The second Family Day of the 2016 season at Pontefract on Sunday 24th July is also the final day of the 9th Annual Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival. With racing taking place in the White Rose County throughout the preceding week, there’s going to be a real festival feel to the days’ proceedings. Trainers and jockeys will also be bidding to get that all important next win on the leader board as they aim to be top dog in their respective Championships sponsored by Goldsborough Hall and TVF Promotions.
As has become the custom on Sundays at Pontefract, there’s a lot going on for the kids in the Picnic Enclosure. With kid’s rides, a circus, face painting and free sweets, activity books and racecards AND free pony rides there’s plenty to keep the little ones occupied while mums and dads enjoy some top class racing. Eagle eyed kids need to keep a look out for the lucky Golden Horseshoe too – there’s a hamper of sweets to be won for the first person to find it!
To celebrate the conclusion to the Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival, there’s even more happening! Renowned horse racing artist, Darren Bird, will be next to the Winners Enclosure finishing off his painting of the 9 Yorkshire tracks. Once completed, this unique and incredible piece of art will be auctioned off with all proceeds going to the Injured Jockeys fund!
‘Birdie’ won’t be the only artist in residence at Pontefract next Sunday as ‘Horses Inside Out’ will also be painting Harry (a retired race horse) anatomically so that we can understand a little more about how our equine superstars work. With fascinating presentations and interactions with racegoers, those who missed this incredible spectacle last year mustn’t miss out this time round.
On the track, Sky Bet support the main race on the card – the 1 mile Listed Pomfret Stakes. David O’Meara has farmed the race in recent years. Custom Cut and Mondialiste have been sensational winners of the last two runnings and have both gone on to compete at the highest level – indeed, last year’s winner Mondialiste was sent to America for the Breeders Cup meeting where he finished runner up to the incredible Tepin. Keep your eyes on this race – there are some fantastic horses on the roll of honour.
If high speed is your thing, tiesplanet.com sponsor the main supporting race – the £15,000 6f Handicap. Ponte’s champion trainer, Richard Fahey, took the race last year with Right Touch who went on to win at both Ascot and Ayr later in the season. The trainer was completing a double after the classy Mayfair Lady took the opener on the card.
There are some special Family Day Tickets also available when booked in advance. 2 adults and their children can take advantage of a special price of just £22. There’s also a delicious BBQ package (£23) – perfect for a glorious Summer day! If you’d like to take advantage of any of the special advance packages, please view the course website (www.pontefract-races.co.uk ) or give them a call on 01977 781307. Racing gets underway at 2.20pm and the gates open at 11.30am!