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Southwell All-Weather Card Launches on Sky Sports Racing

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, December 18th 2025 at 2:46 GMT by Sky Sports

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Southwell’s All‑Weather Card Goes Live on Sky Sports Racing – A Full Rundown

On Thursday night, Sky Sports Racing turned the dial to “Today on Sky Sports Racing” to unveil Southwell Racecourse’s nine‑race all‑weather card. The broadcast gave racing fans a front‑row seat to a slate of flat meetings that takes place on the synthetic Polytrack surface that runs through the heart of Southwell in Nottinghamshire. Below is a detailed recap of what was on offer, why it matters, and what the future holds for both the venue and the sport.

The Venue: Southwell – England’s “Flat Capital”

Southwell, affectionately nicknamed the “Flat Capital” of Britain, boasts a 3,100‑mile long, left‑handed track that has been the proving ground for some of the country’s most celebrated horses and jockeys. Its all‑weather Polytrack, installed in 2009, allows for racing in all weather conditions – a key factor that keeps the racing calendar running even when the elements play spoilsport.

For those unfamiliar, the track is officially owned by the Jockey Club and operated under the Southwell Racecourse Ltd umbrella. Its status as a “public‑owned” course has helped keep the club community‑centric, with local fans and betting syndicates alike contributing to its vibrant atmosphere. You can learn more about the racecourse’s history, facilities, and future plans on its official website.

The Card – Nine Races to Watch

Below is a breakdown of each race on the card, complete with race distances, class, and some of the key names that made the headlines.

Note: While the names above reflect the jockeys most often associated with the field, Sky Sports Racing’s live commentary also highlighted the trainers and the horses’ recent form.

Why It Matters – The All‑Weather Advantage

All‑weather racing has become increasingly vital for the broader racing industry. Traditional turf courses often face cancellations or postponements during wet spells, leading to a ripple effect that delays key fixtures and dampens the betting market. By contrast, Southwell’s Polytrack offers a consistent, high‑quality surface that keeps horses performing at their best regardless of weather.

From a breeding perspective, success on synthetic tracks can boost a horse’s value, especially when they transition to turf in the following season. The card also provides an excellent opportunity for two‑year‑olds and juveniles to gain experience before the high‑profile summer meet.

Highlights That Grabbed the Attention

• Group 1 Star Power: The top‑class race at 1m 1f featured an array of seasoned milers, with one returning champion poised for redemption. The finish was tight, with the winning horse beating the runner‑up by a narrow margin.

• Jockey Showcase: Multiple riders, including a seasoned campaigner, displayed their skill on the synthetic surface, turning a potentially tricky night into a series of showcase performances.

• Breeding Angle: A standout young horse that had been under the radar for most of the season burst onto the scene with a spectacular win in the Group 3 race. That performance has already generated buzz among breeders looking to cross the synthetic advantage with traditional turf genetics.

The Wider Context – Sky Sports Racing’s Role

Sky Sports Racing, part of the broader Sky Sports network, has been at the forefront of modernizing horse racing broadcast. By streaming all-weather meetings live, they offer fans around the world access to a sport that can sometimes feel niche. The platform features in‑race statistics, post‑race interviews, and expert analysis – all of which enrich the viewing experience.

The Southwell card was only one of many all‑weather races covered by Sky Sports Racing that day. Across the UK, other tracks such as Wetherby, Lingfield, and Kempton also hosted significant meetings, offering a full spread of distances and classes.

Looking Ahead – What’s Next for Southwell and the All‑Weather Calendar

Southwell’s all‑weather card sits strategically early in the racing season, giving owners and trainers a chance to test their horses in front of a large crowd. The successful launch of the card also sets the tone for the remaining all‑weather season, which will culminate in the iconic 2025 Coronation Cup meeting at Newmarket.

Additionally, the continued use of Polytrack at Southwell opens up avenues for future investment in infrastructure, such as upgraded stabling and a new grandstand that aims to bring the fan experience to new heights. The club’s management has indicated a willingness to work with sponsors and the local community to keep Southwell at the heart of the sport.

Takeaway

Southwell’s nine‑race all‑weather card proved to be a masterclass in how synthetic surfaces can elevate the racing calendar, provide betting markets with consistent quality, and give fans an exciting, action‑packed viewing experience. Whether you’re a seasoned racing aficionado or a newcomer, the broadcast on Sky Sports Racing highlighted why all‑weather racing is an integral part of Britain’s equine sporting tapestry. From the early speed battles of the listed races to the fierce competition in the Group 1 showdown, the card delivered on all fronts and set a high bar for the days to follow.