Under 18’s race free at all Catterick’s fixtures, but on four family days, and throughout the summer holidays, there’s more than just the racing action in store for the next generation of racing fans.

On Wednesday 3 April, families can enjoy Easter themed fun alongside the racing action, including ‘Easter Egg in a Bucket’ and ‘Find the Chick’ side stall games, and an Easter Egg Hunt. While for those looking for a tougher challenge, reactions will be tested in the Extreme Arena!

Younger racegoers taking part in the Egg Hunt will be hoping to find the Golden Egg, which will enter them into a prize draw to win tickets for Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park.

Emma Stevenson, General Commercial Manager said: “We always look forward to our family days and welcoming the next generation of racegoers through the gates! There’s lots to look forward to this Flat season and we can’t wait to get underway with the Easter Family Day on Wednesday 3 April.”

Alongside the family fun, there will be an action packed seven race card to enjoy, the first race is scheduled for 1.50pm and the last race at 4.55pm. The gates will open to the public from 11.50am, and a free shuttle bus will run between Richmond Market Place and the racecourse from one hour prior to the first race.

Catterick Racecourse is pleased to confirm that the Millbry Hill Country Store Ride of the Meeting Series will continue this Flat season and jockeys will be keen to impress for a chance to win a £20 Millbry Hill voucher at each meeting, whilst hoping to earn the Millbry Hill Ride of the Season title at the end of the season.

Other highlights this Flat season include the return of the Catterick Beer Festival Race Day, in association with The Pennine Brewing Co., which takes place on Saturday 8 June this year. While the ever-popular Ladies’ Day and family fun days return in August.

Tickets and hospitality for all Catterick’s 2024 Flat fixtures are available to book now, with admission starting at just £8 in advance and complimentary racecards available on arrival for all racegoers.

Racegoers can take advantage of advanced and group booking ticket discounts when ordering online at www.catterickbridge.co.uk or over the phone by calling the racecourse office on 01748 811478 at least 48 hours ahead of gates opening. Accompanied under 18’s are admitted free of charge and concessions tickets are available for racegoers aged 65+, students and military personnel.

Alongside the six-race card, racegoers will be invited to take part in fashion competitions including Best Dressed Lady and Best Accessory. Catterick’s racegoers are encouraged to dress for the weather during the National Hunt season and, as a result, the judges will be looking for Countryside inspired outfits with both style and practicality important factors!

The Best Dressed Lady competition has been kindly sponsored by the Black Bull Inn and Catterick’s Jumps Season Best Dressed Lady for 2024 will win a two-course meal for two people and a bottle of wine.

The Black Bull Inn, located just five miles from the racecourse in Moulton, also offers a discount to Catterick’s Annual Card Holders and all racegoers with a valid race card.

Secondly, Millbry Hill Country Store are offering a prize for the best accessory on the day, so whether you have a favourite fedora, gorgeous gloves or beautiful boots, make sure you wear them to Catterick Races on Wednesday 6 March for a chance to win a £50 Millbry Hill voucher!

Emma Stevenson, General Commercial Manager at Catterick Racecourse said: “This meeting is the final fixture of our 2023/24 National Hunt season – we’ve had a fantastic season so far with some brilliant performances including a number of trebles, so it’s great to finish on a high note with Countryside Ladies’ Day!”

Catterick’s Champion Trainer and Jockey will also be decided by the end of racing on 6 March. It’s been a close competition for the jockeys this season, with Brian Hughes, Emma Smith-Chaston and Richie McLernon all on four wins so far. Brian Hughes just nudges in front on number of placings and will be keen to hang onto the top spot to secure his fourth year in a row at the top of the table.

Meanwhile, local trainer Micky Hammond currently sits at the top of the Champion Trainer series with 6 wins so far, although Jonjo O’Neil is close behind with 5 wins, having enjoyed a treble on 11 January.

The first race on Wednesday 6 March is due to take place at 1.50pm, while the feature race, the Best Odds Guaranteed at Vickers.Bet Handicap Hurdle Race is due to take place at 4.15pm. The last race is scheduled for 4.45pm.

The gates will be open to the public from 12 noon, with all facilities available from then onwards and a free shuttle bus will run from Richmond Market Place to bring racegoers to the racecourse approximately 1 hour prior to the first race and will return after the last.

Tickets are available to purchase at the gates on the day, while advanced and group booking discounts are available up until 48 hours prior to the race day either online at catterickbridge.co.uk or via the racecourse office by calling 01748 811478. As with all of Catterick’s fixtures, accompanied under 18’s are admitted free of charge and concessions are available for racegoers aged 65+, students and military personnel.

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The ever-popular New Year’s Day meeting is the first fixture of the 2024 Yorkshire racing calendar and is one of the feature race days at the North Yorkshire track. A six-race card is scheduled, with the first race at 12.45pm and the last race at 3.39pm. The gates will be open to the public from 10.45am.

Emma Stevenson, General Commercial Manager said: “We’re delighted to continue the tradition of New Year’s Day racing this year – it’s the perfect way to start the year and clear the head after the revelries of the night before!”

In addition to the racing action, racegoers will also have the chance to win a pair of Grandstand & Paddock admission tickets to a meeting of their choice in 2024 by entering the prize draw on Raceday Ready – the official racecourse app.

The New Year’s Day fixture marks the first of 27 fixtures at Catterick Racecourse in 2024, including 10 National Hunt and 17 Flat fixtures.

Following the action on 1^st January, Catterick’s National Hunt season continues on Thursday 11 January with its longest and most prestigious race – the North Yorkshire Grand National, which has been kindly sponsored by local bookmaker Vickers Bet again in 2024.

Last year’s race was won by the locally trained BUSHYPARK, ridden by Tommy Dowson. As a result of this performance Philip Kirby, based at East Appleton, also landed the jump training performance of the season at the recent Go Racing in Yorkshire Annual Awards, sponsored by the Tote.

Racegoers attending one of Catterick’s three January fixtures will be delighted to discover that by purchasing their tickets in advance, they will receive complimentary admission for evening racing on Tuesday 30 April 2024.

There have been some changes to the calendar in 2024, most notably the Pennine Brewing Beer Festival moving from September to Saturday 8 June. While two new fixtures have been added to the calendar, on Tuesday (evening) 30 April and Tuesday 18 June, when the racecourse will show all the action from Royal Ascot on the big screens and TV’s around the course, alongside the live racing action on the track.

Tickets will be available will be available to purchase at the gates at each meeting, while advanced booking discounts are available up until 48 hours prior to each race day, either online at catterickbridge.co.uk or by calling the racecourse office on 01748 811478.

While there is a slight increase in prices for 2024, from New Year’s Day onwards, the racecourse will reintroduce a concessions ticket for racegoers aged 65 and over, students and military personnel. Additionally, throughout 2024 all racegoers will be offered a complimentary racecard on arrival. The racecard, or programme, contains details of all the runners and riders on the day, and need to know information for an enjoyable day at the races.

Under 18’s are admitted free of charge and there is a complimentary shuttle bus service from Richmond Market Place, leaving approximately one hour prior to the first race each day.

The festivities begin with Christmas at Catterick, when the Christmas lights will be up, and the course will welcome the choir from St Francis Xavier School in Richmond to sing Christmas carols for racegoers ahead of the first race.

The Injured Jockey’s Fund will be at the course with a selection of Christmas gifts and stocking fillers suitable for any racing enthusiast – the ideal occasion for some last-minute Christmas shopping!

Emma Stevenson, General Commercial Manager said: “We’re delighted to welcome St Francis Xavier School Choir to the racecourse for Christmas at Catterick. The 19^th December marks the first of our festive fixtures and hearing the carols being sung as racegoers arrive creates such a joyous atmosphere!”

With seven races scheduled, kindly sponsored by Hillcrest Home Care, Nawton Racing Club and Vickers Bet, the racing action on 19 December gets underway at 12.30pm, with the gates opening to the public at 10.30am.

Next up on the calendar is the Sky Bet Christmas Jumper Day on Thursday 28 December. One of the feature meetings at the North Yorkshire racecourse, it always proves popular with racegoers – offering the perfect opportunity to enjoy some fresh air and post-Christmas fun with friends and family!

Raceday sponsors Sky Bet have generously supported all six races on the day, with the first race due to take place at 12.30pm and the last scheduled for 3.25pm.

Sky Bet Head of Sports PR, Michael Shinners, said: “We’re delighted to be once again sponsoring at Catterick on the 28th December. It’s always a great atmosphere over the Christmas period and we look forward to seeing some competitive National Hunt racing.”

On 28 December, the gates will open to the public from 10.30am, and racegoers wearing a Christmas Jumper on the day will be given the opportunity to enter a prize draw to win a Christmas stocking full of goodies, including a voucher for two Grandstand & Paddock admission tickets to a meeting of the winner’s choice at Catterick Bridge in 2024.

In addition, every equine winner on the day will receive a Christmas stocking full of goodies – the horses’ stockings, however, will be filled with carrots and polos!

Together with Sky Bet, the racecourse has also arranged a small Christmas gift for every member of stable staff working on the day to say thank you for all their hard work over the Christmas period.

The festive race days will culminate with racing on New Year’s Day, as Catterick Racecourse hosts the first fixture of the 2024 Yorkshire racing calendar – a favourite among many racegoers and a tradition the racecourse is delighted to continue this year.

Tickets will be available will be available to purchase at the gates at each meeting, while advanced booking discounts are available up until 48 hours prior to each race day, either online at catterickbridge.co.uk or by calling the racecourse office on 01748 811478.

Under 18’s are admitted free of charge and there is a complimentary shuttle bus service from Richmond Market Place approximately one hour prior to the first race each day.

The first of seven races is scheduled to take place at 1:45pm with gates opening to the public two hours prior at 11:45am. The feature race of the afternoon – and Catterick’s richest race of the season – The William Hill Catterick Dash Handicap will take place at 3:40pm. The minimum distance five-furlong sprint should attract plenty of good sprinters and has a total of £40,000 prize money up for grabs.

Emma Stevenson, General Commercial Manager said: “The Catterick Dash meeting is our feature race day, with top quality racing action on show. We’re delighted to welcome William Hill back as sponsors and are looking forward to adding a new name to the Catterick Dash Roll of Honour!”

The final race on the card, scheduled for 5:30pm, is the penultimate round of the Go Racing in Yorkshire Future Stars Apprentice Series. Sam Feilden currently leads the series by 2 points from Elle-May Croot. Sam has 39 points as opposed to Elle-May’s 37, so it’s still all to play for! The series final will take place at Doncaster Racecourse three weeks later.

Alongside the action on the track, the course will also be showing live coverage from Champions Day at Ascot on the newly installed permanent big screen and TV’s around the course.

The William Hill Catterick Dash meeting is the penultimate fixture on the 2023 Flat season calendar for Catterick, with final meeting taking place on Tuesday 31 October.

The Flat Finale, on 31 October, falls in the half-term holidays, so it’s worth remembering that accompanied under 18’s are admitted free of charge to all of Catterick’s fixtures. In addition, there will be some spooky activities alongside the racing action to keep the kid’s entertained this Halloween!

The final meeting will also determine Catterick’s Champion Trainer, Jockey and Owner for 2023 Flat season. Tim Easterby will take some catching in the Champion Trainer contest – he has a total of 9 wins this season so far, while the Jockeys series is much closer with Connor Beasley and David Allan currently tied on 6 wins each.

At all of Catterick’s fixtures, a free shuttle bus service operates between Richmond and the racecourse. The shuttle bus will leave from Richmond Market Place approximately an hour before the first race to bring racegoers to the course and returns after the last race.

Tickets will be available to purchase at the gates on the day, while advanced and group booking discounts are available up until 48 hours prior to the raceday. Call the racecourse office on 01748 811478 or book online at www.catterickbridge.co.uk.

The action packed seven-race card will kick off at 1.45pm with the Pennine Brewing Company Nursery Handicap Stakes. Thanks to their kind sponsorship, the yard with the Best Turned Out horse in this opening race will also receive a crate of Pennine Brewing Co. beer, in addition to a £50 cash prize for the member of staff that’s got the horse ready.

Debbie Clayton from Pennine Brewing Company said: “All of us at Pennine are super excited for the fifth Catterick beer festival on our 10^th year of brewing. To celebrate, we are bringing along some of our customers to experience the amazing day of racing at Catterick with a beer festival – I am sure it will be another great day!

The feature race of the day is the 4.05pm Scott Leather 50^th Birthday Handicap Stakes, while the last race is scheduled for 5.15pm.

Alongside the racing action, Pennine Brewing Co. will have ten different ales and ciders for racegoers to sample throughout the afternoon. Based locally to the racecourse at Well, the Pennine Brewing Co. is an independent family run brewery that has several permanent brews, and their brewers also develop a number of seasonal specials throughout the year.

In addition, the Black Marcs will be playing live throughout the afternoon and after racing. The gates will be staying open longer than usual, until 6.30pm, allowing racegoers to enjoy the Beer Festival and live music into the evening once the racing has finished.

As with all Catterick Racecourse’s fixtures, accompanied under 18’s will be admitted free of charge and, in addition to the indoor and outdoor play areas, there will also be free entertainment in the Course Enclosure including a pirate ship assault course and bouncy castle to keep any younger racing fans entertained throughout the day.

A big screen will also be at the course on the day to enable racegoers to see even more of the action from the track, as well as showing the big race action from Ayr Races – featuring the Ayr Gold Cup.

Emma Stevenson, General Commercial Manager said: “We’re delighted to continue our partnership with the Pennine Brewing Company again this year for the Yorkshire Beer Festival Raceday – it’s always a popular day, with something on offer for everyone to enjoy, from the racing action to the live music and beer festival, plus free children’s entertainment in the Course Enclosure!”

The gates will be open to the public from 11.45am, while the free shuttle bus will bring racegoers from Richmond Market Place to the racecourse approximately one hour prior to the first race.

Tickets will be available to purchase at the gates on the day, while advanced and group booking discounts are available up until 48 hours prior to the raceday, either over the phone by calling the racecourse office on 01748 811478 or online at www.catterickbridge.co.uk.

The gates open at 12.00pm on Wednesday 30 August and racegoers will be keen to arrive early as the first 100 people to visit the Yorkshire Dales Distillery stand will be treated to a complimentary Strawberry & Thai Basil cocktail served with either tonic or lemonade.

The first race, the Dave Watson Memorial / EBF Restricted Maiden Stakes gets under starters orders at 2.10pm, while the feature race, the Yorkshire Dales Distillery Handicap Stakes is scheduled for 3.10pm. The last race on the card is the Holiday at Home Classified Stakes at 4.45pm.

Amongst the racing action, racegoers can enjoy live music performed by singer-songwriter Elena Larkin and fashion enthusiasts will have the opportunity to showcase their style and elegance in the highly anticipated fashion competitions. Whether it’s the Best Dressed Lady or the Best Hat competition, participants will have the chance to win some fabulous prizes!

Firstly, the Best Dressed Lady on the day will win a satchel and purse from Berber Leather, worth £165, plus a £100 voucher for their shop in Richmond, in addition to a £150 voucher from Holiday at Home to use towards a stay at Brompton Lakes, where they will receive a Yorkshire Hamper and bottle of fizz on arrival.

The winner of the Best Dressed Lady competition will also go on to represent Catterick at the Go Racing in Yorkshire Best Dressed Final, which will take place online via a public vote following the final Yorkshire Ladies’ Day at Doncaster Racecourse in September.

Kindly sponsored by Fascination by Cherished, the lady wearing the Best Hat on the day will receive a £200 voucher for hat hire from Fascination by Cherished in Ripon.

Emma Stevenson, General Commercial Manager said: “The style stakes are always high when it comes to Ladies’ Day; we’re very grateful to our sponsors for offering some wonderful prizes and are looking forward to seeing the fashions this year!”

In addition to the fashion competitions, there will also be a chance for racegoers to win a pair of tickets to a raceday of their choice at Catterick Racecourse by entering the prize draw on raceday-ready.com.

With the meeting falling in the last week of the school holidays, it’s worth noting that there will be free children’s entertainment in the Course Enclosure during the afternoon to ensure a fun-filled afternoon for everyone – and remember accompanied under 18’s race free at all of Catterick’s fixtures!

For those looking to make a day of it, there are limited tables available on the popular restaurant package. Alternatively, afternoon tea is available in the Paddock Café for just £34 including your hospitality admission and table reservation.

In partnership with CGC Event Caterers, the racecourse is offering racegoers 50% off quarter bottles of Prosecco when pre-ordered alongside admission tickets. Adult tickets start at just £5 for the Course Enclosure, or £15 for the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure when booked at least 48 hours in advance of the raceday.

Tickets are available online at catterickbridge.co.uk or over the phone by calling the racecourse office on 01748 811478 and will also be available at the gates on the day.

There is a free shuttle bus which brings racegoers to the racecourse from Richmond Market Place. The bus leaves approximately one hour before the first race and will return after the last race.

The gates will open to the public for the Gin Festival Raceday at midday and a thrilling seven race card awaits racegoers looking to get closer to the action, with the first race scheduled for 2.10pm. The feature race is the five-furlong Download the Vickers.Bet App Handicap Stakes at 4.30pm, while the last race is scheduled for 5.40pm.

Alongside the racing action, racegoers can enjoy live music from Stockton-on-Tees based singer and guitarist Tom Powell and there will be a selection of gins available to try throughout the day at Carol’s Gin Bar.

Racegoers will also have the opportunity to win tickets to a future Catterick raceday by entering the competition on raceday-ready.com and for those new to racing, Amy Ryan, Catterick’s raceday presenter, will be providing some additional commentary and racing insights whilst the horses are in the Parade Ring. Amy is a successful former jockey, daughter of North Yorkshire trainer Kevin Ryan and Racing TV presenter with a wealth of knowledge about the sport.

Emma Stevenson, General Commercial Manager at Catterick Racecourse said: “We’re looking forward to celebrating World Gin Day with our racegoers at the Gin Festival Raceday on Saturday 10 June. It’s going to be an action-packed day with lots to enjoy throughout the afternoon – be sure to arrive early to enjoy a complimentary G&T on arrival!”

As with all Catterick’s fixtures, under 18’s race free and on 10 June, younger racegoers will be able to enjoy side stall games, a giant inflatable Helter Skelter and bouncy castles in the Course Enclosure amidst the racing action. Families are also welcome to enjoy picnics in the Course Enclosure.

Hospitality for this fixture is fully booked, but general admission tickets are still available, with advanced booking discounts on offer until 48 hours prior to the raceday. Racegoers can also pre-order their racecards and receive a 20% discount.

Course Enclosure tickets are just £5 per adult when booked at least 48 hours in advance (£7 on the day), while Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure tickets are £15 each in advance or £18 on the day. Tickets are available to book both online at catterickbridge.co.uk and over the phone by calling the racecourse office on 01748 811478 and will also be available at the gates on the day.

For those racegoers travelling by public transport, or staying in Richmond, a complimentary shuttle bus runs on racedays between Richmond Market Place to the racecourse, starting one hour prior to the first race. The shuttle bus will return to Richmond after the last race.

Racing Welfare hold regular ‘Racing Reminiscence’ coffee mornings for retired racing beneficiaries, where attendees can get together and chat about times gone by, with the aim of helping to combat loneliness. As Catterick’s raceday on Thursday 25 May takes place on the Racing Together Community Day, racing’s national day of volunteering in support of local communities, it offered the perfect opportunity for the team at Catterick to host a reminiscence day at the racecourse, together with Racing Welfare. 

Gail Burton-Pye, Welfare Officer at Racing Welfare said: “We are really excited to be working with Catterick Racecourse to deliver our Racing Reminiscence Day. It is a fantastic opportunity for Racing Welfare to share some of the amazing memories and memorabilia that has been kindly donated by our retirees with Catterick’s racegoers. Please do come along and have a look.”

Racegoers will have the opportunity to view a display of memorabilia and stories from over the years in the Paddock Café and Main Entrance, as well as enjoying memories of the course in the racecard and on the big screens on the day. In addition, Racing Welfare will have a dedicated area in the Paddock Café for anyone looking to enjoy a coffee and a chat.

Furthermore, Racing Welfare have put together a quiz to test racegoers memories and the winner will receive a voucher for two Grandstand & Paddock admission tickets to a Catterick raceday of their choice in 2023!

Emma Stevenson, General Commercial Manager said: “We’re delighted to be working with Racing Welfare and we are looking forward to welcoming their beneficiaries to Catterick on 25 May. It’s been wonderful learning more about the history of the course and hearing some of our racegoer’s memories in the lead up to this event.”

There are seven races scheduled on the day, with the first race at 2.10pm and the last at 5.12pm. The feature race on the day is the British EBF 40th Anniversary Fillies’ Handicap Stakes scheduled for 4.40pm while loyal supporters of Catterick Races and local bookmaker Vickers Bet, sponsor the fifth race on the card, the Download The Vickers.Bet App Handicap Stakes.

The gates will open to the public from 12 noon, and a free shuttle bus will run between Richmond Market Place and the racecourse from one hour prior to the first race.

Tickets and hospitality are available to book now, while racegoers can take advantage of advanced and group booking ticket discounts either online or over the phone by ordering at least 48 hours ahead of gates opening. As with all of Catterick’s fixtures, under 18’s race free.

Visit catterickbridge.co.uk or call 01748 811478 to make a booking.

One of three popular family days this season, the Easter Family Day will offer free children’s entertainment alongside the racing action including a giraffe slide, bouncy castle and Easter themed photo opportunities as well as an Easter Egg Hunt.

Younger racegoers with a keen eye will be hoping to find the Golden Egg which will enter them into a prize draw to win tickets for Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park!

Emma Stevenson, General Commercial Manager said: “We always look forward to our family days and welcoming the next generation of racegoers through the gates! There’s lots to look forward to this summer and we can’t wait to get underway with the Easter Family Day on Wednesday 12^th April.”

Alongside the family fun, there will be an action packed seven race card to enjoy throughout the afternoon, with the first race scheduled for 2.10pm and the last race at 5.20pm. The feature race of the day, the Download the Vickers.Bet App Handicap Stakes, is scheduled for 4.18pm and is kindly sponsored by Middleton St. George based bookmaker and loyal supporters of Catterick Races, Vickers Bet.

The gates will open to the public from 12.10pm, and a free shuttle bus will run between Richmond Market Place and the racecourse from one hour prior to the first race.

Catterick Racecourse is pleased to confirm that the Millbry Hill Country Store Ride of the Meeting Series will continue this Flat season and jockeys will be keen to impress for a chance to win a £20 Millbry Hill voucher, whilst hoping to earn the Millbry Hill Ride of the Season title!

Other highlights this Flat season include the return of the Yorkshire Beer Festival Race Day, in association with The Pennine Brewing Co. on Saturday 23 September, as well as a new Gin Festival Race Day on Saturday 10 June. The ever-popular Ladies’ Day and family fun days return in August, while the William Hill Catterick Dash, the feature race of the season, takes place on Saturday 21 October.

Following the popularity of the Traditional Afternoon Tea package last season, racegoers can enjoy full afternoon tea in the Paddock Café again this season alongside other hospitality options. The Traditional Afternoon Tea package includes hospitality admission, an official race card, table reservation in the Paddock Café and full afternoon tea from just £34 including vat per person.

Tickets and hospitality for all Catterick’s 2023 Flat fixtures are available to book now. Racegoers can take advantage of advanced and group booking ticket discounts when ordering online or over the phone at least 48 hours ahead of gates opening, and under 18’s race free.

Visit catterickbridge.co.uk or call 01748 811478 to book.

Countryside Ladies’ Day has grown in popularity since its inception in 2020, with the day providing an opportunity for racegoers to showcase winter fashions whilst enjoying an afternoon of thrilling racing action.

Amid the action packed seven race card, racegoers will be invited to take part in fashion competitions including Best Dressed Lady and Best Accessory. Unlike during the Flat season, racegoers are encouraged to dress for the weather during the National Hunt season and the judges will be looking for Countryside inspired outfits with both style and practicality important factors!

The Best Dressed Lady competition has been kindly sponsored by the Black Bull Inn and Catterick’s Jumps Season Best Dressed Lady for 2023 will win a two-course meal for two people and a bottle of wine.

The Black Bull Inn, located in Moulton just 5 miles from the course, also offers a discount to Catterick’s Annual Card Holders and all racegoers with a valid race card.

Millbry Hill Country Store are offering a prize for the best accessory on the day, so whether you’ve got a favourite fedora, gorgeous gloves or beautiful boots make sure you wear them to Catterick Races on Wednesday 8 March for a chance to win a £20 Millbry Hill voucher and a bottle of champagne!

Emma Stevenson, General Commercial Manager at Catterick Races said: “This meeting on Wednesday 8^th March is the final fixture of our 2022/23 National Hunt season – we’ve had a fantastic season so far and it’s great to end on a high note with Countryside Ladies’ Day. We always look forward to seeing all the wonderful outfits on Ladies’ Day!”

Catterick’s Champion Owner, Trainer and Jockey for the 2022/23 season will also be decided by the end of racing on 8 March. Millbry Hill have kindly supported the Champion Jockey series and Brian Hughes, with 7 winners so far this season, looks set to be Catterick’s Champion Jockey for the third year in a row.

Sue Smith currently tops the Champion Trainer series, but it’s close at the top with just one win between the top six trainers, and the Owner’s series is also very tight!

The racing action on the day is scheduled to start at 1.20pm, with the feature race – a 3 miles 1 Furlong Novices’ Steeple Chase – at 3.20pm. The last race on the card is scheduled for 4.20pm.

The gates will open to the public two hours prior to the first race and a free shuttle bus will run from Richmond Market Place to bring racegoers to the racecourse approximately 1 hour prior to the first race and will return after the last.

Tickets will be available to purchase at the gates on the day, while advanced and group booking discounts are available at catterickbridge.co.uk and via the racecourse office up to 48 hours prior to the race day. Accompanied under 18’s are admitted free of charge.

The race is a true test of stamina and jumping ability, with the competitors running over three miles, six furlongs and facing twenty-four jumping obstacles along the way. For the second consecutive year, the North Yorkshire Grand National has been kindly sponsored by Middleton St George based bookmaker, Vickers Bet.

Emma Stevenson, General Commercial Manager said: “We’re delighted to have local bookmakers Vickers Bet sponsoring the North Yorkshire Grand National again this year, it’s a race we always look forward to and one of the highlights of Catterick’s National Hunt season.”

The race tends to attract runners from some of the leading trainers in the UK. Last year’s race saw the North Yorkshire Grand National trophy leave the county for the first time since 2015, when Supreme Escape and James Bowen took the victory for Welsh-based trainer Evan Williams and owners Walters Plant, Spiers & Hartwell, PT Eng.

Prior to that, local trainer Phil Kirby, based at East-Appleton, took the title with Little Bruce, ridden by Tommy Dowson in 2020. While a trainer well worth watching out for is Yorkshire-based Sue Smith, who has trained four winners of the North Yorkshire Grand National in the last seven years. Smith’s wins came with Lackamon (2016), Straidnahanna (2017), I Just Know (2018) and Sharp Response (2019).

Racegoers will enjoy a seven-race card on the day, with the first race scheduled for 12.30pm and the feature race at 2.50pm. Gates open to the public two hours prior to the first race and there will be a complimentary shuttle bus to bring racegoers from Richmond Market Place at approximately 11.30am. It will return after the last race, scheduled for 3.55pm.

The Winter Season Discount scheme in place at the racecourse means racegoers can enjoy all the action for less on North Yorkshire Grand National day and throughout the remaining National Hunt fixtures, with general admission prices reduced for race days between 2 January to 31 March. Further advanced booking discounts are also available up until 48 hours prior to the race day either online or over the phone.

The North Yorkshire Grand National meeting will be the first with James Sanderson and Emma Stevenson in their new roles as Catterick’s Chief Executive and General Commercial Manager respectively.

Emma takes over the reins from Fiona Needham, who was General Manager at Catterick since 2008. Fiona will continue her long association with the course in her role as Clerk of the Course. While John Sanderson, who stepped down as Managing Director on New Year’s Day, will remain as a director at the course.

At the end of racing on New Year’s Day, John Sanderson and Fiona Needham are to step-down as Catterick’s Managing Director and General Manager respectively. John Sanderson was appointed Managing Director in 1991 and Fiona Needham has been General Manager there since October 2008.

Both will, however, continue their long association with the racecourse, with John Sanderson remaining a director and Fiona Needham continuing her existing Clerk of the Course duties.

Catterick Sales & Marketing Manager Emma Stevenson has been promoted to General Commercial Manager and current director James Sanderson will assume the role of Catterick Chief Executive, whilst also continuing in a similar capacity at Thirsk Racecourse.

Other promotions within the IRM-group include Sales & Marketing Managers Michelle Campbell and Erin Boswell. Michelle Campbell has been promoted to General Manager Wetherby Racecourse, where she will continue to work alongside Chief Executive Jonjo Sanderson; whilst Erin Boswell steps up to become General Commercial Manager at Thirsk Racecourse.

IRM Chief Executive John Sanderson said,

“ Fiona stepping down as General Manager at Catterick has proved a catalyst for some organisational changes.  We are most grateful for all that Fiona has done for Catterick Racecourse over the past 14 years and delighted she has agreed to continue as Clerk of the Course.

The internal promotions of Michelle Campbell, Emma Stephenson and Erin Boswell are just rewards for the energy, effort and talent they all display, it’s wonderful to see them all progress and I wish them all possible success. “

The Sky Bet Christmas Jumper Race Day on Wednesday 28 December offers racegoers the perfect opportunity to enjoy some fresh air and post-Christmas fun with friends and family.

The gates open to the public at 10.28am with the racing action scheduled to start at 12.28pm. The card has been kindly sponsored by Sky Bet, with the feature race – The Sky Bet Extra Places Every Day Handicap Hurdle Race – taking place at 1.38pm. The last race on the card is scheduled for 3.25pm.

Racegoers wearing a Christmas Jumper on the day will be given the opportunity to enter a prize draw to win a Christmas stocking full of goodies including a voucher for two Grandstand & Paddock admission tickets to a meeting of their choice at Catterick in 2023!

In addition, every equine winner on the day will also receive a Christmas stocking full of goodies – the horses’ stockings, however, will be filled with carrots, polos and a mini Horslyx!

Next up on the calendar is the ever-popular New Year’s Day meeting – the first fixture of the 2023 Yorkshire racing calendar.

A six-race card is scheduled, with the first race at 12.40pm and the gates opening to the public two hours prior. The feature race on the day is the 1.50pm Welcome 2023 Novices’ Limited Handicap Steeple Chase.

Emma Stevenson, Sales & Marketing Manager said: “Going racing over the festive period has become a traditional activity for many of our racegoers and we’re delighted to continue that tradition this year. Our New Year’s Day fixture is the perfect way to clear the head after the revelries of the night before!”

The New Year’s Day fixture marks the first of 27 fixtures at Catterick Racecourse in 2023, including 10 National Hunt and 17 Flat fixtures.

Following the action on 1^st January, Catterick’s National Hunt season continues on Thursday 12 January with its most prestigious race – the North Yorkshire Grand National, while its feature race on the Flat – The Catterick Dash – is staged in October.

New additions to the calendar next year include the Racing Reminiscence Race Day in May and a Gin Festival Race Day on World Gin Day (Saturday 10 June), while firm favourites Ladies’ Days, the Yorkshire Beer Festival Race Day and Family Days all make a welcome return.

An advanced booking discount is available up to 48 hours prior to each race day, either online at www.catterickbridge.co.uk or over the phone by calling the racecourse office on 01748 811478. Tickets will also be available at the gates on the day.

Under 18’s are admitted free of charge and there is a complimentary shuttle bus service from Richmond Market Place approximately one hour prior to the first race each day.

The gates will be open to the public from 11.35am, with the first of seven races taking place at 1.35pm. The feature race of the afternoon, The William Hill Catterick Dash Handicap Stakes is scheduled for 3.15pm and offers a prize pot of £45,000. The minimum distance five-furlong sprint is sure to attract a field of good sprinters looking to claim this year’s title.

Fiona Needham, General Manager and Clerk of the Course said: “The Catterick Dash meeting is the feature race day of our Flat season and always popular with racegoers – it’s a thrilling race and we can’t wait to see whose name will be added to the role of honour this year!”

The final race on the card, scheduled for 5.00pm, is the penultimate round of the Go Racing in Yorkshire Future Stars Apprentice Series.

Ryan Sexton retained his position at the top of the leader board with 57 points following round 8 of the series, but a win at York for Oisin McSweeney put him into clear second behind Sexton, and these two look to have it between them ahead of the next round.

Alongside the action on the track, the course will also be showing live coverage from Champions Day at Ascot on the big screen and TV’s around the course.

In addition, The Black Marcs will be playing live music ahead of the first race, and again after the last race until approximately 6pm.

As with all of Catterick’s fixtures, accompanied under 18’s are admitted free of charge and the free shuttle bus will leave Richmond Market Place approximately 1 hour prior to the first race to bring racegoers to the course.

Tickets will be available to purchase at the gates on the day, while advanced and group booking discounts are available at www.catterickbridge.co.uk and by calling the racecourse office on 01748 811478.

The Catterick Dash meeting is the penultimate fixture on the 2022 Flat season calendar for Catterick, with the final meeting taking place on Tuesday 25 October.

The gates will open to the public at 11.00am with the first race of seven races getting underway at 1.00pm. The feature race, the Download the Vickers.Bet App Handicap Stakes is scheduled for 2.30pm.

In between races, racegoers can enjoy live music performed by Elena Larkin, singer-songwriter from Hartlepool, and the fashion stakes are high as ladies have the chance to take part in fashion competitions during the afternoon and be in with the chance of winning some fabulous prizes!

Catterick’s Best Dressed Lady 2022 will receive a £150 voucher from Holiday at Home towards a stay at Brompton Lakes, plus a Yorkshire hamper and bottle of fizz on arrival at their lodge. In addition, the winning lady will receive a medium satchel and large tri-fold purse from Berber Leather, worth £145, and a £50 voucher for their Richmond shop!

The winner of the Best Dressed Lady competition will also go on to represent Catterick at the Go Racing in Yorkshire Best Dressed Final, which this year, will take place via a public vote online following the final Yorkshire Ladies Day at Doncaster in September.

Kindly sponsored by Fascination by Cherished, the winner the of the Best Hat competition will walk away with a £200 voucher to spend on hat hire from Fascination by Cherished, based in Ripon, plus a bottle of fizz.

Emma Stevenson, Sales & Marketing Manager said: “The style stakes are always high when it comes to Ladies’ Day; we’re very grateful to our sponsors for offering some wonderful prizes and are looking forward to seeing the fashions this year!”

With the meeting falling in the last week of the school holidays, it is worth noting that there will also be free children’s entertainment in the Course Enclosure during the afternoon and remember, accompanied under 18’s race free at all of Catterick’s fixtures!

For those looking to make a day of it, the popular Restaurant Package is being offered in the hospitality boxes, with limited tables remaining. Alternatively, afternoon tea is available in the Paddock Café for £32 per person including admission.

Adult tickets start at just £5 for the Course Enclosure, or £15 for the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure when booked in advance, either online at www.catterickbridge.co.uk or over the phone by calling the racecourse office on 01748 811478.

Tickets will also be available at the gates on the day, while there is a free shuttle bus which brings racegoers to the racecourse from Richmond Market Place. The bus leaves approximately one hour before the first race and will return after the last race.

First of the two family days, the ABF The Soldier’s Charity Family Day, kindly supported by Simpson Millar, falls on Tuesday 2 August when the gates will be open from 12.10pm.

Alongside the racing action, children can enjoy a variety of free entertainment available in the Course Enclosure throughout the afternoon, including testing their skills on the Bootcamp Challenge, an inflatable obstacle course!

The racing action on the day gets underway at 2.10pm, while the feature race, the 5-furlong Simpson Millar Handicap Stakes is scheduled for 3.45pm.

As with all Catterick’s fixtures, under 18’s race free and on Tuesday 2 August the racecourse is also offering free admission to all military personnel and their families. Military personnel will need to collect complimentary tickets in advance, either from the Garrison Headquarters or from the Racecourse Office.

Fiona Needham, General Manager & Clerk of the Course said: “We’re delighted to be able to restore our collaboration with the ABF The Soldier’s Charity post-pandemic and offer complimentary admission for military personnel. While we offer discounted admission for the military to all our race days, this day is an opportunity for the whole community to come together!”

On the second family day, Monday 15 August, younger racing fans can test their sporting skills on a 9-hole crazy golf course in the Course Enclosure! There will also be bouncy castles and soft play.

While for any youngsters who prefer a puzzle to putting, there will also be a treasure hunt with a sweet prize at the end, and the opportunity to enter the prize draw to win tickets for Lightwater Valley!

There are 6 thrilling races scheduled, with the first at 1.50pm and the last at 4.25pm. Gates will open to the public from 11.50am.

Emma Binnian, Sales & Marketing Manager said: “An afternoon of racing gets the whole family outdoors, spending time together and enjoying the action on the track – we always look forward to August, with some of the course’s most popular race days. This year we have two fun-filled family days, as well as Ladies’ Day on Wednesday 24 August!”

Advanced booking discounts are available online at www.catterickbridge.co.uk or by calling the racecourse office on 01748 811478 with adult tickets starting at just £5 for the Course Enclosure, or £15 for the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure. Tickets will also be available to purchase on the day.

Hospitality packages are available, while picnics are welcome in the Course Enclosure.

There is a free shuttle bus which brings racegoers to the racecourse from Richmond Market Place. The bus leaves approximately one hour before the first race and will return after the last race.

HM The Queen has a long association with British racing having enjoyed 1,074* winners as an owner, including with Galleon who won at Catterick Bridge on 17 August 2012 – the Diamond Jubilee year!

In celebration of the Platinum Jubilee, and as part of Racing Together and Go Racing in Yorkshire’s Community Beacon, Catterick Racecourse has engaged with Risedale School in Hipswell, to find ways to make race days at Catterick ‘greener’, more environmentally friendly, and sustainable for future generations.

A group of students, between the ages of 11-16, all of whom are Eco Ambassador’s for Risedale School, have successfully developed several eco-friendly outcomes including recycling bins; bike racks; increased signage and information to help those walking to the course or arriving by public transport, and much more.

Among their ideas was the design of a re-usable water bottle to commemorate the Jubilee, which will be given to racegoers attending on 3 June as a memento of their visit to Catterick Racecourse.

Emma Stevenson, Sales & Marketing Manager said: “It has been a pleasure to work with students from Risedale School. They have come up with some fantastic ideas which we hope to take forward in future, not just for this Jubilee Race Day.

“We hope this will be a race day for the whole of our local community to enjoy together, in the true spirit of the Jubilee!”

In addition, the racecourse has engaged with local primary schools and asked pupils to design the front cover of the race card. The winning design will be used on Friday 3 June and the artist will be invited, along with their family, to join in the action on the day! All other designs will also be on display in the main entrance for racegoers to enjoy on arrival.

Emma said: “We’ve had some wonderful designs sent into the course for the race card front cover, choosing a winner is going to be tough!”

As for the racing action on the day, the first of seven races is scheduled for 1.44pm while the feature race of the day the Jubilee Cup Handicap Stakes will take place at 3.29pm. The gates open to the public from 11.44am onwards.

Racegoers can also enjoy live music from trombonist Ken Stamp throughout the afternoon and, as with all of Catterick’s summer holiday and weekend fixtures, there will be free children’s entertainment in the Course Enclosure, including side stall games, a giant inflatable helter skelter and bouncy castles!

Under 18’s race free at all of Catterick’s fixtures while discounts for adult tickets are available when booking in advance, making Course Enclosure admission just £5 and Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure admission £15. Hospitality and afternoon tea packages are also available.

Visit catterickbridge.co.uk or call 01748 811478 to book.

*Correct as of pre-racing Saturday 16 April

Events get underway on the evening of Friday 20 May, with racing starting at 5.20pm – perfect timing for those who have been working hard all week to start their weekend with a well-earned treat.

The course is offering a two-course special in the popular Winning Streak Restaurant that evening, in addition to the usual three course option and new afternoon tea package in the Paddock Café.

Alongside seven exciting races, with the feature race, at 7.03pm, kindly sponsored by local bookmaker Vickers Bet, there will also be live music to enjoy by Yorkshire-based singer/songwriter Andy Doonan.

The following week, runners and riders will be back at Catterick Bridge for the Spring Saturday fixture on 28 May. The first of seven races that day is scheduled for 1.51pm, with the feature race – a five-furlong sprint, taking place at 3.04pm.

Race goers can also enjoy live music by Micky Stockburn on Saturday 28 May, and there will be free children’s entertainment alongside the racing action, including a climbing wall in the Course Enclosure!

Finally, the racecourse is celebrating Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at its race day on Friday 3 June.

As part of Racing Together and Go Racing in Yorkshire’s Yorkshire Beacon, the racecourse has engaged with local primary schools and invited pupils to design the front cover of the race card for 3 June. In addition, the course is working with students from Risedale School to develop ideas for a ‘greener’, more environmentally friendly, and sustainable race day.

Fiona Needham, General Manager and Clerk of the Course said: “We are looking forward to the action unfolding over the next few meetings – with three of our feature race days in quick succession. There is plenty of opportunity for our race goers to enjoy a wonderful day out with friends and family!”

Under 18’s race free at all Catterick’s fixtures while discounts for adult tickets are available when booking in advance, making Course Enclosure admission just £5 and Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure admission £15.

Visit catterickbridge.co.uk or call 01748 811478 to book.

With the first race on 6 April scheduled for 1pm and gates opening two hours prior, racegoers can enjoy seven action-packed races throughout the afternoon.

Plus, in addition to the range of hospitality options available at the course, there’s a new package available to racegoers this season. The new Traditional Afternoon Tea package includes hospitality admission, an official race card, table reservation in the Paddock Café from 3.30pm onwards and full afternoon tea from just £32 including vat per person.

Following its opening meeting, the racecourse takes on an Easter theme on Wednesday 20 April with the popular Easter Family Day returning to Catterick for the first time since 2017!

Emma Stevenson, Sales & Marketing Manager said: “We’re delighted to welcome families back for some Easter themed fun this year, for the first of three family days this season. We always look forward to welcoming the next generation of racing fans through the gates!”

The first of seven races on 20 April is scheduled for 1.40pm, with the gates opening two hours earlier and the last race at 5.00pm. The feature race on the day has been kindly sponsored by Middleton St. George based bookmaker, Vickers Bet.

Alongside the racing action, the racecourse is offering free children’s entertainment in the Course Enclosure including an inflatable Helter-Skelter and bouncy castle. The course has also arranged an Easter Egg Hunt, and those taking part will need to keep an eye out for the Golden Egg! Anyone who finds the Golden Egg will be entered into a prize draw to win tickets to Lightwater Valley Theme Park.

Tickets and hospitality for all Catterick’s 2022 Flat fixtures are available to book now. Racegoers can take advantage of advanced and group booking ticket discounts when ordering online or over the phone ahead of gates opening, plus under 18’s race free!

Tickets for the Course Enclosure are £5 each in advance or £7 at the gates, while the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure is £15 each in advance or £18 at the gates on the day.

Visit catterickbridge.co.uk or call 01748 811478 to book.

Amid the action packed seven race card, racegoers will be invited to take part in fashion competitions on the day including Best Dressed Lady and Best Accessory.

This will be the second time the course has crowned a Best Dressed Lady for the Jumps, and the judges will be looking for Countryside inspired outfits with both style and practicality important factors! The competition has been kindly sponsored by the Black Bull Inn and Catterick’s Jumps Season Best Dressed Lady will win a two-course meal for two people and a bottle of wine.

The Black Bull Inn, located in Moulton just 5 miles from the course, also offers a discount to Catterick’s Annual Badge Holders, giving them 20% off food.

In addition to the Best Dressed Lady competition, Millbry Hill Country Store are offering a prize for the best accessory on the day, so whether you’ve got a favourite fedora, gorgeous gloves or beautiful boots make sure you wear them to Catterick Races on Wednesday 9 March for a chance to win a £30 Millbry Hill voucher!

Emma Stevenson, Sales & Marketing Manager at Catterick Races said: “Countryside fashion offers so much variety and we’re looking forward to seeing the different styles and outfits on 9^th March! It’s been a fantastic season so far with exciting racing action, so we’re looking forward to another enthralling day to end the season on a high note.”

Catterick’s Champion Owner, Trainer and Jockey for the 2021/22 season will also be crowned on the day. The Champion Owner and Trainer Series has also been kindly sponsored by The Black Bull Inn, while Millbry Hill have supported the Champion Jockey series.

With 9 winners so far, Brian Hughes (National Champion Jump Jockey in 2019) is currently leading this year’s Millbry Hill Champion Jockey Series and looks to be headed towards being Catterick’s Champion jockey for the second year in a row. Donald McCain currently tops the Champion Trainer series with a five-win lead, while the Owners series is much tighter.

The racing action on the day is scheduled to start at 2.15pm, with the feature race, The Every Race Live On Racing TV Novices’ Steeple Chase at 4.35pm. The last race on the card is scheduled for 5.40pm.

A free shuttle bus will run from Richmond Market Place to bring racegoers to the racecourse approximately 1 hour prior to the first race and will return after the last.

Tickets will be available to purchase at the gates on the day, while advanced and group booking discounts are available at catterickbridge.co.uk and via the racecourse office. Accompanied under 18’s are admitted free of charge.

The four-year old gelding is owned by the Burrow Seven Racing Club, which has been set up in honour of former rugby league player Rob Burrow MBE. At Rob’s request the 2022 campaign now includes both the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association and the Rob Burrow Centre for MND Centre Appeal/Leeds Charity Hospital. The profits raised from the racing club will be split equally between the MND Association and Leeds Hospital Charities.

Last year the Burrow Seven Racing Club raised £100,000 for the MND Association.

Barrie McDermott, Leeds Rhinos Legend, Sky Sports Presenter and Burrow Seven Brand Ambassador said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to all Burrow Seven members, corporate partners and brand ambassadors for their brilliant support during the 2021 fundraising campaign. We have been able to donate £100,000 and we are really looking forward to the 2022 fundraising campaign and seeing Burrow Seven make his debut.”

Burrow Seven is entered in the 2-mile Racing Again 28th December Open National Hunt Flat Race at Catterick Racecourse on Tuesday 14 December.

Fiona Needham, General Manager and Clerk of the Course at Catterick Racecourse said: “We’re delighted that Catterick has been chosen for Burrow Seven’s racecourse debut. The racing club are fundraising for such a fantastic cause, and hopefully their colours will be carried to great success!”

Burrow Seven is in training locally with Jedd O’Keeffe and has been at the yard near Leyburn since October 2020. O’Keeffe’s biggest win to date came with Sam Spinner in the 2017 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot.

Speaking to Catterick Racecourse, O’Keeffe said: “We are very much looking forward to seeing Burrow Seven make his racecourse debut at Catterick Races. He’s ready for his first run and will benefit from the experience on the track.”

Other highlights on the day include the feature Rob Burrow is a Legend! Juvenile Hurdle race at 1.45pm, when some of the Burrow Seven Racing Club members will have the unique opportunity to judge the best turned out horse ahead of the race and present the prize to winning connections.

The first race is scheduled for 12.15pm, with the gates opening two hours prior. The last race is at 3.15pm. Admission tickets are still available, with advanced booking discounts offered online at catterickbridge.co.uk and over the phone by calling the racecourse office on 01748 811478.

There will be a complimentary shuttle bus to bring racegoers from Richmond Market Place one hour prior to the first race and it will return after the last race.

The new facility has been named Dales Stand to acknowledge both the Dales’ connection to the racing industry and the racecourse’s proximity to the Yorkshire Dales National Park, which has recently been named the ‘Best National Park in Europe’ by TripAdvisor (January 2021).

The two-story Dales Stand features the Swaledale Room on the ground floor where owners can relax with trackside views of the course and enjoy a drink at the bar. The first floor is home to the Wensleydale Room, a restaurant which offers panoramic views of the whole course.

Rishi Sunak welcomed the improvements. He said: “The developments at Catterick in recent years have been very impressive and the new Dales Stand is an outstanding final addition to the course, bringing it up to the very highest standards now expected by modern racegoers, owners and trainers.

The team involved in designing, building and bringing the project to fruition have done a tremendous job.”

The opening of the Dales Stand marks the completion of the third and final phase of a three-year, £3.5 million development project undertaken by Catterick Racecourse.

The first phase, including a new entrance, offices, horse box park and saddling boxes, opened in December 2018. Phase two opened in June 2019 and comprised of an enlarged parade ring, incorporating a new winners’ enclosure, and a refurbished and extended weighing room, including a new warm-up area for jockeys.

The final phase, the Dales Stand, designed by Northumberland-based Elliott Architects, draws on the history of horse racing and the buildings of the region, providing a subtle but distinctive addition to the racecourse.

Managing Director John Sanderson said: “It was fantastic to welcome Catterick’s Member of Parliament, Rishi Sunak, to open our new Owners and Trainers Stand. He is a great supporter of horse racing.

The opening of the Dales Stand coincides with the return of a greater number of owners to the racecourse and we are now also looking forward to welcoming a limited number of racegoers back to our fixtures after the 17 May.”

Catterick’s first meeting with spectators is due to be Friday (evening) 21 May. Tickets for this meeting as well as Saturday 29 May and Friday 4 June are now available for sale. All tickets should be booked in advance via: www.catterickbridge.co.uk

It will be the first time the course has crowned a Best Dressed Lady for the Jumps and judges will be looking for Countryside inspired outfits! The competition has been kindly sponsored by La Fille Rouge and Catterick’s first Jumps Season Best Dressed Lady will win a bespoke made-to-measure cape and skirt from La Fille Rouge, worth approx. £300.

Based on a farm near Northallerton, Yvonne Scales at La Fille Rouge makes bespoke and unique clothing, using 100% wool tweed from a Yorkshire based mill.

Yvonne said: “I’m excited to be a part of Catterick’s first National Hunt season Best Dressed Lady competition. Country fashion offers so much variety and I’m looking forward to seeing the different styles – although choosing a winner between them could be difficult!”

In addition to the Best Dressed Lady competition, Millbry Hill are offering a prize for the best accessory on the day, so whether you’ve got a favourite fedora, gorgeous gloves or beautiful boots make sure you wear them to Catterick Races on Wednesday 4 March for a chance to win a Grays Alice Leather Snaffle Detail Bag and £20 Millbry Hill voucher!

Catterick’s Champion Owner, Trainer and Jockey for the 2019/20 season will also be crowned on the day. The Champion Owner and Trainer Series has been kindly sponsored by The Black Bull Inn and both winners will receive a voucher for a two-course meal at The Black Bull Inn, located just 5 miles from the course in Moulton.

With 6 winners so far, Conor O’Farrell is currently leading this year’s Millbry Hill Champion Jockey Series and could be headed towards being Catterick’s Champion jockey for the second year in a row.

Millbry Hill have also supported the jockeys this season through a new the Ride of the Meeting award. This will culminate with a grand prize for the Ride of Season in which the public will be given the opportunity to vote on social media for their favourite Ride of the Meeting.

Emma Binnian, Sales & Marketing Manager at Catterick Races said: “The Ride of the Meeting Series has been a great new initiative from Millbry Hill and we’re looking forward to seeing who the racegoers choose as our first Ride of the Season winner!”

The racing action on the day starts at 2.20pm, with the feature race, The Millbry Hill Handicap Steeple Chase at 3.50pm. The last race on the card is scheduled for 5.25pm.

A free shuttle bus will run from Richmond Market Place to bring racegoers to the racecourse approximately 1 hour prior to the first race and will return after the last.

Tickets will be available to purchase at the gates on the day, while advanced and group booking discounts are available online at www.catterickbridge.co.uk. Accompanied under 18’s are admitted free of charge.

For a full list of Yorkshire’s race meetings visit our fixtures page.

As well as helping Robin with the pointers – she plays a hands-on role in the training and can often be found leading up – Fiona is General Manager and Clerk of the Course at Catterick. She is also Point-to-Point Secretary Association Area Chairperson for Yorkshire and has just been elected to the Point-to-Point Association Board as a welcome female (and Northern) representative. I went to find out about their illustrious careers and to see how Fiona intends to shake up the sport!

Robin has been master of Hesketh Grange, high on the North Yorkshire moors, since 1962 and – at the age of 82 – still rides out every day, as well as schooling his horses occasionally. “Horses have been my life,” he confirms before he and Fiona work Absainte and Sine Nomine up the grass bank behind the farmhouse. “Most people learned to ride a bike but I had a pony – I’d ride it to school, and leave it in the paddock across the road during class.”

He admits to being a farmer first – he has “70-80 head of cattle and 200 breeding ewes” – and a trainer second. “If he buys too many more, I’ll be back to mucking out,” groans Fiona, but Robin is keen to play up his daughter’s role on the horse side. “We have to finish at 8.30 every day so she can go to work,” he laughs. “Seriously, Fiona does most of the race planning and is more or less boss with the training. She can see a problem before it occurs – she’ll say, ‘It didn’t give me a good feel’, I’ll think ‘Bullsh*t’ but she’s invariably right! She’d be a good trainer, but she wouldn’t make as much money as she does now!”

Robin’s career in the saddle began with a third in the Hurworth Hunt race at Leake in 1953, on his Golden Plover. “He was basically a hunter, but you didn’t get rides in those days unless you had your own horse and – if it went lame – you had nothing to ride.” Which is why it took Robin ten years, after “Lots of placings”, to ride his first winner, Emboy, at the Bedale in 1963.

Of his own horses, Robin has the fondest memories of Europleasure – “He won me three Hunter Chases and was my only winner at Cheltenham. “However the best horses he rode were for other people. “The first time I rode Mr Frisk for Ralph Dalton, he was a hooligan. He walked straight through the first three fences so I pulled him up. I then set off again to school him and he jumped brilliantly. We won four points together. I also rode (useful chaser) Old Applejack and thought he was the better of the two.”

Robin would probably have ridden more winners had he not struggled with his weight. “I was farming 300 acres. That was my living – you had to be strong to do it and I couldn’t farm and starve at the same time. Fiona coming along was the best thing that happened, as I could pass on my rides to her. I was struggling to pass my medical as I had a heart murmur but they allowed me to ride for one more year so I could ride my last winner at 60.” (He is too modest to mention his Easingwold four-timer at the age of 55 in 1993).

Fiona had her first ride in 1984, at the age of 16, at Charm Park, “On a safe conveyance called Royal Vine,” and her debut winner the season after, on Waminda – another for Ralph Dalton – at Witton Castle. She lists her own Joint Account along with 2002 leading horse Upham Lord – “A nice spare when Jill Dawson broke her collarbone,” adds Fiona understatedly – as among the best horses she rode, but they pale into insignificance compared to Last Option.

Fiona and Last Option enjoyed their first success at Hornby Castle in 1997 and the pair went on to score at Witton Castle in that debut season, before he went on to greater things as a six-year-old the following year. Two pointing wins preceded a debut Hunter Chase victory at Wetherby, and the season culminated in success in the John Corbet Cup. “He was popular in this area,” Robin tells me proudly. “Two coachloads went to Stratford to see him run, because he was a proper local amateur horse – I bred him, and bred the jockey!”

Their crowning glory came at Cheltenham in 2002. Fiona: “We knew he was well but, at 20/1, he wasn’t fancied. Dad didn’t think the ground would suit and I thought he was right when I came off the bridle, but he travelled well going up the hill and two out, I thought, ‘I’ve got to kick on.’ I panicked and must have looked awful.” But no matter how she looked, it was effective and Fiona and Last Option held by half a length. “I was stunned,” admits Robin. “I didn’t believe things like that happened to people like me. We were offered a lot of money after he won the John Corbet, but my wife told me that we weren’t going to sell because we’d never have another like him. As Colin Tinkler said to me, ‘It’s a dream, and you can’t put a price on a dream.’”

Fiona originally retired in 2003 and explains why. “I was living in Newmarket and was offered a Clerk of the Course role. Joint Account and Last Option had both retired, so it seemed the right time to get a proper job. But when I came back to Yorkshire in 2013, I got my licence back, to ride one in the Hunt race for Dad and enjoyed it, so kept going. But then I broke my leg out hunting the next year, so that was the end.”

Given that their careers crossed-over by more than a decade, father and daughter inevitably rode against each other. “We fought harder to beat each other than anyone else,” recalls Robin. “In her first season, at Dalton Park, she came up alongside me and I said, ‘Take hold of his head.’ Then I pinned her on the corner and said, ‘Lesson number one: never listen to me! And I remember one day she was told to look after her horse but going down the hill, we were both flat to the boards. I flew the second last, she got buried and I’m still laughing about it now!”

Robin confesses that, if he had his way, he’d “Take pointing back to its roots. There aren’t enough runners in Opens because millionaires can buy these ‘push button’ horses, which are killing the amateur sport. I’d stop highly-rated horses running in points and Hunter Chases.” When Fiona objects, suggesting pointing offers a second career to former rules horses, Robin counters with, “They’ve had a lovely career – why should they dictate to the true amateurs and up and coming horses? I’ve seen plenty of young lads coming through who got sick of the professionals dominating and didn’t bother any more.”

Fiona’s main objective – now she is on the PPA Board – is to give more opportunities for horses to progress through the grades in points. “I’m not against Maiden winners going to the sales,” she explains, “But it’s difficult to find opportunities once you get out of Restricteds. I’d like to allow horses to run in a second Restricted with a penalty, and I’d do away with Intermediates. And people like to see local horses and local riders, so I’d have more Area Conditions races.” She is also keen to maintain the link between point-to-pointing and hunting. “If you don’t,” she fears, “Hunts will find other ways to make money and you won’t have anyone to run the meeting. You can’t make the horses qualify by hunting any more, but maybe the riders should…”

Given that Robin has been involved in the game for nearly 70 years, he has strong views on what has changed for the worse and better during his time. Inevitably, the advent of professionalism attracts his ire, as well as modern racetracks. “The new courses are little and gimmicky,” he complains. “Only Charm Park and Hornby Castle (in the area) are good, galloping tracks that are great to ride on – you can win with a moderate horse on the others!” And for the better? “That would be difficult!”

Fiona has mixed views on increased professionalism in the sport. “The ground has improved, as has medical cover, and the standard of jockeyship. But it doesn’t seem as much fun as it used to be, there are fewer ‘have a go’ riders and many of the top jockeys are just marking time until they turn conditional. And they’re better jockeys, but not necessarily better horsemen.”

My final question is simple: why do Robin and Fiona love pointing so much. “I think I like animals better than people,” laughs Robin again. “I was thinking that this morning when the mares came up and nuzzled me. I just love horses.” Fiona has the final word. “At least we agree on that!”

With thanks to Jake Exelby for the copy, photo credit Caroline Exelby.

The Watt Fences North Yorkshire Grand National, scheduled for 2.40pm, attracts runners from some of the leading trainers in the United Kingdom, but it is Yorkshire based trainer Sue Smith that racegoers will want to see with a runner again this year.

Smith has won the race back-to-back for the last four years and will be looking to make it a fifth in this year’s renewal.

Fiona Needham, General Manager and Clerk of the Course said: “The North Yorkshire Grand National is a true test of jumping ability and stamina, and Sue Smith’s horses seem to love it – we will have to mark the occasion with something special if she wins again this year!”

Jockey Danny Cook has also enjoyed tremendous success in the race having won it three times previously aboard Lackamon in 2016, Straidnahanna in 2017 and Sharp Response in 2019, all trained by Sue Smith.

In 2018, Smith won with I Just Know, ridden by Sean Quinlan, who then went on to compete in the 2018 Grand National at Aintree.

Fiona adds: “It’s fantastic to see horses that have started their careers at Catterick go on to perform at places like Cheltenham and Aintree – we’re looking forward to following the career of this year’s runners!”

The winning owner of the North Yorkshire Grand National will receive the Denys Smith Memorial Trophy. Denys Smith, who trained Red Alligator to win the 1968 Grand National at Aintree, was a leading dual-purpose trainer who recorded a remarkable 146 winners at Catterick.

Racegoers will enjoy a seven-race card on the day which gets underway at 12.25pm, while the gates will be open to the public from 10.25am onwards. The last race is scheduled for 3.45pm.

A free shuttle bus will run from Richmond Market Place to bring racegoers to the racecourse approximately 1 hour prior to the first race and will return after the last.

Tickets will be available to purchase at the gates on the day, while advanced and group booking discounts are available online at www.catterickbridge.co.uk. Accompanied under 18’s are admitted free of charge.

The popular fixture has a six-race card with the first race scheduled for 12.25pm and the gates opening to the public two hours prior. The feature race on the day is the 2.45pm – The Meetings That Matter On Racing TV Handicap Steeple Chase.

Fiona Needham, General Manager and Clerk of the Course said: “New Year’s Day at the races is a tradition for many of our racegoers and with it being such a family occasion it’s always lovely to welcome a new generation of racing fans to Catterick!”

“It’s a great way to see in the New Year and clear the head after the revelries of the night before while watching some exciting racing!”

Racegoers will also have the opportunity to win a sponsorship experience on the day. Winners will be invited into the heart of the action in the parade ring ahead of one of the races to choose the Best Turned Out horse and then be taken to celebrate with the winning connections after the race.

The last race is scheduled for 3.20pm and as with all Catterick’s fixtures, there will be a free shuttle bus running to take racegoers to and from Richmond Market Place ahead of the first race and after the last race.

The New Year’s Day fixture marks the first of 27 race meetings at Catterick in 2020, including 10 National Hunt and 17 Flat fixtures.

Following the action on New Year’s Day, Catterick’s National Hunt season continues on Thursday 9 January with its most prestigious race – the North Yorkshire Grand National, while its feature race on the Flat – The Catterick Dash – is staged in October.

A few new additions to the calendar, including Countryside Ladies’ Day on Wednesday 4 March and Green Friday on Friday 5 June will add to the traditional family favourites and summer highlights throughout the year.

Emma Binnian, Sales and Marketing Manager said: “There’s something for everyone at Catterick next year with three family fun days for the young racing fans and the Cocktails & Casino Night and Beer Festival for more seasoned race goers to enjoy, and everything in between!”

A full list of Catterick’s fixtures are available online at www.catterickbridge.co.uk. Tickets are available to purchase online, with a discount on offer for group and advanced bookings.

With three exciting National Hunt fixtures, on Tuesday 17 December, Saturday 28 December and New Year’s Day, the Christmas period is a busy time at Catterick Races.

The festivities begin with Christmas at Catterick on Tuesday 17 December, a popular event for Christmas parties and celebrations before the holidays kick in. The Christmas lights go up at the course and racegoers can get into the festive spirit with Christmas Carols ahead of racing, sung by Le Cateau School Choir.

Emma Binnian, Sales & Marketing Manager said: “We’re thrilled to have Le Cateau School Choir joining us again this year! Christmas at Catterick marks the start of our festive race days and having the choir singing as racegoers arrive creates a joyous atmosphere.”

The first of seven races on the 17 December gets underway at 12.20pm, with the gates opening to the public two hours prior to that. The final race on the card will take place at 3.20pm.

Those searching for some last-minute Christmas gifts will be pleased to note that the Injured Jockeys Fund will be at the course on the day selling a selection of gifts, perfect for racing enthusiasts!

Next up on the festive agenda is the Go Racing in Yorkshire Winter Festival on December 28^th. This year, the ever-popular family fixture falls on a Saturday giving racegoers the perfect opportunity to get some fresh air post-Christmas before heading into the New Year.

Complimentary mulled wine and mince pies will be served on arrival at the main entrance, while stocks last, so those looking to enjoy a glass of mulled wine by the fire will want to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

During the afternoon, there will also be a chance for racegoers to win a sponsorship experience. Two lucky winners will be given the opportunity to be at the heart of the days action, see the horses up close in the Parade Ring and choose the Best Turned Out horse ahead of the race, as well as present the prize and celebrate with winning connections after the race.

The racing action on 28 December gets underway at 12.30pm with the Millbry Hill Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Steeple Chase, while the last race on the card is scheduled for 3.25pm.

Finally, the festive events culminate with racing on New Year’s Day as the North Yorkshire course hosts the first fixture of the 2020 Yorkshire Racing calendar.

As with all Catterick’s fixtures, accompanied under 18’s are admitted free of charge and the free shuttle bus will leave Richmond Market Place approximately 1 hour prior to the first race to bring racegoers to the course.

Tickets will be available to purchase at the gates on the day, while advanced and group booking discounts are available at www.catterickbridge.co.uk.

Now that the flat racing season is drawing to a close, all eyes are on the jumping game and we can look forward to some thrilling racing.  But during the Autumn and Winter months, fashion continues to play a big part in a day at the races.

While the summer months are associated with high fashion stakes and best dressed lady competitions, the theme is being continued with the changing seasons.

Fashion was on the agenda at the recent Yorkshire Jump Season Launch which took place at Wetherby Racecourse.  Millbry Hill, an independent family-run business with 5 Equestrian and Country Stores based in the North of England, were on hand to showcase some key looks.

Emma Jones, Business Coordinator said: “Winter dressing is about combating the elements.  We have put together some looks that are not only stylish and on trend but provide warmth as well.  We stock a range of brands so there is plenty of choice and accessories are a great way of changing or freshening up an outfit.”

Photo 1 – Fairfax & Favour handbag and shoes are great for accessorising any outfit, Sophie wears the newly launched grey colourway, which looks fabulous alongside the Holland Cooper pink tweed suit.

Photo 2 –Chris is wearing the exclusive Barbour Icon jacket, produced to celebrate Barbour’s 125 years of trading. Sophie wears the Schoffel Burley fleece which is great for keeping you warm at the races and has finished the outfit off with a Clare Haggas scarf.

Both outfits on display at the Yorkshire Jumps Launch are available at any Millbry Hill Store and at www.millbryhill.co.uk.

This was highlighted by the Clare Haggas Classic Magenta Scarf, which is exclusive to Millbry Hill

Celebrating their 30^th anniversary, Joules have released their classic Fieldcoat in the popular Mr Toad tweed which is lined with special edition navy and bright flowers.

“This is one of our top selling styles in women’s wear,” reported Emma.

Another brand celebrating their anniversary, although considerably older than Joules, is Barbour who have been on the go for 125 years.  To mark the occasion, they have launched the icons range and the reengineering of the classic Beaufort coat was on display at the Yorkshire Jumps Launch.

Performance wear is key to jockeys and riders of all abilities, particularly at this time of year when protection from the weather is required.  Yorkshire’s racing specialist saddler, White Rose Saddlery showcased new Italian brand Jobea which was modelled by jump jockey Sean Quinlan.

Highlighting the qualities of the garments, Wendy said: “The shirt fabric is fleece lined for warmth, breathable, showerproof and windproof, but the most important part is that it is lightweight.”

Sean’s weighing room colleague Henry Brooke sported a Jomiluti waterproof, all weather suit, designed for riding out and exercising horses.

“This suit will keep the rider completely dry while allowing the skin to breath and transport moisture away from the body.  The trouser and jacket have elastic insets at the sides which prevent the jacket riding up and causing a cold gap.  It is also almost silent, which is a great advantage when riding and working with young thoroughbred horses.” Said Wendy.

A real talking piece of the outfit was the earmuffs which velcro into the side of the rider’s helmet and are fleece lined.

“They are very popular with staff in the racing industry, who spend a lot of time riding on windy hills, but they are ideal for any rider or equestrian discipline,” commented Wendy.

The Yorkshire jump season starts tomorrow (Wednesday, October 15) at Wetherby Racecourse.  They will be hosting a ‘Best Peaky’ competition on Saturday, November 16 at the Peaky Blinder style raceday.

Doncaster’s opening jump meeting on Saturday, November 30, hosts a best dressed couple competition, while Catterick’s jumping finale fixture will include a best dressed competition on Wednesday, March 4.

 

Duke DeBarry and Definitly Red                                    Whoshotthesherriff and Top Ville Ben

Sharp Response and Vintage Clouds

Yorkshire’s equine stars turned out in force ahead of the jump season’s return to the county this Wednesday, (October 16) at a special preview event held at Wetherby today.

Yorkshire’s Grand National hopes continue to ride on Sue Smith’s Vintage Clouds who was an unfortunate first fence faller in this year’s renewal. He galloped with North Yorkshire Grand National winner, Sharp Response.

Jockey Danny Cook said of the grey: “He jumped the first fence at Aintree too well and came down steeply.  The plan is to run him in the Becher Chase in November to get some experience of the fences before another attempt at the Grand National.”

Danny Cook also rode Definitly Red in a racecourse gallop for trainer Brian Ellison.  The popular chaser is on course to secure back to back wins of Wetherby’s Charlie Hall Chase on Saturday 2^nd November and Cook reported the horse to be in great form.

Definitly Red galloped with stablemate Duke Debarry who goes for the Durham National at Sedgefield on Sunday.

Popular mare Lady Buttons joined the parade and has targets similar to last year, running over both hurdles and fences according to her trainer Phil Kirby.

“She is a star and without her we wouldn’t be where we are today.  We look forward to returning to Wetherby with her at the beginning of November, for a race she won last year,” he said.

Another of Kirby’s horses, Top Ville Ben, who is also aiming for the Charlie Hall, looked in great form as he took part in a racecourse gallop with regular work rider Jenny Durrans. He worked with Whoshotthesherrif, a horse nominated by Phil Kirby as his one to follow for the season.

Malton based Ruth Jefferson paraded chasing star Waiting Patiently who doesn’t as yet have any specific plans but will run when the ground is right for him.  Last season he was brought to a standstill and unseated Brian Hughes, when Bristol De Mai fell in front of him in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Regular jockey Brian Hughes said: “Although we still had a mile and a half to go and I couldn’t be sure that he would stay, he was giving me a great feel.  We were going quite quickly over the first four fences but it felt like he was just doing a hack canter.”

He was accompanied by stablemate Mega Yeats and Ruth said that the five year old, who has been lightly campaigned, but won four of his six starts will stay hurdling.

With 38 fixtures across Yorkshire’s three jump courses, Catterick, Doncaster and Wetherby, there is plenty to look forward to.

John Sexton, Chairman of Go Racing In Yorkshire said:  “Jump racing is an exciting part of Yorkshire’s fixture list.  We are looking forward to a brilliant season, which will feature some top class racing.”

Wetherby’s closed season has been used to carry out some behind the scenes work and prepare for future projects.  A new e-ticketing system has been implemented which is phase one of a new admission system which will result in the redevelopment of the main turnstile entrance building and entrance road next summer.

In terms of ongoing maintenance, the canter track has been resurfaced, along with the horsebox park and the stables have been re-roofed.

There is a new Peaky Blinders theme for the meeting on Saturday November 16 and the Christmas meeting, Thursday 26 and Friday 27 December, will have a traditional circus sideshow vibe.  

Catterick Racecourse are looking forward to welcoming the national hunt crowd to their new weighing room and parade ring, which has been in use since June this year.  The £600,000 investment into facilities includes an extended Weighing Room complex, complete with a new warm-up area, state-of-the-art facilities and space to relax between races.

The enlarged Parade Ring gives racegoers an improved view of the runners and the Winner’s Enclosure has been incorporated into the Parade Ring, making it easier for racegoers to circulate.

A new theme for Catterick’s jumping finale fixture is a Countryside Ladies Day on Wednesday, March 4, 2020.  There will be a fashion showcase, as well as a best dressed competition.

Their most prestigious race takes place in January, with the Watt Fences sponsored North Yorkshire Grand National. This race has been won by the Sue Smith yard for the last four years and would be quite a feat if the yard could make it five in a row.

Jumping returns at Doncaster on Friday, November 29 and 30.  The two day meeting will have a 1920’s styled Beer Festival across the two days, with music from Cheaky Blinders live after racing on Saturday.

Looking ahead to December, Santa’s Great Giveaway will be back at the Festive Jumpers meeting on Friday and Saturday, December 13 and 14.

After Christmas, a Festive Family Fun Raceday takes place on Sunday, December 29 with activities for all ages to enjoy including the Markham Main Colliery Brass Band.

Early next year a new winter jumps box package will be available.

As the Flat racing season draws to a close, Catterick Races is gearing up for the highlight of its season: The Catterick Dash on Saturday 19 October. The meeting is Catterick’s richest race day, with almost £100,000 prize money on offer.

The gates will be open to the public from 11.40am, with the first of seven races taking place at 1.40pm. The feature race of the afternoon, The William Hill Catterick Dash Handicap Stakes is scheduled for 3.25pm and offers a prize pot of £35,000. The minimum distance five-furlong sprint is sure to attract a field of good sprinters looking to claim this year’s title.

Fiona Needham, General Manager and Clerk of the Course said: “Following completion of our redevelopment works in June, we’ve had a busy summer with fantastic racing and excellent feedback on the new facilities. We’re looking forward to welcoming racegoers to the highlight of our season on Saturday 19 October.

“The William Hill Catterick Dash is always a thrilling race and we can’t wait to see whose name will be added to the role of honour this year!”

The final race on the card, scheduled for 5.00pm, is the penultimate round of the Go Racing in Yorkshire Future Stars Apprentice Series.

Defending champion Kieran Schofield, despite having been side-lined through injury, currently leads the competition by three points from Harry Russell with Toby Eley back in third, but with plenty of points still up for grabs, any of the young riders could be crowned champion at the Doncaster final on 9 November.

Alongside the action on the track, the course will also be showing live coverage from Champions Day at Ascot on the big screen and TV’s around the course.

As with all of Catterick’s fixtures, accompanied under 18’s are admitted free of charge and the free shuttle bus will leave Richmond Market Place approximately 1 hour prior to the first race to bring racegoers to the course.

Tickets will be available to purchase at the gates on the day, while advanced and group booking discounts are available at www.catterickbridge.co.uk.

The Catterick Dash meeting is the penultimate fixture on the 2019 Flat season calendar for Catterick, with the final meeting taking place on Tuesday 29 October.

Presentations will be made to the Champion Owner, Trainer and Jockey at the Flat Finale. This year’s Champion Owner Series has been tight, while Danny Tudhope currently has a 6-win lead over second placed Jason Hart in the Champion Jockey Series, sponsored by Millbry Hill Country Store. David O’Meara currently leads the Champion Trainer Series, just 2 wins ahead of Tim Easterby.

Catterick’s Flat season continues on Saturday 21 September with the return of the Yorkshire Beer Festival Race Day, in association with The Pennine Brewing Company.

The action packed seven-race card will kick off at 1.50pm with the British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes and the last race is scheduled for 5.20pm.

The highlight of the afternoon comes at 4:10pm when the course will host the 2019 Catterick Twelve Furlong Series Final – sponsored by Constant Security. Now in its seventh year, the series final offers £20,000 in prize money and is open to those who have run in one of the qualifying races since the season started in June.

Fiona Needham, General Manager and Clerk of the Course said:

“The Twelve Furlong Series brings some thrilling racing action to the track and last year we saw INDIA, half-sister to BIG ORANGE take the title. We’re looking forward to this year’s final and can’t wait to see who will be crowned Catterick’s 2019 Twelve Furlong Series Champion!”

Alongside the racing action, Pennine Brewing Co. will have twelve different ales and ciders for racegoers to sample throughout the afternoon. Based locally to the racecourse at Well, the Pennine Brewing Co. has several permanent brews, and their brewers also develop a number of seasonal specials throughout the year.

In addition, the Black Marcs will be playing live throughout the afternoon and after racing. The gates will be staying open longer than usual, until 6.30pm, allowing racegoers to enjoy the Beer Festival and live music into the evening once the racing has finished.

Emma Binnian, Sales & Marketing Manager said:

“We’re thrilled to welcome the Pennine Brewing Co. back to Catterick for our second annual Yorkshire Beer Festival Race Day. With quality racing action, family entertainment, live music and a beer festival, there really is something for everyone to enjoy at this fixture!”

The racecourse supports the Racecourse Association’s #PaceYourself campaign to encourage responsible drinking at the course. Racegoers are reminded to pace themselves when enjoying their day at the races by allowing one soft drink in between each alcoholic drink.

As with all of Catterick Racecourse’s fixtures, accompanied under 18’s will be admitted free of charge and in addition to the indoor and outdoor play areas, there will also be bouncy castles and a roundabout in the Course Enclosure to keep any younger racing fans entertained throughout the day.

A big screen will also be at the course on the day to enable racegoers to see even more of the action from the track, as well as showing the big race action from Ayr Races – featuring the Ayr Gold Cup.

The gates will be open to the public from 11.50am. While the free shuttle bus will bring racegoers from Richmond Market Place to the racecourse approximately one hour prior to the first race.

Tickets will be available to purchase at the gates on the day, while advanced and group booking discounts are available at www.catterickbridge.co.uk.

It’s time to dress to impress as Catterick Racecourse prepares for Ladies’ Day on Wednesday 28 August. Amongst the racing action, there will be fashion competitions, live music and complimentary cocktails!

The gates open at 12.20pm on Wednesday 28 August and racegoers will be keen to arrive early as the first 100 ladies to visit the Yorkshire Dales Distillery stand will be treated to a complimentary Rhubarb Gin or Bramble Berry Gin cocktail on arrival.

The first race gets under starters orders at 2.20pm, while the feature race, the Ernest Norris (1919 – 1992) Memorial Handicap Stakes is scheduled for 3.50pm.

In between races, racegoers can enjoy live music performed by Elena Larkin, a 21-year old singer-songwriter from Hartlepool and the fashion stakes are high as ladies (and gents!) have the chance to take part in fashion competitions during the afternoon and be in with the chance of winning some fabulous prizes!

Firstly, the Best Dressed Lady on the day will win a £500 voucher for a bespoke La Fille Rouge outfit of their choice. Based on a farm near Northallerton, Yvonne at La Fille Rouge makes bespoke and unique clothing, using 100% wool tweed from a Yorkshire based mill. In addition, the Best Dressed Lady will be given the opportunity to represent Catterick at the Go Racing in Yorkshire Grand Final in Doncaster on Saturday 26 October.

Kindly sponsored by the Secret Spa, near Bedale, the lady wearing the Best Hat on the day will receive a couple’s spa package worth £130 which includes two and a half hours private use of all the facilities which opened in September 2018.

Finally, there’s a new addition to the fashion programme this year as racegoers are invited to enter the Best Dressed Couple competition for a chance to win a voucher for a two-course dinner for two people at The Black Bull Inn, Moulton.

Emma Binnian, Sales & Marketing Manager said: “The style stakes are always high when it comes to Ladies’ Day; we’re very grateful to our sponsors for offering some wonderful prizes and are looking forward to seeing the fashions this year!”

With the meeting falling in the last week of the school holidays, it’s worth noting that there will be free children’s entertainment in the Course Enclosure during the afternoon and remember accompanied under 18’s race free at all of Catterick’s fixtures!

Adult tickets start at just £5 for the Course Enclosure, or £15 for the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure. Tickets are available to purchase on the day, while advanced booking discounts are available online on www.catterickbridge.co.uk.

There is a free shuttle bus which brings racegoers to the racecourse from Richmond Market Place. The bus leaves approximately one hour before the first race and will return after the last race.

Children will take the reins of key raceday roles at Catterick Bridge Racecourse on 12 August 2019, as part of Great British Racing’s Under 18s Race Free campaign

(Full range of images available to download here)

29 July 2019, London: Young visitors to Racing Careers Day at Catterick Bridge Racecourse on Monday 12 August will be given the thrilling opportunity to try their hand at a number of key raceday roles, from raceday presenter and weighing room operative, to serving in the racecourse’s hospitality facilities and reporting on the ground conditions.

The Kids’ Takeover Day has been brought to Catterick Bridge by Great British Racing as part of its Under 18s Race Free campaign, which has been created to highlight the fact that under 18s go free to almost every racecourse, at almost every raceday. This summer sees more than 200 fixtures taking place up and down the country, 50 of which are special family days, where additional activities are put on for families and young people to enjoy alongside the racing.

Facilitated by Racing to School, an education charity which delivers free outdoor learning activities for young people at racecourses, studs and trainers’ yards across the country, the Kids’ Takeover Day was first trialled at Bath Racecourse, and is being rolled out at a number of racecourses across the summer by Great British Racing, offering children unprecedented access to the races and the chance to turn their hand to some of horseracing’s greatest job roles.

In addition to the Kids’ Takeover, visitors to Catterick Bridge Racecourse on 12 August can learn all about the different careers in racing, from finding out how the jockeys and trainers got started in racing, to actually having a go at riding a winner on the mechanical racehorse (equicisor). Tickets start at just £5 for the Course enclosure, which also features an outdoor playground, and under 18s are admitted completely free of charge. All children are invited to participate in the Kids’ Takeover Day and can sign up in advance by contacting the Racecourse Office.

This news follows Great British Racing’s recent survey findings that 83% of UK parents feel that cost prohibits children from participating in outdoor activities; 86% of parents wanted their children to spend more time outside during the school holidays; 77% of parents have been put off taking their children to live sport as a result of the cost; and 60% of parents do not take their children to live sport at all.

This year’s campaign is also fronted by ambassador and mother-of-two Tess Daly, who commented: “As a parent, the school holidays are a fantastic opportunity to spend quality time with your children, yet finding activities that are stimulating, healthy and affordable can be a challenge.

“As a child, my parents went out of their way to take me to live sport and I do the same for my kids now – there’s nothing better than a day at the races. As well as the thrill of the racing, the kids are able to run around in the fresh air and there’s plenty of activities for them too, from having their faces painted to meeting race horses.”

Watch Tess as she explores a racing yard here and a day at the races here.

Toby Shaw, Director of Communications & Marketing at Great British Racing, added: “Racing remains one of Britain’s most popular spectator sports, with millions enjoying the excitement of race meets each year. At Great British Racing, we want to introduce more youngsters to the thrill of the sport: with more than 50 dedicated family days, our ‘Under 18s Race Free’ campaign provides an unforgettable day out in the fresh air for the whole family, without having to break the bank.”

Go to under18sracefree.com to find your local family raceday this Summer.

Catterick Races August Family Days are always one of the highlights in the fixture calendar and this year is no exception.

First of the two family days, Forces’ Family Day in association with ABF The Soldier’s Charity, falls on Tuesday 6 August when the gates will be open from 12pm.

Alongside the racing action, children can enjoy a variety of free entertainment available in the Course Enclosure throughout the afternoon.  Amongst the fun they can test their skills on the Bootcamp Challenge, an inflatable obstacle course, and box with former world champion Charles ‘The Bull’ Shepherd.

Minster FM radio can also be found in the Course Enclosure, where young racegoers will have the chance to race hobby horses and enter a prize draw to win a PlayStation 4.

The racing action on the day gets underway at 2pm, while the feature race The Racing TV Profits Returned to Racing Handicap Stakes is scheduled for 4.10pm.

As with all Catterick’s fixtures, under 18’s race free and do not require a ticket and on Tuesday 6 August the racecourse is also offering free admission to all military personnel and their families. Military personnel will need to collect complimentary tickets in advance, either from the Garrison Headquarters or from the Racecourse Office.

On the second family day, Monday 19 August, the Carnival is coming to Catterick! There will be 7 thrilling races, with the first at 2pm and the last at 5pm. The Carnival atmosphere will bring side stall games and fairground rides into the Course Enclosure for younger racegoers to enjoy free of charge throughout the afternoon.

Minster FM radio will also be in the Course Enclosure on 19 August, with another chance for young racing fans to enter the prize draw to win a PlayStation 4, while Mary Webb, a local singer-songwriter, will be entertaining the crowds in the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure in between races.

A new study conducted by Great British Racing revealed that 85% of parents in Yorkshire want their children to spend more time outdoors during the school holidays. With under 18’s racing free at all Yorkshire racecourses, they’ve got the summer covered.

Emma Binnian, Sales & Marketing Manager said: “An afternoon of racing gets the whole family outdoors, spending time together and enjoying the action on the track – we always look forward to August, with some of the course’s most popular race days. This year we have two fun-filled family days, as well as Ladies’ Day on 28 August and Racing Careers Day is back on Monday 12 August.”

Adult tickets start at just £5 for the Course Enclosure, or £15 for the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure. Discounts are available online in advance at www.catterickbridge.co.uk. Tickets will also be available to purchase on the day.

There is a free shuttle bus which brings racegoers to the racecourse from Richmond Market Place. The bus leaves approximately one hour before the first race and will return after the last race.

The Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival, sponsored by Sky Bet, celebrates all that is great about racing in the White Rose County with 10 race meetings, over 9 days at 8 different Yorkshire racecourses, starting at Ripon on Saturday 20 July and finishing at Pontefract on Sunday 28 July.
The festival visits Catterick on the sixth day, Wednesday 24 July, following an open afternoon at Jack Berry House on the Tuesday, 23 July.
Racing Welfare is the official charity of the Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival this year and they will be presenting two Lifetime in Racing awards at Catterick on 24 July.
The Lifetime in Racing Awards are organised by Racing Welfare and are awarded to those that have dedicated their career to working in the horseracing industry to publicly acknowledge their achievement and hard work.
On 24 July, the award will be presented to both Jock Bennett and Kenny Williams who are great friends and have asked if they could be awarded together.
Jock has been in the industry all his life and started out with Bill Watts in 1972 before moving to Mark Johnston’s in 1997 where he is now Assistant Trainer and an integral part of the operation. He has been associated with many great horses over the years including Bill Watt’s Teleprompter who won many top races including the Arlington Million.
Kenny started his career in 1970 and worked for few different trainers including Ken Payne at Kingsley House in Middleham before joining Jock at Bill Watts for 17 years where the two became firm pals. He was then with Linda Ramsden for seven years before seven years with Alan Swinbank ahead of moving to Michael Dodd’s where he is now Travelling Head Lad.
Sarah Fanning, Regional Welfare Manager at Racing Welfare said: “We are delighted to award these two great characters and stalwarts of the Northern Racing community with these thoroughly well-deserved awards and would like to give our thanks to Catterick Racecourse for hosting them.”
The racing action on Wednesday 24 July will get underway at 2.10pm, with the gates opening approximately 2 hours prior to that. The feature race of the afternoon is the Unlimited Free Race Replays at sportinglife.com Handicap Stakes at 4.10pm.
As with all Catterick’s fixtures, under 18’s race free when accompanied by an adult and do not require a ticket. There will also be free children’s entertainment, including bouncy castles and a roundabout, in the Course Enclosure throughout the afternoon.
The free shuttle bus will leave from Richmond Market Place one hour before the first race to bring racegoers to the racecourse and will return after the last race.
Tickets will be available to purchase at the gates on the day, while advanced and group booking discounts are available at www.catterickbridge.co.uk.

Catterick Racecourse continues to support local, Darlington-based charity St Teresa’s Hospice this year with its annual race day on Wednesday 10 July.

This year marks the thirteenth running of the St Teresa’s Charity Race Day, where racegoers can enjoy Pantomime Horse Racing action ahead of an action-packed seven race card. The first race on the day is scheduled for 2pm, with the gates opening to the public at 12 noon.

Ahead of the first race, at approximately 12.45pm, the Pantomime Horses will have their turn in the Parade Ring. This year’s entries include two horses, a donkey and a cow: Looker’s VW Darlington’s “Wonky Donkey” and “Vin Petrol”, Clark Willis Solicitors “Lucky Legal Legs” and Purple Creative’s “Moo-dy Blues”

The St Teresa’s Hospice Pantomime Horse Race will take place at 1pm on the final furlong of the track, where contenders sprint to the winning post in a bid to be crowned this year’s champion.

John Paul Stabler, Fundraising & Marketing Manager at St Teresa’s Hospice said: “We are thrilled to be returning to Catterick Racecourse for our 13th Charity Race Day, and we aim to bring some extra fun and excitement with our annual Panto Horse Race. We’re glad to see Lookers VW Darlington’s “Wonky Donkey” returning for another go after their disastrous (but hilarious) performance in 2018, and we encourage everyone to come along to cheer all of the runners and riders on at 1pm.”

Footage from last year’s Pantomime Horse Race went viral, with over 4.5 million views on the racecourse’s Facebook page alone, following Wonky Donkey’s altercation with the rails.

St Teresa’s will also be holding a raffle on the day, with fantastic prizes on offer including Annual Membership for two people at Catterick Races in 2020, Sunday Lunch for four guests at Headlam Hall Country Hotel & Spa and Go Karting for four people at Teesside Karting. Tickets (£1 each) will be available to purchase from St Teresa’s stand by the Parade Ring throughout the afternoon.

The raffle will be drawn ahead of the last race on the card, scheduled for 5pm.

John Paul added: “This event is an important fundraiser for St Teresa’s Hospice, and we are incredibly grateful to Fiona and the team for their support, helping us to continue providing free care and support to the residents of North Yorkshire and South Durham, completely free of charge. The cost of our services is now over £3 million each year and we rely on the support of our local community, so please support the Hospice by buying a raffle ticket or giving your loose change to our collectors as you leave.”

Last year, the race day at Catterick Racecourse raised £4,255.79 for St Teresa’s Hospice.

As with all Catterick’s fixtures, a free shuttle bus will bring racegoers from Richmond Market Place to the racecourse approximately an hour before the first race and will return after the last race. Accompanied under 18’s race free and a big screen will be at the course on the day to give racegoers the best views of all the action.

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.catterickbridge.co.uk.

 

 

 

Catterick Racecourse continues to support local, Darlington-based charity St Teresa’s Hospice this year with its annual race day on Wednesday 10 July.

This year marks the thirteenth running of the St Teresa’s Charity Race Day, where racegoers can enjoy Pantomime Horse Racing action ahead of an action-packed seven race card. The first race on the day is scheduled for 2pm, with the gates opening to the public at 12 noon.

Ahead of the first race, at approximately 12.45pm, the Pantomime Horses will have their turn in the Parade Ring. This year’s entries include two horses, a donkey and a cow: Looker’s VW Darlington’s “Wonky Donkey” and “Vin Petrol”, Clark Willis Solicitors “Lucky Legal Legs” and Purple Creative’s “Moo-dy Blues”

The St Teresa’s Hospice Pantomime Horse Race will take place at 1pm on the final furlong of the track, where contenders sprint to the winning post in a bid to be crowned this year’s champion.

John Paul Stabler, Fundraising & Marketing Manager at St Teresa’s Hospice said: “We are thrilled to be returning to Catterick Racecourse for our 13th Charity Race Day, and we aim to bring some extra fun and excitement with our annual Panto Horse Race. We’re glad to see Lookers VW Darlington’s “Wonky Donkey” returning for another go after their disastrous (but hilarious) performance in 2018, and we encourage everyone to come along to cheer all of the runners and riders on at 1pm.”

Footage from last year’s Pantomime Horse Race went viral, with over 4.5 million views on the racecourse’s Facebook page alone, following Wonky Donkey’s altercation with the rails.

St Teresa’s will also be holding a raffle on the day, with fantastic prizes on offer including Annual Membership for two people at Catterick Races in 2020, Sunday Lunch for four guests at Headlam Hall Country Hotel & Spa and Go Karting for four people at Teesside Karting. Tickets (£1 each) will be available to purchase from St Teresa’s stand by the Parade Ring throughout the afternoon.

The raffle will be drawn ahead of the last race on the card, scheduled for 5pm.

John Paul added: “This event is an important fundraiser for St Teresa’s Hospice, and we are incredibly grateful to Fiona and the team for their support, helping us to continue providing free care and support to the residents of North Yorkshire and South Durham, completely free of charge. The cost of our services is now over £3 million each year and we rely on the support of our local community, so please support the Hospice by buying a raffle ticket or giving your loose change to our collectors as you leave.”

Last year, the race day at Catterick Racecourse raised £4,255.79 for St Teresa’s Hospice.

As with all Catterick’s fixtures, a free shuttle bus will bring racegoers from Richmond Market Place to the racecourse approximately an hour before the first race and will return after the last race. Accompanied under 18’s race free and a big screen will be at the course on the day to give racegoers the best views of all the action.

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.catterickbridge.co.uk.

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Following its opening meeting, the newly refurbished Catterick Racecourse will stage its inaugural Cocktails & Casino Race Night on Monday 1 July.

Seven races are scheduled for the fun-packed evening meeting, with the first race at 6pm and the last race at 9pm.

The feature race, the KC Ethical British Caviar Handicap Stakes is a qualifier for the 2019 Catterick Twelve Furlong Series Final, with an £11,500 prize fund. The race has been generously sponsored by the North Yorkshire based KC Caviar, who lead the way in ethical Caviar production.

Another local firm, Maxwell’s of Northallerton, have also sponsored a race on the evening, the Buy Bosch Appliances at Maxwells Northallerton Handicap Stakes is scheduled for 7pm.

In addition to the action on the track, racegoers can try their luck at three free-to-play ‘fun money’ casino tables in the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure – choose from Roulette, Blackjack and Wheel of Fortune!

Singer-songwriter Elena Larkin, from Hartlepool, will treat racegoers to live music throughout the evening to enjoy in between the racing action, and a selection of cocktails will be available to purchase from the cocktail bar in the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure.

Emma Binnian, Sales & Marketing Manager said: “We’re looking forward to our first Cocktails & Casino Race Night, giving our racegoers the opportunity to enjoy an evening of sophistication and style at the races!

“Catterick is known for offering a friendly welcome to everyone and provides a number of family fun days throughout the year, so we thought it would be exciting to put on an evening for the grown-ups!”

This fixture falls within Racing Welfare’s Racing Staff Week (26 June – 6 July) and to celebrate, the racecourse will be offering a complimentary meal voucher to stable staff working at Catterick on July 1^st, in addition to the £50 cash prize given to the lad or lass with the Best Turned Out horse in each race at every meeting. There will also be a collection on the day in support of Racing Welfare.

As with all Catterick’s fixtures, a free shuttle bus will bring racegoers from Richmond Market Place to the racecourse approximately an hour before the first race and will return after the last race. Accompanied under 18’s race free and a big screen will be at the course on the day to give racegoers the best views of all the action.

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.catterickbridge.co.uk.

Catterick Racecourse commences its 2019 Flat racing season on Monday 17 June following a £600,000 investment into its facilities.

When the gates open, both racegoers and racing professionals will notice a spectacular difference as a result of the most recent improvements, designed by local, Richmond-based, architects Harris Irwin Associates [HIA].

Jockeys will benefit from an extended Weighing Room complex, complete with a new warm-up area, state-of-the-art facilities and space to relax between races.

An enlarged Parade Ring will give racegoers an improved view of the runners when making their selections ahead of each race. In addition the new Winner’s Enclosure has been incorporated in the Parade Ring, bringing the winning connections into the heart of the action following each race.

Moving the Winner’s Enclosure into the Parade Ring and dispensing with the fenced-off walkway though the public area has also enhanced public safety and generally made it easier for racegoers to circulate.

Katie Craggs, Project Architect for Harris Irwin Associates said: “HIA have been delighted to be part of the team to help deliver the next stage of the redevelopment works at Catterick Racecourse. The Weighing Room and Parade Room are an integral part of racing with the arrangement and organisation of spaces paramount to a successful day.

This is the second stage in a three-phase development plan. The first stage, which opened in December 2018, included the new main entrance, offices and saddling boxes, as well as a new horse box park.

Craggs adds: “The reconfiguration of the Parade Ring and introduction of the new Winners Podium not only improves the flow and movement for the horses but complements and completes the New Entrance and Saddling Boxes.”

Fiona Needham, General Manager and Clerk of the Course at Catterick said: “We are really pleased that the second phase of our significant improvements programme has been completed on time; the improvements will greatly enhance the race day experience for both racing professionals and racegoers alike.

“We’re looking forward to starting the final stage of Catterick’s £3.5 million investment plan shortly. This is a new two-storey trackside Owners and Trainers facility, which is due to be ready in the early part of our 2020 Flat season.”

The opening meeting, on Monday 17 June, marks the first of 15 Flat fixtures at Catterick this season where under 18’s race free with accompanying adults at all our fixtures. The racecourse also offers discounted admission for all military personnel.

To celebrate the opening of the new facilities, racegoers will have the opportunity to win a visit into the new Parade Ring by entering the race card competition on the day.

The lucky winners will judge the Best Turned Out horse in the new Parade Ring ahead of the race and present a memento to the winning connections on the new Winner’s Enclosure podium immediately after the race.

The first of seven races on Monday 17 June is scheduled for 2.15pm and the gates will be open from 12.15pm onwards. The feature race on the day is the Every Race Live on Racing TV Handicap Stakes at 3.45pm, with £11,600 prize money up for grabs, but who will be the first to step onto the new winner’s podium at Catterick Races?

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.catterickbridge.co.uk.

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Glamour, sophistication and socialising are all synonymous with a day at the races, but it is ramped up when it comes to Ladies Day.

Each of the nine racecourses in Yorkshire will be offering superb prizes for their Best Dressed Lady. The first competition is at Wetherby on Thursday, May 30 and they continue across Yorkshire throughout the summer before the final Ladies Day at Doncaster on Friday, September 13.

These are exciting days when everyone gets the chance to dress to impress and, uniquely in Yorkshire, all nine winners are invited to attend a Grand Final at Doncaster on Saturday, October 26 where they and their guest will be wined and dined in a private box for the day as well as having the chance to be crowned Go Racing In Yorkshire’s Best Dressed Lady 2019.

In addition to the title, the winner will take home a diamond ring worth £2,000 from loveVintageDiamonds.com, a two-night spa break at the Best Western Mount Pleasant Hotel and a £500 clothing voucher from new sponsor, Incognito.

So just what do you wear for Ladies Day? For Malton racehorse trainer Ruth Jefferson, choosing an outfit on a normal race day is fairly standard.

“I had 15 pairs of the same brand of black trousers at the last count,” said Ruth, when asked how she plans what to wear for the races. “Being practical is a must, there’s no point wearing a skirt that’s too tight for me to leg the jockey up!”

However, when it comes to special occasions like Ladies Day, Ruth who took over the training licence from her late father Malcolm, admits she needs a bit of help.

After an invite to Royal Ascot last year was followed up with a social media post along the lines of, “Can I wear trousers to Royal Ascot? Mum says no but I haven’t got a dress,” it was evident a spot of shopping was required!

Like all trainers, Ruth puts the needs of the horses and staff before herself and while she likes to keep an eye on the fashion scene, having the time to follow it up comes way down the ‘to do’ list.

“I need to be smart yet comfortable and able to work. It’s a balance between being able to be hands on with the horses but presentable to the owners and in the racecourse enclosures. I only wear white trousers if we’re running a grey!” Ruth added.

Just what to wear is an age-old problem for female racegoers, but fashion boutique, Incognito can certainly come up with the answer. The business which is now based in Bawtry has been in existence for over 30 years and has a keen racing clientele.

“Doncaster racecourse is just up the road and both my sister and I are regular attendees” said Jackie Reynolds, joint partner.

“We stock collections from very well-known designer brands, plus we are always careful to guide clients as we know that friends will be attending the same social events and don’t want to be wearing the same dress as someone else. Our personal service also helps to mitigate any fashion faux pas!” she added.

The boutique has a range of styles for all tastes and the sisters have an eye for knowing what will suit clients as soon as they walk through the door. With so much variety and expert guidance, finding the perfect outfit for Ladies Day will not be a problem.

Jackie and her sister Bernie took on the challenge of kitting out Ruth in garments that are both practical and stylish and did so with fantastic results.

“I live in jodhpurs and a fleece, so it’s really nice to be pushed out of my comfort zone. I’ve worn things at Incognito that I wouldn’t normally pick up in a shop and I’m pleasantly surprised by the outcome!” said Ruth, who also put herself in the hands of students from the White Rose College of Beauty for her hair and make-up.

“I definitely look younger and must try harder on a daily basis,” she joked when she saw the final result.

However, it wasn’t all about work as Jackie and Bernie prepared a glamorous look for Ruth and her mum Sue in readiness for their annual trip to York’s Ebor meeting in August, when Ladies Day is on Thursday, August 22.

“We’ve always loved going to York,” said Sue, “it’s a fantastic racecourse and it comes at a time when we are less busy at home so can relax and enjoy ourselves among colleagues and friends”.

While the outfits are the main focus of attention it is the accessories that enhance the detail. The winner of the Best Dressed Lady Final will have the perfect accompaniment as she sports a glistening 1920’s vintage ring made of 18 carat white gold from loveVintageDiamonds.com.

The two-stone twist crown is set with oval, cushion-shaped, rose-cut diamonds of the period and the total diamond weight is approximately 0.70 carats with a value of £2,000!

The winner will be able to tie in their trip to Incognito with a two night stay in a Spa Suite at the Best Western Mount Pleasant Hotel, a stay which includes champagne and home-made chocolates produced by the hotel’s own chocolatier on arrival, dinner with wine in the newly-refurbished Brassiere Artisan from the Table D’Hote menu, a full English breakfast on both days as well as a luxury fruit basket and Espa gift bag.

Helen McIlroy, of the Mount Pleasant Hotel said, “Given our proximity to Doncaster Racecourse we regularly have owners and trainers staying with us for the races or the sales and like to offer them some high-end luxury, whether their visit is for pleasure or for work purposes. It’s fitting that we should be able to offer something similar to Go Racing In Yorkshire’s Best Dressed Lady.”

The final meeting of Catterick Racecourse’s 2018/19 National Hunt season will take place on Wednesday 6 March, Countryside Day. The gates will be open to the public from 12.20pm, with the first race due to take place at 2.20pm and the last race at 5.20pm.

There is a packed card on offer, with seven races scheduled on the day, including The Support Jack Berry House Novice’s Hunter’s Steeple Chase, open to amateur riders, scheduled for 4.50pm.

In addition, ahead of the racing action, racegoers can enjoy a fashion show, presented by local country store Millbry Hill, which will showcase a selection of Cheltenham Festival outfits and styles. The show will take place at the Winner’s Enclosure at approximately 1.45pm.

Emma Binnian, Sales & Marketing Manager said: “It’s fantastic to have Millbry Hill joining us to showcase some of their favourite Cheltenham Festival styles on Countryside Day! Although Catterick’s jump season will be coming to an end, the racing world is gearing up for one of its biggest meetings of the season and the fashion stakes are always high.”

Millbry Hill Country Store will also have a tradestand at the course on the day.

Furthermore, Catterick’s Champion Owner, Trainer and Jockey for the 2018/19 Jumps season will be presented with their prizes in between races on the day. The Champion Owner & Trainer series has been kindly sponsored by The Black Bull Inn again this year, and each will receive a voucher for a three-course meal at the pub, just 5 miles from the racecourse. The Champion Jockey series has been generously sponsored by Millbry Hill Country Store who, in addition to having given each winning jockey throughout the season a £20 voucher, will present the Champion Jockey with a voucher for a pair of Fairfax & Favor shoes of their choice.

This fixture also provides a final opportunity for racing fans to enter the #SteeplechaseSelfie competition. Racegoers simply need to visit the section of steeplechase fence by the Parade Ring and send their selfies to the racecourse on social media to be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to a future race meeting at Catterick Races.

As with all of Catterick’s fixtures accompanied under 18’s are admitted free of charge, and a big screen will be at the course on the day to give racegoers the best views of all the action.

A free shuttle bus will bring racegoers from Richmond Market Place to the racecourse approximately an hour before the first race and will return after the last race.

Following Countryside Day on Wednesday 6 March, Catterick Racecourse will close to allow time for redevelopment works to take place to the Parade Ring and Weighing Room. The course will then re-open for the start of the 2019 Flat season on Monday 17 June with a newly enlarged Parade Ring, incorporating a new Winner’s Enclosure, and a fully refurbished Weighing Room providing state of the art facilities and jockey’s warm-up area.

 

Editors’ Notes:

• Catterick Racecourse is one of the true homes of the Northern racing, a venue steeped in tradition dating back to 1783.
• One of only three Yorkshire courses to offer both flat and National Hunt racing, Catterick Racecourse has a total of 25 days racing this year.
• Catterick Racecourse prides itself on being one of the friendliest courses and provides a fun relaxed day out for everyone, whatever the occasion.

# # #

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Emma Binnian at 01748 811478 or email at emma@catterickbridge.co.uk.

Catterick Races will host an additional National Hunt fixture next Friday, 22 February and racegoers can enjoy free entry into all enclosures.

This fixture is one of six additional fixtures announced by the British Horse Racing Authority (BHA) scheduled to take place between 20-28 February following the loss of six days of racing due to equine influenza. The fixtures are as follows, with two Flat floodlit fixtures followed by four Jump fixtures:

Chelmsford City – Wednesday 20 February
Wolverhampton – Thursday 21 February
Catterick – Friday 22 February
Uttoxeter – Monday 25 February
Ffos Las – Tuesday 26 February
Musselburgh – Thursday 28 February

Catterick Racecourse will open its gates to the public from 11.20am on Friday 22 February, with the first race of 6 races scheduled for 1.20pm.

There will be free entry into both the Course Enclosure and Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure. Racegoers do not need to book or register in advance and are invited to simply arrive at the course on the day ready to enjoy a thrilling afternoon of Jump racing action!

Fiona Needham, General Manager and Clerk of the Course said: “We’re pleased to be able to offer this additional fixture following the loss of our last three meetings due to frost and the Equine Influenza outbreak. We’re keen to get back racing and I’m sure that our racegoers are too, so it seemed like a great opportunity to offer a complimentary race day to thank our supporters for their understanding over this last month.”

Bars and restaurants will be open as usual, except for the Course Enclosure bar which will be closed at this meeting.

As with all Catterick’s fixtures, there will be a big screen at the course on the day giving racegoers the best views of the action and the free shuttle bus will bring racegoers from Richmond Market Place to the racecourse approximately one hour prior to the first race.

Catterick’s National Hunt season continues on Thursday 10 January, featuring it’s most prestigious National Hunt race, the North Yorkshire Grand National, which has once again been kindly sponsored by the Richmond based racecourse supplier firm Watt Fences.
Racegoers will enjoy a seven race card on the day which gets underway at 12.25pm, while the gates will be open to the public from 10.25am onwards. The Watt Fences North Yorkshire Grand National Handicap Steeple Chase is scheduled for 2.45pm and is Catterick’s most valuable National Hunt race with the runners competing for more than £26,000 prize money over three miles and six furlongs, making it Catterick’s longest race.
Fiona Needham, Clerk of the Course & General Manager said: “The North Yorkshire Grand National is a race we look forward to every year, it’s a real test of stamina and jumping ability and it’s always exciting to see horses go on from success in this race to take part in the Grand National at Aintree!”
The race tends to attract runners from some of the leading trainers in the United Kingdom, while a trainer well worth watching out for is the Yorkshire based Sue Smith, who has won the race for the past three years. Last year Smith won with I Just Know, ridden by Sean Quinlan, who then went on to compete in the 2018 Grand National at Aintree.
Previously, the partnership of Sue Smith and jockey Danny Cook have enjoyed back to back victories with Straidnahanna in 2017 and Lackamon in 2016.
The winning owner of the North Yorkshire Grand National will receive the Denys Smith Memorial Trophy. Denys Smith, who trained Red Alligator to win the 1968 Grand National at Aintree, was a leading dual-purpose trainer who recorded a remarkable 146 winners at Catterick.
Racegoers will be able to get a true idea of what the horses and jockeys experience during a race by visiting the parade ring, where a section of a steeple chase fence has been positioned. Sending their ‘Steeplechase Selfie’ to the racecourse could also earn them a chance to win tickets to a future meeting at Catterick Races!
A big screen will be at the course on the day to give racegoers the best views of all the action. 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.

First of £3.5 million three-phase development opens at catterick racecourse

Catterick Racecourse will officially open its new Main Entrance and Saddling Boxes at the Go Racing in Yorkshire Winter Festival race day on Friday 28 December.

The £1 million investment has been designed by local, Richmond-based, architects Harris Irwin Associates [HIA] to give a sense of arrival to racegoers and offer state of the art facilities for trainers to saddle their horses ahead of the races.

Katie Craggs, Project Architect for Harris Irwin Associates adds: “HIA have been delighted to be involved with the redevelopment at Catterick Racecourse. Having worked closely with the racecourse team over the past 5 years, we have assisted in delivering their vision for improving and upgrading the facilities. The scheme provides the racecourse with a landmark building, which will benefit racegoers and the wider racing community.”

Racegoers will be welcomed to the course through the new entrance on Friday 28 December and treated to complimentary mulled wine and mince pies on arrival, while stocks last.

This is the first of a three-phase redevelopment plan. The next phase of works is due to commence immediately following the end of the National Hunt season on 6th March 2019, when the racecourse will close in order to complete a scheme that will include an enlarged Parade Ring, incorporating a new Winner’s Enclosure, refurbished and modernised Weighing Room and jockeys facilities, as well as a new horsebox park.

The final phase of the £3.5 million investment plan will be a completely new, two-storey, trackside Owners & Trainers facility that is scheduled to be finished in early 2020.

John Sanderson, Managing Director at Catterick Racecourse said: “When finally completed, these developments will provide an enhanced ‘Race Day Experience’ for owners, members of our race going public, trainers, jockeys and the other racing professionals who work at Catterick, without changing the character or atmosphere of this friendly dual-purpose racecourse.”

Catterick will re-open on Monday 17 June for the start of our 2019 Flat season, before hosting it’s first Cocktails & Casino Race Night on the evening of Monday 1 July.

2019 yorkshire racing calendar kicks off at catterick races on NEw year’s day

The first meeting of the 2019 Yorkshire racing calendar will take place at Catterick Racecourse on New Year’s Day.

The popular fixture has a six race card, with the first race taking place at 12.25pm. The gates will be open to the public from 10.25am, and as with all of Catterick’s fixtures, a free shuttle bus will run from Richmond Market Place approximately an hour before the first race to bring racegoers to the course.

The feature race of the afternoon, The catterickbridge.co.uk Handicap Steeple Chase, is scheduled for 2.45pm, while the last race will come under starters orders at 3.20pm.

Fiona Needham, General Manager and Clerk of the Course said: “Racing on New Year’s Day has become a traditional activity for many of our racegoers and we’re thrilled to continue the tradition this year. It’s a great way to start the New Year and clear your head after the night before!”

Alongside the racing action on the day, there will also be the opportunity for racegoers to win a sponsorship experience – see the racehorses up close in the Parade Ring, judge the Best Turned Out horse and celebrate with winning connections after the race! Plus, keen racegoers will be excited to learn that they could be in with a chance of winning tickets to a future race day at the course by visiting the section of steeple chase fence which has been positioned next to the Parade Ring and taking a ‘Steeplechase Selfie’!

This meeting is the first of 25 fixtures to be held at the course next year – including 10 National Hunt and 15 Flat fixtures. The fixture calendar will see a pause in proceedings following the end of the National Hunt season in March to allow for Parade Ring and Weighing Room development works to take place at the course. The racecourse will then re-open for the first Flat fixture on Monday 17 June before the new Cocktails and Casino Race Night on Monday 1 July.

Highlights of this year’s fixture list include the prestigious North Yorkshire Grand National on Thursday 10 January, Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival on Wednesday 24 July, the ever popular August Family Day’s and the return of Catterick’s richest race day, The Catterick Dash on Saturday 19 October.

Emma Binnian, Sales & Marketing Manager said: “There’s something for everyone on offer next year, from Family Days to Ladies’ Day and the new Cocktails & Casino Race Night. We’re looking forward to welcoming racegoers back to the course for another great year of racing at Catterick!”

The Yorkshire Beer Festival Race Day comes back to the course next year on Saturday 21 September, when The Pennine Brewing Co. will be at the course with a number local ales and ciders for racegoers to try alongside the racing action. In addition, Ladies Day makes a move to the afternoon of Wednesday 28 August.

The calendar will come to an end with the ever popular Christmas fixtures on Tuesday 17 and Saturday 28 December.

 

Catterick’s 2018/19 National Hunt season starts on Friday 23 November

The jumps are back at Catterick Races, with the first fixture of the 2018/19 National Hunt season taking place on Friday 23 November.

Following on from a successful Flat season, the North Yorkshire track will host 10 National Hunt fixtures this winter featuring the ever popular Christmas and New Year’s Day fixtures as well as the prestigious North Yorkshire Grand National on Thursday 10 January and finishing with Countryside Day on Wednesday 6 March.

Fiona Needham, General Manager & Clerk of the Course said: “We’re excited for the start of the new Jumps season and have some thrilling days racing ahead of us this winter including the North Yorkshire Grand National which Sue Smith has won for the last three years, so her horses will be ones to watch for this year’s running!”

At the first meeting, The Start of the Jumps on Friday 23 November, presentations will be made to Catterick’s 2017/18 National Hunt Season Champions. The series was generously sponsored by The Black Bull Inn, Moulton and the Champion Owner, Trainer and Jockey will each receive a voucher for a meal for two people at The Black Bull Inn, located just 5 miles from the racecourse.

Last year’s Champion Owners were Mr & Mrs Duncan Davidson, while the Champion Trainer was taken by Donald McCain who finished just 9 points ahead of Sue Smith in second. The Champion Jockey series was close throughout the season between Brian Hughes and Danny Cook but in the end it was Hughes who took the top spot, with a total of 7 winners at Catterick last season.

The Black Bull Inn, Moulton have kindly agreed to continue their sponsorship of the Champion Owners and Trainer Series for the upcoming season, whilst Millbry Hill have kindly continued their Flat season winning jockey sponsorship for the upcoming National Hunt season and will be giving each winning jockey throughout Catterick’s National Hunt season a £20 voucher to spend at one of their stores, as well as giving a grand prize to the Champion Jockey at the end of the season.

The first race on Friday 23 November is scheduled for 12.15pm, with the gates opening two hours prior. The feature race of the afternoon, The Injured Jockeys Fund Handicap Steeple Chase (a qualifier for The Challenger Staying Chase Series Final) will take place at 1.50pm. The last race is scheduled for 3.35pm.

As with all Catterick’s fixtures a big screen will be at the course on the day to give racegoers the best views of all the action, and a free shuttle bus will leave approximately an hour before the first race to bring racegoers from Richmond Market Place to the racecourse, and returns again after the last race.

Tickets are available to purchase online, and remember accompanied under 18’s go free!

A busy Flat season is coming to a climax at Catterick Races with the richest race day of the season, The William Hill Catterick Dash on Saturday 20 October, where there’ll be over £90,000 pizemoney on offer throughout the afternoon.

The first of seven races is scheduled to take place at 1:50pm with gates opening to the public two hours prior at 11:50am. The feature race of the afternoon – and Catterick’s richest race of the season – The William Hill Catterick Dash Handicap will take place at 3:30pm. The minimum distance five furlong sprint should attract plenty of good sprinters and has a total of £35,000 prize money up for grabs.

Fiona Needham, General Manager and Clerk of the Course said: “The Catterick Dash meeting is our feature race day, with top quality racing action on show. Last year’s Catterick Dash winner, Storm Over, is entered again this year and so we’re excited to see if he can reclaim the title or if we’ll have a new name to add to the roll of honour!”

The final race on the card, scheduled for 5:10pm is the penultimate round of the Go Racing in Yorkshire Future Stars Apprentice Series – now in it’s seventh year. The series final will take place at Doncaster Racecourse three weeks later. It looks set to be an exciting end to this year’s series with just 17 points between the top three riders. Fifth place in the most recent round at York Races took the leader, Keiran Schofield, to total of 53 points, making him the one to beat coming into the final two rounds.

Alongside all the action on the track, the course will also be showing live coverage from Champions Day at Ascot on the big screen and TV’s around the course.

The William Hill Catterick Dash meeting is the penultimate fixture on the 2018 Flat season calendar for Catterick, with final meeting taking place on Tuesday 30 October.

At The Flat Finale, on 30 October, presentations will be made to the course’s Champion Trainer, Owner and Jockey for the season. The Trainer and Owner Series has been kindly sponsored by The Fleece Hotel in Richmond, and each will win dinner, bed and breakfast for two people. Tim Easterby is leading the trainer series currently, with Richard Fahey close behind, while Weldspec Glasgow Ltd. presently hold the top spot in the Owners series.

The Champion Jockey series has been generously sponsored by Millbry Hill Country Store this season, and alongside the £20 vouchers which they have given to each winning jockey, the store has teamed up with Fairfax & Favor to present the Champion Jockey with an item of their choice from the Fairfax & Favor range at Millbry Hill. Paul Hanagan leads the jockeys championship currently but with just 7 points separating the top three jockeys it’s all still to play for!

Under 18’s are admitted free of charge, when accompanied by an adult, to all of Catterick Racecourse’s fixtures and on race days, a free shuttle bus will leave from Richmond Market Place approximately an hour before the first race to bring racegoers to the course.

Catterick’s Flat season continues on Saturday 22 September with a new theme, The Harvest Festival Race Day.
The action packed seven-race card will kick off at 1.50pm with the British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes and the last race is scheduled for 5.20pm.
The highlight of the afternoon comes at 4:10pm when the course will host the 2018 Catterick Twelve Furlong Series Final – sponsored by The BAPP Group. Now in its sixth year, the series final offers £25,000 in prize money and is open to those who have run in one of the qualifying races since the season started in April.
Fiona Needham, General Manager said: “The Catterick Twelve Furlong Series always provides some great racing action throughout the season and this year has been no exception – we’re looking forward to the final when our 2018 Catterick Twelve Furlong Champion will be crowned!”
In keeping with the Harvest Festival theme, there will also be traditional ‘village fete’ style entertainment including a Coconut Shy, Tin Can Alley and Hook a Duck in the Course Enclosure, and there will be live music throughout the afternoon from trombone soloist Kenneth Stamp.
In addition, the racecourse will be collecting food donations throughout the day for the local food bank, StoreHouse in Richmond. The collection will be held at the main entrance and a full list of donation items can be found on the StoreHouse website.
As with all of Catterick Racecourse’s fixtures, accompanied under 18’s will be admitted free of charge and in addition to the other entertainment on offer at this meeting, there will be bouncy castles and a roundabout in the Course Enclosure to keep any younger racing fans amused.
A big screen will also be at the course on the day to enable racegoers to see even more of the action from the track, as well as showing the big race action from Ayr Races – featuring the Ayr Gold Cup.
Emma Binnian, Sales & Marketing Manager said: “We’re excited to have a new themed race day this year – there’s something for everyone at this meeting, with village festival fun taking place alongside the action on the track, and we’re pleased to be able to support the local community by collecting donations for the StoreHouse foodbank.”
The gates will be open to the public from 11.50am. While the free shuttle bus will bring racegoers from Richmond Market Place to the racecourse approximately one hour prior to the first race.
Tickets for the day start at just £5 and will be available to purchase at the gates on the day, as well as in advance via the racecourse office or online at www.catterickbridge.co.uk

One of the most popular events in Catterick Racecourse’s social calendar, Ladies’ Evening on Friday 17 August, promises a night of fun, fashion and fabulous racing!

The gates will be open to the public from 3:40pm, with the first of six races getting underway at 5:40pm. The feature race of the evening, Moody Construction Nursery Handicap Stakes, will take place at 6:40pm.

Alongside all the action on the track, there will be live music throughout the evening with The Serenity Duo and the annual Best Dressed Lady and Best Hat competitions will take place between races. These competitions always provide an exciting atmosphere, and there’s some wonderful prizes in store again this year.

Catterick’s Best Dressed Lady will receive a voucher to the value of £500 to spend on a bespoke La Fille Rouge outfit of their choice. La Fille Rouge, based on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, offers a range of unique handmade capes, wraps, jackets and accessories made from exquisite Yorkshire Tweed. The winning lady will also go on to represent Catterick at The Go Racing in Yorkshire Grand Final, held at Doncaster Racecourse on Saturday 27th October 2018.

In addition, if that wasn’t enough of a reason to start your search for the perfect outfit, the owner of the Best Hat on the night will walk away with a gorgeous cream leather Casablanca satchel from Berber Leather, worth over £100.

This year, the course has added a new addition to the fashion competitions and will have 30 goody bags on offer as spot prizes for ladies with stand-out accessories on the evening. The goody bags will include a wish bracelet from The Edinburgh Jewellery Boutique, betting vouchers, beauty products and more! Spotters will be keeping their eyes on the crowds throughout the evening in search of unique and beautiful accessories – anything from a special pair of heels, to a stand out bag or perhaps a statement piece of jewellery.

Emma Binnian, Sales & Marketing Manager said: “We’re really grateful to our wonderful competition sponsors – La Fille Rouge, Berber Leather and The Edinburgh Jewellery Boutique for providing us with some fantastic prizes this year. We can’t wait to see all the amazing hats and outfits, and to crown our winners for 2018!”

Ladies arriving early on the evening will be treated to a complimentary Yorkshire Dales Distillery signature gin cocktail as they arrive at the course, and with a number of trade stands on site, selling a range of items including handbags and jewellery, there will be plenty to enjoy before the racing gets underway.

Of course gentlemen are also welcome on the evening, and as with all of Catterick’s fixtures under 18’s go free when accompanied by an adult. The racecourse also offers a discount for all military personnel and for any group bookings made in advance.

Racegoers looking to make the most of their evening will be pleased to know that a limited number of hospitality packages are still available, including the new Ladies’ Evening Trackside Marquee Package, where racegoers can enjoy all the racing action in style and truly make their evening one to remember.

Tickets start at just £5 and will be available to purchase at the gates on the day, as well as in advance via the racecourse office or online at www.catterickbridge.co.uk.

Catterick Racecourse’s Flat season continues on Saturday 9 June with the Yorkshire Beer Festival race day.

Catterick Racecourse is set to hold its first ever Yorkshire Beer Festival this summer, in association with Pennine Brewing Co., who are based locally to the course, at Well. The beer festival will take place alongside an action packed seven-race Totepool sponsored card on Saturday 9 June.

The gates will be open to the public from 11:45am with the first race, The totescoop6 It’s a Rollover Novice Median Auction Stakes, getting the action underway at 1:45pm. While the feature race of the day, The totescoop6 Handicap Stakes scheduled for 3:30pm, runs over 7 furlongs and offers a total of £23,000 prize money.

Alongside the action on the track, there will be the opportunity for race goers to sample twelve different Yorkshire ales and ciders from Pennine Brewing Co. The Beer Festival will take place in the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure, where racegoers will also be able to enjoy live music from The Black Marcs, who will be playing throughout racing and into the evening, until 6:30pm.

Helen Crannage, Sales Manager at Pennine Brewing Co. said: “We are very pleased to be working with Catterick Racecourse to put on this event. As well as the racing action to keep everyone entertained, there’ll be a fantastic selection of Yorkshire craft beers and ciders to enjoy, plus live music from a great Yorkshire band! We hope this will become an annual event in the fixture calendar.”

The racecourse supports the Racecourse Association’s #PaceYourself campaign to encourage responsible drinking at the course. Racegoers are reminded to pace themselves when enjoying their day at the races by allowing one soft drink between each alcoholic drink.

Under 18’s are admitted free of charge to all of Catterick’s fixtures, when accompanied by an adult. There will also be free children’s entertainment, including bouncy castles and a roundabout, in the Course Enclosure throughout the afternoon – the perfect setting for an afternoon with the family!

The gates will be staying open later than usual, until 6:30pm, giving race goers the opportunity to enjoy the summer evening with friends and family and make the most of their visit to the racecourse.

A big screen will be at the course on the day giving race goers the best view of all the action and the 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.

Tickets will be available to purchase at the gates on the day, while advanced and group booking discounts are available at www.catterickbridge.co.uk.

Racing Careers Day is back at Catterick Racecourse on Friday 1 June. Following the success of the event last year, having been nominated as a finalist at the Racecourse Association (RCA) Awards, the Racecourse decided to keep the fixture as part of the Flat season calendar this summer and has worked to build upon last year’s event.
Once again the course, in association with Racing to School, is offering a unique behind-the-scenes tour and workshop prior to racing for local Pony Club members and school children. Those who have registered to take part in the workshop will be taken on a guided tour of the course visiting areas which are normally restricted to the public, including the Weighing Room, Stables and a Course walk. The workshop will give an insight into how racing works as well as demonstrating the wider range of employment opportunities that the horse racing industry has to offer.
Fiona Needham, General Manager and Clerk of the Course said: “We received some lovely feedback after last year’s event, so we wanted to build on that this year.
“There’s so many different career options within the racing industry – to have the opportunity to showcase them all and perhaps encourage some of our younger race goers to take up a career in racing is exciting!”
The gates will be open to the general public from 11:50am, and racing will get underway at 1:50pm with The EBF Novice Stakes. While The Watch Racing UK Anywhere Handicap Stakes is scheduled for 4.55pm and offers a total prize fund of £11,600.
Alongside the racing, race goers will be able to learn more about the different career options within the racing industry at the Racing to School, Careers in Racing and Northern Racing College stands. The Northern Racing College stand will include a mechanical horse and racing simulator which will allow race goers to experience what it’s like to ride a winner!
In addition, there will be free children’s entertainment in the Course Enclosure. This will include a giant ‘Where’s Wally’ style Careers in Racing colouring board, as well as educational fun and games with the Go Racing in Yorkshire Roadshow.
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.
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, which is scheduled for 5:30pm.

Catterick Racecourse’s Flat season continues on Thursday 24 May with its second annual Local Businesses Race Day.
Following the success of last year’s event, the Racecourse is once again looking to demonstrate what the local area has to offer whilst giving staff from local businesses the opportunity to come racing at a reduced price.
Emma Binnian, Sales & Marketing Manager said: “We hope this day will give local businesses the chance to showcase their products and network with others, as well as give racegoers the opportunity to discover some of the things available within the local area.”
There will be stands at the course on the day from La Fille Rouge, Love Property, Smith & Graham Solicitors and Sew Cherry for racegoers to browse and enjoy alongside the racing.
The action on the track gets underway with The EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes, a Plus 10 Bonus Race, at 1:50pm. While The Smith & Graham / Love Property Handicap Stakes, at 3:35pm, continues this year’s round of qualifiers for the 2018 Catterick Twelve Furlong Series Final held on Saturday 22 September.
The feature race of the day, The Leslie Petch Handicap Stakes, takes place at 4:10pm over five furlongs and offers a total of £11,600 prizemoney.
A local charity, Bringing Back A Smile, will be at the course on the day. The charity, based in Bishop Auckland, looks after adults and children with life threatening illnesses and any support that race goers are able to offer will be gratefully received.
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.
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.
The gates will be open to the public from 11:50am onwards, and the last race is scheduled for 5:20pm.
The racecourse is offering half price admission tickets for the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure for anyone working at a business with a DL postcode. Tickets must be booked in advance via the racecourse office.

Catterick Racecourse’s 2018 Flat season gets underway with an Easter Family Day on Wednesday 4 April.

This meeting marks the first of 18 Flat fixtures at Catterick this season, and the seven race card will see the first of the 2018 Catterick Twelve Furlong Series Qualifiers, with an £11,600 prize fund.

Emma Binnian, Sales & Marketing Manager said: “We’re looking forward to an exciting season with some new race day themes, including our first ever Beer Festival! The Easter Family Day is the first of three family day fixtures at the course this summer and we’re looking forward to welcoming the next generation of racing fans to the course.”

Alongside the action on the track there will be loads of Easter themed fun and free entertainment for families to enjoy including bouncy castles and a petting farm with guinea pigs, rabbits, alpaca and more. There will also be an Easter themed treasure hunt at the course – younger race goers will need to keep their eyes peeled for some little Easter chicks hiding around the racecourse for a chance to win a chocolate prize!

Racegoers will also have the opportunity to win a sponsorship experience by entering the text competition on the day. The two lucky winners will be given the chance to judge the Best Turned Out horse in the Parade Ring prior to the race and present the winning owners with their prize, as well as celebrate with connections after the race.

The first race, The Easter Family Day Handicap Stakes is scheduled to take place at 2pm, with the gates opening to the public two hours prior to that, at 12 noon, while the last race is at 5:05pm.

Catterick’s 2017 Flat season champions will be receiving their prizes during the afternoon. The series, kindly sponsored by The Nags Head, Pickhill, was won by Ruth Carr (Champion Trainer), Jason Hart (Champion Jockey) and Mr Malcolm Walker (Champion Owner). Ruth Carr finished the season almost 20 points ahead of her closest rival, so her horses could be worth following over the coming season!

In addition, the racecourse is pleased to welcome a new sponsor for the upcoming season – Millbry Hill, the UK’s leading independent family-run country store providing Equestrian supplies, pet products, country clothing, footwear and gifts.

Millbry Hill will be offering each winning jockey throughout the season a £20 voucher to spend at any of their four stores across North Yorkshire & Cumbria, as well as a ‘grand prize’ for the Champion Jockey at the end of the Flat season.

Serena Jones, Retail Director at Millbry Hill said: “Millbry Hill are delighted to be sponsoring Catterick Racecourse for the 2018 Flat Season. We are looking forward to supporting the winning jockeys and working closely with a fantastic local business.”

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.

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.

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.

Catterick’s jump season continues on Thursday 11 January, featuring its longest and most valuable race – the North Yorkshire Grand National sponsored by the Richmond based racecourse supplier firm, Watt Fences.

The Watt Fences North Yorkshire Grand National Handicap Steeple Chase, is scheduled for 2.35pm and is Catterick’s most prestigious National Hunt race, with over £26,000 prize money up for grabs.

The race forms part of a seven race card which starts at 12.30pm, with gates opening at 10.30am and tends to attract runners from some of the leading trainers in the United Kingdom. The last race is scheduled for 3:45pm.

Last year’s winner, Straidnahanna, made it a second successive victory in the three and three-quarter mile race for trainer Sue Smith and jockey Danny Cook following on from Lackamon’s win in 2016.

Fiona Needham, General Manager and Clerk of the Course said: “The North Yorkshire Grand National is always a race to look forward to – it’s a real test of stamina and a true jumping test.”

The winning owner will receive the Denys Smith Memorial Trophy. Denys Smith, who trained Red Alligator to win the 1968 Grand National, was a leading dual-purpose trainer and recorded a remarkable 146 winners at Catterick (89 on the Flat and 57 over jumps).

The card also includes a two-mile steeple chase, kindly sponsored by The Black Horse Inn at Kirkby Fleetham. The Black Horse Inn Dine, Drink, Win Handicap Steeple Chase, is for 5 year olds and upwards with £13,800 prize money on offer.

A big screen will be at the course on the day to give racegoers the best views of all the action. 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 it will return again after the last race.

 

Catterick Racecourse is home to the first meeting of the 2018 Yorkshire Racing Calendar on New Year’s Day.
The popular fixture has a 6 race card, with the first race getting under starters orders at 12:25pm. The gates will be open to the public from 10:25pm and a free shuttle bus will run between Richmond Market Place and the racecourse approximately 1 hour prior to the first race. The last race is scheduled for 3:20pm.
The feature race of the afternoon, The catterickbrige.co.uk Handicap Steeple Chase, runs over 2 miles and 3 furlongs and will take place at 2:45pm.
Fiona Needham, General Manager and Clerk of the Course said: “It’s a great way to see in the New Year and clear the head after the revelries of the night before while watching some exciting racing!”
Racegoers will also have the opportunity win a sponsorship experience by entering the text competition on the day. The experience will include choosing the Best Turned Out horse in the Parade Ring prior to the race and presenting the winning owners with their prize, as well as celebrating with connections after the race.
This meeting is the first of Catterick’s 28 fixtures in 2018 – the calendar comprises of 10 National Hunt meetings and 18 Flat meetings. Catterick has plenty of exciting days to look forward to including the ever popular Ladies’ Evening on Friday 17 August and three Family Days throughout the year.
Racing Careers Day will also make a return on Friday 1 June following its recent success having been nominated as a finalist in the Events category at this year’s RCA Showcase & Awards in November.
Emma Binnian, Sales & Marketing Manager said: “It was fantastic to be nominated as a finalist for our Racing Careers Day this year, and we’re really looking forward to hosting the event again next summer when we’ll be looking to build upon its success!”
New themes including a Harvest Festival Race Day on Saturday 22 September and the addition of a local Beer Festival, in partnership with Pennine Brewing Co., to Yorkshire Day on Saturday 9 June will also add some extra entertainment to Catterick’s fixtures alongside the racing action

Racegoers can look forward to jump racing, carols and festive fun at Catterick Racecourse over the Christmas period!
The Christmas period is one of the busiest times at Catterick Racecourse, with three chances for racegoers to enjoy National Hunt racing action at the course, on Tuesday 19 and Thursday 28 December, and New Year’s Day.
The festivities begin once the Christmas lights have gone up at the course, ready for ‘Christmas at Catterick’ on Tuesday 19 December. Le Cateau Primary School Choir will also be at the course on the day to treat race goers to some Christmas carols as they arrive at the course.
The first of seven races on 19 December is scheduled for 12:20pm, with the gates opening two hours prior. During the afternoon, jockey Henry Brooke will be presented with a cheque for Jack Berry House. Following Henry Brookes’ fall at Hexham last year, racing syndicate Deva Racing and trainer Donald McCain raised a total of £2500 for the Injured Jockeys Fund facility, Jack Berry House, which proved a vital part of Brookes’ recovery.
Fiona Needham, General Manager & Clerk of the Course said: “It was wonderful to be able to welcome Henry Brooke back to race riding at our meeting on 30 November last year, and to be able to be a part of this presentation to Jack Berry House is an honour. The Injured Jockeys Fund do such great work and I’m sure that the money raised by Deva Racing and Donald McCain will go a long way to support them.”
Those still searching for some last minute Christmas presents will also be pleased to know that Berber Leather, La Fille Rouge and the Injured Jockeys Fund Shop will each have stalls at the racecourse on Tuesday 19 December ready to help with those last few Christmas gifts and stocking fillers!
The following week, the Go Racing in Yorkshire Winter Festival comes to Catterick, on Thursday 28 December. The Winter Festival begins at Wetherby Racecourse on Boxing Day and Wednesday 27th, before heading to Catterick on the 28th and comes to an end at Doncaster on Friday 29 December.
The gates will open at 10:35pm on Thursday 28 December, with the first race at approximately 12:35pm. The last of the 6 race card is scheduled for 3:15pm.
Festive Freddy, the winter festival mascot, will be at the course on the day ready to give any young racing fans on Santa’s ‘nice’ list an extra little Christmas gift! While the more seasoned race goers will want to arrive early at the course to enjoy the complimentary mulled wine & mince pies on arrival (while stocks last).
Racegoers will also have the opportunity to win a sponsorship experience by entering the text competition on the day. The experience will include choosing the Best Turned Out horse in the Parade Ring before the race and presenting the winning owners with their prize, as well as celebrating with connections after the race.
Following on from the Winter Festival, Catterick will host the first meeting of the 2018 Yorkshire Racing Calendar, on New Year’s Day.
A free shuttle bus will be running at all meetings to take racegoers from Richmond Market Place to the racecourse approximately one hour prior to the first race, and it will return again after the last race.

Catterick’s 2017/18 National Hunt season starts on Friday 24 November
The flat season has now come to an end and the National Hunt season is about to begin at Catterick Racecourse, with The Start of the Jumps on Friday 24 November.
The first of seven races is scheduled for 12:20pm with the feature race, The Go Racing in Yorkshire Winter Festival Handicap Steeple Chase, due to take place at 1:50pm. The gates will open to the public two hours prior to the first race.
The last race, The Racing Again 19th December Intermediate Open National Hunt Flat Race, will bring the action to a close at 3:35pm.
During the afternoon, last season’s champion owner, trainer and jockey will be presented with their prizes, kindly sponsored by The Black Bull Inn, Moulton. Paul & Clare Rooney took the owners title with 17 points, while Donald McCain claimed the champion trainer title finishing the season with 62 points while his closest rival, Sue Smith was in second with 46 points. Brian Hughes rode 7 winners last season and as a result was named Champion Jockey, with 33 points separating him and Danny Cook in second.
Fiona Needham, General Manager and Clerk of the Course said: “Last season provided some exciting racing, including Sue Smith’s Straidnahanna winning our most prestigious race, the North Yorkshire Grand National. We’re looking forward to watching all of the action this season and seeing the 2017/18 champion series unfold, with thanks again to long standing sponsors The Black Bull Inn.”
The free shuttle bus will run between Richmond Market Place and the racecourse, leaving approximately one hour prior to the first race and will return again after the last.
This meeting is the first of 10 National Hunt fixtures at Catterick Racecourse this season. The highlights of the jumps season calendar include the ever popular 28 December and New Year’s Day meetings, and the North Yorkshire Grand National on Thursday 11 January. The season finale will bring things to an end on Wednesday 7 March, Countryside Day.

Catterick Racecourse is delighted to announce they have been named as a Finalist for the prestigious Showcase & Awards, hosted by the Racecourse Association (RCA).

The Showcase & Awards is the marquee event of British racecourses that annually celebrates first class customer experience in partnership with Moët Hennessy and Racing Post.

Catterick Racecourse has been listed as a Finalist in the Events category. From the five Finalists the winner will be revealed at the Showcase & Awards ceremony on 16 November at Newbury Racecourse.

The Events award celebrates superb events that provide memorable days out and attract new customers to racecourses. Entries were asked to demonstrate a defined strategy and excellence in execution, along with a clear link to the racecourse brand and encouragement of return visits.

Catterick Racecourse particularly impressed the judges through their Racing Recruitment Day initiative. The event, held on 2 June, was designed to raise awareness of the different career options within the racing industry and provided both an educational and memorable day for their race goers.

Fiona Needham, General Manager at Catterick Racecourse, said: “We’re thrilled to be nominated as a finalist for this year’s awards, and to be recognised alongside some great events! We will be holding a careers themed race day again next year, and we’re excited to build upon the success of this year’s event.”

Stephen Atkin, RCA Chief Executive, said, “I am delighted for Catterick Racecourse for their success in being named a Finalist at the 2017 Showcase & Awards.

“It is a highlight of our year to see all of the quality Showcase Awards submissions go before the judges to measure the impact and growth of the initiatives that our racecourses have delivered and clearly Catterick have enjoyed an excellent year.

“I extend my congratulations to the team for their hard work in securing this achievement and wish them the best of luck for the ceremony at Newbury on Thursday 16^th November where we’ll see if they can join our esteemed list of winners.”

Events Finalists

Aintree—Red Rum at 40

Catterick—Racing Recruitment Day

Chelmsford City—Ladies Day 2017

Cheltenham—The McCoys

York—Jump Jockeys & Olly Murs Play Our 18th

 

Notes

For more information about the RCA Showcase & Awards please contact Will Aitkenhead – will.aitkenhead@racecourseassociation.co.uk or 07879 416 221.

 

More about the 2017 RCA Showcase & Awards

 

This is the eighth annual RCA Showcase & Awards, the gala event of British racecourses that annually celebrates first class customer experience in partnership with Moët Hennessy and Racing Post.

 

It is renowned as the event to attend, learn from, engage with, support and celebrate racecourses. The daytime seminar and evening black tie awards ceremony are both guided by the principle themes of excellence and innovation, which we encourage all racecourses to apply to every element of the raceday experience.

 

This year’s event will be held on Thursday 16th November at Newbury Racecourse. We are delighted to continue delivering the RCA Showcase & Awards and thank all racecourses for the levels of engagement and support shown.

 

The independent judging panel this year comprised of Tony Langham (Chairman, Great British Racing), Chris Cook (Deputy Racing Editor, The Guardian), Gareth Balch (Chief Executive, Two Circles), Steve Brice (Chief Executive, Pharaoh Experience), Patricia Pugh (Packard Curator, Palace House & ROA Board Member) and Matt Lynch (Executive Director, Venue Inc.) who all met to review each and every submission.

 

More about the Racecourse Association

 

The Racecourse Association serves the interests of its 59 British racecourse members empowering them to be the best venues that they can be.

The RCA works on behalf of racecourses to represent their views within the sport through the tripartite structure of the Members’ Agreement alongside BHA and The Horsemen’s Group. Outside of horseracing, we work alongside the Government, other sports and leisure venues, and national charities to meet the needs of racecourses.

From Perth to Newton Abbot, the 59 members of the Racecourse Association cover the length and breadth of Great Britain. The racecourses take many different shapes and sizes – all part of the charm of racing in Britain.

With 23 National Hunt racecourses providing jump racing, 19 flat racing and 17 dual-purpose racecourses, there is something for everyone across the country, and Britain is home to six all-weather tracks offering flat racing opportunities throughout the winter months.

What brings all British racecourses together is the exceptional raceday experience offered. Home to world-class racing events such as the Grand National, Cheltenham Festival, 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas, Epsom Derby, Royal Ascot, St Leger and All-Weather Championships, the racecourses of Great Britain carry hundreds of years of heritage and history that can be discovered on every visit.

The ownership structure of the racecourses is equally varied, with Jockey Club Racecourses owning 14 and Arena Racing Company owning 15. The remaining 30 RCA member racecourses are owned independently.

The Totepool Catterick Dash takes pride of place on a seven race card at Catterick Racecourse on Saturday 21 October, when racing is scheduled to begin at 1:50pm. With almost £80,000 in prize money on offer throughout the afternoon, this fixture is Catterick’s richest raceday of the year.

The feature race of the day, The Totepool Catterick Dash, is Catterick’s most prestigous race with a total of £30,000 prize money up for grabs. The minimum distance five furlong handicap should attract plenty of good sprinters.

Fiona Needham, General Manager and Clerk of the Course said: “We’ve had a number of quality horses take part in this race previously and then go on to perform well at the higher levels. The 2014 Catterick Dash winner, Duke of Firenze recently ran in the Group 1 Prix De L’ Abbaye De Longchamp at Chantilly and finished fourth behind Battaash, so we’re looking forward to following the careers of this year’s runners!”

The final race of the day, at 5.10pm is the second last race in the ‘Go Racing in Yorkshire’ Future Stars Apprentice Series – now in it’s sixth year. The final of the series will take place at Doncaster three weeks later. The competition is looking to be one of the most exciting yet as 16 riders are still in with a chance to win.

In addition to the racing action on the track, there will be a chance for two lucky racegoers to win a bottle of Catterick Races bubbly! Anyone looking to win will need to keep an eye out around the course on the day, and in the race card for details of how to enter. A big screen will also be at the course on the day to enable racegoers to see even more of the action on the track, as well as showing the racing from Champions Day at Ascot.

The gates will open to the public at 11:50am, with the free shuttle bus bringing racegoers from Richmond Market Place to the racecourse approximately one hour prior to the first race.

As with all of Catterick Racecourse’s fixtures, under 18’s go free when accompanied by an adult.

Ladies’ Evening at Catterick Racecourse is just around the corner.

Friday 18 August is Ladies’ Evening at Catterick Racecourse. One of the most popular events in the North Yorkshire track’s calendar, Ladies’ Evening always promises a night of fun, fashion and fantastic racing, and this year is no exception!

The gates will be open to the public from 3:30pm, with the first of six races getting underway at 5:30pm. The feature race of the evening, The Raydale Preserves Nursery Handicap Stakes, will take place at 6:30pm.

Alongside all the action on the track, jazz band The Gershwin Gang will be playing live throughout the evening and the annual Best Dressed Lady and Best Hat competitions will take place between races. These competitions always provide an exhilerating atmosphere, and with some wonderful prizes in store again this year, there’s a reason for that.

This year, Catterick’s Best Dressed Lady will win dinner, bed & breakfast for two people at The West Park Hotel in Harrogate, which has been kindly donated by The Black Bull Inn, Moulton. The winning lady will also go on to represent Catterick at The Go Racing in Yorkshire Grand Final, which will be held at Doncaster Racecourse on Saturday 28 October 2017.

In addition, if that wasn’t enough to start you searching for the perfect outfit, the owner of the Best Hat on the night will walk away with a gorgeous cream leather satchel from Berber Leather, worth over £100.

Emma Binnian, Sales & Marketing Manager said: “We’re really grateful to our wonderful sponsors, The Black Bull Inn and Berber Leather, for providing us with some fantastic prizes for our competitions this year. We can’t wait to see all the amazing hats and outfits and crown our winners for 2017!”

As well as the fashion stakes, race goers will also have the chance to enter a competition to win a bottle of fizz! All that’s required is a text to enter – details will be posted around the course on the day and in the race card.

Of course gentlemen are also welcome on the evening, and as with all of Catterick’s fixtures under 18’s go free when accompanied by an adult. The racecourse is also offering a discount for all military personnel and for any group bookings made in advance.

Hospitality

Tickets for the evening start at just £5 and can be booked in advance, or will be available to purchase at the gates on the evening.

Catterick Racecourse to host annual Salute Our Heroes Family Race Day this August.
The ever popular Salute Our Heroes Family Day returns to Catterick’s racing calendar again this year, on Tuesday 8 August, in support of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. The fixture is the first of two family days at the course in August and provides a fun day out for all the family this summer holiday. With free entertainment and admission for all accompanied under 18’s, and seven thrilling races on the track it’s perfect for both the first time and seasoned racegoer.
The first race of the day is scheduled for 2.15pm, with the gates opening 2 hours before that, at 12.15pm. The feature race of the afternoon is The CNG Handicap Stakes, which will be run over 1 mile 6 furlongs and offers a total prize fund of £10,000. The final race is scheduled for 5.15pm.
In line with Great British Racing’s #StirrUpSummer campaign, kid’s go free to all Catterick Racecourse’s fixtures, and alongside the racing action on Tuesday 8 August, there will be a variety of fun activities for the younger race goers to enjoy.
The free entertainment will include bouncy castles, a roundabout, the chance to box with former world champion Charles ‘The Bull’ Shepherd and even a treasure hunt – children will need to follow a series of clues which will lead them around the course, finishing up where they can collect a sweet prize!
In addition any young racing fans are invited to take part in a ‘Heroes’ themed fancy dress competition. Entry is free and there will be prizes, including tickets for Lightwater Valley Theme Park, for the following categories:
 Best under 6 year old costume
 Best 6 year old & over costume
Emma Binnian, Sales & Marketing Manager said: “There’s a lot going on this August at Catterick, with two family days and Ladies’ Evening too. The first of the three fixtures, Salute Our Heroes Family Day, will get things off to a great start with lots of free kid’s entertainment and plenty of action for the adults to enjoy on the track!”
Race goers should also keep a keen eye out for details of a text competition which is scheduled to run on the day. Two lucky people will win a pair of admission tickets for the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure at a future race fixture at Catterick Races.
Working together with ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and Catterick Garrison, the racecourse is offering free admission for all military personnel at this meeting. Tickets must be booked in advance and can be collected from the Racecourse Office or Catterick Garrison Welfare Units.
Fiona Needham, General Manager said: “Catterick Garrison and the surrounding military bases are a huge part of our community here, so it’s great to have a day like this when we can give something back.”
Catterick racecourse also offer discounted admission for military personnel at all of their other race days throughout the year, at both the flat and national hunt fixtures.
The second of Catterick’s August Family days takes place on Wednesday 30th August.

Horses won’t be the only ones racing at Catterick on Saturday 10^th June

On Saturday 10th June Catterick Racecourse will be celebrating all things ‘Yorkshire’ to mark the first Yorkshire themed race day at the track.

Yorkshire Day is one of the new themes to be added into Catterick’s 2017 racing calendar, and will give race goers the opportunity to enjoy more than just flat and national hunt racing at the course this year.

The Hunmanby Terrier Racing Team will be at the course, and will start the day with a demonstration of terrier racing ahead of the first race, at approximately 1pm. The display team will also do two further, slightly shorter demonstrations in between the races throughout the afternoon, including one where children will be invited to take part!

The seven race card, sponsored by Totepool Racing, kicks off at 1:45pm and features the £20,000 Totetrifecta Pick the 1, 2, 3 Handicap Stakes. The last race is scheduled for 5:30pm.

Alongside all the racing action, there will be live music from trombone soloist Kenneth Stamp to add a bit of Yorkshire Brass to the atmosphere, as well as the chance for race goers to win a bottle of Catterick Races branded bubbly! Anyone looking to win will need to keep an eye out around the course on the day, and in the race card for details on how to enter.

There’s plenty on offer for any younger race goers to enjoy as well with free children’s entertainment in the course enclosure, and as with all of Catterick’s race fixtures, all under 18’s will gain free admission when accompanied by an adult.

Emma Binnian, Sales & Marketing Manager said: “We hope that this new theme will create an enjoyable and memorable day out for the whole family this summer. From the action on the track, to the terriers and live music there’s something for everyone and it’s all made in Yorkshire!”

Friday 2^nd June is Racing Recruitment Day at Catterick Racecourse

Catterick Racecourse will host a unique race day next week as racegoers are invited to take part in a question and answer session prior to racing on Friday 2^nd June.

Ahead of an action packed seven race card, featuring the £10,000 EBF Fillies’ Handicap Stakes, the racecourse will host a panel with trainers, jockeys, stable staff and racecourse personnel. The panel will take place from 1pm – 1:30pm outside the Winner’s Enclosure, and all race goers are invited to attend, listen and ask their questions about the racing industry.

Emma Binnian, Sales & Marketing Manager said: “This is not only a great opportunity for any new racegoers to ask any questions they might have but also for our seasoned racegoers to learn more about the industry which they love. I hope that everyone, regardless of their racing experience, can take something away from the day.”

The first race kicks off at 1:50pm and throughout the day there will be an equicisor on site for any budding jockey’s looking to feel what it’s like to ride a winner! In addition, Careers in Racing, The Northern Racing College and Racing to School will all have informative stands on the day.

Free entertainment, including the Go Racing in Yorkshire roadshow, a ‘Where’s Wally’ style colouring board of all the different racing careers and bouncy castles, will provide a perfect end to the half term holidays for all those younger race goers.

Ahead of the gates opening at 11:50am, a select group of local school children and Pony Club members will be taken on a behind the scenes tour of the racecourse which will include the Weighing Room, a course walk and the stables, as well as an opportunity to have a go on an equicisor. The tour will be given by Carrie Ford from Racing to School, who famously road Forest Gunner to fifth place in the 2005 Grand National.

Carrie Ford, Northern Regional Education Officer for Racing to School said: “Racing to School is delighted to support the Racing Recruitment Day at Catterick Racecourse to give an insight into how racing works, and the wide range of employment opportunities that the horse racing industry has to offer.”

Catterick Racecourse offers a unique opportunity to local businesses

Thursday 25 May will see local businesses take centre stage at Catterick Racecourse as part of the first Local Businesses Race Day at the course.

The day has been designed to promote the local area and encourage race goers from all areas of the community. With six trade stands from a variety local businesses at the course there will be lots on offer for both business people and racegoers to enjoy alongside the racing.

Emma Binnian, Sales & Marketing Manager said: “We wanted to give something back to the community and hope that this day will give local businesses the chance to showcase their products and network with others, as well as discover the potential business opportunities available within the local area.”

The seven race card kicks off at 1:50pm and offers plenty of action including the feature race of the day, The Racing UK Profits Returned to Racing Handicap Stakes, with a total prize fund of £10,000. The card also features The RDA Richmond and Catterick Group Handicap Stakes, in support of the local Riding for the Disabled charity who will be at the course on the day.

Amongst all the racing action, there will be the opportunity to win a bottle of Catterick Races branded bubbly! Racegoers should remember to bring their business cards with them on the day in order to enter the prize draw.

The racecourse is offering businesses with a ‘DL’ postcode, and their staff, a number of discounts including 2 for 1 admission into the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure. Anyone looking to take advantage of this offer will need to book their tickets in advance via the racecourse office.

Local schools and Pony Clubs have been given a unique opportunity at half term as part of ‘Racing Recruitment Day’ at Catterick Racecourse.
Next month, on Friday 2nd June, Catterick Racecourse will open its doors to local school children and Pony Club members for a behind the scenes experience prior to a unique race day at the track.
Ahead of an action packed card, with seven thrilling races, a pre-registered group of children will be taken on guided tour of the course with Racing to School. Carrie Ford, who famously rode Forest Gunner to fifth place in the 2005 Grand National, will lead the tour which will include the weighing room, the stables and a course walk.
Carrie Ford, Northern Regional Education Officer for Racing to School said: “Racing to School is delighted to support the Racing Recruitment Day at Catterick Racecourse. Prior to racing we will be offering a unique ‘behind the scenes’ tour of the racecourse visiting areas which are normally restricted to the public, giving an insight into both how racing works and the wide range of employment opportunities that the horseracing industry has to offer.”
The gates will be open to the public from 11:50am with racing getting under way at 1:50pm. Prior to the first race, the course will host an interactive question and answer session with trainers, jockeys, stable staff, ground staff and racecourse staff. All racegoers are invited to take part in this session; which will take place at the Winner’s enclosure.

In addition, Careers in Racing, The Northern Racing College and Racing to School will all have informative stands at the course on the day and there will be an equicisor on site for any budding jockey’s looking to feel what it’s like to ride a winner!
Free entertainment, including the Go Racing in Yorkshire roadshow, a ‘Where’s Wally’ style colouring board of all the different racing careers and bouncy castles, will be on offer in the Course Enclosure for the younger race goers to enjoy.
Fiona Needham, General Manager and Clerk of the Course said: “There are so many different career options within the racing industry, so to have the opportunity to showcase them all is exciting, and I hope that we can inspire some of our young race goers to think about a career within the industry.”

There’s something for everyone this Easter at Catterick Racecourse

The first of Catterick’s 2017 flat season fixtures takes place on Wednesday 12th April, and it looks set to be a family affair.

The meeting marks the first of 17 flat fixtures in the calendar this season, and the seven race card will feature the first of the Catterick 12 Furlong Series Qualifiers, with a £10,000 prize fund.

In between the action on the track, the Catterick 2016 flat season champion owner, trainer and jockey will be presented with their prizes, kindly sponsored by The Nags Head, Pickhill. Last seasons champion trainer Richard Fahey and jockey P J McDonald both finished the season with a clear lead, so their horses could be worth following this season.

Fiona Needham, General Manager and Clerk of the Course said: “Last year was an exciting one with Richard Fahey’s Queen Kindly going on to win Lowther Stakes at York and so we’re looking forward to seeing some quality horses again this season.”

Alongside the racing there will also be lot’s to enjoy off track. There’s something for everyone this Easter at Catterick Racecourse, with free children’s entertainment, including bouncy castles and a roundabout in the Course Enclosure, the opportunity to win a race sponsorship experience and even some Easter themed fun.

 

Younger race goers will need to keep their eyes peeled for some little Easter chicks hiding around the racecourse as the Easter Bunny has offered an egg shaped reward for any handed back into the racecourse office.

Emma Binnian, Sales and Marketing Manager said: “We’ve got lots of new theme days at Catterick this year, and it’s great to be able to start the flat season off in the school holidays when all the whole family can come and enjoy a day at the races.”

 

The next meeting at Catterick is Monday 15th February, a perfect late Valentine’s treat. A six race card starting at 2.10pm, gates open at 12.10pm.

Weatherbys Group Ltd sponsor the two chases on the card, a Novices’ Limited Handicap and a Class 3 Handicap, both run over three miles and one furlong. In addition, Josie Binnie celebrates her birthday in the title of the two mile handicap hurdle.

The day is one of two Annual Badge Holders Guest days, when Catterick Annual Badge holders can bring two complimentary guests.

Coinciding with the half term holidays there are both outdoor and indoor childrens’ playgrounds available.

As at all meetings the free shuttle bus is in operation between Richmond and the Racecourse

Catterick’s jump season continues with its most prestigious day on Thursday 14th January, featuring the North Yorkshire Grand National sponsored by the Richmond based Racecourse supplier firm, Watt Fences. The race run over 3miles 6furlongs forms part of a seven race card which starts at 12.45pm with gates opening at 10.45am, and tends to attract runners from some of the leading trainers in the United Kingdom.
There is a free shuttle bus from Richmond Town Hall to the Racecourse.

Catterick Racecourse races twice over the forthcoming festive period on Bank Holiday Monday 28th December and New Year’s Day.
Monday 28th December forms part of the Go Racing in Yorkshire Winter Festival. The action starts at 12.25pm with the first of six races, gates open at 10.25am and race goers arriving early will receive a complimentary glass of mulled wine and mince pie.
Racing action continues on New Year’s Day when the first of six races is at 12.30pm. With indoor and outdoor children’s play areas available it’s a great day out for all the family.
As at all Catterick race meetings there will be a complimentary shuttle bus running between Richmond town centre and the racecourse.

Jumping for the 2015/16 season starts at Catterick races on Wednesday 2nd December. The first of seven races is at 12.20pm and the gates open at 10.20am.
This is the first of ten scheduled jump fixtures which run through to 9th March 2016, and include the ever popular festive meetings on Monday 28th December and New Year’s Day.
A shuttle bus will run between the Racecourse and Richmond town centre for every meeting.

The next race meeting at Catterick races is Tuesday 15th September, with the first of seven races race at 2pm. The feature race is the £10,000 CNG Handicap Stakes over seven furlongs. Harrogate based firm CNG Ltd are sponsoring in support of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and, in addition, the charity’s own racehorse an unnamed two year old, ‘Tommy’ , trained by John Weymes, will parade before racing for anyone wishing to purchase a share.
This meeting is a Catterick Annual Badge Holder’s Guest Day, when each Annual Badge Holder can bring two complimentary guests.
In a busy week for the racecourse the following meeting is on Saturday 19th September. The first of seven races is at 2.25pm and the feature race is the £20,000 final of the 2015 Catterick Twelve Furlong Series. Sponsored by East Yorkshire cased firm ETS (UK) limited the series final is open to any horse that has run in a qualifier throughout the season. Won in the previous two runnings by progressive types Dolphin Village and Poetic Verse, trained by Richard Fahey and John Quinn respectively, the series has proved a successful addition to the Catterick race programme.
As well as the racing there is additional children’s entertainment in the Course Enclosure with bouncy castles, roundabout and face painting and there is live music throughout from local band Trio Gitan.

The next meeting at Catterick on Wednesday 26th August is the final race meeting of the 2015 school summer holidays. As such there is plenty of interest for the kids with extra entertainment in the Course Enclosure including pony rides, bouncy castles, roundabout and face painters, plus a free ice cream voucher, while stocks last.
The first of seven races is at 2.10pm and the afternoon is being used to raise funds for Richard Farquhar’s undertaking of walking the courses, which is raising money for Pancreatic Cancer UK and Racing Welfare. Richard will be walking a circuit of Catterick before racing, before setting off on the long but picturesque walk to Cartmel in the company of illustrious racing individuals such as Oliver and Tanya Sherwood, Alan King and Luke Lillingston.
There is live music throughout the afternoon from local band Trio Gitan. As at all meetings there is a free shuttle bus running from Richmond market place

The next meeting at Catterick Racecourse is Tuesday 4th August with the entire card sponsored by bookmakers Betfred. In addition, there will be fund raising for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.
The first of seven races starts at 2.15pm and the £10,000 feature race The Betfred Membership Play Your Way Handicap Stakes over one mile six furlongs is for The ABF The Soldiers’ Charity perpetual trophy.
As well as the action on the track there will be plenty of children’s entertainment such as pony rides, bouncy castles, roundabout, face painter and a free ice cream voucher for every child while stocks last!
The free shuttle bus will run from Richmond town centre from one hour prior to racing, as at every meeting.

The Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival comes to town for the next meeting at Catterick on Wednesday 22nd July.
Part of the nine day festival incorporating all the Yorkshire racecourses, the seven races at Catterick start at 2.20pm with the feature race being the £10,000 Skybet Supporting the Yorkshire Racing Summer Festival Handicap Stakes over five furlongs.
The Anne’s 60th Birthday Supporting New Beginnings Handicap Stakes is kindly sponsored by regular race goer and Catterick Annual Badge Holder Anne Jacques Morgan, and names the Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival’s chosen charity New Beginnings. New Beginnings retrains and re homes retired racehorses and will be collecting and providing demonstrations throughout the Festival.
Also in attendance and sponsoring is the 5th Regiment Royal Artillery based at Marne barracks. Sponsors at Catterick for the last two decades the 5th Regiment Royal Artillery highlight the close links between the Racecourse and Catterick Garrison.
The day includes additional children’s entertainment such as bouncy castles, roundabout and face painters and live music throughout racing from Trio Gitan.

Catterick races’ summer season continues on Wednesday 15th July with a seven race card starting at 2pm.
The feature race over six furlongs is the £10,000 The Handelsbanken Handicap Stakes sponsored by Swedish bank Handelsbanken. The bank has branches throughout the country with a strong local presence, and the is supporting local charity St Teresa’s Hospice.
The final race on the card is The Betfair Novice Flat Amateur Riders’ Handicap Stakes. This is the second race of an eight race series ending at Carlisle on 9th September
The day includes a raffle and collection for St Teresa’s Hospice.
A free shuttle bus, as at all Catterick fixtures, will be in operation from Richmond

Catterick Racecourse’s flat season continues this Friday, 5^th June. The first of seven races is at 1.40pm, with the action concluding at 5.20pm. In addition, throughout the afternoon live racing from the Epsom Oaks meeting will be shown.

 Two races are generously supported by the European Breeders Fund including the £10,000 feature race The EBF Stallions Breeding Winners Fillies’ Handicap Stakes.

The card also features the Lionweld Kennedy Handicap Stakes over five furlongs, a race supported by Middlesborough company Lionweld Kennedy Flooring.

For any children on holiday there are both indoor and outdoor play areas and under 18’s are free to both enclosures