The inaugural ‘Art of Racing’ Raceday won an award at the prestigious Showcase Awards last year for its unique innovation and the second of our Art of Racing Racedays in 2017 takes place at Pontefract on Tuesday 11th July. It once again promises to be a brilliant day for both racing fanatics and those going racing for the first time as the race meeting celebrates everything we know and love about The Sport of Kings!

For those who think they know a bit about racing, the Racecourse are looking for 7 guest tipsters to preview one race each on the day. These form experts will then visit the course on the day to share their knowledge to other racegoers before their race takes place! Pontefract are also looking for those with a keen eye for the horses to join them to pick out the Best Turned Out Horse in each race as well. If you’d like to be considered for either of these roles, please contact the Racecourse on 01977 781307 or email info@pontefract-races.co.uk.
There will also be a beginners commentary booth for people to have a go at commentating on a race ‘behind the scenes’ – everyone taking part will be able to take home a recording of their commentary! With bus trips to see the equine stars down at the start, as well as a mechanical horse for budding jockeys to try out and some fantastic racing, it’s going to be a fun packed day with plenty going on!
The feature on the track is the Weatherbys GSB Pipalong Stakes – named after won of the best northern sprinting fillies in recent years. The race always produces a decent filly or mare as it’s the last opportunity for the fairer sex to gain Listed ‘black type’ over this trip. Indeed, the role call of former winners includes the likes of Chorist, Red Bloom and Gifted Girl who all went on to compete at the highest level. The 2016 winner, Spirit Raiser fought of a host of in form fillies for red hot trainer James Fanshawe who took the Northumberland Plate over the weekend.
The meeting kicks off with The Dianne Nursery handicap for 2 year olds. It’s one of the first handicaps for 2 year olds to be run this season. The 2016 winner, On Her Toes, was far from disgraced at Royal Ascot last month and if the 2017 winner is half as good as her, we’ll have something to look forward to.
The Pontefract Sports & Education Foundation hold a charity event throughout this day and three of the races on the card are sponsored by their supporters. Sochall Smith Chartered Accounts, Pontefract Squash & Leisure Club and People’s Holdings are all fervent supporters of the foundation who aim to promote the advancement of education and sport amongst the underprivileged and disadvantaged in the Pontefract and District area.
There’s a varied supporting card including the 33rd running of the £14,000 King Richard III Stakes Handicap. The race commemorates the granting of a Royal Charter to the Borough of Pontefract in 1484 and the successful owner will receive a perpetual challenge trophy provided by Pontefract Civic Society. Multiple course winner Johnny Cavagin took the honours in 2016 and will be hoping for a repeat performance!
The Racecourse Postcode Lottery gives the opportunity for anyone based in the Leeds area to come racing for free. By sending a stamped addressed envelope to the Racecourse, residents with an ‘LS’ postcode can get a ticket to the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure free of charge.