,000 refurbishment of the main grandstand - another landmark in the colourful history of the course. (information from www.information-britain.co.uk)