March is Brain Tumour Awareness month, and the Flat Cap Course Walk & Brew comes just two days prior to Wetherby’s annual Wear a Hat Raceday on Friday 31st March.

Flat Cap Brews, are an initiative of Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC), aiming to get people to come together across the County to raise awareness.

The Team at Wetherby Racecourse want as many people as possible to come along and walk the course with them on 29th March and stay for a warm cuppa and a chat afterwards in the coffee shop.  There is no fee to attend and walk the course,  but we will be taking donations for YBTC on the day.

Michelle Campbell, General Manager at Wetherby Racecourse said “It would be great to get as many people as possible out on the course, ideally in their flat caps, to raise awareness for the great work that YBTC do.  We are going out whatever the weather, and will have a few of our team and hopefully some racing personalities along to answer any questions people have about the track and the fences as we go.  Walking the Course, is something that is generally reserved for racings participants only, so we hope that people will think it something slightly unique and interesting to do, whether they follow racing or not”.   

Members of the Racecourse Team who are not joining the walk will be getting the coffee shop ready to serve refreshments to those that want to stay afterwards to warm up and have a chat, and YBTC Team members will also be available afterwards to chat to everyone about the work they do.

If you are interested in attending then please contact the Racecourse on 01937 582035 or email them at info@wetherbyracing.co.uk  or visit this link for MORE INFORMATION.

Wetherby Racecourse are a long-standing supporter of Brain Tumour Awareness Month and hold their annual ‘Wear a Hat Raceday’ on Friday 31^st March, when they encourage racegoers to wear hats, the sillier the better, to raise awareness and for fun, giving spot prizes out to hats they particularly like.  A charity raffle takes place on the day run by volunteers from YBTC and Brain Tumour Research with all proceeds going to both charities, and this year YBTC have a private area at the Racecourse to allow their support team to chat to anyone here on the day who is or has been affected by a brain tumour diagnosis.

YBTC offer support to patients and their loved ones through the devastation a primary brain tumour diagnosis can bring, making sure they have someone to turn to at any stage of their journey, while funding innovative research across Yorkshire to find better treatments and ultimately a cure.  Every week 15 people in Yorkshire are diagnosed with a primary brain tumour diagnosis, and brain tumours are now the biggest cancer killer of people aged 40 and under in the UK.

It will be an exciting afternoon of jump racing actions featuring a 7 race card, along with spot prizes including £5 refreshment vouchers, Ticket vouchers, Tote bet Vouchers and also some bottles of Fizz for hats we are particularly enamoured with!

YBTC volunteers will be selling raffle tickets, to win fantastic prizes to raise funds for the charities. Last year the event raised an amazing £1,180.00 for YBTC.

This year all money raised will be split between two fantastic Brain Tumour charities, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity and Brain Tumour Research.

Michelle Campbell, General Manager at Wetherby Racecourse said: “We started supporting Brain Tumour Research & ‘Wear a Hat Day’ in 2012 in collaboration with a group of Yorkshire-based Milliners that we had previously worked with for Ladies’ Day.  11 years later we are delighted to continue to support Brain Tumour Awareness Month, and are looking forward to working with volunteers from Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity on 31st March.”

Wetherby Racecourse has been a long-time supporter of Will’s Way, a charity fund founded in 2017 to support paediatric and adult patients, which merged with YBTC in August 2020.

Lisa Barker, founder of Will’s Way, said: “Will’s Way had been involved with the Wetherby race days for many years and hoped this would continue after we merged with YBTC in 2020. Of course, in 2021 the pandemic scuppered those plans but we are delighted that YBTC was part of the event for 2022, and again in 2023.”

Jen Aspinall, Regional Fundraiser at YBTC said: “It has been an honour to continue the partnership that Wills Way founded and meet Michelle to discuss how we can work together in the future. We appreciate the amount of great work Wetherby Racecourse do for charities in their local community and beyond, and feel privileged to have the opportunity to work with Michelle and her team again this year. Our volunteers are all excited to get involved, to raise awareness and funds to support our vital work in funding research and providing practical, emotional and financial support to anyone affected by a brain tumour diagnosis in our region.”

“I am really excited to see how we could work together again in the future. I can definitely back my colleague Jen on what a fabulous day we had with at Wetherby Races, and how well we were looked after, by all the staff. Thank you so much for that. I am so looking forward to our next venture together at Wear A Hat Day 2023”. Jo Page, Development Officer, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity

If you would like to volunteer for YBTC at Wear A Hat Day please email jen@yorksbtc.org.uk or contact her on 07947 597046.

To buy tickets to the event visit https://www.wetherbyracing.co.uk/fixtures/wear-a-hat-day/

Donna and Jonjo Sanderson, hope to raise £20,000 for charity CoppaFeel!, after 43-year-old Donna was diagnosed with breast cancer last year.

Donna said: “As a busy working mum of three, I barely had time to brush my teeth in peace, let alone add the job of regularly checking my boobs to my to do list! I never really gave much thought to breast cancer as I’m relatively young, fit and healthy, but as I found out, none of that really matters.

“In May last year our lives were turned upside down when I was told I had grade 3, invasive, lobular breast cancer and the tumour was too large to remove without a full mastectomy. At that stage it was unknown if further treatment, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, were required until the surgery to remove and check my lymph nodes was concluded. Thankfully they weren’t, and the surgery had done the trick.

“Since then, I have spoken to and been made aware of five other women, all in their 40s with young families, going through their own breast cancer journeys. The lack of control and helplessness is overpowering, but this year I’m determined to take back control, so Jonjo and I applied to join CoppaFeel!’s desert fundraising trek and decided to organise a special race event for the charity. CoppaFeel!’s primary objective is to ensure everyone has the best possible chance of surviving breast cancer, as early detection of breast cancer really does save lives.”

On Tuesday 7^th June, Donna, who is a director at Littlefairs Property Company and Jonjo, who is chief executive of Wetherby Racecourse, are hosting a special charity evening of racing to help raise funds for CoppaFeel!.

A private hospitality event for 150 people has already sold out, however there is further unlimited availability to come racing on the night and support CoppaFeel!. The CoppaFeel! Premier Enclosure package are still available to purchase for £45.00, of which a donation of £5.00 will go directly to this great cause.

Donna added: “We are blown away with the support for the charity evening and hope that even more people will be able to come and enjoy a special evening of racing on Tuesday 7^th June. £5 from every ticket will be donated to CoppaFeel! and we really hope to hit our £20,000 target.”

Donna and Jonjo will set off to complete their desert trek in November this year, celebrities Giovanni Fletcher and Vicky Pattison will also be taking part in the CoppaTrek!. Donna added: “It will be mentally and physically exhausting, but we are both grateful that I’m alive to do this! Hopefully in the process we will raise much-needed funds to enable CoppaFeel! to educate young people and ultimately save lives.”

The CoppaFeel! premier package costs £45.00 per ticket and includes premier enclosure admission to the races, a race programme, drink, as well as a charcutier, fish or vegan platter. £5 from every premier package sold will be donated to CoppaFeel!. The first race is at 5.15pm. Tickets can be purchased here: https://wetherbyracing.eticketme.com/sales/fixtures/tuesday-7th-june-2022—ladies/coppafeel-premier-package

To sponsor Donna and Jonjo on the CoppaTrek! visit:  https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/donna-jonjo-sanderson

CoppaFeel! is the first breast cancer charity in the UK to solely create awareness amongst young people and give them the knowledge they need to get to know their bodies. The charity talks about a serious message in a light-hearted way, empowering people to start healthy habits for life. Find out more here: https://coppafeel.org.uk/

The day will raise funds for YBTC, a Leeds-based charity which funds research and support for patients and families throughout the region, and Brain Tumour Research, a UK-wide medical research charity.

The racecourse chose the “Wear a Hat” theme in support of the hat-themed campaigns both charities run throughout Brain Tumour Awareness Month in March – YBTC’s “Flat Cap Friday” and Brain Tumour Research’s “Wear a Hat Day”.

Race attendees are encouraged to wear a hat to the races, whether that’s a fascinator, a flat cap, a beanie or a top hat, with the chance to win spot prizes on the day. There’ll also be a raffle with fantastic prizes to raise extra funds for the charities.

Michelle Campbell, Sales & Marketing Manager at Wetherby Racecourse, said: “We started supporting Brain Tumour Research’s Wear A Hat Day in 2012 in collaboration with a group of Yorkshire-based Milliners that we had previously worked with for Ladies’ Day. 10 years later we are delighted to continue to support the two charities during Brain Tumour Awareness Month, and are looking forward to working with volunteers from YBTC and Brain Tumour Research.”

Jen Aspinall, YBTC said: “We are very grateful to be asked to involved in Wetherby Racecourse’s Wear a Hat Day this year. Our volunteers are all excited to get involved, to raise awareness and funds to support our vital work in funding research and providing practical, emotional and financial support to anyone affected by a brain tumour diagnosis in our region. Thank you so much to Michelle and her team, for the opportunity and for your ongoing support!”

Wetherby Racecourse has been a longtime supporter of Will’s Way, a charity fund founded in 2017 to support paediatric and adult patients, which merged with YBTC in August 2020.

Lisa Barker, founder of Will’s Way, said: “Will’s Way had been involved with the Wetherby race days for many years and hoped this would continue after we merged with YBTC in 2020. Of course, in 2021 the pandemic scuppered those plans but we are delighted that YBTC is part of the event for 2022.”

The “Wear a Hat Raceday” on 22^nd March will be an exciting afternoon of jump racing featuring a 6-race card, with the first race starting at 2pm. The funds raised will go towards funding vital brain tumour research and support.

For more information, go to https://wetherbyracing.eticketme.com/

The new dealership which is located at Bilbrough Top on the A64,  is set to supply the racecourse with a suite of vehicles for its meetings in 2020 to transport the Official race starters to the start of each race, as well as providing the support vehicles that carry Doctors, who provide essential medical care at the side of the racecourse during a race meeting.

Paul Sanderson, Managing Director at SsangYong York, said; “Brand awareness is at the heart of horse racing’s appeal, where races command TV coverage and there are a number of race days featured on free-to-air coverage in Britain. We want SsangYong to be at the heart of Wetherby races, it’s about building a relationship between two businesses, utilising a wealth of experience and ensuring our brand is at the forefront of people’s hearts and minds in our local area.”

Wetherby race over Jumps between October and April and on the flat during May and June, so are already in the midst of a very busy season.  Jonjo Sanderson, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course, said, “ We are thrilled to be partnering with SsangYong York, their support with vehicles is vital to the racing operation, and we are excited to be working with the SsangYong team going forward.  The vehicles all look extremely smart too”

Now that the flat racing season is drawing to a close, all eyes are on the jumping game and we can look forward to some thrilling racing.  But during the Autumn and Winter months, fashion continues to play a big part in a day at the races.

While the summer months are associated with high fashion stakes and best dressed lady competitions, the theme is being continued with the changing seasons.

Fashion was on the agenda at the recent Yorkshire Jump Season Launch which took place at Wetherby Racecourse.  Millbry Hill, an independent family-run business with 5 Equestrian and Country Stores based in the North of England, were on hand to showcase some key looks.

Emma Jones, Business Coordinator said: “Winter dressing is about combating the elements.  We have put together some looks that are not only stylish and on trend but provide warmth as well.  We stock a range of brands so there is plenty of choice and accessories are a great way of changing or freshening up an outfit.”

Photo 1 – Fairfax & Favour handbag and shoes are great for accessorising any outfit, Sophie wears the newly launched grey colourway, which looks fabulous alongside the Holland Cooper pink tweed suit.

Photo 2 –Chris is wearing the exclusive Barbour Icon jacket, produced to celebrate Barbour’s 125 years of trading. Sophie wears the Schoffel Burley fleece which is great for keeping you warm at the races and has finished the outfit off with a Clare Haggas scarf.

Both outfits on display at the Yorkshire Jumps Launch are available at any Millbry Hill Store and at www.millbryhill.co.uk.

This was highlighted by the Clare Haggas Classic Magenta Scarf, which is exclusive to Millbry Hill

Celebrating their 30^th anniversary, Joules have released their classic Fieldcoat in the popular Mr Toad tweed which is lined with special edition navy and bright flowers.

“This is one of our top selling styles in women’s wear,” reported Emma.

Another brand celebrating their anniversary, although considerably older than Joules, is Barbour who have been on the go for 125 years.  To mark the occasion, they have launched the icons range and the reengineering of the classic Beaufort coat was on display at the Yorkshire Jumps Launch.

Performance wear is key to jockeys and riders of all abilities, particularly at this time of year when protection from the weather is required.  Yorkshire’s racing specialist saddler, White Rose Saddlery showcased new Italian brand Jobea which was modelled by jump jockey Sean Quinlan.

Highlighting the qualities of the garments, Wendy said: “The shirt fabric is fleece lined for warmth, breathable, showerproof and windproof, but the most important part is that it is lightweight.”

Sean’s weighing room colleague Henry Brooke sported a Jomiluti waterproof, all weather suit, designed for riding out and exercising horses.

“This suit will keep the rider completely dry while allowing the skin to breath and transport moisture away from the body.  The trouser and jacket have elastic insets at the sides which prevent the jacket riding up and causing a cold gap.  It is also almost silent, which is a great advantage when riding and working with young thoroughbred horses.” Said Wendy.

A real talking piece of the outfit was the earmuffs which velcro into the side of the rider’s helmet and are fleece lined.

“They are very popular with staff in the racing industry, who spend a lot of time riding on windy hills, but they are ideal for any rider or equestrian discipline,” commented Wendy.

The Yorkshire jump season starts tomorrow (Wednesday, October 15) at Wetherby Racecourse.  They will be hosting a ‘Best Peaky’ competition on Saturday, November 16 at the Peaky Blinder style raceday.

Doncaster’s opening jump meeting on Saturday, November 30, hosts a best dressed couple competition, while Catterick’s jumping finale fixture will include a best dressed competition on Wednesday, March 4.

 

Duke DeBarry and Definitly Red                                    Whoshotthesherriff and Top Ville Ben

Sharp Response and Vintage Clouds

Yorkshire’s equine stars turned out in force ahead of the jump season’s return to the county this Wednesday, (October 16) at a special preview event held at Wetherby today.

Yorkshire’s Grand National hopes continue to ride on Sue Smith’s Vintage Clouds who was an unfortunate first fence faller in this year’s renewal. He galloped with North Yorkshire Grand National winner, Sharp Response.

Jockey Danny Cook said of the grey: “He jumped the first fence at Aintree too well and came down steeply.  The plan is to run him in the Becher Chase in November to get some experience of the fences before another attempt at the Grand National.”

Danny Cook also rode Definitly Red in a racecourse gallop for trainer Brian Ellison.  The popular chaser is on course to secure back to back wins of Wetherby’s Charlie Hall Chase on Saturday 2^nd November and Cook reported the horse to be in great form.

Definitly Red galloped with stablemate Duke Debarry who goes for the Durham National at Sedgefield on Sunday.

Popular mare Lady Buttons joined the parade and has targets similar to last year, running over both hurdles and fences according to her trainer Phil Kirby.

“She is a star and without her we wouldn’t be where we are today.  We look forward to returning to Wetherby with her at the beginning of November, for a race she won last year,” he said.

Another of Kirby’s horses, Top Ville Ben, who is also aiming for the Charlie Hall, looked in great form as he took part in a racecourse gallop with regular work rider Jenny Durrans. He worked with Whoshotthesherrif, a horse nominated by Phil Kirby as his one to follow for the season.

Malton based Ruth Jefferson paraded chasing star Waiting Patiently who doesn’t as yet have any specific plans but will run when the ground is right for him.  Last season he was brought to a standstill and unseated Brian Hughes, when Bristol De Mai fell in front of him in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Regular jockey Brian Hughes said: “Although we still had a mile and a half to go and I couldn’t be sure that he would stay, he was giving me a great feel.  We were going quite quickly over the first four fences but it felt like he was just doing a hack canter.”

He was accompanied by stablemate Mega Yeats and Ruth said that the five year old, who has been lightly campaigned, but won four of his six starts will stay hurdling.

With 38 fixtures across Yorkshire’s three jump courses, Catterick, Doncaster and Wetherby, there is plenty to look forward to.

John Sexton, Chairman of Go Racing In Yorkshire said:  “Jump racing is an exciting part of Yorkshire’s fixture list.  We are looking forward to a brilliant season, which will feature some top class racing.”

Wetherby’s closed season has been used to carry out some behind the scenes work and prepare for future projects.  A new e-ticketing system has been implemented which is phase one of a new admission system which will result in the redevelopment of the main turnstile entrance building and entrance road next summer.

In terms of ongoing maintenance, the canter track has been resurfaced, along with the horsebox park and the stables have been re-roofed.

There is a new Peaky Blinders theme for the meeting on Saturday November 16 and the Christmas meeting, Thursday 26 and Friday 27 December, will have a traditional circus sideshow vibe.  

Catterick Racecourse are looking forward to welcoming the national hunt crowd to their new weighing room and parade ring, which has been in use since June this year.  The £600,000 investment into facilities includes an extended Weighing Room complex, complete with a new warm-up area, state-of-the-art facilities and space to relax between races.

The enlarged Parade Ring gives racegoers an improved view of the runners and the Winner’s Enclosure has been incorporated into the Parade Ring, making it easier for racegoers to circulate.

A new theme for Catterick’s jumping finale fixture is a Countryside Ladies Day on Wednesday, March 4, 2020.  There will be a fashion showcase, as well as a best dressed competition.

Their most prestigious race takes place in January, with the Watt Fences sponsored North Yorkshire Grand National. This race has been won by the Sue Smith yard for the last four years and would be quite a feat if the yard could make it five in a row.

Jumping returns at Doncaster on Friday, November 29 and 30.  The two day meeting will have a 1920’s styled Beer Festival across the two days, with music from Cheaky Blinders live after racing on Saturday.

Looking ahead to December, Santa’s Great Giveaway will be back at the Festive Jumpers meeting on Friday and Saturday, December 13 and 14.

After Christmas, a Festive Family Fun Raceday takes place on Sunday, December 29 with activities for all ages to enjoy including the Markham Main Colliery Brass Band.

Early next year a new winter jumps box package will be available.

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.”

WETHERBY CHIEF EXECUTIVE DEMOLISHES OLD MEMBERS’ STAND!

Wetherby Racecourse Chief Executive & Clerk of the Course, Jonjo Sanderson, hasn’t ‘lost it’ he’s just giving a helping hand to create a new stand as part of the £3.2 million redevelopment project which will establish Wetherby Racecourse as one of the premier sporting, leisure and business facilities in Yorkshire.

The demolition of the Old Members’ Stand is taking place to make way for the new, modern grandstand, Wetherby’s Chief Executive & Clerk of the Course, Jonjo Sanderson, said “We are delighted that we have been able to commence work on this exciting new grandstand. Undoubtedly, it is going to be a great addition to the existing Racecourse facilities. It is the beginning of another new chapter in the long history of Wetherby Racecourse being located at this site, which first saw racing here in 1891. This major investment will allow us to provide a modern, state of the art facility to rival most other venues in this part of the county, which, as well as creating an exceptional experience for our regular racegoers, will also create a wonderful facility for non-raceday events including conferences, exhibitions, banquets and weddings.”

Amongst the facilities being created in the new building is a spacious public bar on the ground floor with a new betting shop, two public bar counters and more refreshment outlets. The first floor will provide an exclusive facility for Owners and Trainers with balcony viewing of both the parade ring to the south and the final furlong and winning post to the north, as well as extensive panoramic views of the whole course.

The second floor will be a premium facility for Premier Enclosure racegoers, providing unrivalled viewing of the whole racecourse, as well as overlooking the finishing line, and it is hoped will be one of the best public sporting facilities within the region. A new stewards’ room will also be accommodated on this floor.

The top floor will provide essential accommodation for race meeting integrity services including the judge, the photo-finish facility, the side-on television camera positions and the racecourse commentator.

Throughout the redevelopment works the racecourse will continue to stage its usual racing programme so it will be ‘business as usual’.

After a competitive tender process, Lindum has been appointed as the main construction contractor. With a permanent base in York, as well as offices in Lincoln and Peterborough, Lindum has extensive experience and proven track record within the leisure industry and, in particular, has recently successfully completed a major redevelopment project at another premier racecourse. Jonathan Sizer, Managing Director for Lindum’s York division, said “We are delighted to have been awarded this prestigious job and look forward to helping to create this fantastic new facility at Wetherby Racecourse. We understand the importance of balancing the construction requirements with that of a busy, and very popular, racecourse. We will be working hard to ensure minimal disruption throughout the redevelopment works as the race programme continues as usual.”

Seeyouatmidnight will step up to three miles for the £32,000 Grade Two totepool Towton Novices’ Chase (2.45pm), the highlight of action-packed afternoon at Wetherby on Medieval Day, Saturday, February 6.

Trained by Sandy Thomson, Seeyouatmidnight laid down a marker for the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March when jumping and galloping his rivals into submission in the Grade Two Dipper Novices’ Chase over just short of two miles and five furlongs at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day.

A winner at Grade Two level over hurdles at a furlong short of three miles, the eight-year-old was third to Silsol on his chasing debut over two and a half miles at Carlisle in November but reversed that form emphatically when scoring by 13 lengths at Kelso over nearly three miles on December 6.

Thomson, who is based in Berwickshire in the Scottish Borders, said today: “Seeyouatmidnight has come out of Cheltenham great and we are really happy with him.

“We had a bit of a nightmare with the weather last week. We managed to get a couple of bits of work into him but not much in between.

“I was absolutely delighted with him at Cheltenham. He is a hard horse to pass and given the type of horse he is I always hoped he was capable of a performance like that.

“It looks like it will be another good race at the weekend but we have got to be hopeful. My only slight concern would be really testing ground because I don’t want him to have a real slog this close to Cheltenham. You just worry that a hard race might take the edge off him. The forecast seems to a bit drier down there so hopefully conditions won’t be too bad.”

Also among the entries are Grade Two scorers Southfield Royale (Neil Mulholland) and Native River (Colin Tizzard), who were second and third to Tea For Two in the Grade One Kauto Star Novices’ Chase over three miles at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.

Brian Ellison has entered Definitly Red, runner-up to Irish raider Black Hercules at Warwick last time out, while Nicky Henderson may run Doncaster runner-up Vyta Du Roc. Classy mare Bitofapuzzle (Harry Fry) and Dipper Novices’ Chase second Blaklion (Nigel Twiston-Davies) are also engaged.

First run in 1996, the Towton Novices’ Chase commemorates the Battle of Towton, a major conflict in the Wars of the Roses which was fought 10 miles from the racecourse on Palm Sunday in 1461.

Those attending Wetherby on Medieval Day will find themselves stepping back in time with living history re-enactments, a medieval kitchen, birds of prey and live music among a number of demonstrations.

The seven-race card gets underway at 1.00pm and concludes at 4.30pm with The Aunt Bessies Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race, which celebrates National Yorkshire Pudding Day on Sunday, February 7.

Tickets can be purchased at www.wetherbyracing.co.uk. Accompanied children aged 17 and under are admitted FREE.

Seventh Sky set for quick reappearance in Wetherby feature

Top Gamble is to tackle three miles for the first time in the £40,000 Grade Three 188BET Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase (1.45pm, 21 entries) at Wetherby on Boxing Day, Saturday, December 26.

The imposing seven-year-old captured the Grade Two Future Champions Novices’ Chase at Ayr in April and was last seen out when third to Little Jon under top-weight in a valuable handicap chase at Newbury on November 27, both at around two and a half miles.

Trainer Kerry Lee said: “The Rowland Meyrick is the target for Top Gamble.

“He has come out Newbury really well. It was great to see him bounce back to form and I think it was probably a career best performance.

“We are looking forward to trying him over three miles for the first time. He is bred to stay but, until you try, you can never be sure.”

Seventh Sky could make a quick reappearance at Wetherby. The eight-year-old, who was runner-up to Top Gamble at Ayr, relished heavy conditions and the step up to just short of three miles when making all to win the Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase by seven lengths at Haydock Park on December 19.

Trainer Charlie Mann said: “Seventh Sky might turn out quickly for the Rowland Meyrick. He comes out of his races so well and did not lose any weight after Haydock.

“He has always been a very consistent horse – he had 16 runs last year, winning five – but I ran him in two silly races this season behind Coneygree and Vautour purely through lack of options.

“They dropped him a 1lb for finishing second in the Grand Sefton and, but for that, he would not have been qualified for the Tommy Whittle as that was a 0-145. He is obviously going to go up a bit in the handicap and there are now very few races for him now.

“He was running over two miles and two and a half miles last season and maybe I have been getting his trip wrong. He just gallops away and goes on any ground, although he handles soft very well.

“He just has the most amazing constitution. He eats up straight away and if we don’t run him he actually puts weight on. I have never had a horse quite like him.”

The weights for the 188BET Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase are set to be headed by Sam Winner (Paul Nicholls), who was fourth to Cue Card in the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase over the course and distance last time out, and Cheltenham Gold Cup fourth Holywell (Jonjo O’Neill).

Other eye-catching entries include The Last Samuri (Kim Bailey), who was third to Wakanda in the Listed Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle on his reappearance, and improving Bangor scorer What A Good Night (Dan Skelton).

Wetherby’s six-race programme on Boxing Day starts at 12.35pm and finishes at 3.30pm.

The £22,500 188BET Castleford Handicap Chase (2.40pm) over two miles headlines the six-race card at Wetherby on December 27. The 13 entries are topped by Just Cameron (Micky Hammond), who finished second to Un De Sceaux in a Grade One event at Punchestown in April. Promising novice The Saint James (Jonjo O’Neill) is also engaged.

Gates open at 10am on both days of the 188BET Yorkshire Christmas Meeting, with complimentary mulled wine and mince pies available for the ‘early birds’. Musical entertainment over the two days is provided by the LA Jazz Band and the Endeavour Ceilidh Band.

All hospitality & restaurants have sold out for both days, while Premier Enclosure admission has sold out on Boxing Day. There is availability in the Paddock Enclosure on Boxing Day and all enclosures on December 27. Tickets can be purchased online at www.wetherbyracing.co.uk and there is free entry for accompanied children aged 17 and under.

The free shuttle bus service between Wetherby Market Place and the racecourse operates approximately every 20 minutes, starting at 11am through to 12.30pm on both days. The return shuttle continues for an hour after the last race. Free car parking is available.

The 188BET Yorkshire Christmas Meeting forms part of the Go Racing in Yorkshire Winter Festival, which continues at Catterick on Monday, December 28 and Doncaster on Tuesday, December 29.

For more information, please contact, Jonjo Sanderson, Chief Executive & Clerk of the Course, Wetherby Racecourse & Conference Centre on 01937 543344 or 07831 437453 – www.wetherbyracing.co.uk