Beverley Logo Catterick Logo Doncaster Logo Pontefract Logo Redcar Logo Ripon Logo Thirsk Logo Wetherby Logo York Logo

The chestnut son of El Kabeir cost £45,000 but has now won more than a quarter of a million for the Kennet Valley Syndicates III after comfortably landing the listed William Hill Two Year Old Trophy.

Kingscote, who won last year’s Epsom Derby on Desert Crown, always looked confident on the Clive Cox-trained 4-7 favourite, and swept clear of The King’s Horse, Works of Art.

“Bang goes the knighthood!” quipped syndicate manager, Sam Hoskins, as the colt came into the winner’s enclosure.

“I’ve never been so nervous in my life, with the pressure of being odds-on. We’re just very lucky to have him,” added Sam.

That makes it four wins in five starts for Dragon Leader and Kingscote said: “Clive has campaigned him beautifully and he’s a sweet, likable horse.

“Getting weight off a lot of the others was a big help. He’s proved to be really professional, and he feels like he needs seven furlongs now. They were taking me off my feet at halfway, but he showed he’s got good gears.”

The other listed race of the day, the Racing TV EBF Stallions Guisborough Stakes, produced a cracking finish with Vafortino and David Allan getting up in the nick of time beat Richard Fahey’s Ramazan.

Ramazan, ridden by Oisin Orr, looked to have the race in the bag after getting the better of a tussle with favourite Awaal, but was beaten by a nose.

Allan expressed his relief afterwards, saying: “It was a bit of a disaster trying to get out and it would have looked bad if he hadn’t!” said the jockey. “He travelled strongly in the race, but the gaps kept closing. Once he got out, he flew.”

The son of New Bay, trained at Newmarket by Kevin Philippart de Foy, was bouncing back from running down the field in a handicap at Ascot last time out.

Oisin Orr gained compensation for his narrow loss when Painters Palette won the competitive SDDE Smith Group Straight-Mile Series Final Handicap in the style of a progressive horse.

The Lope de Vega gelding is trained at Sedgefield by Rebecca Menzies, and owned by The Horse Watchers 10 syndicate, run by brothers Chris and Martin Dixon.

Chris said: “He’s a really progressive horse and he’s won that easy. He’s tricky before his races and Becky’s done an unbelievable job with him.”

The gelding is entered in the William Hill Autumn Mile Handicap at York on Friday and is scheduled to go to the Horses In Training Sale.

However, Menzies said: “These are the type of horses we want to keep in the yard because he’s got a lot of class and will improve further.”

The eight-race card began with Respectful showing a good attitude under Sam James to win Division One of the Racing TV EBF Stallions Novice Stakes, toughing it out to beat Kevin Ryan’s Midnite Storm.

That was enough to give the Ryan camp confidence going into Division Two because the stable’s Volterra had been third behind Respectful last time out at Ayr.

And the form worked out well because Volterra stayed on strongly to get up in the final stride in the yellow colours of Sheikh Mohammed Obaid At Maktoum.

“He’ll develop into a proper horse next year,” said a clearly impressed Tom Eaves after the Farhh colt had collared Ed Bethell’s Gressington on the line.

“He’s still learning and a bit of a baby, but he moves beautifully and he’s progressing with every run,” added the jockey.

Shifter benefited from a cracking ride by three-pound claimer Paula Muir to get up to beat fellow 25-1 shot Lunar Landscape in the Every Race Live On Racing TV Handicap Stakes.

Muir said: “She’s seen out the step up in trip very well. As soon as she passes horses, it lights her up.”

Consett trainer Wilf Storey added: “We thought all the time this was the way she needs to be ridden and Paula gave her a brilliant ride. She was bought to go hurdling but we might persuade the owners to stay a bit longer on the flat after this.”

Award Dancer, trained in North Yorkshire by Grant Tuer, and ridden by Oliver Stammers, was another to get up on the post, winning the Market Cross Jewellers Handicap for the Moment of Madness syndicate.

The significant step up in trip to a mile and six did the trick for the five-year-old, who was bought out of the Joseph O’Brien yard.

Syndicate spokesman George Leggott said: “We’ve tried him over all kinds of distances, and he’s never won over a mile before. He ran through the line at York last time over a bit more than a mile and a quarter, so we thought we’d try this trip. He has to have good ground and it’s all come together.”

The finale came with the Watch Race Replays On racingtv.com Handicap, with the Nigel Tinkler-trained Muker winning by a head from Ray Craggs’ Khabib.

The five-year-old, ridden by 7lbs-claimer Alex Jary, was rated as 103 at the start of his three-year-old career when he was trained by Phil Makin.

Tinkler said: “He’s a little star and it was a very good ride by Alex – he’s getting better all the time. It’s all down to his jockey coach – Kim Tinkler!”

Eddie, who passed away earlier this month, aged 86, will be remembered fondly by many Redcar racegoers as a course specialist.

Cock of the North 16 times, his many Redcar victories included three Zetland Gold Cups on Henry VII (1962), Move Off (1977), and Say Primula (1987).

He also won six English classics, including the 1973 Epsom Derby on Morston.

On September 19 – the first meeting since he died – the card will feature the Celebrating The Life of Edward Hide Restricted Novice Stakes as the second race on the card.

Eddie’s son, Will, said: “Dad always had great affection for Redcar and he would have been deeply touched to have a race named after him at a course where he rode so many winners and enjoyed such great support. The family are very grateful for Redcar’s thoughtfulness at this sad time.”

Amy Fair, Redcar’s general manager, said: “Edward Hide will be remembered as one of the greatest jockeys in Redcar’s history, so we felt it was important to take the earliest opportunity to celebrate his remarkable life in the most appropriate way.

“Sadly, Eddie’s family can’t be with us on September 19, but we look forward to hosting them as guests of honour at a meeting soon.”

The seaside course stages its popular Caribbean Carnival Day, sponsored by Vickers Bet, this Saturday.

And the gates will open early, at 11.15am, to allow spectators to watch England’s World Cup quarter-final against Colombia.

Amy Fair, Redcar’s general manager, said: “England kick-off at 11.30am, so it seemed the ideal opportunity to make good use of the big screen and the televisions around the course to show the big match. We just hope The Lionesses put up a thoroughbred performance and leave Colombia with neigh chance!”

There’s bound to be a carnival atmosphere because spectators are being encouraged to come as pirates or wear their favourite Caribbean shirts, with ‘treasure’ up for grabs in fancy-dress competitions for adults and children.

Last year’s adult winner was Carl Brunskill, dressed as Popeye the sailor man, while the junior contest was won by Ava Oxley.

Amy added: “Caribbean Carnival Day is always one of the most popular days of the year at Redcar, and we know how much grown-ups and kids love to dress up for the occasion. No wonder every pirate’s favourite racecourse is REDCAAAAAR!”

The first race is scheduled for 2.03pm, and the last race is due to go off at 5pm. However, these times are provisional and will be confirmed 48 hours before the meeting.

Savings can be made by booking tickets in advance. Grandstand Enclosure admission is £16 in advance or £18 with cash or card on the day. Course Enclosure admission is £6 in advance or £7 on the day. Under-18s, accompanied by an adult, go free into both enclosures.

The Best Dressed Lady competition will take place after the fourth race and this year’s prizes are better than ever, thanks to our sponsors, Market Cross Jewellers, Host & Stay, and Orange Kerr Hair and Beauty.

Market Cross always come up with glittering prizes from their high-class shops and, for the first time this year, the winner will also win a week’s holiday in one of Host & Stay’s luxurious cottages.

Host & Stay is one of the businesses in the SDDE Smith Group, which is sponsoring Redcar’s Straight Mile Series throughout the season, and they are a thoroughbred addition to the track’s list of partners.

The Best Hat competition follows after the fifth race, with more great prizes from Market Cross Jewellers, Lynne Young Millinery, and Orange Kerr and Beauty.

Amy Fair, general manager at Redcar Racecourse, said: “The recent sunny weather seems to have really got people in the mood because tickets for Ladies’ Day have been absolutely flying.

“With the details now confirmed for the prizes on offer, and with the long-range forecast remaining good, we know we’re in for a great crowd on one of the biggest days of our season, and we can’t wait to see all those fabulous outfits pouring through the gates.”

Here are the full details:

BEST DRESSED

1st Prize

  • A week stay in a Host & Stay property, kindly provided by Host & Stay
  • GUCCI Interlocking G Floral Necklace, kindly provided by Market Cross Jewellers
  • GUCCI Interlocking G Floral Bracelet, kindly provided by Market Cross Jewellers
  • Cut & Blow-dry voucher, kindly provided by Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty

2nd Prize

  • Swarovski White Angelic Necklace Set, kindly provided by Market Cross Jewellers

3rd Prize

  • Michael Kors Parker Ladies Watch, kindly provided by Market Cross Jewellers

BEST HAT

1st Prize

  • Bespoke Hat, kindly provided by Lynne Young Millinery
  • Nomination Millluci Bracelet, kindly provided by Market Cross Jewellers
  • Nomination Watch, kindly provided by Market Cross Jewellers
  • £50 Gift Voucher, kindly provided by Market Cross Jewellers
  • BaByliss Pro Rapido hairdryer, kindly provided by Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty

2nd Prize

  • Olivia Burton Belgrave White & Two Tone Mesh Watch, kindly provided by Market Cross Jewellers
  • 2 x £50 gift vouchers, kindly provided by Market Cross Jewellers
  • Blow-dry voucher, kindly provided by Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty

3rd Prize

  • £50 Gift Voucher, kindly provided by Market Cross Jewellers
  • Goodie Bag of Milkshake hair products, kindly provided by Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty

Thank you to Host & Stay, Market Cross Jewellers, Lynne Young Millinery, and Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty for supplying the luxury prizes for our competitions.

Fashion Show

Betty Leigh Boutique & Lynne Young Millinery in the Winners’ Enclosure after the 2nd race.

Best Dressed Lady & Hat Competitions

  • Anyone wanting to enter the Ladies’ Day competitions must go to the Parade Ring Canopy where there is a flower wall and catwalk.
  • Open for entries from 11am until 2pm.
  • Anyone wishing to have their photo taken on the catwalk but not enter the competition can do so after 2pm.
  • Best Dressed competition in the Winners’ Enclosure after the 4th race at 3.22pm.
  • Best Hat competition in the Winners’ Enclosure after the 5th race at 4.02pm.

Everything you need to know is on the dedicated Ladies’ Day page on Redcar’s website – https://www.redcarracing.co.uk/ladies-day/

The Middleham-trained winner, ridden by Callum Rodriguez, was landing the historic race six years after Bethell’s father, James, won it in spectacular fashion with Briardale.

Bethell immediately said the Lope De Vega colt would be aimed at either the Hampton Court Stakes or Golden Gates Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Oviedo was third to Two Thousand Guineas winner Chaldean in the Acomb Stakes at York as a two-year-old, and the trainer said: “He’s always promised to be a good horse and we’ll decide which Royal Ascot race he goes for when we see what the handicapper does. If he hadn’t idled in front, he would probably have won by a bit further. It’s nice to emulate dad but I think this horse is better than Briardale!”

Andrew Balding’s City Streak finished second but was no match for the winner.

Jockey Thore Hammer Hansen sees no reason why Hala Emaraaty, trained at Newmarket by Alice Haynes, shouldn’t also have a tilt at Royal Ascot, after impressing in The Celebration of Tom Hamilton’s Life EBF Restricted Novice Stakes. The Kodiac colt was following up a debut win at Ripon on heavy ground earlier this month.

“He’s a nice type and put the race to bed quickly despite still being a bit green. Royal Ascot has to be a possibility – maybe something like the Windsor Castle Stakes.”

County Durham trainer Michael Dods continues to have a cracking May, and Sparkling Red gave him his 14th winner of the month in the Market Cross Jewellers Handicap under Connor Beasley.

Dods had a winner with Zuffolo at the last Redcar meeting and three of the same owners – Ian Davison, Roger Saunders, and Geoff Thompson – were celebrating again with Sparkling Red.

The filly battled well to outgun Tim Easterby’s Storm Fox and Dods said: “The ground at Thirsk last time was too soft and it was a hot race. She’s done it well today – she likes to get on with it and she’s speedy.”

Easterby had better luck when Happier showed a great attitude under David Allan in the Racing TV Restricted Maiden Stakes.

“I couldn’t be happier!” said the Malton handler after Habton Racing’s game filly stayed on well to deny Grant Tuer’s Rooska.

Easterby added: “She’s a really tough filly with a fantastic attitude and there’s definitely more to come.”

A recent back operation seems to have worked wonders for Danzart, who has now won two races in nine days after landing the Redcarracing.co.uk Handicap for Lancashire trainer Stella Barclay.

The Dandy Man gelding won at Thirsk earlier this month and followed up comfortably in the hands of Sam James.

Eeetee, ridden by Danny Tudhope and trained at Upper Helmsley by David O’Meara, made it four career wins in the Jacks Coaches Handicap.

The gelding is owned by Gallop Racing and syndicate member Brian Jones said: “He came over from France and took a year to acclimatise but he’s given us an amazing amount of fun.”

Sarah de Crespigny might have set a Redcar record for the longest distance travelled to cheer home a Redcar winner after flying in from Australia to see Bearwith win the Racing Again Tomorrow On Racing TV Hcap (Division One).

Sarah’s mother Sally Carey is a member of The Rise One Partnership, which owns the grey gelding.

Trained by Harriet Bethell and ridden by Cam Hardie, the son of Brazen Beau battled admirably to outstay Richard Fahey’s The New Marwan.

Sarah, who lives in Victoria, said: “I timed the visit specially to see the horse run and it’s made the long journey worthwhile!”

Iron Sheriff outbattled Bollin Margaret to win the final race of the day, the Racing Again Tomorrow On Racing TV Handicap (Div 2).

North Yorkshire trainer Roger Fell was full of praise for 3lbs claimer Jonny Peate, saying: “I thought he gave the horse a great ride.”

The winner is likely to turn out quickly at Hamilton Park on Wednesday.

Cold Case, owned by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, got a 16-1 quote from Paddy Power for the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot next June after comfortably justifying favouritism in The William Hill Two Year Old Trophy.

The Showcasing colt had previously landed a conditions event at Doncaster having been a solid third in the Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes at York the outing before that.

And he became the fifth two-year-old to win at either group or listed level for Burke this season when he powered clear from Andrew Balding’s Holguin to win Redcar’s listed race under Clifford Lee.

The trainer said: “I’ve always loved this horse. He has a very high cruising speed and he just had to reproduce what he’d done at Doncaster and York.

“He was the first yearling I bought for Sheikh Mohammed, and it will be interesting to see how far he gets next year. I won’t be surprised if he gets seven furlongs, but not sure about a mile.”

The Commonwealth Cup is over six furlongs and Paddy Power were offering quotes before the winner had returned to the Redcar winner’s enclosure.

It’s the first time Karl Burke has won Redcar’s richest race, having been second to Chipotle last season with Last Crusader.

The other listed race on the Redcar card, the Racing TV EB Stallions Guisborough Stakes, was won in great style by the ever-improving I’m A Gambler.

The No Nay Never three-year-old was winning for the sixth time this season and ninth overall as he battled admirably to land the prize for Charlie and Mark Johnston in the hands of Franny Norton.

The gelding is owned by John Brown, who went from teaboy to chairman at William Hill, and is now retired.

Mr Brown said “He’s gone up 25lbs in the handicap this season and just keeps finding a bit more each time. He’s a great big horse, so he might just be still coming along.”

I’m a Gambler, who has now won prize money of more than £200,000, is likely to reappear in the Group 2 Challenge Stakes at Newmarket on Friday.

Another Middleham runner, Rhythm Master, trained by James Horton, was a length away in second, a nose in front of the Roger Varian-trained Dubai Poet.

The other feature race on the card, the Racing TV Straight-Mile Series Final, was won by Hayley Turner aboard Belhaven, trained at Newmarket by Harry Eustace.

Turner had a winner at the last Redcar meeting, and she earned another warm reception after course and distance winner Belhaven held off David O’Meara’s Pisanello by a neck.

The Belardo filly had won at Redcar in May and Turner said: “She enjoyed getting into a battle and has been going well at home.”

The competitive eight-race card started with an easy win for the Richard Fahey-trained Lady Mojito who scooted up the far rail under Oisin Orr to win unopposed in The racingtv.com/Freetrial EBF Stallions Novice Stakes.

The Kessaar filly was building on a promising debut when third at Thirsk and the trainer said: “We thought she’d improve for that first run and she was impressive today.”

Owner Aidan Ryan, who has a business running nursing homes, lives in Bishop’s Stortford and was unable to attend. Instead, he rang his friend, Gary Wood, who lives in Guisborough, and asked him to represent him.

Gary, who only got the call on the morning of the race, said: “Aidan said he thought she was a nice horse. The plan was to go it alone up the far rail and she’s done it brilliantly.”

There was a win for Scotland when Can’t Stop Now, trained by Iain jardine and ridden by David Allan, held on gamely for a narrow victory from Karl Burke’s Tele Red in the Play Paddys Pick 5 At racingtv.com Handicap.

Alex Gorrie, who runs the triumphant Let’s Be Lucky Racing 30 syndicate, said: “He’s a nice dual-purpose horse. He’s already won over hurdles and the plan was to go back to jumping after this, but David said he thinks there’s another win in him on the Flat now the ground’s turned softer, so we’ll have to consider a change of plan now.”

Zimmerman is named after Bob Dylan, and The Times They Are A Changing for the Poet’s Voice gelding after his victory in the Market Cross Jewellers Handicap.

After four runs out of the frame, Tim Easterby’s charge made it two wins in a row by outgunning stablemate Carrigillihy.

Kathy Phillips, a member of the successful Linkenholt Racing syndicate, said: “He surprised us when he won at Catterick a couple of weeks ago, and he’s gone and done it again.”

Kathy is a big Bob Dylan fan and was responsible for coming up with the horse’s name, because Zimmerman is the legendary singer’s real name.

Easterby said: “They’re two lovely horses and the winner loves it soft.”

Zimmerman may now reappear in the valuable Wiliam Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Heritage Handicap at York next Friday.

Hambleton trainer Kevin Ryan enjoyed Group 1 success with Fonteyn in the Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket and followed up by landing the Play Paddys Pick 5 At racingtv.com Handicap with Kalahari Prince.

The son of New Approach rallied well under Tom Eaves to outpoint Michael Bell’s Newmarket raider, At Liberty, by a neck.

The final race, the Watch RacingTV Free or 31 Days Handicap, was won comfortably by Helvetique, trained in Hampshire by Ralph Beckett, and ridden by Hector Crouch.

McDonald landed the ride on the William Muir-trained winner of Saturday’s £1.25m King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes due to regular rider Martin Dwyer being injured and Frankie Dettori riding Emily Upjohn.

The victory sealed one of the most unlikely big race doubles in racing, with McDonald having ridden Hot Weld to victory over jumps in the 2007 Scottish Grand National.

Now, McDonald looks the man to follow midweek at Redcar, with a couple of particularly attractive rides, starting with Next Chapter, trained at Newmarket by James Tate.

The daughter of Shamardal shaped well on her last start when a staying-on close second at Newmarket and looks ready to go one better in the Watch Racing TV In Stunning HD Fillies’ Novice Stakes.

Fellow Newmarket raider, Minwah, trained by Marco Botti, remains a maiden after eight runs but should put up stiff opposition under talented 3lbs claimer Stefano Cherchi.

McDonald has another fine chance an hour later on Encourageable in the racingtv.com Straight-Mile Series Handicap. The colt, owned by John and Jess Dance and trained at Middleham by James Horton, was outgunned by David O’Meara’s resurgent Azano at the last Redcar meeting.

However, Azano’s previous success had been in the listed Guisborough Stakes at Redcar in October, so Encourageable’s defeat was no disgrace, and he looks poised for consolation.

Redcar’s seven-race card gets underway at 2pm with the Best Flat Races Live On Racing TV British EBF Novice Stakes. Nigel Tinkler’s Lakota Blue was considered good enough to have a tilt at the Group 2 Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot and wasn’t disgraced in ninth. He won his next race at Carlisle at the start of the month and looks capable of doubling up with Faye McManoman claiming a useful three pounds.

Tim Easterby is Redcar’s most successful trainer over the past five years and the Malton trainer could be in for another good day. He appears to have a solid chance of taking the Celebrate The Life of Joe Newton Handicap with Forgivable, ridden by David Allan after the Iffraaj gelding was a close third at Pontefract last time out in June.

It may be worth taking a chance with Easterby again in Division Two of the Visit racingtv.com Handicap with the nine-year-old veteran Excessable. It’s 19 runs since his last win but he’s dropped down the handicap and showed enough at Beverley last time to suggest he may still have another win in him. Seven-pounds claimer Brandon Wilkie retains the ride.

And it would be no surprise if Easterby struck again with Mac Ailey, ridden by his son Thomas, in the AJA Novice Flat Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap. The gelding only just failed to get up at the last Redcar meeting and will be fancied to go one better.

Isle of Dreams, trained at Malton by Declan Carroll, is in good form, having battled well to win under five-pounds claimer Zak Wheatley at Musselburgh last time. She has the right attitude to defy a penalty in the Visit racingtv.com Handicap (Division One).

By Peter Barron

David O’Meara, who trains at Upper Helmsley, took the feature race of the day, the Sky Bet Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival Handicap, when Azano made all under top weight with Jason Watson steering.

The six-year-old gelding had been below form since winning the listed Guisborough Stakes at Redcar last October, but he bounced back in tenacious style to fend off the challenge of favourite Encourageable.

Watson said: “He’s a free-running horse and the instruction was to let him go from the front and bowl along. He’s a decent horse with bundles of ability but he’s not easy to train and David’s done a great job with him. Leave him alone and let him do his own thing seems to be the answer.”

Yorkshire got off to a winning start when Tim Easterby’s debutante Vince Le Prince, ridden by Duran Fentiman in the colours of Reality Partnerships, landed the opening Join Racing TV Now EBF Restricted Novice Stakes (Div 1).

Despite starting at 33-1, Easterby expected the son of Iffraaj to put up a bold show: “We fancied him and thought he’d run very well. I think he’s a good horse,” said the Malton handler.

Newmarket struck back in Division 2 when Taritino took the race by the scruff of the neck for trainer Amy Murphy and jockey Stefano Cherchi. There was also a highly promising run by runner-up Pol Roger, having his debut for Michael Dods.

Yorkshire was back on the scoreboard when La Feile, trained at Malton by Richard Fahey and ridden by Oisin Orr, led close home in the Sky Bet Extra Places Every Day. Well done to owners Ebor Racing Club.

Fahey said: “It’s nice to see her win again because I genuinely thought the handicapper overreacted to her winning first time out at Beverley a year ago and she’s paid the penalty since then.”

There was an emotional victory for Yorkshire trainer Harriet Bethell as Bearwith stayed on strongly in the hands of Cam Hardie to win the Redcar Cricket Club Handicap.

Harriet, who trains at Arnold, near Beverley, returned to training last year after suffering life-threatening injuries in a freak fall on the gallops in 2019.

Her mother Liddy said: “Training the horses is the thing that keeps her going. She’s always been a good judge and when she looked at the form, she thought the horse would win.”

The flow of Yorkshire winners was interrupted by Simulation Theory, trained at Newmarket by George Scott, outstaying Photograph under Benoit de la Sayette to win a two-horse contest for the Watch Racing TV In Stunning HD Claiming Stakes.

But the day ended in fitting fashion for Yorkshire when Red Force One – trained in North Yorkshire by Phil Kirby and owned by The Yorkshire Puddings syndicate – stayed on stoutly to win the Go Racing In Yorkshire Future Stars Apprentice Handicap.

Phil’s dad, Geoff, who heads the syndicate, said: “It was a great performance on ground that was bang in his favour. He probably needs two miles – and the quicker the ground the better.”

The trainer was full of praise for jockey Ryan Sexton who extended his lead in the Go Racing In Yorkshire Future Stars Apprentice Series.

“I’ve used him ever since he came over from Ireland and he’s as good as there is in the apprentice ranks. He’s getting better all the time and he’ll make it because he’s got the right brain and attitude,” he said.

After two days of the summer festival, Tim Easterby leads the training ranks with three winners, followed by Richard Fahey and Phil Kirby on two. Duran Fentiman is out in front in the race for the jockeys’ title with four wins so far.

Malton trainer Tim Easterby can get Yorkshire off to a flying start on Circus Family Fun Day with Optician, ridden by the reliable David Allan, in the Racing TV Now EBF Restricted Novice Stakes (Division One).

The Expert Eye colt was a promising fourth behind James Horton’s Sound Pressure on his debut over six furlongs at Redcar last month and is expected to do better now he’s focusing on the extra furlong.

Newmarket challenger Out of Shadows, trained by Marco Botti and ridden by high-flying apprentice Benoit de la Sayette, looks the danger after his debut win in a Brighton maiden.

Division Two can go to Middleham in the form of Charlie and Mark Johnston’s Venetian, with veteran Franny Norton in the saddle. Venetian was well clear of the rest when runner-up on his debut at Lingfield a month ago and can go one better. Kevin Ryan’s debutante, Ironopolis, is worthy of a market check for signs of confidence.

Ryan, who trains at Thirsk, looks to have a solid chance of landing the Sky Bet Extra Places Every Day Handicap half an hour later with Time To Parley, who looked like her time was coming soon when third on her handicap debut at Ayr last week.

James Horton, formerly assistant to Sir Michael Stoute, is making his mark since being lured to Middleham by John and Jess Dance, and it would be no surprise to see the partnership keep up the momentum in the Sky Bet Go-Racing-In-Yorkshire Summer Festival Handicap with Encourageable. The fact that he was tried in listed company at Sandown last time is an indication that he’s rated by connections and he’s on an attractive mark back in handicap company with the strong assistance of PJ McDonald.

That said, David O’Meara’s Azano was a listed winner in Redcar’s Guisborough Stakes in October, and he could provide stiff opposition if he bounces back after a disappointing run of form.

Mac Ailey, another Tim Easterby charge, goes into bat for the Redcar Cricket Club Handicap and looks up to the task following his best run of the season when third of 13 in a Carlisle handicap a fortnight ago. David Allan is again in the saddle.

The penultimate Watch Racing TV In Stunning HD Claiming Stakes looks to be at the mercy of another North Yorkshire contender – the Paul Midgley-trained Regular Income. Significantly dropped in grade, he has the form credentials to account for just two rivals under Graham Lee.

Yorkshire can round off the day with Red Force One – trained at East Appleton by Phil Kirby and ridden by the talented Ryan Sexton – aiming to follow up last month’s handicap victory at Musselburgh.

Lesley, from Redcar, bought the elegant matching Ted Baker jacket and dress, plus salmon fascinator, when daughter Becky got married eight weeks ago.

“Friends persuaded me to enter the competition and it’s a big surprise to win. I suppose you could say I’ve got an awful lot of value out of this outfit!” laughed Lesley.

She won a Gucci Trademark necklace, bracelet and earrings, from Market Cross Jewellers, plus £100 gift voucher for Skin King Cosmetics, and a personal shopping experience and £50 gift voucher from Betty Leigh Boutique.

Runner-up was Tracey Howell, of Bishop Auckland, who won a Swarovski Tennis Deluxe necklace, bracelet and earrings, from Market Cross Jewellers, and a gift voucher from Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty.

Third place went to Janet Hill, of Redcar, who won a Tree of Life necklace and earrings, from Market Cross Jewellers, and a goodie bag of products from Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty.

Redcar’s general manager Amy Fair said: “After the disruption of the pandemic years, the ladies of the area clearly enjoyed the opportunity to dress up and the standard was as high as ever. Congratulations to Lesley for being a fabulous winner and thank you to everyone who contributed to a glittering social occasion for Redcar.”

Lesley will now represent Redcar in the Grand Final, comprising the Best Dressed Ladies from the nine Go Racing in Yorkshire tracks.

The overall winner will be chosen in an online vote on the Go Racing In Yorkshire website – www.goracing.co.uk – after the final heat at Doncaster on September 8.

And it could hardly have been easier as Grantley Hall, trained at Malton by Mick and David Easterby, cruised home in The racingtv.com/freetrial Restricted Novice Stakes.

Jo said: “That’s for Grandad! He’s always given me a lot of support and it’s the perfect way to do it – especially on Ladies’ Day.”

David Easterby added: “It’s fantastic. She doesn’t get the rides because she’s related to us – it’s because she’s the hardest worker. If she wasn’t, Dad wouldn’t put her up.”

David believes the horse is capable of winning Grade 2 handicaps and could be one for Glorious Goodwood next season.

Jo had hoped to reach her century earlier on the card when the Ruth Carr-trained Hostelry was warm favourite to land the Racing TV Free For A Month Maiden Handicap. However, the mare was was outgunned by Ron O, handled by Les Eyre, at Beverley, and ridden by Lewis Edmunds.

The day got off to a good start for favourite-backers when Sound Pressure, ridden by Shane Gray won the opening British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes for Middleham trainer James Horton and owners John and Jess Dance. However, he was made to fight hard by Tim Easterby’s Braveheart Boy.

There was a winner for Leeds United fans in the Start Your Racing TV Free Month Now Handicap, when Hellenista battled back from looking beaten under David Allan.

The Nathaniel filly is owned by the ALAW syndicate, which stands for ‘All Leeds Are We’. Graham Smith, one of the main partners in the syndicate, couldn’t be at Redcar to see the horse win because he was on a charity bike ride.

Trainer Tim Easterby said: “She’s bone idol. She doesn’t do a stroke until she has to.

North Yorkshire struck again when Tammani, trained at Upper Hemsley by David O’Meara and ridden by Alistair Rawlinson, elected to take a lonely route up the far fail to land the Try Racing TV For Free Handicap.

The gelding is owned by the Gallop Racing and Northern Monkeys syndicate. Most of the members are having a trip to Royal Ascot but they were represented by Gary Downes, of Thirsk.

He said: “I was expecting that and couldn’t believe his price. The jockey said he’d been told by the trainer to stick to the far rail because he likes to work by himself at home. It’s clearly worked! He’s a class horse and can go on to better.”

Texas Man, trained at Westow, by Paul Midgley, and ridden by David Nolan, never lookedlike losing with an authoritative win in the Market Cross Jewellers Handicap.

Owner Kevin Harle, of York, said: “We were expecting  to win last time out at Musselburgh but he didn’t get out of the stalls, so we were anticipating a big run here. I never had any worries during the race.”

Ladies’ Day ended with a win for Spennymoor trainer Tracy Waggott, and a pot of gold for outsider-backers as Rainbow Rain is a 33-1 landed the Watch Race Replays At racingtv.com Handicap under a strong ride from James Sullivan.

The trainer said: “He had a bad draw at Pontefract last time and ran well in the circumstances, and I thought the first-time visor would wake him up.”

Ladies’ Day couldn’t go ahead in 2020 due to the pandemic, and had to be postponed until a special ‘Ladies Night’ in August last year, when Lisa McArdle raced straight from a nightshift at a bread factory in Wakefield to land the title.

However, one of the most popular days of Redcar’s season is back in its normal June slot for 2022, with a host of fabulous prizes up for grabs alongside a competitive day’s racing.

Redcar’s general manager Amy Fair said: “After the disruption of the past couple of years, it’s lovely to be back to normal for Ladies’ Day, which is always one of the highlights of our season.

“We know how much our ladies love to dress up, so we’re expecting a feast of fashion and, although it’s Ladies’ Day, we’re also looking forward to lots of dapper men joining in the fun.”

Redcar-based Betty Leigh Boutique will be showcasing a selection of outfits in the Winners’ Enclosure after the second race.

Later, the Best-Dressed Lady will receive a prize package comprising: Gucci Trademark earrings, necklace and bracelet, from Market Cross Jewellers; plus £100 gift voucher for Skin King Cosmetics; personal shopping experience with £50 gift voucher for Betty Leigh Boutique; and bouquet of flowers.

The winner will also represent Redcar in the Go Racing in Yorkshire grand final.

The runner-up will win a Swarovski Tennis Deluxe necklace and earrings set, plus bracelet, from Market Cross Jewellers; as well as a gift voucher from Orange Kerr Hair and Beauty.

The lady in third place will be presented with a Tree of Life necklace and earrings, from Market Cross Jewellers; and a goodie bag of products from Orange Kerr and Beauty.

The fashion stakes doesn’t end there because the Best-Dressed Lady competition will be followed by the Best Hat Competition, with yet more valuable prizes.

The winner will receive a bespoke hat from Lynne Young Millinery; plus a Swarovski Generation pendant necklace and bangle from Market Cross Jewellers.

The runner-up gets a £150 gift voucher from Market Cross Jewellers, with a £100 voucher for third place.

The first race is at 1.37pm, with the last race at 5.13pm.

The meeting, with the historic Zetland Gold Cup at the centrepiece, will feature lots of free entertainment for children, including bouncy castles, face-painting, and a “Prince and Princess School”.

General manager Amy Fair said: “Zetland Gold Cup Family Day is one of the jewels in Redcar’s crown and we’re looking forward to playing our part in celebrating The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

“As well as great action on the course, it will be a day when families can be together on the first day of the bank holiday weekend to mark The Queen’s remarkable reign.”

Gates open at 11.52am, with the first race scheduled for 1.52pm and the last race at 5.15pm. However, the times are subject to change and will be confirmed 48 hours before the meeting.

Anyone booking tickets in advance will save up to 20 per cent. Grandstand Enclosure admission is £15 in advance and £18 on the day. Course Enclosure admission is £6 in advance and £7 on the day. Under 18s are free in both enclosures as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

Concessions are also available on the day for those aged 65-plus and students with a valid student card.

Up until 1949, the Zetland Handicap was a feature race at the track, but the Zetland Gold Cup was introduced a year later, with the first running won by Near Way, trained by Sam Hall.

Last year, the historic race was won by Good Birthday, trained by Andrew Balding and ridden by Silvestre de Sousa.

The Queen last had a winner at Redcar in 2017 with Patchwork, trained at Lambourn by Richard Hughes, and ridden by Shane Kelly. The Queen even made an appearance – in life-sized cardboard cut-out form – as her horse came into the winner’s enclosure.

Buick, runner up to Oisin Murphy in last season’s championship, is in Paris on Sunday to ride Modern Games for Charlie Appleby and Godolphin in the Group 1 Emirates Poule d’Essai des Poulains at Longchamp.

Then he heads to the North-East coast for six rides, starting with the unraced three-year-old filly Grant Me Serenity in the opening Pat and Les Holmes Memorial Restricted Maiden Stakes.

The Charming Thought filly is trained at Newmarket by George Boughey, fresh from his first classic win in the Qipco 1,000 Guineas with Cachet, and the market needs to be watched for signs of confidence in the debutante.

Fellow Newmarket raider, Aquaplano, trained by Marco Botti, looks the obvious danger following decent seconds in his last two runs at Wolverhampton and Bath.

Buick, who is leading the title charge, rides Rose’s Girl for another Newmarket trainer, Ed Dunlop, in  the second race on the card, the Racing TV Straight Mile Fillies’ Handicap. The Ribchester filly has been runner-up on her last two outings at Wetherby and Newcastle and looks primed to go one better.

The racingtv.com Fillies’ Novice Stakes looks like a hot contest, with top southern trainers like John and Thady Gosden, William Haggas, Roger Varian, Simon and Ed Crisford, and Andrew Balding all fielding runners. Buick rides Rendition for Andrew Balding, but preference is for the Gosden-trained Elegant Verse, beautifully bred by the mighty Galileo and out of Group 1 winner Special Duty.

The Juddmonte-owned filly made a promising debut to be runner-up to Roger Varian’s more experienced Voodoo Queen at Newmarket at the back end of April.

However, the market is again likely to be a strong indicator. Frankel Filly, Remembering, trained by William Haggas, was third on her debut at Sandown, in a race emphatically won by Oaks favourite Emily Upjohn. And Roger Varian’s debutante Silence is Golden, by Epsom derby and Arc winner Golden Horn, is another to consider.

Buick will have high hopes of landing the racingtv.com EBF Restricted Novice Stakes on Mick Channon’s Legend of Xanadu, who has shown good form to be in the frame on all three starts so far, including a short head defeat at Hamilton last time.

Hambleton trainer Bryan Smart gave a very positive assessment of Sir Titus after the son of Dandy Man won under Graham Lee at Redcar a year ago, describing him as “a Saturday horse in the making”. He has switched to Michael Dods’ yard this season and could get off to a winning start for his new trainer in the Watch Racing TV in Stunning HD handicap, with Lee retaining the ride.

Buick rides Rebel At Dawn for Karl Burke but Sir Titus may have more to fear from David Barron’s Modular Magic, a close third at Thirsk last time.

Archie Watson’s Lambourn raider Dusky Prince is Buick’s mount in the penultimate Join Racing TV Now Handicap but he’s been frustrating in the ten runs since winning on his debut at Brighton. Murbih, trained by in North Yorkshire by Antony Brittain and ridden by Cam Hardie, makes more appeal following a head second last time at Ripon.

Mostly Cloudy, trained locally by Gemma Tutty, was staying on strongly at Wetherby last time, and could be the answer in the final race, the Watch Racing TV ON Sky 426 Handicap with the strong assistance of in-form Connor Beasley.

The Showcasing three-year-old, trained at Newmarket, was never extended as she won The Every Race Live On Racing TV Fillies’ Novice Stakes.

Marquand, second favourite for the jockeys’ title, added: “She’s done really well through the winter and is a beautiful filly. It was a case of more education for her, and she’s really improved.”

Elsewhere on the card, North Yorkshire’s David O’Meara took the training honours by landing a double with Mythical Madness in the opening Racing TV Club Day Here Today Claiming Stakes, and Liangel Hope in The Join Racing TV For Half Price Restricted Novice Stakes.

Mythical Madness, now an 11-year-old veteran, came with a well-timed run under Mark Winn to swoop past favourite Tricorn and give the seven-pounds claimer his fifth win of the season.

York-born Winn, 18, who joined O’Meara from Charlie Hills last season, said: “I just want to keep improving and the aim for the season would be to get to around the 15 mark.

“The horse has slowly come down the handicap and he’s found himself. He’s getting a bit chubbier but the extra condition seems to be doing him good.”

O’Meara’s double was sealed when Liangel Hope finally got his head in front under Jason Watson in the Join Racing TV For Half Price Restricted Novice Stakes for the Ontoawinner syndicate.

The gelding had been runner-up four times in six starts before his win and Steve Evans, speaking on behalf of the syndicate, said: “It’s been frustrated finishing second so often but the ground suited him today and everything went to plan.”

Top jockey on the day was Ben Curtis, who also scored a double with Lily In The Jungle, in the Join Racing TV Half Price Now Selling Stakes, and Roudemental in the Watch Racing TV In Stunning HD Handicap.

Mike Edwards, racing manager for Roudee Racing, owners of the Hugo Palmer-trained Roudemental, said afterwards: “We’re hoping he’ll make a Saturday horse. He’s been working well at home and it was his first run in a handicap. We’ll see how he comes out of the race and make some plans, but we hope he’ll take us to some nice courses.”

Curtis added: “He’s a lovely horse going forward. He’ll stay a bit further and we could have a lot of fun with him this year.”

Lily In The Jungle, a 9-1 winner of the seller in a close finish, was sold for £11,000 at the auction.

Hard-working jockey Daniel Muscutt is having a cracking run, and he bagged his 48th winner of the season on Newmarket raider Viadelamore, trained by James Ferguson, in the Racing TV Profits Returned To Racing Handicap.

Muscutt said: “We liked him last year but he was a bit weak. He’s matured a lot and it’s a nice start to his three-year-old campaign. Things are going great for me, with some nice yards to ride for.”

The final race, the Watch Race Replays At racingtv.com Handicap, was won by favourite Ha Long Bay, well ridden by seven-pounds claimer Ryan Sexton and trained at Malton by Adrian Keatley.

The Mastercraftsman gelding toughed it out to hold off Sweetest Company and defy a six-pounds penalty for his recent Catterick win.

In doing so, he became the fourth horse so far to strike twice in Go Racing In Yorkshire’s quest to find a Yorkshire Wonder Horse. A £100,000 prize is up for grabs for the first horse to win at all nine Go Racing In Yorkshire courses by December 31 2023.

Ha Long Bay runs in the colours of Hugh Hurst, owner of Phoenix Taxis, the biggest taxi and bus company in Northumberland.

Mr Hurst, who has had him since he was a foal, said: “He had the six pound penalty but Adrian’s view was that he wouldn’t get another chance in this grade so we went for it.”

Mr Hurst owns two other horses as well as Ha Long Bay – Hoi An Beach, trained by Rebecca Menzies, and Ba Na Hills, who is with John Quinn.

“They were the three nicest places we went to during a family holiday to Vietnam,” he explained.

The combination got off to a flyer by landing the opening The Flat Is Back On Racing TV Fillies’ Restricted Novice Stakes with debutante Star of Lady M.

The Havana Grey filly stayed on stoutly to outgun hot favourite Primrose Ridge, who’d been a promising second in the Brocklesby Stakes at Doncaster last week.

Some owners go a lifetime without a winner but Mike and Sally Madden, from Derbyshire, achieved it with their first horse. “She’s a March 31 foal so she’s quite young and will, hopefully, come on for the run,” said IT consultant Mike.

The double came when Autumn Festival – a full brother to 2018 Italian Derby winner Summer Festival – comfortably made all to win The Racing TV Straight Mile Handicap.

The three-year-old Poet’s Voice gelding is owned and bred by West Midlands-based Dr Mark Ford. “I’m delighted because he was a stunning yearling and then got a really bad virus. It really knocked him back so it’s lovely to see him win so well,” said Dr Ford.

The Tudhope-O’Meara combination had to settle for second in division one of The Welcome Back Annual Badge Holders Handicap Stakes when Frog and Toad couldn’t match the finish of Trevie Fountain, trained in North Yorkshire by Ruth Carr, ridden by James Sullivan, and owned by the Grange Park Racing VII syndicate.

The trainer said: “We probably had fitness on our side today after running on the all-weather and it’s nice to get a win on turf because it opens up our options.”

A cracking ride by Paul Mulrennan denied Tudhope and O’Meara a treble in the feature Join Racing TV Now Handicap when Ben Haslam’s Lightening Company dug deep to overcome the resurgent Hortzadar in a thrilling finish.

Lightening Company is owned by Middleham Park Racing and Haslam believes he might develop into a contender for the Cambridgeshire at the back end of the season.

“I really like him and the Cambridgeshire might be a possibility if he stays on an upward curve,” said the Middleham trainer.

The ‘Yorkshire Wonder Horse’ initiative has added some spice to the northern racing scene this year. Go Racing In Yorkshire has teamed up with equestrian supplier Wm McIvor & Son to find a horse capable of wining at all nine Yorkshire courses by the end of 2023, with a £100,000 prize to be shared by the owner, trainer, jockey and winning yard.

And Leyburn trainer Jedd O’Keeffe believes Hilts might just be the versatile type of horse to be a contender after he overcame greenness to land a last-stride gamble under Jack Garritty in The Yorkshire Wonder Horse Starts Now Handicap.

O’Keeffe said: “We were slightly worried he hadn’t got there in time, but he was green and still has plenty to learn. He loved the ground, stayed well, and will get further in time. The Yorkshire Wonder Horse is a fantastic idea and Hilts has definitely given us something to think about.”

Ryan Sexton, from County Kildare, is a young jockey well worth his 7lbs claim and he scored for the seventh time this season on the well-backed Pallas Lord in division two. The 18-year-old showed a lot of patience on the Dandy Man gelding, trained in the Scottish Borders by Donald Whillans.

“I was just biding my time and he’s done it easily in the end,” said Sexton.

There was an impressive performance by Newmarket raider Nicholas George, who skated clear under Jack Mitchell in The Happy Big Birthday Peter Barron Novice Stakes. The winner, trained by Kevin Philippart de Foy, ran straight up the rail while favourite Franz hung badly in second.

There was a 50-1 shock in the concluding Watch Race Replays At racingtv.com Handicap when Clansman, trained at Middleham by Liam Bailey, stayed on gamely in the hands of Jason Watson.

Danny Tudhope and David O’Meara looked odds-on to finally score their hat-trick when favourite Al Qaasim made smooth headway a furlong out, but Clansman refused to surrender.

Christine Clarke, who co-owns the Nathaniel gelding with Colin Stirling of Foulrice Park Racing, said: “We weren’t expecting it at all but he’s a nice size and could be a dual-purpose horse in the making.”

Redcar Racecourse is 150 years old this summer and the seaside course is being refreshed for its historic season.

Around £600,000 is being spent on improvements to the on-site hostel for stable staff, with 18 en suite rooms ensuring comfortable overnight stays for the “unsung heroes” of the sport.

Redcar’s general manager, Amy Fair, said: “Everyone knows how important stable staff are to the racing industry, so we want to make sure those who have embarked on long journeys are looked after properly.”

Redcar has again teamed up with Milbry Hill country and equestrian store to support a “best turned-out series” which will reward stable staff for their efforts in preparing the horses.

Other major projects at Redcar over the winter include replacing the tarmac in the Grandstand Enclosure, upgrading the Middleham Bar, plus providing new railings and refurbishing the toilets at the Petch Stand.

Local firms have been used throughout, with Northallerton-based Moody Construction chosen to carry out the work on the hostel; Duffields, of Ripon, laying the new tarmac; and Marske Fabrication and Engineering installing the new railings.

Used jockeys’ silks, donated by legendary trainer David Elsworth, will now adorn the wall behind the Middleham Bar.

A new coffee shop, run by Premier Catering, will open in the Food Court, selling Lavazza coffee, luxury hot chocolate, and the likes of cakes, muffins, cookies and toasted paninis.

“You can never stand still in racing and this major investment over the winter is all about improving the experience for racegoers,” added Amy.

Redcar’s 2022 season features 18 days of colourful action and family fun, with the first meeting on Monday, April 4. That’s followed by the Easter Monday meeting on April 18, when the Easter Bunny and Alice in Wonderland characters will be handing out mini eggs to those arriving early. Winning owners will also receive an Easter egg.

The historic Zetland Gold Cup Family Day will this year be held on Thursday, June 2, because it marks the start of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee extended bank holiday weekend.

Ladies’ Day, supported by regular sponsors Market Cross Jewellers, Betty Leigh Boutique, and Chic Hats, will take place on Saturday, June 18, with glittering prizes up for grabs in a fashion show, Best Dressed Lady and Best Hat competition.

New for this season is the Circus Family Fun Day on Sunday, July 17, featuring a big top and circus-skills workshops.

The popular Caribbean Carnival Family Day, which gives children and grown-ups the chance to dress up as pirates, is on Saturday, August 6, followed by the popular Gin and Gents’ evening meeting on August 27.

Redcar’s richest race of the year, The Two Year Old Trophy is on Saturday, October 1, and the season finishes with Poppy Appeal Day on Tuesday, November 1.

Racing at Redcar started on the sands in the 18th century, but the racecourse was built in accordance with new Jockey Club Rules and the first meeting was held on August 9, 1872.

The key responsibilities for this exciting and varied role include:

  • Working to agreed budgets, to implement effective sales and marketing campaigns to maximize race day attendances;
  • To maximize the sales of admission tickets, hospitality, sponsorship, and other events;
  • To promote and manage the Annual Badge scheme;
  • To pro-actively manage Redcar Racecourse’s website and social media profiles;
  • To work closely with Redcar Racecourse’s catering and event management partners to deliver a seamless, high-quality customer experience.

The successful candidate will most likely:

  • Have a successful track record in sales and marketing, with a good working knowledge of digital and social media marketing;
  • Be comfortable dealing with the public on a daily basis, both face to face and by telephone / email;
  • Have good communications, IT, and planning skills;
  • Be a presentable, highly motivated, self-starter, who has an eye for detail and the flexibility to multitask within a small team;
  • Have an interest in horse racing (although that is not essential).

This role is based at Redcar Racecourse, with working hours of 9am-5.30pm from Monday to Friday, plus racedays and additional hours as required.

To Apply:

Please send your CV with a separate covering letter, which should include your present remuneration details or your expectations, to Amy Fair, General Manager, at Amy.Fair@RedcarRacing.co.uk

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Applications should be received by 5.00pm, Monday 17th January 2022.

THE Two Thousand Guineas could be on the agenda for Summer Sands after his commanding victory in Redcar’s richest race of the year as North Yorkshire trainer Richard Fahey celebrated a four-timer at the seaside track.

The Coach House colt justified favouritism to come home clear of Michael Dods’ gallant runner-up Troubador in the £175,000 six-furlong Racing TV Redcar Two Year Old Trophy.

Jockey Barry McHugh, who won the race two years ago for the same trainer and owners – the Cool Silk Partnership – said: “It was just a matter of pointing him in the right direction. He’s a proper horse and I think he’ll get the mile next year and be even better.”

Summer Sands was well in at the weights after a progressive third at 100-1 in the Group 1 Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket last week.

Assistant trainer Robin O’Ryan added: “The Guineas would be an option. We’ll get him home and have a think but he’s a fair horse. He’s unfurnished and you’d think he’d be a better three-year-old.”

Michael Dods, who trains near Darlington, was thrilled with Troubador who was giving the winner nine pounds. “We were always up against it at those weights, but he’s run a blinder,” he said.

The meeting started well for the Fahey stable when Embolden, ridden by Tony Hamilton, thrived on the heavy going to win the opening Andy Curtis Triple Paralympian 50th Birthday EBF Stallions Novice Stakes.

Hamilton was soon back in the winner’s enclosure when another Fahey charge, Lightning Attack, thundered home in the Every Race Live On Racing TV Selling Stakes.

The Fahey four-timer was secured in the final race of the day, the Watch Race Replays At racingtv.com Handicap Stakes, when the progressive Fairy Stories battled home for a happy ending in the hands of Sean Davis.

Assistant trainer Robin O’Ryan said: “She’s improving and is very tough – she just wants to win.”

Main Edition showed all the battling qualities associated with Mark Johnston horses when she stayed on stoutly under Joe Fanning to win the listed Racing TV British European Breeders’ Fund Stallions Guisborough Stakes.

Deidre Johnston said: “She’s been disappointing since she won the German 1000 Guineas in May but she’s been going through a growth spurt and she was fabulous today.”

There were emotional scenes in the winner’s enclosure as Redcar specialist Give It Some Teddy landed the Racing TV Straight-Mile Series Final for the second year running. The tough gelding, ridden by Duran Fentiman, made it four course and distance victories and trainer Tim Easterby said: “He just loves Redcar and when they love this track it’s a big factor.”

Tearful owner Lee Bond, who owns a packaging company in Dewsbury, said: “I’m sorry for being a bit soppy but I just love this horse. He never lets you down. I also want to give as much credit as possible to Tim Easterby who is arguably the best in the business.”

Barry McHugh made it a double after his win on Summer Sands by taking the Market Cross Jewellers Middlesbrough Handicap Stakes on James Fanshawe’s Newmarket raider Olympic Conquerer. Like Summer Sands, Olympic Conquerer is owned by The Cool Silk Partnership.

Pictures courtesy of Tony Knapton

JOINER James McCormick is feeling wunderbar today (Saturday) after winning an Oktoberfest fancy-dress competition…with his “close friend” Veronica.

James, from Saltburn, took first prize in the competition at the annual Oktoberfest Beer Festival meeting at Redcar Races for dressing in traditional lederhosen while “riding” a dummy fraulein.

He confessed to being a bit worried when he first arrived at the seaside racecourse because he thought no one else had turned up in fancy-dress.

“I panicked because I didn’t want to look out of place, but it’s all worked out well in the end. It’s one of the best experiences of my life.”

Asked what had inspired him to enter the competition, James added: “It was Veronica’s idea to enter – she talked me into it. She’s very persuasive.”

James came for a day out to celebrate his friend Kris Dixon’s 33rd birthday. Kris and his wife Emma, from Redcar, came second in the fancy-dress competition.

Third place went to Steve and Kerri Hornby, also of Redcar.

James won four VIP tickets to a future Redcar meeting, complete with a three-course meal, as well as a Theakston Brewery tour.

Kris and Emma won four tickets to a Redcar meeting, while Steve and Kerri won two tickets.

Entertainment was provided throughout the day by the Yorkshire Oompah Band, who were back by popular request, and race-goers were also able to enjoy steins on tap and sizzling bratwurst.

The racegoers included Andy Wyness, who travelled from Motherwell, in Scotland, for his stag do ahead of his wedding to Sandra Wilson next week.

Andy said: “It’s been a brilliant day – it’s my first time at Redcar but I think I’ll be coming back next year with Sandra for our first anniversary.”

Redcar’s general manager Amy Fair said: “Oktoberfest day combines high quality racing with lots of fun and this year’s fancy-dress competition was probably the best yet. So many people enter into the spirit of the occasion by dressing up and it all adds up to a fantastic atmosphere.”

PUNTERS will be letting their “herr” down this weekend as a North-East racecourse prepares for another fun-packed invasion of pig-tailed Frauleins and lads in lederhosen.

The popular Oktoberfest Beer Festival returns to Redcar on Saturday with steins on tap, sizzling bratwurst, and rousing oompah music among the attractions alongside high-quality racing.

A Best Bavarian Outfit competition will again be staged, with the winners earning themselves four VIP tickets for a day’s racing at Redcar, including a table in the restaurant and three-course lunch. They will also be able to toast their victory with four places on a Theakston Brewery tour.

The runners-up will win four tickets to Redcar Races and third prize is two tickets to a future meeting at the seaside course.

Last year’s fancy-dress winners were Ben Johnson, a mechanical engineer from Middlesbrough, accompanied by fiancée Daniella Marchetta, and another big entry is expected.

The Yorkshire Oompah Band will be back by popular request after entertaining the crowds last year.

As well as lots of Bavarian fun, there’s also high-class racing on the card, with the highlight being the £175,000 Racing TV Two-Year-Old Trophy.

Redcar’s general manager Amy Fair said: “It never ceases to amaze us how much people in this area love to dress up – and the Oktoberfest meeting is always a spectacular showcase for the North-East sense of humour.

“The day is a unique blend of great fun and fantastic racing, with the fancy-dress extravaganza alongside our most valuable race of the year. We’re looking forward to another memorable day.

Gates open at 11am and the first race is scheduled for 1.45pm, with adult admission from just £6.

TEACHER Alex Moore is going to have to set his new designer watch for seven hours ahead after winning the Best-Dressed Couple competition at Redcar Races with partner Emma Carter.

Alex, who teaches PE, leaves to work in China next month but he and beautician Emma plan to stick together despite being nearly 5,000 miles apart.

The couple won stylish watches from sponsors, Market Cross Jewellers, as part of their prize in the competition at Redcar’s Gin and Gents’ Evening. Emma, from Redcar, won an Olivia Burton watch while Alex, from Hartlepool, won a Tommy Hilfiger watch.

They also won a one-day hat hire from Chic Hats, a cut and blow dry with styling products goodie bag from Orange Kerr and Beauty, a bouquet of flowers and bottle of champagne.

Alex, who has been teaching at the Endeavour Academy in Peterlee, added: “It’s going to be tough being so far apart but there’ll be lots of flowers and Skype calls. China’s seven hours ahead so I’ll have to re-set the new watch.”

Emma, who works at Hair Boutique in Saltburn, said: “We decided to enter the competition a week ago – I’d bought a new dress and hat, so I told Alex he had to match me.”

Lewis Cole and Korede Akintoye, from Brotton, were runners-up, while Hannah Polasek, from Ormesby, and James McCarthy, from Redcar, came third.

The winner of the Best-Dressed Gent competition was retired tailor and gentleman’s outfitter Maurice Dunn, of Redcar, in a fetching tweed blue suit with a green check.

Maurice, who retired in 2012 after nearly 40 years managing shops across Teesside for Greenwoods, hadn’t planned to enter the competition when he arrived at the races.

“I bought the suit in York two weeks ago when I saw it on a dummy in the shop and I had my arm twisted to enter the competition,” said Maurice.

Maurice won a new wardrobe – including suit, shirt, tie, handkerchief and shoes – from Bakers Tailoring, plus a Hugo Boss watch from Market Cross Jewellers and a bottle of champagne.

Runner-up was Paul Tidy, of Saltburn, and Jack Willett, of Eston, came third.

EVERGREEN jockey Joe Fanning was the toast of Redcar’s Gin and Gents’ Evening after riding his 2,500th British winner.

Dublin-born Fanning hit the admirable milestone when he drove the Keith Dalgleish-trained Universal Gleam to victory in the Racing TV Straight Mile Series Handicap Stakes.

Fanning, 48, who struck up an incredibly successful partnership with Middleham’s record-breaking trainer Mark Johnston from 1990, said after the race: “It’s hard to believe it’s 2,500 winners but it’s grand to do it. I thought it might be on this horse. I’ve had a great career and it pays to have a good job with a trainer like Mark.”

Only Frankie Dettori of the current crop of jockeys has ridden more winners than Fanning, who scored his first and only Group One success on Johnston’s The Last Lion in the Middle Park Stakes in 2016. He rode his first winner in a hurdle race at Sedgefield in 1989 but his fledgling jumps career came to an end when he broke three vertebrae in his neck in a fall.

Asked to name his personal career highlight, Fanning said: “There have been so many – I’ve been very lucky.”

The race was immediately followed by an emotional win for Valley of Fire in the Every Race Live On Racing TV Handicap Stakes. The gelding, trained at Beverley by Les Eyre and ridden by Lewis Edmunds, was off the course for two years after a ruptured tendon meant it was “touch and go” whether he would ever race again.

He has gradually regained his fitness and the patience of owners Billy Parker and son Steven paid off with the Redcar victory.

Steven, who runs a utility company in Wakefield, said: “Every winner’s special but this is extra-special in the circumstances.”

Steven and wife Tracy had made it to Redcar with 10 minutes to spare after driving up from Leeds where they had attended a family dinner, partly to celebrate their eldest daughter, Denver, giving birth to a baby called Canada.

Favourite-backers got off to a good start in the first race when Lambourn raider Regal Director justified odds of 6-4 for trainer Archie Watson and jockey Brodie Hampson in the Join Racing TV Now Handicap Stakes.

The following Best Flat Races Live On Racing TV Novice Auction Stakes was won in good style by Bond’s Boy, trained at Malton by the prolific Richard Fahey and ridden by claimer Connor Murtagh.

Nirodha, trained at Newmarket by Amy Murphy, led all the way under Sean Davis, and never looked in danger in the Bakers Tailoring and Formal Hire Fillies’ Novice Auction Stakes.

The best finish of the evening came in the Market Cross Jewellers Handicap Stakes when another Newmarket raider, the James Fanshawe-trained Selino, ridden by Daniel Muscutt, just got the better of a sustained battle with Danny Tudhope on Funny Man.

The meeting came to a climax with the Mick Easterby-trained Dahik dominating the Thank You And Good Luck Becky Shaw Handicap Stakes, with Ger O’Neill having the race in the bag two furlongs out.

GREAT-GRANDMA Janice Wilson pulled off a blooming spectacular victory in the adults’ fancy dress competition on Redcar Races’ Caribbean Carnival Day.

Judges said Janice, from Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, stood out not just because of her costume, but due to her pirate name of “Swashbuckle Fatknickers”.

Janice, who works as a senior carer, said: “I’m absolutely buzzing. I won this competition eight years ago, and it’s great to win it again. If you make the effort, then you get your rewards.”

She entered with her friend, Jon Fields, also from Middlesbrough, and helped him to dress as Captain John Longfellow.

Andrew Calder, from Eyemouth, took second place with his sharp island-inspired suit, while third place went to Liam Steer, from Hastings, who dressed as Polly the Parrot for his stag party.

The junior competition also showcased some excellent Caribbean costumes. The boys’ contest was won by eight-year-old Alfie Smith, from Eston, with his hula dancer costume, and the girls’ winner was pirate queen Rose Gleeson, who is just three years old.

Runners-up were twins Isaac and Esme Walker, both aged five, from Billingham.

PIRATES are poised to invade the North-East coast this weekend as a seaside racecourse stages one of its most fun-packed days of the year.

Redcar Races stages its annual Caribbean Carnival Day this Saturday with landlubbers rubbing shoulders with fancy-dress Long John Silvers and Captain Jack Sparrows.

This year, Redcar has teamed up with the National Museum of the Royal Navy at Hartlepool to offer exciting prizes for the winners of fancy-dress competitions for children and adults.

The junior and adult winner will receive 12-month family passes for the award-winning museum, which is a recreation of an 18th century seaport in the time of Lord Nelson, Napoleon and The Battle of Trafalgar.

Hartlepool’s Historic Quay features HMS Trincomalee, an 1817 sailing frigate, plus an adventure play ship, explosive re-enactments, and other family attractions.

The winner of the adults’ competition will also receive admission for four to a future race meeting, while the runner-up and third-placed will win raceday passes for two. The winner of the children’s competition will also win a gift voucher for a haul of sweets.

To add to the carnival atmosphere, the North Tyneside Steel Band will be playing throughout the day and mermaids and pirates will be mixing with the crowd. Children will also get the chance to join in a pirate training camp.

Redcar’s general manager Amy Fair said: “Caribbean Carnival Day is always one of our most popular family fixtures, combing great racing and lots of fun. Every year, it’s a joy to see racegoers – young and old – letting their hair down in an array of colourful costumes.”

Gates open at 11am, with the first race at 1.15pm. Under-18s go free with a paying adult.

PAT Cosgrave was riding at Glorious Goodwood today but the experienced southern-based jockey makes the trip north for one mount at Redcar tomorrow (Wednesday, July 31).

Cosgrave, who has gone on to be a Group One-winning rider since being Ireland’s champion apprentice in 2003, takes the ride on Mina Vagante for Newmarket trainer Hugo Palmer in the Every Race Live On Racing TV Handicap.

The filly, also Palmer’s sole Redcar raider, looked like a winner in waiting when a neck second to Whatwouldyouknow at the last Redcar meeting, with the pair well clear of the rest.

Redcar’s reigning champion trainer Tim Easterby could also be one to follow during another eight-race card at the seaside course.

Malton-based Easterby has made no secret of his admiration for the quality of the Redcar track and he sends a strong list of runners for the competitive midweek meeting.

Easterby’s Perfect Swiss, ridden by the reliable David Allan, looks a likely contender for the Get So Much More With Racing TV Handicap (Division One). The gelding has been knocking on the door with a third and second on his last two runs at Ayr and Ripon and looks ready to complete the sequence with a win.

Easterby goes into battle in Division Two with War Ensign, a highly encouraging neck runner-up at Musselburgh a week ago. Wearing cheek-pieces for the first time to help him concentrate, and with Allan again in the saddle, he looks a decent bet to land the double.
Last year’s winner Someone Exciting, trained at Darlington by David Thompson, also has to be respected.

The meeting gets underway at 2.10pm with the Best Flat Races Live On TV British EBF Novice Stakes. Leyburn trainer Karl Burke has a wealth of talent among his two-year-olds and Macho Time can defy a penalty for winning on his debut at Ayr.

Jockey Ben Curtis is flying, including riding a Redcar four-timer earlier in the season, and he can get among the winners on David Barron’s Sorbonne in the Watch Racing TV In Stunning HD Novice Stakes. Second in a Catterick maiden on his only start two weeks ago, he looks the progressive type.

Newmarket trainer Roger Varian won the race last year and it’s worth checking the market for signs of confidence in Farzeen, who was halfway down the field of 14 at Kempton on his only run in January and hasn’t been seen since.

Whatever the fate of Farzeen, Varian will be confident of landing the racingtv.com Straight Mile Series Handicap with Edaraat, who swooped late to win a 10-runner Kempton handicap last time and is likely to improve despite being 9lbs higher.

Jupiter Road, a new inmate for Nigel Tinkler at Malton after leaving the Joseph O’Brien yard in Ireland, looks the danger.

The Join Racing TV Now Selling Stakes sees a remarkable fall from grace for Carry On Deryck, who was thought good enough to run in the Dubai Carnival for Godolphin when trained by Saeed bin Suroor last season. Now trained by Ollie Pears, this is a huge drop in class, although he has a lot to prove.

Any weaknesses in Carry On Deryck’s armoury could be exposed by Brian Ellison’s First Flight, who was seven lengths clear of the third when beaten a head by Anif at the last Redcar meeting.

The card concludes at 6pm with the AJA Novice Flat Amateur Riders Handicap. Last year’s winner Thornaby Nash is back for more, having moved from Karen Tutty to Jason Ward, but maintains the relationship with last year’s victorious rider Amy Collier.

Preference, however, is for Fieldsman, who makes the long trip from Tony Carroll’s Worcestershire yard. He makes a quick reappearance after running on well to finish third in an Ascot lady riders’ handicap four days ago and is ridden by Sarah Bowen, who had her first winner under rules on Carroll’s Windsorlot last season.

                               

Redcar Racecourse voted Best Small Racecourse in Scotland & The North by British Racing’s official supporters Club.
-An official presentation took place on Redcar’s 1940s Revival Raceday fixture
-Amy Fair, Managing Director of Redcar Racecourse, “Delighted to win this award, especially because it comes from the racing public”

Redcar Racecourse has been crowned Best Small Racecourse in Scotland & The North by the Racegoers Club, the official supporters Club for British Racing fans.

On Sunday 21st July at their 1940s Revival Day fixture the team at Redcar Racecourse were presented with a commemorative plaque to celebrate their regional win in the Racegoers Club Racecourse of the Year Competition.

The award, voted for by members of the Racegoers Club, celebrates the best of British Racing. One Club member said of Redcar, “the quality of service is truly fantastic, and they always make you feel an important part of every raceday.”

Amy Fair, General Manager of Redcar Racecourse, said, “We are delighted to win this award, especially because it comes from the racing public – the very people we are there to serve.

“It is a real feather in Redcar’s cap and testament to the enormous efforts put in behind the scenes by a dedicated and skilled team. Everyone does their best to make the race-day experience at Redcar the best it can be and it’s wonderful for that to be recognised in this way.”

The Racecourse Association has announced today that a further trial of lunchtime racing will take place this Autumn over a five-week period. The first trial earlier in 2019, initiated at the behest of the Horserace Betting Levy Board’s Betting Liaison Group, consisted of three fixtures during May and June commencing at 12 noon in a bid to assess the impact on turnover of widening the time in which racing is available for betting customers, potentially providing additional income for the sport.

One fixture per week from 25 September will now start at 12.15pm, with the first four races at each fixture taking place at 30-minute intervals.

The initiative is again being supported by the Levy Board and is based upon promising signs from the betting turnover on the three lunchtime fixtures held earlier this year, particularly in terms of online customers.

The lunchtime trial fixtures are as follows:

 

Wednesday 25 September: REDCAR

Wednesday 2 October: BANGOR-ON-DEE

Wednesday 9 October: LUDLOW

Thursday 17 October: CARLISLE

Wednesday 23 October: WORCESTER

 

Andy Clifton, Racing Director at the Racecourse Association, said: “The trial of lunchtime racing earlier this year demonstrated that there is an appetite from betting customers for racing at this time of day and I am grateful to all of the racecourses taking part this Autumn.

“We wanted to gain further evidence from bookmakers, horsemen, racecourses and racegoers from an extended trial over five consecutive weeks to ascertain whether this might become a more permanent part of the fixture mix moving forward, especially in a time of falling revenues.”

IRISH trainer Katy Brown was planning to head back home to County Kildare on Sunday night – but changed her mind after Effernock Fizz romped home on the second day of the Go Racing In Yorkshire Festival at Redcar.

“I think we’ll be reviewing our plans now and having a drink before going back in the morning,” said Katy after the four-year-old dual-purpose mare had triumphed under five-pound claimer David Simmonson in the Celebrate The Life of Peter Chapman Handicap Stakes (Division Two).

The trainer had set off from home on the 4am ferry on Friday and ran two-year-old Petite Steps at Ripon on the opening day of Yorkshire’s summer festival.

“She missed the break and just never travelled but we were hopeful that Effernock Fizz would make up for it,” she said.

She revealed that the mare had been treated for sinus problems before winning consecutive hurdle races at Tipperary and Wexford.

“The owner’s goal was to win on the flat and we were already coming over with Petite Steps so the Redcar race looked ideal,” said Katy. “It’s really hard to find a nice level course in Ireland but Redcar is a lovely track and it really suited her.”

Middleham maestro Mark Johnston looks to have an exciting prospect on his hands with Derby entry Thunderous who defied a 7lbs penalty in good style under Joe Fanning in the opening SkyBet Britain’s Most Popular Online Bookmaker EBF Novice Stakes.

The Night of Thunder colt had won unchallenged on his debut at Doncaster and showed a great attitude to follow up ahead of Richard Fahey’s Saint of Katowice. The pair finished seven lengths clear of third placed Arthur’s Court and Thunderous looks a horse with a future.

Johnston said: “That was very pleasing but there are no immediate plans. He’s quite laid back at home, so he doesn’t stand out from the crowd, but he’s clearly very capable. It’s a case of so far so good.”

The enduring Johnston-Fanning partnership completed a double when Warning Fire, a daughter of French Derby winner Shamardal, battled on gamely to win the Redcar Cricket Club Fillies’ Handicap Stakes.

There was also a double for Hawick trainer Alistair Whillans, starting with Firsteen, ridden by former champion jockey Paul Hanagan, in the Jacks Coaches Handicap Stakes.

A superb ride by last year’s Yorkshire champion apprentice, Kieran Schofield, secured the double for Whillans in the final race on the card, The Go Racing In Yorkshire Future Stars Apprentice Handicap Stakes. Schofield looked beaten a furlong out but galvanised Donnachies Girl to regain the lead from Jan De Heem close home.

Two former Grand National winning jockeys joined forces to win division one of the Celebrate The Life of Peter Chapman Handicap Stakes, with Graham Lee driving home Whatwouldyouknow for North Yorkshire trainer Richard Guest. Lee won the 2004 Grand National on Amberleigh House, while Guest was victorious three years earlier on Red Marauder.

Lee went on to secure a double by winning the SkyBet Go-Racing-In-Yorkshire Summer Festival Handicap Stakes for Malton trainer Julie Camacho on Royal Prospect.

The remaining Help For Heroes and Royal British Legion Classified Claiming Stakes produced a thrilling finished with Anif, trained in Wales by David Evans, just getting the better of Brian Ellison’s First Flight.

  • The Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival continues today (Monday) at Beverley, with the first race at 5.55pm.

A 97-year-old former cook, who became one of the first women to land at Normandy after D-Day, is to be guest of honour as a North-East racecourse salutes the country’s war heroes.

Joyce Dowding will receive VIP treatment at the 1940s Revival Day at Redcar Races on Sunday, July 21, in support of the Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes.

Joyce, who was born in Redcar and still lives locally, said it would be “a great honour” to be part of an occasion marking the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

In 1940, at the age of 18, Joyce was conscripted into the Navy, Army and Air Force Institute (NAAFI), catering for servicemen in combat zones.

She volunteered for special work building up to an unspecified operation and was billeted at a secret camp in a Hampshire forest, not knowing she was helping prepare men for the largest seaborne invasion in history.

After the D-Day landings on June 6 1944, she answered another call for volunteers to help the Liberation Army, and became the only Northern Command member of the NAAFI aboard a hospital ship bound for France.

She landed on Arromanches beach and served in Caen before going on to Ypres, where she was stationed on VE Day. She continued to serve in Germany for five years after the war before returning home to work as a nursery nurse.

“It was quite frightening when we landed in France because we had to climb down a rope ladder and it kept swinging away from the ship,” she recalled. “But I was just proud to have been able to do something to help.”

Joyce has only ever been to the races twice before but says the 1940s Revival Day is an important event. “It’s good of Redcar Races to remember what people did in the war, and to support the Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes.”

Joyce will be treated to lunch on the day and be invited to present the trophy after the Help for Heroes and Royal British Legion Classified Claiming Stakes.

Redcar’s general manager Amy Fair said: “It will be a privilege to have Joyce as our guest of honour. Throughout the war, she prepared countless meals for servicemen in the midst of war – now it’s her turn to be treated to lunch and recognised for her dedicated service to this country.”

A parade will be held on the racecourse, led by Eric Howden, chairman of the Redcar branch of the Royal British Legion, and there will be displays of wartime history and vehicles from the Middleton St George Memorial Association and Sedgefield Veterans Association.

Nostalgic music will be performed by The Fenner Sisters, and a “Best Revival Outfit” competition takes place after the fifth race.

There will be plenty of free fun for children, including a camouflage boot camp, Cleveland Cadets’ climbing wall, bouncy castles and face-painter.

The meeting is the second day of the SkyBet Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival and under-18s, accompanied by an adult, go free. Gates open at 11am and the first race is at 2.20pm.

[su_custom_gallery source=”media: 132,7958,7957″ width=”220″ height=”220″]

THE North-East is creating a real buzz in sporting circles by staking a claim to have the UK’s most bee-friendly racecourse.

Redcar Racecourse is backing the environment by becoming home to eight beehives and hopes to get onto a winner with its own brand of honey.

The hives were established by passionate beekeeper Dave Metcalfe, whose business relationship with the seaside racecourse has blossomed over 20 years.

Father-of-three Dave, 64, owned Wilton Signs, which had a contract to produce the signs around the racecourse.

After selling the business, Dave approached the racecourse with a plan to turn a plot of land behind the stands into a bee-friendly corner.

To his surprise, Redcar’s management gave him an enthusiastic thumbs up and the hives were moved onto the racecourse site six weeks ago.

“I think it’s great that a racecourse like Redcar had the foresight to say ‘yes’ and it’s gone really well so far,” said Dave, who was speaking during Bees’ Needs Week. “They had the spare land and I wanted somewhere to develop my hobby, so it made sense.”

The plan now is to have up to 15 hives, grow a wildflower meadow, and increase honey production.

There are approximately 170,000 bees on the site and Dave expects them to produce around 60 jars of honey this year. Initial sales will be to friends but, as the operation grows, Dave plans to target farmers’ markets with profits being used to make the business self-sustainable.

Amy Fair, Redcar’s general manager, said: “We have gorgeous gardens and lots of pollinating plants, so we were delighted when Dave came along with the idea because it fits perfectly with our aim to be as environmentally-friendly as possible. Bees are fundamental to the ecology and we want to play our part in protecting them.”

Father-of-three Dave, who lives near the racecourse, first became interested in beekeeping while serving in the Army as a young man. He is a member of both the British Beekeepers Association and the Cleveland Beekeepers Association, known as Tees Bees.

“I’m fascinated by the way bees communicate and work together,” he said. “They are one of the most important pollinators, but they are under threat because of modern farming practices and climate change. If we lose pollinators, we lose food production and that threatens the biggest race of all – the human race.”

  • To find out more about the Cleveland Beekeepers Association, go to teesbees.co.uk

 

THE BEEKEEPERS’ STAKES

To celebrate Bees’ Needs Week, which runs until July 14, we’ve come up with our own line-up of racehorses with connections to bees. We’d love to hear of other suggestions.

  1. BEE FRIENDLY (Champion Sprinter of Europe in the 1960s, owned by Sir Peter O’Sullivan)
  2. BEESWING (Winner of the 1842 Ascot Gold Cup and winner of 51 races)
  3. S.BEE (Grand National winner 1956)
  4. SAVE THE BEES (Trained in North Yorkshire by Declan Carroll to win at Redcar in 2017)
  5. BEE BEE BEE (Won The Preakness Stakes in America in 1972)
  6. DEE EX BEE (Trained at Middleham by Mark Johnston to be fourth in last year’s St Leger and an Ascot winner this year)
  7. DEANO’S BEE-NO (Trained by Martin Pipe, one of racing’s top staying hurdlers)
  8. ROYAL BEEKEEPER (Dual winner trained by Dan Skelton)
  9. HONEY END (Unlucky runner-up when favourite in Foinavon’s legendary Grand National in 1967)
  10. ANYTHING OWNED BY THE QUEEN

[su_custom_gallery source=”media: 132,7931,7932″ width=”220″ height=”220″]

A FORMER MP with experience in North-East industry has joined the board of his local racecourse.

Ian Swales has spoken of his pride and excitement at becoming a director of Redcar Racecourse, having served the town as MP between 2010 and 2015.

Mr Swales is originally from Leeds but moved to Redcar in 1978 to work in finance and business development for ICI.

He said: “When I became MP, my first staff Christmas do was at the racecourse and I’ve been a regular visitor over the years. I got to know the directors and I didn’t hesitate when I was asked to join the board.

“The racecourse is so important to the local community, it’s the green lungs of the town, and brings so many people in from elsewhere. I want to play my full part in helping it prosper.

“Apart from the obvious attractions of racedays, the local community shouldn’t underestimate the facilities at the racecourse and make use of them all year round.”

Mr Swales, a qualified accountant, has experience at board level within ICI and, after retiring as MP, served for three years as non-executive chairman of the North East Process Industry Cluster. He is also a director of Sirius Minerals Foundation Ltd, and chair of the children’s mental health charity, The Link Tees Valley Ltd.

Redcar racecourse chairman John Sanderson said: “Ian brings invaluable experience and connections from his time as Redcar’s MP and working at a high level in local industry. He will add huge value to our board, and we are thrilled he has joined us.”

 

ROYAL fan Kayleigh Imiela felt like a princess after winning an annual fashion competition at a North-East racecourse.

Kayleigh, 31, from Middlesbrough, was “absolutely flabbergasted” after winning the Best-Dressed Lady competition on Ladies’ Day at Redcar Races on Saturday.

Kayleigh, 31, who works for Yorkshire Bank, at Stockton, said: “I wasn’t going to enter until my friends said I should and I can’t believe I’ve won. There were so many beautiful ladies here, I didn’t think I stand a chance.

“I’m a real fan of the Royals and Disney and have always dreamed of being a princess so it’s a dream come true.”

Kayleigh won an overnight stay for two at Rockliffe Hall with dinner in the Orangery, a spa treatment each and a session in the Spa Garden. She also collected a Gucci necklace, bracelet and £150 gift voucher from Market Cross Jewellers, a Personal Shopping Experience and £50 voucher from Betty Leigh Boutique, and hospitality for four from The Prosecco Quarter.

More than £3,000 worth of prizes were up for grabs on Ladies’ Day with other prizes donated by Chic Hats and Orange Kerr and Beauty.

The winner of the Best Hat competition was Tracey Raw, of Redcar, who said: “I’m proper buzzing. I can’t believe I’ve won.”

Tracey, who made her own fuscia pink and baby blue hat, was second in the competition in 2017 and a finalist in 2016.

She recently turned a hobby into something more serious by launching a business called Shanley’s Bespoke Fascinators.

MORE than £3,000 of glittering prizes are up for grabs when a North-East racecourse celebrates “Ladies’ Day” next week.

Thousands of glamorous ladies, along with partners, will be putting on the style at Redcar Races on Saturday, June 22.

As well as a packed programme of racing, the day will feature a fashion show by Redcar-based Betty Leigh Boutique, as well as Best-Dressed Lady and Best Hat competitions.

First prize for Best-Dressed Lady comprises:

  • Overnight stay for two at luxurious Rockliffe Hall, near Darlington, with dinner in The Orangery, a spa treatment each, and Spa Garden session.
  • Gucci necklace, Gucci bracelet, and £150 gift voucher from Market Cross Jewellers.
  • Personal shopping experience and £50 gift voucher from Betty Leigh Boutique.
  • Hospitality for four, including champagne and cocktails, provided by The Prosecco Quarter.•
  • Bouquet and bottle of champagne

 

Second prize features an Olivia Burton watch, Olivia Burton necklace, Olivia Burton bracelet and £100 gift voucher from  Market Cross Jewellers, plus a Moroccan Oil gift, provided by Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty.

Third prize is a Guess watch, Guess necklace, and Guess earrings from Market Cross Jewellers, plus Swarcroft hair products, provided by Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty

First prize in the Best Hat competition is a bespoke Hat, provided by Chic Hats, plus Cloud 9 curling wand, mini-straighteners, and gift voucher from Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty. A bouquet of flowers and bottle of champagne will also be presented to the winner.

Second prize is a Swarovski Bracelet, Swarovski earrings and £150 gift voucher from Market Cross Jewellers. And third prize is a Tommy Hilfiger watch, Les Georgette bangle, and £50 gift voucher, provided by Market Cross Jewellers.

For “little ladies”, Cinderella and her friends will be mixing with the racegoers on a day fit for a princess.

Amy Fair, Redcar’s general manager, said: “We are thrilled with the standard of prizes kindly donated by our generous sponsors. We know the ladies of the North-East will again put on a spectacular show, but we want to see the gents coming along too to show their support.”

Meanwhile, last year’s Best-dressed Lady, Jodie Lawson, from Redcar, has revealed that she donated her prizes to be auctioned for a cancer charity foundation.

Jodie raised £2,000 for the foundation after meeting the family of 10-year-old Ethan Maull, from Lincolnshire, who died of bone cancer in May 2014.

The Ethan Maull Up Yours To Cancer Foundation is raising money to build a house near Lincoln Hospital so cancer patients and their families can have a “home from home” while receiving treatment.

Jodie said: “It was a thrill to win the competition and the prizes were lovely but I wanted to use them to help towards a great cause.”

Hotel creates new cocktails
for Ladies’ Day at Redcar

A LUXURY hotel has added two unique cocktails to its menu to celebrate a glamorous new partnership with a North-East racecourse.

The cocktails, including one with a “Red Rum” base to capture the racing spirit, have been created to coincide with Rockliffe Hall being unveiled as a new sponsor for Ladies Day at Redcar on June 22.

And Jodie Lawson, winner of last year’s best-dressed lady competition at Redcar, was invited to the hotel to be the first to taste the new cocktails, which have been called “Wabber-Jockey” and “Lady At The Races”.

Wabber-Jockey was named in honour of Alice in Wonderland author Lewis Carroll, who grew up close to Rockliffe Hall, in Croft-on-Tees, near Darlington.

The hotel recently celebrated its local connections to the writer by opening the whimsical world of MischMasch in its gardens, and one of the “curious cabins” in the grounds is called Jabberwocky.

The Wabber-Jockey cocktail is a delicious margarita-style combination of Sailor Jerry Spiced Caribbean (Red) Rum, with fresh lime, Fever Tree ginger beer, and salt on half of the rim to symbolise the seaside at Redcar.

Lady At The Races comprises French Martini, vodka, Chambord, and pineapple to evoke the spirit of summer. Mixing it creates a foam, depicting the tide, and it also wears a “Ladies’ Day hat” of raspberries and blackberries.

The drinks were the creation of Owen Gooding, Rockliffe’s Old Hall Manager and expert mixologist, who said: “I wanted the cocktails to reflect a summer’s day at the races and make people think of the seaside.”

Jodie, an events manager from Redcar, said: “I think ‘Lady At The Races’ will be more suitable for women because it’s sweeter, while ‘Wabber-Jockey’ will be a hit with the men.”

This year’s best-dressed lady will win an overnight stay for two at Rockliffe Hall, with dinner in The Orangery, a spa treatment, and Spa Garden session.

More fabulous prizes will be on offer from regular sponsors Market Cross Jewellers, with Betty Leigh Boutique, Chic Hats, and Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty also supporting the event.

Rockliffe Hall chief executive, Eamonn Elliott, said: “We are delighted to be involved with Ladies’ Day at Redcar for the first time. The new cocktails will be on the menu in the lead up to Ladies’ Day and we might even retain them if they prove to be winners!”

Amy Fair, Redcar’s general manager, added: “Ladies’ Day is always such a lovely occasion and the addition of Rockliffe Hall as a new sponsor makes it even more special.”

[su_custom_gallery source=”media: 132,7795,7796″ width=”220″ height=”220″]

A FUN-PACKED mascot race in aid of a pioneering North-East charity ended up in a dramatic photo-finish in front of cheering punters.

Watch the race here!

The first “Royal Mascot” race took place on Racing UK Zetland Gold Cup Day at Redcar races, with six runners going to post – a horse and jockey, crocodile, hedgehog, panda, griffin, and monkey.

H’angus The Monkey, representing Hartlepool United, blazed a trail down the final furlong of the seaside racecourse and thought he’d won, only to be pipped on the post by Vauxhall Griffin, sponsored by Bristol Street Motors.

Killer Croc, who was badly hampered when his head kept swiveling round, finished a gallant third and the hedgehog, called Snowdrop The Spikeshuffler, finished fourth. Meanwhile, the horse and jockey – named Face of Society – collapsed exhausted in a heap, and poor old Pawsum the Panda trailed in last because he didn’t realise the race had started.

A bucket collection was held at the end of racing for the North-East Autism Society which marks its 40th anniversary next year.

Amy Fair, general manager of Redcar Racecourse, said: “This was our first mascot race and it was great fun in aid of a charity that has been doing important work in the North-East for the past 40 years. Congratulations to Vauxhall Griffin and special commiserations to H’Angus The Monkey who was clearly gutted to have gone so close.”

John Phillipson, chief executive of the North East Autism Society, said: “This was the first time we’ve linked up with Redcar Racecourse and it was just a fantastic day. Thank you to everyone who made us feel so welcome.”

Glamour, sophistication and socialising are all synonymous with a day at the races, but it is ramped up when it comes to Ladies Day.

Each of the nine racecourses in Yorkshire will be offering superb prizes for their Best Dressed Lady. The first competition is at Wetherby on Thursday, May 30 and they continue across Yorkshire throughout the summer before the final Ladies Day at Doncaster on Friday, September 13.

These are exciting days when everyone gets the chance to dress to impress and, uniquely in Yorkshire, all nine winners are invited to attend a Grand Final at Doncaster on Saturday, October 26 where they and their guest will be wined and dined in a private box for the day as well as having the chance to be crowned Go Racing In Yorkshire’s Best Dressed Lady 2019.

In addition to the title, the winner will take home a diamond ring worth £2,000 from loveVintageDiamonds.com, a two-night spa break at the Best Western Mount Pleasant Hotel and a £500 clothing voucher from new sponsor, Incognito.

So just what do you wear for Ladies Day? For Malton racehorse trainer Ruth Jefferson, choosing an outfit on a normal race day is fairly standard.

“I had 15 pairs of the same brand of black trousers at the last count,” said Ruth, when asked how she plans what to wear for the races. “Being practical is a must, there’s no point wearing a skirt that’s too tight for me to leg the jockey up!”

However, when it comes to special occasions like Ladies Day, Ruth who took over the training licence from her late father Malcolm, admits she needs a bit of help.

After an invite to Royal Ascot last year was followed up with a social media post along the lines of, “Can I wear trousers to Royal Ascot? Mum says no but I haven’t got a dress,” it was evident a spot of shopping was required!

Like all trainers, Ruth puts the needs of the horses and staff before herself and while she likes to keep an eye on the fashion scene, having the time to follow it up comes way down the ‘to do’ list.

“I need to be smart yet comfortable and able to work. It’s a balance between being able to be hands on with the horses but presentable to the owners and in the racecourse enclosures. I only wear white trousers if we’re running a grey!” Ruth added.

Just what to wear is an age-old problem for female racegoers, but fashion boutique, Incognito can certainly come up with the answer. The business which is now based in Bawtry has been in existence for over 30 years and has a keen racing clientele.

“Doncaster racecourse is just up the road and both my sister and I are regular attendees” said Jackie Reynolds, joint partner.

“We stock collections from very well-known designer brands, plus we are always careful to guide clients as we know that friends will be attending the same social events and don’t want to be wearing the same dress as someone else. Our personal service also helps to mitigate any fashion faux pas!” she added.

The boutique has a range of styles for all tastes and the sisters have an eye for knowing what will suit clients as soon as they walk through the door. With so much variety and expert guidance, finding the perfect outfit for Ladies Day will not be a problem.

Jackie and her sister Bernie took on the challenge of kitting out Ruth in garments that are both practical and stylish and did so with fantastic results.

“I live in jodhpurs and a fleece, so it’s really nice to be pushed out of my comfort zone. I’ve worn things at Incognito that I wouldn’t normally pick up in a shop and I’m pleasantly surprised by the outcome!” said Ruth, who also put herself in the hands of students from the White Rose College of Beauty for her hair and make-up.

“I definitely look younger and must try harder on a daily basis,” she joked when she saw the final result.

However, it wasn’t all about work as Jackie and Bernie prepared a glamorous look for Ruth and her mum Sue in readiness for their annual trip to York’s Ebor meeting in August, when Ladies Day is on Thursday, August 22.

“We’ve always loved going to York,” said Sue, “it’s a fantastic racecourse and it comes at a time when we are less busy at home so can relax and enjoy ourselves among colleagues and friends”.

While the outfits are the main focus of attention it is the accessories that enhance the detail. The winner of the Best Dressed Lady Final will have the perfect accompaniment as she sports a glistening 1920’s vintage ring made of 18 carat white gold from loveVintageDiamonds.com.

The two-stone twist crown is set with oval, cushion-shaped, rose-cut diamonds of the period and the total diamond weight is approximately 0.70 carats with a value of £2,000!

The winner will be able to tie in their trip to Incognito with a two night stay in a Spa Suite at the Best Western Mount Pleasant Hotel, a stay which includes champagne and home-made chocolates produced by the hotel’s own chocolatier on arrival, dinner with wine in the newly-refurbished Brassiere Artisan from the Table D’Hote menu, a full English breakfast on both days as well as a luxury fruit basket and Espa gift bag.

Helen McIlroy, of the Mount Pleasant Hotel said, “Given our proximity to Doncaster Racecourse we regularly have owners and trainers staying with us for the races or the sales and like to offer them some high-end luxury, whether their visit is for pleasure or for work purposes. It’s fitting that we should be able to offer something similar to Go Racing In Yorkshire’s Best Dressed Lady.”

EXCITEMENT is building with just over a week to go to the first “Royal Mascot” race at Redcar.

A strong line-up of mascots are confirmed for the race on Zetland Gold Cup Day, on Bank Holiday Monday, May 27, with Hartlepool United confirming the club’s famous mascot, H’Angus The Monkey, as a late entry.

Companies are being invited to join in the fun by sponsoring one of the runners and raising money for the pioneering North-East Autism Society.

The charity’s own mascots – Snowdrop The Hedgehog and Pawsum The Panda – will be taking part, with other competitors including a horse and jockey, a crocodile, and a dragon.

A Hartlepool United spokesman said: “H’Angus has stepped up his training and will be in prime condition for the big race. He’s there to win – not just monkey around.”

Meanwhile, Snowdrop and Pawsum visited Redcar this week to test the going on the course and also took the opportunity to pop down to the seafront for one of the resort’s famous lemon-top ice creams.

A North-East Autism Society spokesman said: “You can’t visit Redcar without having a lemon-top but Snowdrop and Pawsum are now on a strict diet to prepare for the race.”

Redcar’s general manager Amy Fair said: “This is the first time we’ve held a mascot race and it’s for a fantastic cause so we hope companies will show their support and join in the fun. We’re delighted that H’Angus the Monkey is now a confirmed entry.”

Businesses can either enter their own mascot if they have one, or “back” one of the mascots already running. The cost is £100 and companies will have their names printed in the racecard, benefit from racecourse announcements through the day, and receive four free Grandstand tickets to the races.

The mascot event will take place after the first race on Zetland Gold Cup Day, with competitors racing down the final furlong in front of the grandstand. They will parade in the paddock beforehand and the winner will be presented with a chocolate trophy by “The Queen”.

Zetland Gold Cup Day will also feature traditional children’s races, including the sack race and egg and spoon, so there is guaranteed to be lots of family fun.

One of the races on the card will be named in honour of the North East Autism Society and a bucket collection will be held for the charity.

• Any companies wishing to take part in the Royal Mascot race should contact Sophie Clarke on 0191 410 9974 or email sophie.clarke@ne-as.org.uk.

[su_custom_gallery source=”media: 7746,7745,7744,7743,132″ width=”220″ height=”220″]

SOUTHERN raiders are out in force as usual at Redcar tomorrow (Thursday) but local trainer Michael Dods goes into battle with some interesting ammunition.

Dods made no secret of the fact that he rates Myrmidons highly after the Casamento gelding – named after Achilles’ soldiers from Greek mythology – won on his debut over course and distance as a two-year-old.

The Denton trainer added that he thought Myrmidons, owned by Darlington businessman Dave Stone, would be better in time so he’s taken to give the others 5lbs in the Watch Irish Racing On Racing TV Novice Median Auction Stakes.

After a disappointing spell in recent weeks, Dods bounced back to form with another highly-rated horse in Pendleton at Newcastle this week, and Myrmidons can prove too strong for Cristal Breeze, trained at Newmarket by William Haggas.

Dods can follow up with the progressive Dancing Boy in the Every Race Live On Racing TV Handicap. He got better with each run as a two-year-old, finishing second at Newcastle on his last two races over seven furlongs and a mile respectively. The extra two furlongs at Redcar should suit with Andrew Mullen in the driving seat.

The seven-race card gets underway at 1.55pm with the Racing TV Club Here Today Selling Stakes. Lambourn trainer Archie Watson likes a winner at Redcar and he saddles three, with debutante Gold Venture looking the likely pick under Hollie Doyle. That said, Richard Fahey throws in another interesting first-timer in Tiny Titan and the betting is worth a careful check.

Vivivaki, another Newmarket raider, trained by Robert Cowell, was a promising second in a conditions race at Ascot this time last year but has disappointed since. Pat Cosgrave takes the ride in the Follow racingtv On Twitter Fillies’ Novice Stakes and this could be her opportunity if reproducing that Ascot run.

Country, a handsome son of Dubawi, was an impressive winner for William Haggas at the last Redcar meeting and the sire might well follow-up with Saeed bin Suroor’s Gentle Look in the Racing TV Profits Returned To Racing Handicap. The gelding was fourth at Windsor on his only run this term and should strip fitter this time, with James Tate’s Solar Heights – an £85,000 yearling and a winner on the all-weather at Chelmsford in March – a clear danger.

Hollie Doyle is always a popular visitor to Redcar and she has a good chance of victory in the Watch Racing TV In Stunning HD Claiming Stakes. This won’t take a lot of winning and Doyle’s mount Clayton, trained in Lambourn by Archie Doyle, showed he’s up to the mark when going clear in a seller last time at Musselburgh.

The meeting ends at 5.10pm with the Go Racing At Thirsk This Saturday Handicap and North Yorkshire trainer Roger Fell could have the answer in Kodi Dream who didn’t get a clear run and only just failed to peg back Jedd O’Keeffe’s Anna Bunina at the last Redcar meeting.

LITTLE Grace Chapman was in wonderland yesterday after winning a VIP trip to Redcar Races thanks to her artistic skills.

Grace, five, from Hartlepool, won the annual competition to design the racecard front cover for the Easter Monday meeting at the seaside course.

As well as being treated to a special lunch with her family, Grace also presented the trophy in a race named in her honour, and met the characters from Alice In Wonderland.

With so many runners entered, the race was divided into two, so she got to present the trophy twice.
Grace’s mum Becky said: “She’s had a day she’ll never forget – it’s been really special.”

Her dad Ian added: “We’ve all had a cracking day so, hopefully, it will encourage Grace to continue with her art.”
With the course bathed in sunshine, crowds turned out in force for the meeting.

As well as Alice and her friends making an appearance, children were also treated to gifts from the Easter Bunny.

[su_custom_gallery source=”media: 7604,132″ width=”220″ height=”220″]

PHILLIP Makin was the toast of Redcar Races today after training his first winner – on the track where a sickening fall ended his career as a jockey.

The horrific fall at Redcar last August led to Makin retiring from the saddle and setting up as a trainer from a yard at Easingwold, in North Yorkshire.

And Galloway Hills, bought out of the David Elsworth yard, got Makin off the mark in fine style under jockey Sam James.

“It’s nice to get the first one out of the way ¬– we were fairly hopeful because he was the first one we thought had a decent chance,” said Makin.

“After what happened here last summer, it’s especially nice to get off the mark at Redcar. It’s such a good, fair track so we’ll always be happy to send horses here.”

The trophy was presented to Makin by Peter Rushby in memory of his wife Susan. The couple were long-standing members at Redcar and the race was originally planned as a celebration of their 40th wedding anniversary.
Sadly, Susan died suddenly in March, but Peter decided to go ahead with the race as a touching way of remembering his wife.

“It’s what she would have wanted because she loved coming here,” he said.

“Susan had multiple sclerosis and was in a wheelchair but Redcar is a fantastic course to get around and the staff have been brilliant,” added Peter, who backed the winner.

“Susan would have been over the moon with that,” he said.

The Armed Man and Paula Muir are fast becoming one of the most prolific partnerships in racing. Five-pound claimer Muir won for the seventh time on the Chris Fairhurst-trained gelding in the Market Cross Jewellers Handicap Stakes.
“He’s definitely my favourite – he never looked like losing,” said Paula.

Fairhurst, who also bred the horse, said: “We thought he’d need his first run of the season but clearly not. He’s just been a dream of a horse to train and Paula’s just clicked with him.”

Owner Carol Arnold said: “He doesn’t like change and Paula even talks to him – I think she might even use the odd Scottish swear word at him! He’s given us such a lot of pleasure. We have his full brother, The Gingerbread Man, in training with Chris. He hasn’t done anything yet but, hopefully, he’s saving himself.”

There was a quick-fire double for Middleham trainer Jedd O’Keeffe and jockey Jack Garritty when Anna Bunina took the Grace Chapman Designed Today’s Racecard Cover Handicap Stakes (Division Two) and Echo followed up in the racingtv.com Handicap Stakes.

Anna Bunina is owned by O’Keeffe’s father-in-law, Richard Johnson, and wife Jacqueline. By Poet’s Voice and out of Russian Society, the filly was named by Jacqueline after the first Russian female poet to make any money in the romantic period.

“We watched her on the gallops on Saturday and she did really well, so we were hopeful,” said Jacqueline.
Echo had won his last two races on the all-weather at Newcastle over 1m 4f but O’Keeffe was confident he would stay the extra half mile of today’s contest.

“The jockey was struggling to pull him up at Newcastle so we thought this would suit him,” he said. “He’ll probably stick to this sort of distance now.”

The trainer also paid warm tribute to winning jockey Jack Garritty. “He doesn’t get the chances he deserves because of his weight but he’s such a fantastic team player, he’s a real asset to us,” he said.

There was also a short-priced double for Danny Tudhope as Hortzadar, trained by David O’Meara, comfortably justified odds-on favouritsm in the Join Racing TV Now Handicap Stakes.

The horse is owned by Glasgow-based Akela Construction Ltd and managing director Mark Markey said: “The handicapper will probably get hold of him now but he’s a nice horse and there’ll be plenty of nice races for him to go for.”
Tudhope had enjoyed a very classy performance from the well-backed Country, a beautiful son of Dubawi, in the first race of the day, the Watch Racing TV In Stunning HD Novice Stakes. Trained at Newmarket by William Haggas, he looks a horse with a future.

Lexicon was a welcome winner for Malton handler Ollie Pears in division one of the Grace Chapman Designed Today’s Racecard Cover under a strong Jamie Gormley ride.

And the eight-race card was brought to a climax with Ascot Dreamer, trained by David Brown and ridden by Lewis Edmunds, winning the Like Racing TV On Facebook Handicap Stakes.

[su_custom_gallery source=”media: 132,7601″ width=”220″ height=”220″]

LITTLE Grace Chapman is the winner of an annual art competition to design the front cover of the racecard for Redcar’s Easter Monday meeting.

Grace, five, who comes from Hartlepool, has won a VIP family day out after her eye-catching entry was picked by the judges.

Her mum Becky said: “We love coming to Redcar Races and Grace is so excited to have won the competition because she just loves drawing.”

Youngsters were challenged to colour a template showing an Easter egg jockey passing the finishing post.

Grace, a pupil at Kingsley Primary School, will have a race named after her on Easter Monday and will present the trophy to the owners of the winning horse.

As well as four admission tickets into the Grandstand, her family will also enjoy a three-course meal, a bottle of wine, and free racecards.

Katie Louise Park was runner-up and will have her entry printed inside the racecard as well as winning four Grandstand tickets for Easter Monday. The third-placed artist, Maisie Whittaker, will also have her entry printed in the racecard and will receive two Grandstand tickets.

Redcar’s general manager Amy Fair said: “The standard of entries this year was fantastic, and Grace is one of the youngest winners we’ve ever had. She did an amazing job and we hope she and her family have a memorable day.”

As well as a cracking day’s racing, Redcar will be bouncing with family fun activities on Easter Monday, including visits from the Easter Bunny and Alice and Wonderland and friends.

The gates open at 11am, with the first race scheduled for 1.55pm. Entrance prices are £17 into the Grandstand (£14 for concessions) and £6 into the Course enclosure (£5 for concessions). Admission is free for accompanied children aged 17 and under.

[su_custom_gallery source=”media: 132,7585,7586″ width=”220″ height=”220″]

Cyclists who are riding more than 450 miles to provide financial support for young people to work in racing had pride of place at Redcar today.
The riders from the British Racing School “Rory MacDonald Memorial Fund” stopped at the seaside track en route from Musselburgh to Newmarket.
During their epic journey, they are visiting seven racecourses in memory of the late chief executive officer of the BRS. Mr MacDonald was CEO of the school for 22 years and died suddenly in 2015.
The proceeds from their fund-raising will support young people aiming for careers in the racing industry.
The cyclists presented the trophy after the British Racing School Charity Cycle Ride Handicap, which was won by Wink Oliver, trained at Lambourn by Jo Hughes and ridden by Dougie Costello.
Paul Hanagan and Middleham-based James Bethell teamed up to win the Zetland Gold Cup at Redcar on Monday with Briardale and the pair were swiftly back in the winner’s enclosure today.
Hanagan won the opener on Richard Fahey’s Dance Diva, who beat Tom Dascombe’s Miss Dd, despite running green, and will surely be better for the run.
Veteran trainer Bethell followed up in the second race of the day, with New Society, ridden by PJ MacDonald, running out an easy winner from Tim Easterby’s Sheriff Garett.
Former champion jockey Jamie Spencer had one booked ride at Redcar and he made it pay as Luca Cumani’s Near Kettering stayed on gamely to hold off Mick Channon’s Pattie under a determined ride from Graham Lee.
The Richard Guest-trained Lydia’s Place won the fifth race of the day despite hanging right under Clifford Lee. The pair go up on the stands rail to deny a 33-1 surprise by Economic Crisis.
Malton trainer Nigel Tinkler’s Kaeso ran on well under Tom Eaves to deny favourite Logi in the penultimate race.
And Rod Millman made the long journey from Devon pay dividends when Concur took the last race of the day, the Follow Redcarracing On Facebook and Twitter Amateur Riders Maiden Handicap. Pat Millman brought the four-year-old through to lead inside the furlong and win going away from Marjorie Fife’s Kensington Palace.

 

 

HORSE-MAD schoolgirl Olivia Renshaw has earned her family a special Easter treat thanks to her artistic skills.

Olivia, 11, of Middlesbrough, is the winner of Redcar Racecourse’s competition to design the front cover of the racecard for the Easter Monday meeting on April 17.

The prize means one of the races at Redcar on Easter Monday will be named in Olivia’s honour and she’ll present the trophy to the winner as part of a VIP package which also includes a three-course meal with her family.

Olivia, who attends Acklam Whin Primary School in Middlesbrough, loves horses and volunteers every Saturday at Stainsby Grange stables at Thornaby. She wants to be an Olympic show-jumping star when she grows up.

She said: “I can’t believe I’ve won the competition. It’s really exciting and I can’t wait to come to the races with my family and see my very own race.”

She’ll be joined by her mum Claire Kane, sister Sophie, 14, and her grandma and grandad Glynis and Albert Dyas.

Claire said: “Olivia had the chance to take any of her friends but she especially wanted to take her grandad because he hasn’t been very well. We all can’t wait.”

Redcar’s Easter Monday meeting promises to be a fun-packed family day out, with appearances by the Easter Bunny, Alice In Wonderland, and the Mad Hatter. There’s also an Easter bonnet parade, a treasure hunt and free mini-eggs for early arrivals subject to availability.

There are seven scheduled races, due to start at 2.35pm, but the first race could be brought forward to 2.05m, depending on the number of runners declared on Saturday morning.

Adult tickets for the course enclosure are £6 with children 17 and under admitted free.

General manager Amy Fair said: “It’s a great value day out for families who want to do something a little different on Easter Monday. Bring a picnic and join in the fun.”

REDCAR Racecourse is ready for the starting stalls to open on an action-packed new season following an impressive investment of nearly £200,000 to improve facilities.

The friendly seaside track has a cracking season ahead, with 18 meetings, starting on April 10.   The raceday experience will be better than ever thanks to a general upgrading of facilities, which includes the installation of a “Wi-fi Net” across the course to give race-goers the advantage of superfast broadband.

Redcar has seven “Premier Meetings” in 2017, starting with an eggs-tra special Easter Monday fixture on April 17. Ideal for a family day out, the meeting features appearances by the Easter Bunny, Alice in Wonderland, and the Mad Hatter.

There’s also a chance to win a VIP family day out at the races on Easter Monday in our fabulous competition to design the front cover of the Easter Monday racecard. The young artist who colours in the winning entry will win VIP tickets, a table in the restaurant with a three-course meal, a race named after them, and the chance to present the trophy in the winners’ enclosure. The template and entry form can be downloaded from www.redcarracing.co.uk.

The other Premier Meetings are:

  • Racing UK Zetland Gold Cup Day on Bank Holiday Monday, May 29.
  • Ladies’ Day on Saturday, June 24 (featuring a Fashion Show, plus Best Dressed Lady and Best Hat Competitions, with great prizes provided by Market Cross Jewellers).
  • Help For Heroes Family Fun Day on Sunday, July 23.
  • Caribbean Carnival Day on Saturday, August 12 (featuring boatloads of pirates and colourful Fancy Dress Competitions).
  • Ladies’ and Gents’ Evening on Saturday, August 26 (featuring Best Dressed Lady, Best Dressed Gent and Best Dressed Couple competitions).
  • Oktoberfest, featuring the Totepool Two Year Old Trophy on Saturday, October 7.

Highlight of the autumn racing season at Redcar is the £175,000 Totepool Two Year Old Trophy which always attracts the UK’s top juvenile sprinters. This year, Redcar has teamed up with the famous Theakston Brewery to add the attraction of a beer festival to the big October 7 fixture. There’s even an oompah band and a Lederhosen fancy dress competition!

General Manager Amy Fair said: “Every year, we look to add to what Redcar has to offer. With the refurbishment and host of new attractions, the 2017 season has lots in store – not just for racing fans but for those looking for a fun-packed day out.”

  • Media enquiries should be made to Peter Barron on 07711 958272

Viewers from across the world tuned in to watch Wick Powell, trained by David Barron of Thirsk, win the £175,000 Totepool Two Year Old Trophy race at Redcar Racecourse, when the feature race on Saturday 1st October was broadcast live on Channel 4 Racing and Racing UK (Sky 432).
The Teesside racecourse welcomed over 3,600 racegoers from across the region to its annual Totepool Two Year Old Trophy Day, with the quality racing attracting racehorses from across the UK and Ireland.
The £40,000 listed Totescoop6 EBF Stallions Guisborough Stakes was won by the 5/2 favourite Latharnch, owned by Godolphin and trained in Newmarket by Charlie Appleby.
Alongside the two big races on the day, there were 5 other races including the Market Cross Jewellers Handicap Stakes and the Pinnacle Straight Mile Series final – a series of 8 qualifying races during the season with the £20,000 Grand Final race on Saturday, and won for the second year running by Father Bertie trained by Tim Easterby at Malton.
Redcar Racecourse’s General Manager Amy Fair, said: “The Totepool Two Year Old Trophy Day is always a fantastic raceday for everyone involved and I’m pleased to say that this year has been another outstanding success.

“It’s great to see the feature race of the day, the Totepool Two Year Old Trophy be won by a locally trained horse in Wick Powell owned by Nicola Barron and trained by David Barron at Thirsk.

“Overall, it was a brilliant day and although it was our last Premier meeting of the season, we have three more race meetings left to enjoy and we’re already looking forward to what promises to be another exciting year at Redcar in 2017.”

One attendee on the day, Christine Brown, was celebrating her birthday with her family and as a special honour, was asked to present the winning trophy of the second race on the card, The Racing UK in glorious HD Selling Stakes.
She said: “I have had a fabulous day. Everything has been perfect and we will remember this for the rest of our lives.”
Racegoers also enjoyed Star Wars themed entertainment, as Page2Stage brought popular characters to the raceday, including Princess Leia, Jedi Knights, Darth Vader and Stormtroopers.

While Saturday was Redcar’s last Premier meeting of the season, there are three more regular meetings to come before this year’s events close, on Friday 14th October, Monday 24th October, and Tuesday 1st November.

For the next race meeting at Redcar Racecourse on Friday 14th there are seven races on the card with the first race scheduled to start at 2.10pm. The admission gates will open to the public at 12 noon and admission prices start from just £4 per adult with free admission for accompanied children aged 17 and under.

Parties of 10 or more can also save over 20% when they book their Grandstand or Course Enclosure admission tickets in advance.

For more information, visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/.

Redcar Racecourse is preparing to take centre stage as thousands of people are expected to attend the highly anticipated Totepool Two Year Old Trophy Day, on Saturday 1st October.

With prize money of £175,000, the Listed Totepool Two Year Old Trophy is one of the most valuable juvenile races in Europe and one of the highlights of Redcar’s season. The race was first run in 1989 and proved an instant success with owners and trainers.

2014 saw a top-class performance from Henry Candy’s Limato. Following success in an Ascot Group 3 and a Doncaster Group 2 last season, this season Limato won the Group 1 Darley July Cup at Newmarket and was second to Mecca’s Angel in the Group 1 Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York in August.

The high class action is not just limited to the feature race as the card is supported by the listed Totescoop6 EBF Stallions Guisborough Stakes. With prize money of £40,000, many of the top stables will be gunning for this prize. Saeed Bin Surror has won the race three times for Godolphin in recent years, whilst the likes of Clive Brittain, Paul Cole, William Haggas, Richard Fahey, Mick Channon, Brian Ellison, and Mark Johnston have all won it in recent seasons.

Completing the trio of top class races is the final of the Pinnacle Cup Straight Mile Series, a series of eight qualifying races run throughout the season with the final being run on Saturday 1st October.

The racecourse’s final Premier meeting of the racing season will be broadcast on Channel 4 Racing and Racing UK, so viewers from across the UK and Ireland can tune in to what is set to be the highlight of the Autumn racing season.

Redcar Racecourse’s general manager, Amy Fair, expressed her excitement for the raceday and said: “The Totepool Two Year Old Trophy Day is our biggest race meeting of the year and it’s always a fantastic raceday.

“The event sees families and friends come together to enjoy not only some top quality racing but also take part in the great entertainment we have for the children.”

Racegoers will also have the chance to enjoy Star Wars themed entertainment, as Page2Stage is bringing popular characters to the raceday, including Princess Leia, Jedi Knights, Darth Vader and Stormtroopers.

In the run up to the big day, Redcar Racecourse is also celebrating its final Premier meeting of the season by giving one lucky racegoer the chance to win a VIP day for four people by taking part in its prize draw on social media.

The winner and their three friends will receive a day out to remember with VIP admission badges and racecards with hospitality including a three course meal with a bottle of wine and table for the evening in the Voltigeur Restaurant.

Admission prices on the day start from £5 per adult with free admission for accompanied children aged 17 and under. The admission gates will open at 12 noon, there will be seven races with the first race scheduled to start at 2.10pm.

Parties of 10 or more can also save over 20% when they book their Grandstand or Course Enclosure admission tickets in advance.

For more information, visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/ and to enter the VIP competition, visit https://www.facebook.com/RedcarRacing/

Facebook & Twitter: @Redcarracing
Instagram: @RedcarRacecourse

Press shot 1 caption: Best Dressed Couple competition winners Jarred and Gina Thomas

Thousands of racegoers from across the region turned out over the bank holiday weekend to experience Teesside’s social highlight of the racing calendar.

Over 3,500 people attended Redcar Racecourse’s Ladies’ & Gents’ Evening on Saturday 27th August, which included best dressed competitions, a fun casino, photo booth, and live entertainment from local band The Persuaders.

Special guest of the evening, Sarah Gething Miss Teesside 2016/17, was a member of the judging panel for the ‘Best Dressed’ competitions. She was joined by Dawn Welsh and Nicola Foy from Market Cross Jewellers, Calvin Conradie and Paul Smith from Bakers Tailoring, and Emma Maude and Amber Hall from Hays Travel Redcar.

Sarah said: “Redcar Racecourse is an absolutely fantastic venue and it’s has been a brilliant opportunity for me to get stuck in and get involved with such a great sporting event.”

The ‘Best Dressed’ competitions were the highlight of the evening and racecourse spotters mingled with the crowds to find the finalists of the ladies, gents and couple categories.

Seventeen-year-old Zachary Greenan, from Middlesbrough, took away the prize for the ‘Best Dressed Gent’, bagging himself a £400 men’s suit, shirt and tie from Bakers Tailoring and a Hugo Boss pen from Market Cross Jewellers.

The overwhelmed teenager said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to have won this amazing prize. This is my first time at Redcar Racecourse, but it certainly won’t be my last as I’ve had a brilliant day.”

Anya Allison won the ‘Best Dressed Lady’ category, winning herself a bespoke fascinator and matching bag from Lynne Young Chic Hats, a Lola and Grace collerette necklace from Market Cross Jewellers, and a cut and blow dry voucher and gift bag from Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty.

Anya, who is from Stockton-on-Tees was delighted and said: “We’ve had a fabulous day here and this has made the day extra special for me.”

The ‘Best Dressed Couple’ competition was won by newlyweds Jarred and Gina Thomas, who impressed the judges with their flawless outfits.

The couple from Redcar were in shock after discovering their prizes included his & hers Armani watches and £100 gift vouchers from Market Cross Jewellers, £100 travel vouchers from Hays Travel, Redcar, and a couple’s photoshoot including 10 images and A4 print from Eastwood Photography.

Jarred said: “I’m ecstatic! This has really made our day. I’m wearing my wedding suit which must have given us some luck because there was stiff competition.”

Redcar Racecourse’s general manager, Amy Fair said: “We had a wonderful evening and I’m so pleased to see so many people dressed up and enjoying themselves.

“The best dressed competitions have always been incredibly popular with our racegoers and this year proved to be no different, so I would like to say a special thank you to the sponsors for making it such a special occasion.”

The last Premier meeting of the season for 2016 will be the Totepool Two Year Old Trophy Day on October 1st.

Hospitality options are available from the Dine & View package in the Crow’s Nest Restaurant, which includes admission, a racecard, food and drink.

For more information about the Teesside racecourse, visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/.

Facebook & Twitter: @Redcarracing

Over 4,500 people from across the North East donned their best Caribbean outfits and enjoyed Redcar Racecourse’s Caribbean Carnival Day on Saturday 6th August.
Hordes of families enjoyed carnival fun at the annual event which featured seven races, fancy dress competitions, pirates, and musical entertainment from the Paradise Steel Band.
Amy Fair, general manager of Redcar Racecourse, said: “It’s been a fantastic day. We’re really pleased to see such a great turnout for the event.
“Every year the racegoers surpass themselves with their creative outfits and it was wonderful to see so many families together enjoying a wonderful day out.”
Redcar Racecourse’s popular raceday featured fancy dress competitions for adults and children who put on their best pirate and Caribbean costumes.
The children’s fancy dress competition winner, eight-year-old Jamie Black, from Cumbria, won a hamper basket of sweets to take home.
He said: “I feel really lucky to have won the competition and I can’t wait to dig into all these sweets and share them with my family.”
Partners, Kelby Makin and Danielle Joule, from Bolton, won the adult’s fancy dress competition and were delighted to have won.
Danielle said: “It’s been a fantastic day out and winning the fancy dress competition has just made the day even more special for us both.
Redcar Racecourse’s annual event included local acts from performing arts company Page2Stage, who helped to deliver a wonderful fun-filled day for families from across the region with appearances from swash buckling pirates, Jake and Izzy from Neverland and their friends Captain Jack and Elizabeth Swan.

The remainder of the 2016 season at Redcar has two more feature racedays; the Ladies’ & Gents’ evening on Saturday 27th August, and the famous Two Year Old Trophy on Saturday 1st October.
For more information about the Teesside racecourse, visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/.

Caribbean fever has hit Redcar Racecourse as it prepares for its fifth Premier meeting of the racing season.

The racecourse’s annual Caribbean Carnival raceday, which will be held on Saturday 6th August, will include musical entertainment from Paradise Steel Band, Caribbean cocktails, and of course pirates who will entertain the crowds with chants and stories about life on the open sea.

Alongside seven races, racegoers will have a chance of winning some treasure in the racecourse’s fancy dress competitions, open to both adults and children who don their pirate and Caribbean costumes.

Amy Fair, general manager of Redcar Racecourse, said: “This is one of the best Premier meetings for families because there is so much to do and see around the racecourse.

“Everyone who attends always makes a wonderful effort and we can’t wait to see the colourful outfits the racegoers wear this year.”

In celebration of the Premier meeting, the racecourse is offering one lucky person the chance to win a VIP day out for four people on the raceday, by taking part in its prize draw on social media. The winner and their three friends will receive a day out to remember with VIP admission badges and racecards, and hospitality including three course lunch with a bottle of wine and table for the day in the Voltigeur Restaurant.

Local performing arts company, Page2Stage, is working closely with Redcar Racecourse to deliver a fun filled day providing great entertainment, from swash buckling pirates, Jake and Izzy from Neverland and their friends Captain Jack and Elizabeth Swan.

The remainder of the 2016 season at Redcar includes two other Premier meetings; Ladies’ and Gents’ Evening on Saturday 27th August and the famous Two Year Old Trophy on Saturday 1st October.

On Caribbean Carnival Day admission prices on the day start from £5 per adult with free admission for accompanied children aged 17 and under. The admission gates will open at 12 noon and the first race is scheduled to start at 2.15pm.

Parties of 10 or more can also save over 20% when they book their Grandstand or Course Enclosure admission tickets in advance.

For more information, visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/ and to enter the Caribbean Carnival Day VIP competition, visit https://www.facebook.com/RedcarRacing/.

Facebook & Twitter: @Redcarracing

Racegoers from across the North East are being encouraged to show their support for the armed forces at Redcar Racecourse’s Help for Heroes Family Fun Day this month.

The raceday, on Sunday 17th July, will see families from across the region come together to show their support for both Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion.

Thousands of people are expected to attend the annual event, which is also the second day of the Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival.

Help for Heroes and The Royal British Legion will be fundraising at the meeting and members of the armed forces attending on the day, will have the opportunity to present winning connections with their prizes.

Alongside the horse races on the day there will be a parade along the final furlong of the racecourse by the Royal British Legion standard bearers, which will culminate in a two-minute silence to remember all those who have served in the forces.

Eric Howden, BEM, who was mentioned in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List last month and was awarded the British Empire Medal, will be leading the parade.

Eric, who is a member of the Royal Army Ordinance Corps, having served in Germany and Singapore, said: “I have been leading the parade for many years now and every year myself and the service personnel always receive a wonderful, warm reception, which we really appreciate.

“People come from all around the North East to attend this special raceday and it’s a lovely feeling to see so many turn out to show their respect for the veterans.”

Accompanied by the Cleveland Army Cadet Force marching band, the parade will also include members of the Armed Forces Bikers, 2394 Squadron Air Training Corps, Cleveland Army Cadets, and Sea Cadets from the Training Ship Zetland. Current and former armed service personnel are welcome to join in the parade which will take place immediately after the third race at 3.05pm.

Any serving or former military personnel wearing their medals with an MOD90 card or HM Armed Forces Veteran badge, will get free entry into the racecourse on the day, in recognition of their service.

Amy Fair, general manager of Redcar Racecourse said: “We are really looking forward to our Help for Heroes Family Fun Day, because not only is it always a fantastic day out for all the family, but it’s a proud day for us to be supporting such good causes.”

In celebration of the annual meeting, the racecourse is giving one lucky racegoer the chance to win a VIP day for four people by taking part in its prize draw on social media. The winner and their three friends will receive a day out to remember with VIP admission badges and racecards, and hospitality including three course lunch with a bottle of wine and table for the day in the Voltigeur Restaurant.

The remainder of the season for 2016 is jam-packed with other Premier meetings including the Caribbean Carnival Day on Saturday 6th August, Ladies’ and Gents’ Evening on Saturday 27th August, and the Two Year Old Trophy Day on Saturday 1st October.

Admission prices on the day start from £5 per adult with free admission for accompanied children aged 17 and under. The admission gates will open at 12 noon and the first race is scheduled to start at 2.00pm.

Parties of 10 or more can also save over 20% when they book their Grandstand or Course Enclosure admission tickets in advance.

There are many hospitality options from the Dine & View package in the Crow’s Nest Restaurant to racegoers’ packages including admission, a racecard, food and drink.

The Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival is a weeklong racing extravaganza with racing at eight Yorkshire racecourses during the week, starting at Ripon on Saturday 16th July and culminating at Pontefract on Sunday 24th July.

For more information, visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/ and to enter the VIP prize draw visit https://www.facebook.com/RedcarRacing/.

For more information on Help for Heroes, visit http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/ and to discover more about the Royal British Legion, visit http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/ and for information on Go Racing In Yorkshire, visit http://www.felixfund.org.uk/.

Thousands of glamourous ladies from across the North East attended Redcar Racecourse’s spectacular Ladies’ Day Premier meeting last weekend.  The sun came out on Saturday 18th June and greeted over 5,500 people from across the region who came together to enjoy the social highlight of the racing calendar.

Alongside the eight races, chic racegoers also took part in the racecourse’s popular Ladies’ Day competitions: Best Dressed Lady and Best Hat.

 

Julie Moore was crowned Best Dressed Lady, wining an array of designer prizes which included a Gucci necklace and bracelet, and a £150 gift voucher all from Market Cross Jewellers.

Julie, from Redcar, wore a Ted Baker winning outfit and was overwhelmed to win the top prize.  She said: “This is absolutely amazing! I wasn’t expecting to win at all and this has just made a fantastic day even more fabulous.”

Julie has been invited to represent Redcar in the Go Racing In Yorkshire Grand Final at Doncaster Racecourse on Saturday 22nd October.

In second place for Best Dressed Lady was Faye Horsley, also from Redcar, who bought her outfit from Dollywood Boutique in Marton. Victoria Mansfield, from Middlesbrough, came in third place with her ASOS dress. Both ladies enjoyed fabulous prizes from Market Cross Jewellers and Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty.

Best Hat competition winner, Stella McQuillan, was awarded a bespoke fascinator from Chic Hats, a makeover photoshoot for two from Eastwood Photography, and a gel nails voucher from Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty.

 

Stella, from Redcar, who showcased her winning hat from Chic Hats, said: “I’m over the moon! It’s been a fantastic day. Thank you so much for all these lovely prizes.

 

“I had my heart set on wearing a big hat and Lynne Young from Chic Hats was amazing and created this wonderful hat just for me.”

 

In second place for Best Hat was Jessica Hughes, from Stockton, whose spectacular hat was from Hatties, and in third place was Lydia Craven, from Redcar, whose hat was also from Chic Hats.

Redcar Racecourse’s General Manager, Amy Fair, said: “Ladies’ Day is always a fabulous meeting for both the racecourse and the racegoers, and we’re pleased to be once again celebrating another successful race day.

“The ladies looked magnificent in their outfits and there were some really competitive races so overall it was a wonderful day for all the family.”

The racecourse teamed up with Teesside Hospice to showcase a ‘Dress For Less’ fashion show. All of the outfits have been sourced through the Teesside Hospice shops, including the Saltburn Vintage shop, brand boutique in Yarm, and £1 shop in Redcar, proving you can dress for less.

 

Local performing arts company, Page2Stage, provided marvellous entertainment for all the family with appearances from princesses Snow White, Cinderella, and Rapunzel.

There are four Premier meetings left in Redcar Racecourse’s 2016 calendar with the next being the Help for Heroes Family Fun Day on Sunday July 17th.

Hospitality options are available from the Dine & View package in the Crow’s Nest Restaurant, which includes admission, a racecard, food and drink.

For more information about the Teesside racecourse, visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/.F acebook & Twitter: @Redcarracing

lucky North East racegoer spent a VIP day at Redcar Racecourse’s Zetland Gold Cup Premier meeting on Bank Holiday Monday, 30th May.

Elizabeth Garstang, from Hartlepool, was treated to a VIP day worth over £500 when she was randomly selected as the Golden Ticket winner after pre-booking her Zetland Gold Cup race day tickets.

The luxurious prize included having ‘The Congratulations Golden Ticket Winner Elizabeth Garstang Selling Stakes’ race named in her honour, VIP admission badges for four people, and a three course meal in the Voltigeur Restaurant.

Elizabeth, who was given the opportunity to present the trophy to the winner of her race with her family, said: “We’ve had a fantastic day! The Golden Ticket prize has made our family day out even more special and memorable.

“After having a fantastic trip to Redcar Racecourse last year, we were really keen to book tickets again and we are certainly going to come back and experience the other Premier meetings because it really is a great family day out.”

Elizabeth’s son, Joe aged 10, said that presenting the prize to the winner of the race was very exciting.

He added: “Myself and my brother have had a fantastic day and we just love the Golden Ticket and the prizes that came with it.”

The Golden Ticket prize draw was held in celebration of the historical Zetland Gold Cup, a race which has run annually since the end of the Second World War. On the day, the £25,000 Racing UK Zetland Gold Cup race was won by Revolutionist trained by Middleham trainer Mark Johnston, who also trained the winner of the race last year.

Over 4,500 people attended the Premier meeting and enjoyed entertainment from Page2Stage, with popular characters from Disney’s Frozen, including Elsa, Anna and Olaf, as well as appearances from Captain America and Spiderman.

Redcar Racecourse’s general manager, Amy Fair said: “We’re pleased to say we’ve had another wonderful Zetland Gold Cup Premier meeting”.

“It’s always a pleasure to share this special race day steeped in history with so many people, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment put on by Page2Stage.”

The next Premier meeting to be held at Redcar Racecourse will be Ladies’ Day, on Saturday 18thJune.

For more information about the Teesside racecourse, visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/.

 

This bank holiday Monday, Redcar Racecourse is going Willy Wonka for its Zetland Gold Cup.

One lucky winner will receive the Golden Ticket and race to VIP status on Monday, 30th May with three of their friends.

A race will be named in honour of the fortunate Golden Ticket holder and they will have the rare opportunity to present the trophy to the winning connections.

As well as this, they will all receive VIP admission and race cards, a three course meal a bottle of wine in the Voltigeur Restaurant, plus a luxury gift, all complimentary from Redcar Racecourse.

So how do you win this great prize? Anyone who pre-books tickets for the Zetland Gold Cup raceday by 4pm on Wednesday 25th May will automatically be entered into the draw to win the Golden Ticket, whether they book in person, on line or by phone.

The prize draw is in celebration of the historical Zetland Gold Cup, a one and a quarter mile Heritage Handicap race which has been going since the end of the Second World War. It attracts high profile trainers; in 2009 the race was won by Kingdom of Fife, a horse owned by Her Majesty The Queen.

Amy Fair, general manager at Redcar Racecourse said: “We’re really looking forward to The Zetland Gold Cup. I can’t wait to meet the Golden Ticket winner and give them a day to remember!”

The North East-based racecourse has also teamed up with local entertainment company Page2Stage, who will be providing a fun filled day for all the family, with popular characters from Disney’s Frozen, including Elsa, Anna and Olaf, as well as appearances from Captain America and Spiderman.

People can buy their tickets over the phone on 01642 484068 during office hours or by visiting www.redcarracing.co.uk. Grandstand admission tickets are £15 and Course Enclosure admission tickets are £5 each, which can also be purchased on the day.

Redcar Racecourse is the cheapest paid admission racecourse in the country, with its prices starting from £5 per adult with free admission for accompanied children aged 17 and under. On Zetland Gold Cup Day the admission gates will open at 11am with the first race scheduled to start at 12.45pm.

Parties of 10 or more can also save over 20% when they book their Grandstand or Course Enclosure admission tickets in advance.

There are also many hospitality options from the Dine & View package in the Crow’s Nest Restaurant, which includes admission, a racecard, food and drink.

For your chance to win the Golden Ticket competition pre-book your Zetland Gold Cup tickets over the phone on 01642 484068 or by visiting www.redcarracing.co.uk/race-meetings/monday-30th-may-zetland-gold-cup-day-bh.

The next Premier meeting after the Zetland Gold Cup will be Ladies’ Day on Saturday 18th June.

For more information visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/.

Facebook & Twitter: @Redcarracing

This bank holiday Monday, Redcar Racecourse is going Willy Wonka for its Zetland Gold Cup.

One lucky winner will receive the Golden Ticket and race to VIP status on Monday, 30th May with three of their friends.

A race will be named in honour of the fortunate Golden Ticket holder and they will have the rare opportunity to present the trophy to the winning connections.

As well as this, they will all receive VIP admission and race cards, a three course meal a bottle of wine in the Voltigeur Restaurant, plus a luxury gift, all complimentary from Redcar Racecourse.

So how do you win this great prize? Anyone who pre-books tickets for the Zetland Gold Cup raceday by 4pm on Wednesday 25th May will automatically be entered into the draw to win the Golden Ticket, whether they book in person, on line or by phone.

The prize draw is in celebration of the historical Zetland Gold Cup, a one and a quarter mile Heritage Handicap race which has been going since the end of the Second World War. It attracts high profile trainers; in 2009 the race was won by Kingdom of Fife, a horse owned by Her Majesty The Queen.

Amy Fair, general manager at Redcar Racecourse said: “We’re really looking forward to The Zetland Gold Cup. I can’t wait to meet the Golden Ticket winner and give them a day to remember!”

The North East-based racecourse has also teamed up with local entertainment company Page2Stage, who will be providing a fun filled day for all the family, with popular characters from Disney’s Frozen, including Elsa, Anna and Olaf, as well as appearances from Captain America and Spiderman.

People can buy their tickets over the phone on 01642 484068 during office hours or by visiting www.redcarracing.co.uk. Grandstand admission tickets are £15 and Course Enclosure admission tickets are £5 each, which can also be purchased on the day.

Redcar Racecourse is the cheapest paid admission racecourse in the country, with its prices starting from £5 per adult with free admission for accompanied children aged 17 and under. On Zetland Gold Cup Day the admission gates will open at 11am with the first race scheduled to start at 12.45pm.

Parties of 10 or more can also save over 20% when they book their Grandstand or Course Enclosure admission tickets in advance.

There are also many hospitality options from the Dine & View package in the Crow’s Nest Restaurant, which includes admission, a racecard, food and drink.

For your chance to win the Golden Ticket competition pre-book your Zetland Gold Cup tickets over the phone on 01642 484068 or by visiting www.redcarracing.co.uk/race-meetings/monday-30th-may-zetland-gold-cup-day-bh.

The next Premier meeting after the Zetland Gold Cup will be Ladies’ Day on Saturday 18th June.

For more information visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/.

Redcar Racecourse is celebrating the success of Middlesbrough Football Club in achieving promotion to the Premier League with a race named in the club’s honour on Monday 16th May. The Congratulations on Promotion Middlesbrough F.C. #UTB Novice Median Auction Stakes is the opening race on Monday 16th May, a raceday which features 7 races.
Redcar Racecourse’s general manager, Amy Fair, said: “This really is a fantastic achievement by Middlesbrough Football Club and we’ve named the first race in recognition of their success this season. We’re massive Boro fans and promotion to the Premier League will make a great difference to this area. #UTB”
The feature race is the RacingUK.com/daypass Handicap Stakes, a £10,000 Handicap contest over 5 furlongs. Monday’s card also includes a qualifying race in this season’s Pinnacle Cup Straight Mile Series, sponsored for the second year by Wynyard based Pinnacle Racing – a handicap series which culminates in a final on totepool Two-Year-Old Trophy Day on Saturday, 1st October.
There’s also a special racecard competition throughout the Pinnacle Cup Straight Mile Series, with the winner (drawn on Pinnacle Cup Straight-Mile Series Final day in October) receiving a share of racehorse syndication.
Details for Monday 16th May:
• Gates open to the public at 12 noon.
• First race 1.50pm
• Last race 5.05pm
• 7 races on the card

General admission on Monday 16th May:
• Grandstand £12; Course Enclosure £4
• Accompanied children aged 17 and under always admitted free of charge.
• Seniors and students £9 Grandstand and £3 Course Enclosure
Parties of 10 or more can also save over 20% when they book their Grandstand or Course Enclosure admission tickets in advance. There are many hospitality options from the Dine & View package in the Crow’s Nest Restaurant to racegoers’ packages including admission, a racecard, food and drink.
For more information visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/

 

Redcar’s second meeting of the season takes place on Monday (April 11), when the seven-race programme gets underway at 2-00 p.m.

The feature race is the Racing UK profits returned to racing Handicap Stakes, a £10,000 Handicap contest over one mile.

Monday’s card also includes a qualifying race in this season’s Pinnacle Cup Straight Mile Series, sponsored for the second year by Wynyard based Pinnacle Racing – a handicap series which culminates in a Final on totepool Two-Year-Old Trophy Day on Saturday, 1st October.

There’s also a special racecard competition throughout the Pinnacle Cup Straight Mile Series, with the winner (drawn on Pinnacle Cup Straight-Mile Series Final day in October) receiving a share of racehorse syndication.

Last year’s winner of the Pinnacle Cup Straight-Mile Championship Final was Father Bertie, trained near Malton Tim Easterby and ridden by David Allan.
Details for Monday 11th April:
• Gates open to the public at 12 noon.
• First race 2.00pm *
• Last race 5.00pm *
• 7 races on the card

General admission on Monday 11th April:
• Grandtand £12; Course Enclosure £4
• Accompanied children aged 17 and under always admitted free of charge.
• Seniors and students £9 Grandstand and £3 Course Enclosure
Parties of 10 or more can also save over 20% when they book their Grandstand or Course Enclosure admission tickets in advance.
There are many hospitality options from the Dine & View package in the Crow’s Nest Restaurant to racegoers’ packages including admission, a racecard, food and drink.
For more information visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/
Facebook & Twitter: @Redcarracing

Redcar Racecourse celebrates a cracking Easter event

Tuesday 29th March, 2016

The country’s flat turf racing season got underway as thousands of families from across the region turned out on Easter Monday for Redcar Racecourse’s first Premier meeting of the 2016 season, despite gloomy bank holiday weather.

Thousands of people flocked to the racecourse, which is the only one in the North East to appear in the top 12 racecourses in England, Wales and Scotland in The Racecourse Association’s recent Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme 2015.

Spectators were treated to eight races throughout the day and racegoers also took part in the Easter Bonnet parade, featuring Madeline Hatter and her friends Alice, the Queen of Hearts, and the white rabbit, as well as an Easter treasure hunt.

The front cover of the official racecard featured the art work of Lily-Jo Beel, aged 7 and from Redcar, who won the ‘egg-cellent’ colouring in competition.

As well as enjoying the full VIP hospitality treatment on the day, Lily-Jo presented the winning trophies to two races named in her honour, The Lily-Jo Beel Designed Today’s Racecard Cover Handicap Stakes, to the winning horses Royal Holiday and Sugar Lump.

Lily-Jo, who loved her day at the races, said: “I’m happy I won the competition as it’s been a really fun day and exciting to present to the winners of these two races.”

Redcar Racecourse’s general manager, Amy Fair said the day was a great success despite the weather and was thrilled to see the racing season get off to such a great start.

She said: “Easter Monday was our first meeting of the season following our refurbishment, and it was marvellous to see so many racegoers enjoying their day at the races and really getting into the bank holiday spirit.”

The annual event, included local acts from performing arts company Page2Stage who delivered a wonderful fun-filled day for families from across the region. The Easter egg hunt was a tremendous success with some fantastic efforts in the Easter bonnet parade too.

This is the first of seven exciting Premier meetings for Redcar Racecourse over the 2016 racing season.

The next Premier meeting at Redcar Racecourse is the Zetland Gold Cup Day on May 30th, the bank holiday Monday at the end of May.

There are many hospitality options from the Dine & View package in the Crow’s Nest Restaurant to racegoers’ packages including admission, a racecard, food and drink.

For more information about the Teesside racecourse, visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/.

Facebook & Twitter: @Redcarracing

2016 premier meetings:
 Bank holiday Monday 30 May – Zetland Gold Cup day;
 Saturday 18 June – Ladies’ Day;
 Sunday 17 July – Helps For Heroes Family Fun Day;
 Saturday 6 August – Caribbean Carnival day;
 Saturday 27 August – Ladies’ and Gents’ Evening;
 Saturday 1 October – Seasonal climax with the £175,000 Tote Two Year Old Trophy, the Listed Guisborough Stakes and the final of the Pinnacle Racing Straight Mile Championship Series.

Thousands of families from across the North East are expected to attend Redcar Racecourse’s greatly anticipated, first Premier meeting of the 2016 season on Easter Monday, 28th March.

The racecourse opens its doors for the first time following a £250,000 refurbishment – which includes a new roof on the parade ring viewing stand, new windows on the top floor of the Petch Stand, a revamp to the hospitality boxes and toilet facilities, and improvements to the Crow’s Nest “dine and view” restaurant.

Alongside the seven races, local performing arts company, Page2Stage, will help to deliver another wonderful bank holiday event with an Easter Bonnet parade, featuring Madeline Hatter and her friends Alice, the Queen of Hearts and the white rabbit as well as an Easter treasure hunt.

Redcar Racecourse’s general manager, Amy Fair, is thrilled with the renovation and is looking forward to the start of the racing season.

She said: “We have worked very hard over the last few months to ensure the refurb is complete in time for the start of the season and I’m pleased to say everything looks superb.

“We’re proud to be part of the community, as the region went through a tough time with the closure of SSI. We understand that times are tough for many of our racegoers and that is why we’ve kept our admission prices frozen for the ninth year in a row.”

To celebrate the launch of the first Premier meeting, the racecourse is giving one lucky young racegoer the chance to win a VIP day for four people by taking part in their ‘egg-cellent’ colouring in competition. The winner will also see their artwork displayed on the front cover of the official racecard and have a race named after them on the day.

Anyone who wants to be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize should head over to Redcar Racecourse’s Facebook page or website and follow the instructions.

Easter Monday’s race day marks the first of seven fun-filled Premier meetings throughout the season, taking place between March and November.

Admission prices on the day start from £5 per adult with free admission for accompanied children aged 17 and under. The admission gates will open at 12 noon and the first race is scheduled to start at 2.05pm.

Parties of 10 or more can also save over 20% when they book their Grandstand or Course Enclosure admission tickets in advance.

There are many hospitality options from the Dine & View package in the Crow’s Nest Restaurant to racegoers’ packages including admission, a racecard, food and drink.

Over the next nine months, the venue will host a number of Premier meetings with the next event being the Zetland Gold Cup Day on Bank Holiday Monday, May 30th.

For more information visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/ and to enter the Easter Monday VIP competition, visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/mediacentre/news/win-an-eggs-citing-day-out-at-the-races-this-easter-mon-2.

Facebook & Twitter: @Redcarracing

2016 remaining Premier meetings:
 Bank Holiday Monday 30 May – Zetland Gold Cup day;
 Saturday 18 June – Ladies’ Day;
 Sunday 17 July – Helps For Heroes Family Fun Day;
 Saturday 6 August – Caribbean Carnival day;
 Saturday 27 August – Ladies’ and Gents’ Evening;
 Saturday 1 October – Seasonal climax with the £175,000 Tote Two Year Old Trophy, the Listed Guisborough Stakes and the final of the Straight Mile Championship Series.

 

Teesside’s Redcar Racecourse is eager to kick start the 2016 racing season on Easter Monday after undergoing a £250,000 refurbishment.

The racecourse – which is yet again the cheapest paid admission racecourse in the country having kept its admission prices frozen for the ninth year in a row – will host seven Premier Meetings between March and November.

Redcar Racecourse’s general manager, Amy Fair, said: “The region went through a tough time last Autumn with the closure of SSI and a number of other businesses, and we understand that times are tough for many of our racegoers.

“We’re very proud to be part of the community and that’s why we’ve kept our admission prices the same because we believe everyone should be able to enjoy a fabulous day at the races.”

Over the winter months the racecourse has undergone a £250,000 refurbishment with a number of improvements including a new roof on the parade ring viewing stand, new windows on the top floor of the Petch Stand, a revamp to the hospitality boxes and the toilet facilities, and improvements to the Crow’s Nest “dine and view” restaurant.

Amy is thrilled with the renovations and is looking forward to seeing what racegoers make of the developments.

She said: “We’ve been very busy over the winter period. The 2015 season was spectacular and this year we expect it to be even better thanks to the improvements we’ve made.

“The racecourse has invested in a number of facilities around the venue as part of a 5 year improvements plan because we want to offer visitors a great racing experience.”

The Tees Valley racecourse has an exciting schedule of 18 racing fixtures until the seasonal finale in November. The highlights of the season include:
 Easter Monday 28th March – Bank Holiday racing and lots of children’s entertainments;
 Bank Holiday Monday 30 May – Zetland Gold Cup day;
 Saturday 18 June – Ladies’ Day;
 Sunday 17 July – Helps For Heroes Family Fun Day;
 Saturday 6 August – Caribbean Carnival day;
 Saturday 27 August – Ladies’ and Gents’ Evening;
 Saturday 1 October – Seasonal climax with the £175,000 Tote Two Year Old Trophy, the Listed Guisborough Stakes and the final of the Straight Mile Championship Series.

To celebrate the start of the season on Easter Monday 28th March, Redcar Racecourse is giving one lucky child the chance to win a VIP day for four people by taking part in their ‘egg-cellent’ colouring in competition. The winner will also see their artwork displayed on the front cover of the official racecard and have a race named after them on the day.

Anyone who wants to be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize should head over to Redcar Racecourse’s Facebook page or website and follow the instructions.

Admission prices on the day start from £5 per adult with free admission for accompanied children aged 17 and under. The admission gates will open at 12 noon and the first race is scheduled to start at 2.05pm.

Parties of 10 or more can also save over 20% when they book their Grandstand or Course Enclosure admission tickets in advance.

There are many hospitality options from the Dine & View package in the Crow’s Nest Restaurant to racegoers’ packages including admission, a racecard, food and drink.

For more information visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/ and to enter the Easter Monday VIP competition, visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/mediacentre/news/win-an-eggs-citing-day-out-at-the-races-this-easter-mon-2.

Facebook & Twitter: @Redcarracing

Thousands of racegoers from across the North East attended the Totepool Two Year Old Trophy Day this weekend, as the racecourse showed its support to those affected by the mothballing of SSI.

Redcar racecourse took centre stage on Saturday as over 3,700 people, including politicians, attended the highly anticipated race day.

The racecourse ran races under the Save Our Steel name, to show its support for SSI steelworkers.

Labour’s MP for Redcar, Anna Turley, presented the trophies to both of the Save Our Steel race winners, stating it was an honour to be asked to present the prizes.

Ms Turley said: “I’m really grateful for the support from Redcar Racecourse. Both the racecourse and SSI are at the heart of the Redcar community and it’s a fantastic show of support and solidarity from the racecourse team.

“This is sending a strong message saying that we want to keep steelmaking alive in the region.”

The six furlong feature race, Totepool Two Year Old Trophy – and its accompanying £150,000 prize – was won by Log Out Island, owned by Godolphin and trained by Richard Hannon of Marlborough.

Viewers from across the UK and Ireland tuned in to the highlight of the Autumn racing season as the feature race, – one of eight races on the cards – was broadcasted on Channel 4 Racing and Racing UK (Sky 432).

Redcar Racecourse’s general manager, Amy Fair, said: “The Totepool Two Year Old Trophy Day is always a fantastic race day for everyone involved and I’m pleased to say that this year has been another great success.

“Alongside the top quality racing, we wanted to show our support for local people and those supporting the Save Our Steel campaign. By naming races after the campaign, on our most prestigious race day of the season, we helped to highlight the battle that numerous locals are facing.

“Overall, it was a brilliant day and although it was our last feature meet of the season, we have three more race meetings remain this season, and we’re already looking forward to what promises to be another exciting year at Redcar in 2016.

Racegoers also got into the Halloween spirit as Page2Stage brought Monster High characters – the good, the bad and the ghoulish – to the race day in celebration of all things spooky.

While Saturday was Redcar’s last feature day of the season, there are three more regular meetings to come before this year’s events close on Friday 16th October, Monday 26th October, and Tuesday 3rd November.

There are many hospitality options from the Dine & View package in the Crow’s Nest Restaurant, to racegoers’ packages including admission, a racecard, food and drink.

Parties of 10 or more can also save over 20% when they book their Grandstand or Course Enclosure admission tickets in advance.

The next feature meeting will be the Easter Monday meet on Monday 28th March 2016.

For more information and to buy tickets online visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/race-meetings

Redcar Racecourse is showing its support to those affected by the closure of SSI by adding a new race to its highly anticipated Totepool Two Year Old Trophy Day, on Saturday 3rd October.

In aid of the Save Our Steel campaign, the racecourse has taken the decision to run a race under the same name. The additional Save our Steel racewill be held during the afternoon and will see Labour’s MP for Redcar, Anna Turley, present the trophy to the winner.

The Save Our Steel race has proven to be extremely popular and due to the high number of runners at the 48 hour declaration stage, will now be divided into race one and two on the racecard.

Redcar Racecourse’s general manager, Amy Fair, said: “We are a local racecourse for local people. We hope that naming a race on our most prestigious race day of the season will help to highlight the Save Our Steel campaign, which is in support of not only the steel workers but also those people whose jobs in other industries are under threat too.”

The racecourse is offering free course enclosure admission to anyone wearing an official Save Our Steel t-shirt. Alongside this, there will be free entertainment for families and the racecourse is permitting racegoers to bring a picnic with a limited amount of alcohol into the course enclosure.

The feature race, the £150,000 Totepool Two Year Old Trophy, will be broadcast on Channel 4 Racing and Racing UK (Sky 432) so viewers from across the UK and Ireland can tune in to what is set to be the highlight of the Autumn racing season.

Totepool Two Year Old Trophy is one of eight races on the cards. This year it attracted hundreds of entries but only 23 will take part to win the £150,000 prize fund. Last year the six furlong race was won by Limato, trained by Henry Candy who is based in Wantage, Oxfordshire.

Alongside the feature race, Totepool is also sponsoring the listed Totescoop6 EBF Guisborough Stakes with prize money of £40,000.

Completing the trio of top class races is the £20,000 Pinnacle Cup Straight Mile Series Final, following the eight hotly contested qualifying rounds that have taken place during the spring and summer.
Racegoers will also have the chance to get into the Halloween spirit, as Page2Stage is bringing Monster High characters to the race day. Visitors can expect to see the good, the bad and the ghoulish in celebration of all things spooky.
Amy, expressed her excitement for the raceday and said: “The Totepool Two Year Old Trophy Day is always a fantastic race day.

“The event sees families and friends come together to enjoy not only some top quality racing but also take part in the great entertainment we have for the children.”

There are many hospitality options from the Dine & View package in the Crow’s Nest Restaurant, to racegoers’ packages including admission, a racecard, food and drink.

Gates will open to the public at 12 noon with the first race due to start at 1.50pm. Admission prices on the day start from £5 per adult with free admission for accompanied children aged 17 and under.

Parties of 10 or more can also save over 20% when they book their Grandstand or Course Enclosure admission tickets in advance.

For more information and to buy tickets online visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/race-meetings/saturday-3rd-october-totepool-two-year-old-trophy-day

Thousands of racegoers from across the region turned out this weekend to experience Redcar’s hottest event on the racing calendar.

Nearly 3700 people attended Redcar Racecourse’s Ladies’ & Gents’ Evening on Saturday which included best dressed competitions, a fun casino, photobooth, and live entertainment from local band The Persuaders.

The best dressed competitions are always a highlight of the evening, and racecourse spotters mingled with the crowds to find the finalists of the ladies, gents and couple categories.

Edward Price from Bedale, took away the prize for the ‘Best Dressed Gent’, bagging himself a £400 men’s suit, shirt, and tie from Bakers Tailoring of Middlesbrough, a Hugo Boss ballpoint pen from Market Cross Jewellers, and a gift pack from Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty.

Collecting his prizes and waving at his friends, Edward said: “This is brilliant! It’s better than winning on a horse!

“I’ve been telling everyone all day that I was going to win and I have which is absolutely fantastic. It’s made my day.”

Stacey Simpson won the ‘Best Dressed Lady’ category winning herself a beautiful Ladies’ Michael Kors watch provided by Market Cross Jewellers, a bespoke hat and matching bag from Chic Hats and a cut and blow dry voucher, gel nails voucher and gift pack from Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty.

Stacey, who wore the winning outfit from River Island, is from Marske. She was overwhelmed to win the prize and said: “I feel so lucky to have won. I never expected it because there are so many beautifully dressed ladies here today.

“The inspiration for my outfit came from my favourite season of the year, which is summer, so I obviously chose a lot of bright colours.”

The ‘Best Dressed Couple’ competition was won by Lewis Bennett and Kennedy Young who impressed the judges with their creative colour coordinated outfits.

The blushing Redcar couple were in shock after discovering that their prizes included a Ladies’ Swarovski necklace and earrings, and a men’s Armani watch, both from Market Cross Jewellers, a location photo shoot by Eastwood Photography and a cut and blow dry voucher from Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty.

Kennedy said: “This is incredible. I feel so overwhelmed because there are so many great outfits here today. I’m surprised we were even spotted.

“I don’t even have my ears pierced but for Swarovski earrings I think I might have to get them done!”

The judges of the best dressed competitions were Nicola Foy, accounts manager of Market Cross Jewellers, Calvin Conradie and Paul Smith, manager and owner of Bakers Tailoring.

Redcar Racecourse’s general manager, Amy Fair added: “It’s been a wonderful evening and we are thrilled to see so many people dressed up and enjoying themselves.

“The best dressed competitions were a fantastic pleasure to be part of and I would like to thank the sponsors for making it such a special occasion.”

The last feature meeting of the season for 2015 will be the Totepool Two Year Old Trophy Day on October 3rd.

There are many hospitality options from the Dine & View package in the Crow’s Nest Restaurant to racegoers’ packages including admission, a racecard, food and drink.

For more information visit: http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/race-meetings/saturday-3rd-october-totepool-two-year-old-trophy-day

Ladies and gentlemen across the region are being encouraged to dress to impress for Redcar Racecourse’s hottest event of the year.

Ladies’ & Gents’ Evening on Saturday August 29th is the fashion and social highlight of the racing calendar, with thousands of racegoers expected to turn out to the annual event.

The race day will hold three competitions for the ‘Best Dressed Lady’, ‘Best Dressed Gent’, and ‘Best Dressed Couple’. Valuable prizes have been kindly donated by Market Cross Jewellers, Bakers Tailoring, Chic Hats, Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty, and Eastwood Photography.

Redcar Racecourse’s general manager, Amy Fair expressed her excitement for the event and said: “It’s always a fantastic evening, we’re really looking forward to it! There are always lots of fabulous outfits and it’s great to see some many people dressing up for their evening at the races.

“Alongside the chance to win some incredible designer prizes in the ‘Best Dressed’ competitions racegoers will enjoy a fun casino, great local band The Persuaders, and a free photo booth.

“If you enjoy wearing your finest frock and smartest suit then this is the event to attend. It’s a perfect way to celebrate any occasion and an ideal opportunity to strut your stuff on the red carpet.”

Competition ‘spotters’ will be mingling with the crowds throughout the evening and will select ten finalists for each of the best dressed competitions.

The ‘Best Dressed Gent’ competition will be judged after the second race with the winner receiving a £400 suit, shirt and tie, a Hugo Boss ballpoint pen, and a gent’s gift pack.

The ‘Best Dressed Lady’ will be announced after the third race and the winner will receive a bespoke hat and matching bag, a Michael Kors watch, a cut and blow dry voucher, gel nails voucher, and gift pack.

The ‘Best Dressed Couple’ competition will be judged after the fourth race and the winners will receive a ladies’ Swarovski necklace and earrings, a men’s Armani watch, a photo shoot with images and print, and a cut and blow dry voucher.

The Ladies’ and Gents’ Evening is the sixth feature meeting of the racecourse this year. The admission gates will open at 3pm and the first race is scheduled to start at 17.20pm.

Admission prices on the night start from £5 per adult with free admission for accompanied children aged 17 and under. Parties of 10 or more can also save over 20% when they book their Grandstand or Course Enclosure admission tickets in advance.

There are many hospitality options from the Dine & View package in the Crow’s Nest Restaurant to racegoers’ packages including admission, a racecard, food and drink.

The last feature meeting of the season for 2015 will be the Totepool Two Year Old Trophy Day on October 3rd.

For more information visit: http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/fixtures/ladies-gents-evening

Thousands of people from across the North East turned out this weekend to enjoy Redcar Racecourse’s fifth Caribbean Carnival Day.

Over 4,600 racegoers attended the event, which featured seven races, fancy dress competitions, pirates and musical entertainment from the Paradise Steel Band.

The glorious summer weather added to the Caribbean atmosphere as hordes of families enjoyed carnival fun at the annual event.

Amy Fair, general manager of Redcar Racecourse, said: “It’s been a fantastic day. We’re really pleased to see such a great turnout for the event.

“We have increased our attendance figures on last year’s event and it’s great to see so many people really getting into the Caribbean feel with their costumes.”

One of the highlights of the day was the fancy dress competition for adults and children who put on their best pirate and Caribbean costumes.

The children’s fancy dress competition winner, Jamie Black age seven from Workington won a hamper basket of sweets to take home.

He said: “I feel really lucky to have won the competition and I can’t wait to dig into all these sweets and share them with my brother and cousin.

“I’m dressed up as a Neverland pirate from the film Peter Pan and my mum helped me to make my costume.”

Joanne Leach from Middlesbrough won the adult’s fancy dress competition and said that she was delighted to have won as she had worked hard to make her entire outfit.

“I entered the fancy dress competition two years ago and I was awarded third place so I’m thrilled that I have come back and finally won first place.”

The racecourse also treated four lucky racegoers to VIP treatment after winning its Facebook Pets of the Caribbean competition. The prize included a three course meal in the Voltigeur Restaurant, VIP admission badges, racecards, a bottle of wine and a luxury gift.

Caron Elise Goodwin won the competition after posting a photo of herself and her dog, Coco– who also loves to dress up -in matching pirate costumes. On the day she was asked to present the prizes to the winners of the fancy dress competitions.

She said: “I’ve had a lovely day. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the VIP treatment and the food has been delicious.

“It was really hard judging the children’s’ fancy dress competition as they had all made such a fantastic effort.”

The racecourse teamed up with local performing arts company Page2Stage to create a fun filled day for the children which included teaching them sea shanties and pirate lingo.

The remainder of the 2015 season at Redcar has two more feature racedays; the Ladies’ & Gents’ evening on Saturday 29th August, and the famous Two Year Old Trophy on Saturday 3rd October.

There are many hospitality options from the Dine & View package in the Crow’s Nest Restaurant, to racegoers’ packages including admission, a racecard, food and drink.

Parties of ten or more can also save over 20% when they book their Grandstand or Course Enclosure admission tickets in advance.

For more information about the racecourse visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/ or call 01642 484 068.

 

Redcar Racecourse introduces pirates and the Caribbean on Saturday 8th August, for its fifth feature meeting of the racing season.

The annual event, which expects over 4,500 people, will include a steel band, Carmen Mirandas, Caribbean cocktails and of course pirates who will teach chants and tell stories of life on the open wave.

As well as seven races, there will be a fancy dress competition for those who don their pirate and Caribbean costumes. The winner will of course receive the prized treasure.

Amy Fair, general manager of Redcar Racecourse, said: “This event is always buzzing! I can’t wait to see this year’s costumes, everyone always makes such an effort.”

Local performing arts company Page2Stage is working closely with Redcar Racecourse to deliver a fun filled day for the local children. They will be singing sea shanties and speaking pirate lingo.

For a chance to win VIP tickets the racecourse is also running a pets of the Caribbean competition on its social media accounts. People are encouraged to take photos of their pets wearing eye patches and floral shirts, anything resembling the exotic theme. The winner will be announced on Tuesday 4th August.

The remainder of the 2015 season at Redcar has two other feature racedays; Ladies’ and Gents’ Evening on 29th August and the famous Two Year Old Trophy on Saturday 3rd October.

There are many hospitality options from the Dine & View package in the Crow’s Nest Restaurant, to racegoers’ packages including admission, a racecard, food and drink.

Parties of 10 or more can also save over 20% when they book their Grandstand or Course Enclosure admission tickets in advance.

For more information about the racecourse and Caribbean Carnival Day which starts at 12pm, visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/ or call 01642 484 068.

Locals came out in force to support heroes at Redcar Racecourse

Monday 20th July, 2015

Locals came together on Sunday (19 July) in aid of the Armed Forces at Redcar Racecourse’s Help For Heroes Family Fun Day.
The annual event supported Help for Heroes, The Royal British Legion, and The Felix Fund, a bomb disposal charity based in Catterick Garrison.
Over 3,500 people from across the North East attended the successful day out which included bouncy castles, climbing walls, assault courses and the Crow’s Fair funfair.
Alongside the eight races, the armed service standard bearers held a parade down the race track to remember all those who served in the forces. The crowds of racegoers showed their respects with a two minute silence.
The parade was led by Eric Howden, Chairman of Redcar Royal British Legion, who was a member of the Royal Army Ordinance Corps serving in Germany and Singapore.
Eric commented: “This is a very important year for the armed services, being the 200th anniversary of the battle of Waterloo, the 100th anniversary of the Somme, the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and the 70th anniversary of VE and VJ days. It’s a very unique year for our armed services!”
As well as friends and families, a number of serving and former armed service personnel attended the event including members of the Royal Logistics Corps, the Yorkshire Regiment, the Merchant Navy, the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, the Royal Artillery, and the Armed Forces Bikers.
Serving and former military personnel were granted free entry into the racecourse in recognition of their service.
Amy Fair, general manager of Redcar Racecourse said: “Our Help for Heroes Family Fun Day is always a huge success and we are always very proud to support such good causes. It was lovely to see such a great turnout of standard bearers and cadets in the parade and the racecourse was eerily quiet as racegoers showed their respect during the two minute silence”
The raceday was the second day of the Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival, a week of racing in Yorkshire starting at Ripon on Saturday 17th July and encompassing all 9 of the Yorkshire courses to culminate at Pontefract on Sunday 26th July.
The remainder of the 2015 season at Redcar has three more feature racedays; Caribbean Carnival Day on 8th August, Ladies’ and Gents’ Evening on 29th August, and the famous Two Year Old Trophy on Saturday 3rd October.
There are many hospitality options from the Dine & View package in the Crow’s Nest Restaurant, to racegoers’ packages including admission, a racecard, food and drink.
Parties of 10 or more can also save over 20% when they book their Grandstand or Course Enclosure admission tickets in advance.
For more information visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/
For more information on Help for Heroes visit http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/
For more information on the Royal British Legion visit http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/
For more information on the Felix Fund visit http://www.felixfund.org.uk/

Locals are being encouraged to support the Armed Forces at Redcar Racecourse’s Help For Heroes Family Fun Day this month.
The annual event on Sunday 19th July will support Help for Heroes, The Royal British Legion and The Felix Fund, a bomb disposal charity based in Catterick Garrison.
Thousands of families from across the North East are expected to attend what is set to be a fantastic day out including bouncy castles, climbing walls, assault courses, and the Crow’s Fair funfair.
There will also be a parade along the final furlong of the racecourse by the armed service standard bearers, which will culminate in a two minute silence to remember all those who have served in the forces. Serving and former armed service personnel are welcome to join in the parade that will take place immediately after the 3.05pm race.
The parade will be led by Eric Howden, who was a member of the Royal Army Ordinance Corps, serving in Germany and Singapore.
Eric commented: “This is a very important year for the armed services, being the 200th anniversary of the battle of Waterloo, the 100th anniversary of the Somme, the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and the 70thanniversary of VE and VJ days. It’s a very unique year for our armed services!
“We know the public will come out in force to support the vital work of the chosen forces charities.”
A number of serving and former armed service personnel will be at the event including members of the Royal Logistics Corps, the Yorkshire Regiment, the Merchant Navy, the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, and the Royal Artillery.
Any serving or former military personnel wearing their medals with an MOD90 card or HM Armed Forces Veteran badge will get free entry into the racecourse on the day in recognition of their service.
The charities will be fundraising at Redcar Racecourse, and members of the armed forces attending will have the opportunity to present winning connections with their prizes.
Amy Fair, general manager of Redcar Racecourse commented: “We can’t wait for the Help For Heroes Family Fun Day! It’s always a proud day for us, supporting such good causes.”

The raceday is the second day of the Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival and all accompanied children aged 17 and under can come racing for free.
For a chance to win VIP tickets the racecourse is also running a prize draw on its social media accounts. A winner will be randomly selected and will enjoy a day to remember with friends or family.
The remainder of the 2015 season at Redcar has three other feature racedays; Caribbean Carnival Day on 8th August, Ladies’ and Gents’ Evening on 29th August and the famous Two Year Old Trophy on Saturday 3rdOctober.
There are many hospitality options from the Dine & View package in the Crow’s Nest Restaurant, to racegoers’ packages including admission, a racecard, food and drink.
Parties of 10 or more can also save over 20% when they book their Grandstand or Course Enclosure admission tickets in advance.
For more information visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/
For more information on Help for Heroes visit http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/
For more information on the Royal British Legion visit http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/
For more information on the Felix Fund visit http://www.felixfund.org.uk/