There’s fun for all at the annual Press Family Sunday at York Races this weekend (Sunday September 6), including a seven-race thoroughbred card worth over £100,000; featuring the fourth running of the Betfred Garrowby Stakes, a Listed race for sprinters. Plus, the return of children’s favourite, Peppa Pig, to the Knavesmire.
This year the only Sunday of the season sees the inaugural Conditions Series Finals as young riders take part in the Charles Owen Pony Racing Series.
It is a full day out for both the novice and regular racegoer and those under 18 years of age will be admitted free of charge into all enclosures, though the under 16s will need to be accompanied. Continuing from the previous years is the popular offer of a single admission combining both the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure with the Course Enclosure for just £12. This will enable racegoers bringing a traditional picnic into the Course Enclosure to enjoy their lunch and then take advantage of the special ‘picnic hamper cloakroom’ and then cross over the track to see the horses close up in the Parade Ring and sample the facilities on the stands side.
Also, for this special family meeting, the County Stand dress code is relaxed, with smart casual being the advice.
The action on the track begins at 1-00 p.m. with a couple of races, the respective finals in the Conditions category of the 2015 Charles Owen Pony Racing Series, showcasing the talents of the next generation of riders.
Racing under rules starts at 2-00 p.m. with The Judith Marshall Memorial Stakes – a Nursery Handicap for two-year-olds. Sprinters take part in the afternoon’s feature race, The Betfred Garrowby Stakes, this is the fourth running of this Listed race which alone offers prize money of £40,000. It will be run over six furlongs, the same distance as The Hanson Springs Stakes –a handicap contest for three-year-old sprinters. Stayers have their opportunity in The Castles UK Educational & Residential Furniture Stakes (a handicap contest over two miles). The sporting action includes a chance for those in their first season on the track in The Longines Irish Champions Weekend EBF Maiden Stakes for two-year-olds and for the experienced and so familiar handicappers in The Barkers Garage Stakes, – a race over one mile and a quarter.
The upcoming jockeys are again in the spotlight when they compete in The Coopers Marquees Apprentice Stakes. This race is part of the ‘Go Racing in Yorkshire’ Future Stars Apprentice Series – now in its third year – which culminates in a Final at Doncaster in November. Coming into this race, North Yorkshire-based rider, Josh Doyle (54 points) has a clear lead from Nathan Evans and Daniel Cremin
The Racing Interactive Zone will offer the chance to ride a virtual racehorse, to try on racing silks, question our experts and enter a colouring competition. Meanwhile, Harry the racehorse is a retired star of the track waiting to meet racegoers. There will also be a demonstration of how to saddle him up.
For those of all ages, the funfair is back for this meeting. Bouncy castles are also located around the course, along with a wide array of entertainments for the family. There’s also the ever popular face painting.
‘Tommo’ – well-known broadcaster, Derek Thompson will share his knowledge of the sport. Listen out for his racing guide and be ready to say hello and see yourself on the big screens as he roams the stands.
Three-course Sunday lunches are being served from noon or you might want to enjoy a fresh sandwich on one of the many lawns; whatever your culinary choice, a great afternoon awaits.