Catterick’s final National Hunt meeting of the 2017/18 season is set for Wednesday 7 March, Countryside Day.
The course has seen lots of excitement throughout season including having the first of Frankel’s progeny to win over jumps, in the form of Solo Saxophone, and the seven race card on March 7th looks set to continue the action.
The Countryside Day Selling Handicap Hurdle Race will get the racing action underway at 1:50pm, while The Support Jack Berry House Novices’ Hunters’ Steeple Chase is scheduled for 4:20pm. Hunter Chases provide a strong link with the hunting community and an excellent opportunity for graduates of Point-to-Point fields to showcase their talents on the main racing stage.
Following on from the seven-race card, at approximately 5:10pm, is the Flying Fillies Charity Race. Sponsored by Betfred, the race has been organised to raise money for the Injured Jockeys Fund and Jack Berry House. Catterick’s own raceday presenter, Adele Mulrennan, will be donning her breeches one last time to ride in the race. She will be among twelve lady riders in a very competitive field.
Adele Mulrennan, Raceday Presenter said: “In my time of riding I was lucky to never have to call upon the Injured Jockeys Fund, but my husband Paul [Mulrennan] has had to on many occasions, so it’s nice to give something back.
“It’s been a lucky track for me in the past, I’ve had a couple of winners at Catterick – hopefully I can get my head in front again!”
The Injured Jockey’s Fund will be at the course on the day should any racegoers wish to donate to the charity or sponsor any riders ahead of the race.
To continue the countryside theme, the Swinton Estate will be showcasing some of the other country pursuits which can be enjoyed alongside horse racing! Ahead of the first race on the 7 March, Catterick’s racegoers will be treated to a fishing talk and casting demonstration by Philip Ellis, Yorkshire Salmon Guide from Swinton Estate near Masham. The demonstration will take place in the Parade Ring at 12:50pm.
Swinton Estate will also have a stand at the course on the day with details of some of the other outdoor and sporting activities which can be enjoyed at the estate.
Other trade stands, including La Fille Rouge and Garstang Garden Ornaments, will also be at the course on the day giving racegoers the opportunity for some retail therapy in between races.
As with all of Catterick’s fixtures, under 18’s will be admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult, and a big screen will be at the course on the day giving racegoers the best views of all the action.
The gates will be open to the public from 11.50am onwards. A free shuttle bus will be running to take racegoers from Richmond Market Place to the racecourse, approximately one hour prior to the first race, and will return again after the last race.