Yorkshire Jockeys Horse Racing

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


The first Family Day of the season at Pontefract is just around the corner on Sunday 24th June. A hugely popular event, it’s the annual totepool Flat Cap & Whippet Family Day.

Not only do we have Pontefract Races, but there is an England World Cup game on Sunday 24th June as well. But the Racecourse are all geared up for it and are providing live coverage in between races on the big screens and have also got a dedicated World Cup Marquee providing uninterrupted coverage of the game throughout the afternoon.

There’s an action packed day ahead with activities getting underway when the gates open at 11.30am. Whippets from the Yorkshire Pedigree Whippet Racing Club will take to the Racecourse between 12.30pm and 1.30pm as they set the scene for their equine counterparts later in the afternoon. With around 30 whippets racing over a series of races, it’s going to be a fast and furious way to start proceedings!

Whippets and horses are not the only races taking place – a team of ferrets will also be stepping into the spot light with racing in the Picnic Enclosure throughout the afternoon!

It’s worth dusting off that old Flat Cap from the back of the wardrobe as well. The first 500 people through the turnstiles wearing a flat cap will win a spot prize of either a tote voucher, a drinks voucher or a racecard!

As has become tradition on Sundays at Pontefract, there are lots of things going on for young racegoers in the Picnic Enclosure. With kids rides, a circus, face painting and free activity books and racecards, there’s plenty to keep the little ones occupied while mum and dad enjoy some top class racing. Eagle eyed kids need to look out for the Golden Horseshoe too – there’s a hamper of sweets to be won for the first person to find it!

There’s also free Pony rides as well – plenty to keep even the most active little ones occupied!

If you’ve ever wondered what happens down at the start of races – in the calm before the race explodes in to action – then you’ll be able to pick up our free minibus which will take you down to the starting stalls and bring you back after the race. Available for any race over 5f or 6f, it provides a fascinating insight into what goes on in the open space of the Parkland.

On the track, totepool sponsor all 7 races with the highlight being the £50,000 Listed totepool Pontefract Castle Fillies’ Stakes. The race was won last year by Abingdon who stormed home by an impressive 10 lengths for Ryan Moore and Sir Michael Stoute. She then went on to finish 3rd in a Group 2 in France and Group 3 in Ireland later in the year. Where will the 2018 winner be campaigned?

The 2018 Pontefract Stayers Championship is shaping up to be a really competitive affair and Round 4 is the totetrifecta Pontefract Cup. Micky Hammonds Tuscan Gold won the overall championship last year and the trainer has the current leader in this year’s competition with Becky The Thatcher who looks to have a great season ahead of her!

As always Family Tickets (£25) are available in advance for 2 adults and their children along with a range of alternative packages. Please view the course website (www.pontefract-races.co.uk) or give them a call on 01977 781307. Racing gets underway at 2.00pm, and the gates open at 11.30am!