Quinn sets sights on £50,000 sprint

TRAINER Ralph Beckett welcomes the addition of the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Brontë Cup to the racing calendar and will send Isabel De Urbina for the inaugural running of the Group 3 at York this Saturday.

The £90,000 mile and three-quarter race for older fillies and mares forms part of a wider initiative to encourage such horses to remain in training beyond their three-year-old season.

Isabel De Urbina has exactly the type of profile the programme has been designed for, stepping up in grade after winning the Listed-class Daisy Warwick Stakes at Goodwood earlier this month.

Hampshire-based Beckett said: “I think it is a good initiative. There is only one other group, I think I’m right in saying, over this trip for fillies in the calendar – the Lillie Langtry- which has been upgraded to group 2 as part of the same initiative. So in that sense it’s a welcome initiative.”

At 100, the four-year-old Isabel De Urbina is the highest-rated of the six-strong field. Her rivals will include the French-trained filly Do Re Mi Fa Sol who was second in Listed company three weeks ago.

Beckett added: “As far as Isabel De Urbina is concerned the programmers have got it right in that the race fits very well from the Daisy Warwick. I’m looking forward to running her. She should benefit from the step up in trip as well.”

Isabel De Urbina did her best work at the end of the mile and a half race at Goodwood, getting up late on to score by a half a length.

Beckett said: “It made her a stakes winner – she wasn’t that before. So in that sense it was not only encouraging but what her owner-breeder would have wanted.”

The Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Brontë Cup is one of just seven races on the £225,000 card, which gets underway at 2pm<x-apple-data-detectors://6> with the Class 2 seven-furlong Constant Security Handicap.

The second-richest race of the afternoon at York is the five-furlong £50,000 MansionBet Sprint Handicap. El Astronaute is likely to be vying for the favourite’s tag after winning a course and distance sprint at the Dante Festival last week.

The John Quinn-trained five-year-old made all on the far side to win by a neck. He has been raised 3lb to 101 for that success and this time he has been drawn towards the stands rail in stall 17 of 19.

Quinn, who trains in the village of Settrington in North Yorkshire, said: “When you win a York handicap you expect to go up so I think 3lb was fair enough and I hope he could overcome it.

“He is in very good form and he has always run very well at York, albeit last week was the first time he won there.

“He goes on fast ground, he goes on good ground – the only ground he has proved to us that that he doesn’t like is heavy and that’s rather unlikely!   “We are looking forward to running him and he is very well.”

Quinn’s team are in fine form and enjoyed two victories at the Dante Festival. As well as El Astronaute they were also on target with Signora Cabello in the Langleys Solicitors British EBF Marygate Fillies’ Stakes – a Listed contest over the minimum trip.

Quinn added: “We are very pleased with Signora Cabello. She has got her ‘black type’ – her next run would be the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot.”

The twin successes on the Knavesmire have really put a spring in the step of Quinn and his staff at Bellwood Cottage Stables.

He reflected: “It means everything. It’s great for the yard and for all the lads and lasses who work so hard.”

For tickets for Saturday’s race meeting, the fourth of 18 at York in 2018, please call 01904 620911 x 225<tel:01904%20620911;225> or visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk<http://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk/>

York is back in action with the first Saturday of its eighteen day season (May 26).

As with every afternoon at York, the total prize money is into six figures, on this occasion over £225,000 for the seven race card, with a brand new feature race worth £90,000.

The Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Brontë Cup is the newest of York’s thirty Pattern races, it is a Group Three for older fillies and mares over one and three quarter miles and forms part of a wider initiative to encourage such horses to stay in training.

This is the first opportunity for weekend racegoers to explore the latest improvements to the racegoing experience at York, such as the new Clocktower Enclosure in the centre of the course with its new facilities, infrastructure and landscape.

The first of seven Saturday afternoon fixtures this season on the Knavesmire, the day welcomes back MansionBet – this time as sponsors of the £50,000 sprint handicap. Such races are as popular with Yorkshire trainers as with Yorkshire racegoers so expect a number of the runners to hail from the white rose county.

The Yorkshire Regiment, also return to put their name to a contest for novice two-year-olds and away from the track, the Regimental Band will entertain racegoers. It is also part a racing scheme known as Plus 10, meaning that there is a bonus of £10,000, awarded to the winning connections, if the horses are qualified.

The Infinity Tyres Irish Champions Weekend EBF Fillies Stakes is one of 23 races at York to also benefit from the generous support of The European Breeders’ Fund.

Brittains Beverages who produce extraordinary spirits, including local vodka and now both rum and gin, are the backers of a middle distance handicap. Gentleman amateur riders have their opportunity in the final race of the afternoon, a handicap contest over seven furlongs, sponsored once again by York-based John Wright Electrical Services Ltd, who have worked on the facilities at the racecourse. The team behind the stewarding at the track, Constant Security, support a handicap over seven furlongs.

Racegoers will have the chance to get close to a racehorse as Yorkshire based equine charity; New Beginnings are bringing Harry, (a thoroughbred who raced here in 1994 using his professional name of Golden Hello) as well as his friend Meg the pony.

The relaxed atmosphere of the first weekend fixture is further enhanced with live musical entertainment provided by the Band of the Yorkshire Regiment on the Weighing Room Lawn and Murphy’s Marbles under the Knavesmire Stand. The upbeat style of The Monotones provides the soundtrack to the late afternoon.

The totepool ‘Punters Panel’ will preview the action before racing from the winners’ enclosure, while a new giant screen on the John Carr Terrace will provide racegoers with an even closer view of proceedings on the track.

Those who want to find out more about this raceday and the season ahead can visit York’s website on www.yorkracecourse.co.uk<http://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk/>

York Racecourse is delighted to announce Al Basti Equiworld Dubai as the new sponsor of both the Group 2 Dante Stakes and the Group 2 Middleton Stakes, staged on the middle day of the Dante Festival 2019.

In a three year extension of the current partnership, the Dubai based business, founded by Malih Al Basti, will add the two feature contests to the Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes which is already part of its high class sponsorship portfolio.

As an indication of a commitment to innovation, Al Basti had previously agreed to back a brand new Group 3 contest on the Knavesmire. The inaugural running of the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Brontë Cup will be this coming Saturday (26 May). There is £90,000 of prize money on offer to older fillies and mares over the staying distance of 1 mile & six furlongs.

The brand is already globally recognised as the leading provider of a wide range of equine products, and this latest support will further raise that profile, as the Dante is widely recognised as the premier trial for the Investec Derby, with ten colts having previously done the York/Epsom double.

As the racing world awaits news of whether the 2018 winner of the Dante, Roaring Lion, will head to Epsom or Chantilly; this announcement draws to a close the successful partnership with Betfred, for which the track is most grateful.

Trainer of Roaring Lion, John Gosden, also secured the 2018 Betfred Middleton Stakes courtesy of Coronet, and the impressive filly looks likely to return to Royal Ascot where she has already tasted Group 2 success. A strong performance in Berkshire would confirm a longer term planned return to the Knavesmire for the Darley Yorkshire Oaks on 23 August.

Racing connections at York are already familiar with Al Basti Equiworld, as the brand has backed the new Owners’ Welcome Building since it opened in 2015, as well as the main Owners and Trainers Restaurant and the Winning Connections Building.

Founder of the business, Malih Al Basti, is particularly keen to recognise the work done by both jockeys and racing staff; so the partnership continues to provide appropriate food for the jockeys and a complimentary meal for racing staff with a runner.

Speaking about the agreement, York Racecourse Chairman, Lord Grimthorpe said, “The Dante is a race that regularly showcases a real equine talent, so it is very exciting news that Malih and the rest of the team at Al Basti Equiworld share my enthusiasm for this famous contest.”

Summing up the partnership, Malih Al Basti said, “York Racecourse works hard to support horsemen and I share their commitment to Owners, Trainers, Jockeys and Racing Staff so I was keen to back their efforts. The Dante and indeed the Middleton are races that echo around the racing world and I am proud that they will now carry our name.”

Lord Grimthorpe also took the opportunity to acknowledge the role of the outgoing sponsors, saying, “both races have benefitted from the support of Fred Done and his team and everyone at York is hugely grateful for their backing. The highlight on the track was probably the victory of Golden Horn who went on to take the blue riband and amongst the fillies, the success of Midday will always be a special memory for me”.

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.

HARRY Angel, racing’s top six-furlong star, will make his annual bow in the Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes on Wednesday – the opening day of York’s 2018 season.

The Clive Cox-trained colt won the Darley July Cup at Newmarket and the Sprint Cup at Haydock in a glittering 2017 campaign that led to him being ranked as the leading sprinter in the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings.

Harry Angel also won the 2017 Cartier Sprinter award and will start his four-year-old season rated 125.

Jockey Adam Kirby resumes his partnership on the Godolphin-owned colt as part of a select field of seven for the six-furlong Group 2 on the Knavesmire worth £125,000.

Harry Angel will carry a 5lb penalty for his past success at Group 1 level.

Lambourn-based Cox said: “We are looking forward to bringing him to York.

“We had a tricky spring and I think it’s fair to say this is a starting point. So I’d be pleased when he has got his first run under his belt.

“But he is in good nick and the yard is going well at the moment.

“He has done very well over the winter. He is turning up with a penalty because of his Group 1 success last year but I am very happy with him.

“He is a once in a lifetime horse. He makes the heart race on every occasion you see him on the racetrack.

“It’s a dream to have a top-flight horse. On last year he was the highest-rated six-furlong horse in the world. That’s an amazing accolade and I’m very proud to be in charge of him.”

William Derby, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course at York, gave the going as ‘good, good to firm in places, on Monday morning.

Cox added: “William does a wonderful job with the ground, so we are pretty relaxed in that respect. This horse has proven very versatile on all sorts of ground.”

The Dante Festival at York runs from Wednesday, May 16 to Friday 18 May inclusively.

Beverley Racecourse is searching for a camera-friendly couple to be the stars of its most glamorous event of the year, Flemingate Ladies’ Day!

In its most ambitious Ladies’ Day promotion yet, the award-winning racecourse is looking for a confident couple to take part in a filmed challenge based on a reality TV show format.

Beverley Races’ “Don’t Tell the Lady” mini-series will see a local couple take on a challenge in a bid to spend a lavish VIP day out at the hugely-popular Flemingate Ladies’ Day in August.

In true celebrity-style, the lucky couple will be whisked to the racecourse in a chauffeur-driven limousine and spend an all-expenses paid afternoon enjoying fine dining, champagne and spectacular views in the exclusive Directors Box.

Throughout the day the couple will be the stars of the day, with photographers capturing their every move in true paparazzi style!

After enjoying an exciting afternoon of racing, the glamorous couple will have exclusive access to the racecourse after-party before a comfortable chauffeur-driven journey home.

Kate McKee, Marketing Manager at Beverley Racecourse, said: “At Beverley Racecourse we love to do things first and we’re pretty sure that no other British racecourse has ever had a ladies’ day challenge as unique as this!

“We’re looking for a couple with star-quality who will really get into the spirit of our Don’t Tell the Lady challenge. They will be chosen from a shortlist of contenders, following a series of filmed auditions and we’ll be involving the public in the process.

“Couples need to be confident and natural in front of a camera and are ready for lots of fun, fashion and fame!

“We’re not giving away too much just yet, but all I’ll say is a keen eye for fashion will come in very handy!”

2018 is the second year of the racecourse’s partnership with Beverley’s Flemingate retail and leisure destination for the hugely-popular Ladies’ Day race meeting.

Flemingate Ladies’ Day is the best attended meeting in Beverley’s busy calendar, with more than 11,000 racegoers enjoying last year’s afternoon of racing.

Graham Tait, Flemingate Centre Manager, said: “Last year’s first Flemingate Ladies’ Day was a great success and we’re looking to build on that this time around.

“Working with Beverley Racecourse is always very exciting and the plans for this year’s Flemingate Ladies’ Day are no exception – the team have really raised the bar!

“Don’t Tell the Lady will be great fun and a perfect opportunity for any couple seeking a taste of stardom.

“The team at Beverley Racecourse will reveal more over the coming weeks and months. Watch this space!”

Don’t Tell the Lady is open to couples of all ages, and same sex couples, living in Beverley, Hull and the surrounding villages.

Fame-seeking couples wanting to take part in the Don’t Tell the Lady challenge must showcase their star qualities in a short audition video and will need to be available for a day’s filming during week commencing June 11. Filming will take place out and about locally and also at the couples’ home or homes.

To apply, e-mail a short video (two minutes or less) or send a YouTube link, by June 1, to Kate McKee, Marketing Manager, at kate@beverley-racecourse.co.uk.

Archie Watson claimed a first juvenile winner of the season at Beverley last week and attempts to repeat the dose with Quiet Endeavour on Tuesday (May 15).

The talented Upper Lambourn handler saddles the unraced son of Society Rock in division one of the five-furlong Racing UK Now In HD Novice Stakes at 2.10pm.

And hopes are high of a strong show from the two-year-old, who fetched 37,000 euro at the sales and is owned by the influential Ontoawinner racing syndicates.

Watson said: “He’s got plenty of boot and he works with a couple of two-year-olds who have already run well.

“He’s fit and ready to go and his work has been good. He’s a nice horse, but we are hoping he’ll come on plenty for the run. 

“I also see him more of a six-furlong horse in time, but you’d like to think Beverley’s five furlongs will suit him.

“I’d be hopeful we see him put in a very professional display.”

Watson claimed a similar race at Beverley’s well-attended fixture on Bank Holiday Monday when Rockin Roy dazzled on his debut.

The two-year-old son of Fast Company, owned by Greenfield Racing, did really well to defeat The Great Heir by a nearly two lengths in a strong sprint.

He is now in contention to run at Royal Ascot.

Watson said: “I think he’s a very nice horse.

“We’ll see how he gets on under a penalty next time, but that felt like a good race at Beverley and he won really well.

“We’ll know more about him after his next run, but I see him as a Royal Ascot horse, where he could go for something like the Windsor Castle.”

The going at Beverley ahead of the eight-race card was described on Monday morning as being good after 11 millimetres of rainfall on Saturday night.

Sunny spells and a high of 18C have been forecast for Tuesday.

Feature race is the eight-and-a-half-furlong Westwood Handicap (4.10), for which 12 horses have been declared. 

Eternal won the race last year for Declan Carroll, who this season saddles God Willing.

EVE Johnson Houghton will hand On To Victory his stiffest assignment to date when saddling him for the Group 2 MansionBet Yorkshire Cup on the Knavesmire this Friday.

The four-year-old gelding is proving quietly progressive and opened his 2018 campaign with a close-up second in a Listed race at Nottingham.

He has subsequently been raised 5lb, to a career-high rating of 108, and Johnson Houghton feels there is more to come from her charge, who only went down by a neck on his seasonal return.

The Blewbury-based trainer said: “He needed that. He has come on a ton for the run. It’s a long season – he wasn’t wound up for that.”

Even so, Johnson Houghton is aware that her Gold Cup at Royal Ascot entry will have to improve again to be similarly competitive at York – especially if last year’s Goodwood Cup hero Stradivarius is declared for the £165,000 mile and three-quarter contest, which is part of the British Champions Series.

Johnson Houghton said: “Whether he is quite up to beating Stradivarius time will tell. But he is a very progressive horse and I think he’ll improve all year.

“We’ll know where we’re going after this race. If he’s not good enough for the Gold Cup then we’ll come back for the Sky Bet Ebor.”

The MansionBet Yorkshire Cup is one of three Pattern races on Friday’s seven-race card.

The opener at 2.20pm is a £50,000 Listed race for two-year-olds – the Langleys Solicitors British EBF Marygate Fillies’ Stakes.

That is followed by another £50,000 Listed contest, this time for three-year-olds over a mile – the Longines Irish Champions Weekend Fillies’ Stakes.

The Dante Festival at York runs from Wednesday, May 16 to Friday 18 May  inclusively.

FOOTBALL has had all kinds of mystics in the past from an octopus to a psychic cat and at Thirsk this weekend it will be jockeys predicting the result of the FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester United staged at Wembley later that afternoon.

Suitably attired in either the blue of Chelsea or the red of United, 10 jockeys will be going head-to-head in a five-a-side penalty shoot out to determine the likely winners of the last trophy of the English season.

The fun and games gets underway in the parade ring at 1.15pm with the winning team being asked to nominate a charity to which Thirsk racecourse will then make a donation.

The shoot-out was the brainchild of Thirsk’s raceday presenter Adele Mulrennan, whose husband Paul, the leading jockey on the course since 2014, is likely to be one of those taking part.

On a big day for the country, the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is taking place at Windsor and early comers will be able to follow proceedings on the screens from midday when the service in St George’s Chapel begins.

Saturday is also Irish Day at Thirsk, so some lively activities are guaranteed. Try your Irish dancing skills to the music of Blimey O’Reilly or head off to the James Herriot Hall, decked out in the Irish colours of green, white and orange where the FA Cup final will be shown live from 5.15pm. The bar will be open until 7pm.

The expected seven race card gets underway with the first race at 2.10pm and features some competitive racing. The gates open at 11am.

Some packages are still available online including Premier Enclosure badges at just £25 each, Paddock Enclosure at £15 each and Family Enclosure at £8 each. As always, children under 18 are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.

A few of the popular packages including the Dine and View Premier Package and the Mad Hatter’s Packages have closed online, but there is still availability by calling the racecourse on 01845 522276.

CROSSED Baton has already been victorious in one Investec Derby trial – now he is set for another with connections confirming his intended appearance in the Betfred Dante Stakes at York on Thursday.

Prince Khalid Abdullah’s homebred colt made it three wins in four career starts when successful in the Investec Blue Riband Trial at Epsom last month.

He showed talent and tenacity in making all the running to win the Listed race by a head from My Lord And Master with Dee Ex Bee a further length and a quarter behind. The form already has a solid look to it with the runner-up and third-placed horse both finishing second in subsequent Epsom trials at Chester this week.

The John Gosden-trained Crossed Baton is now set for the stiffest assignment of his career to date, having been one of 15 horses to remain in the Group 2 Betfred Dante Stakes at yesterday’s latest entry stage.

Lord Grimthorpe, racing manager to Prince Khalid, said: “Crossed Baton worked pleasingly on Friday morning and is an intended runner in the Dante.

“I felt it was a very solid performance at Epsom. It’s always difficult to make all there and he did that. The form is at least appreciable.

“With the Derby all things become engrossing and he has come through an Epsom trial, progressed pretty nicely physically and in his work he is going the right way.

“So he deserves a shot at the Dante. I think that will give us a pretty good idea. Then you have to look at what’s going (to Epsom) and assess your chances as realistically as possible.

“Obviously if there’s a chance he could be a serious Derby contender we want to give him that chance.”

Crossed Baton is just one of many exciting horses left in the extended 10-furlong race worth £165,000.

The famous pink and green colours of Prince Khalid Abdullah may also be represented in the card’s other Group 2 – the Betfred Middleton Stakes, this time by Mori. This filly is one of nine in a select entry for the extended mile and a quarter race that has been won in recent times by top-class performers such as Sariska.

Mori, a homebred daughter out of Midday (herself a winner of this contest back in 2011), looked a potential star when winning in Listed company at Goodwood before being narrowly edged in the Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot last season. Though her final two runs of the year saw her form dip, when softer underfoot conditions may have counted against her.

Lord Grimthorpe said: “Everything Mori has been doing recently says she is back on track. So far everything has gone nicely.”

Mori’s Ribblesdale conqueror, Coronet, is, the highest rated of the remaining entries at 113, for the £125,000 Betfred Middleton Stakes.

Thursday’s seven-race card is due to get underway at 2.20pm.

The Dante Festival runs from Wednesday, May 16 to Friday 18 May 18.

TRAINER Kevin Ryan is looking forward to running smart speedster Brando at York in Duke Of York Clipper Logistics Stakes, next Wednesday.

Ryan has a fine record in the six-furlong Group 2 contest, having won it with Tiddlywinks in 2012 and Amadeus Wolf in 2007.

Owned by Mrs Angie Bailey, Brando got his 2018 campaign off to the best possible start with an authoritative success in the Group 3 Abernant Stakes at Newmarket’s Craven Meeting.

A return to York – where he has twice come second but is yet to win – was named as the six-year-old’s next assignment following that victory.

He has since pleased Yorkshire-based Ryan who always looks to bring a strong team to York’s major meetings.

Ryan, who trains in Hambleton, some thirty miles from the track, said: “Brando is in great form.

“We were very pleased with his return at Newmarket. It was a great start to the season and hopefully he can go on.

“He has been training well and we are very happy with him.”

Brando, who won the Prix Maurice de Gheest in Deauville last August, is one of five individual Group 1 winners entered in the £125,000 Group 2 prize.

Darley July Cup and Haydock Sprint Cup hero, Harry Angel, heads a potential full field of twenty, that also includes The Tin Man, Sioux Nation and Limato, as previous top-level winners.

Ryan added: “It’s great to be back racing at York.

“It’s up there with the best tracks and this is a meeting we want to be at. We aim to take our best horses there.”

The middle distance highlight of the opening day on the Knavesmire is the Group 3 Tattersalls Musidora Stakes, worth £100,000. Fourteen fillies have been entered in this notable Investec Oaks trial including a quintet trained by Aidan O’Brien in County Tipperary.

The seven-race card gets underway at 2:20pm with the Sky Bet Jorvik Handicap. The three-day Festival runs until Friday 18 May

ENDS

Evening meetings are always extremely popular at Pontefract and the first of three this season is 80s Night on Friday Evening 25th May. It’s the first of two Music Nights (the other being on Friday Evening 20th July) and with one of the worlds biggest international female soloists from the 80s, Belinda Carlisle playing after the last race, it promises to be the best 80’s Night yet!
Over the last three decades Belinda Carlisle has made the journey from Hollywood-based teen punk with the Go-Gos to the ultimate global pop icon with a series of sophisticated, but instantly memorable pop-rock singles. It was ‘Heaven Is A Place On Earth’ that Belinda achieved international success. It was a number one on both sides of the Atlantic and launched the start of an incredible solo career. With huge hits such as ‘Circle In The Sand’, ‘Live Your Life Be Free’ and ‘Do You Feel Like I Feel’, this years 80s Night is going to be a brilliant evening of good fun and nostalgia and lots of laughs!
With a tour of America planned over the Summer of 2018, Pontefract Racecourse will be one of the only chances to catch Belinda Carlisle in the UK this year.
On track, the highlight is the 6 furlong £25,000 EBF Youngsters Conditions Stakes. With an impressive list of previous runners (including last year’s winner, Rufus King, who went on to win at Ascot and Newmarket) it always attracts some interesting and precocious juveniles looking to stake their claim for Royal Ascot glory the following month.
Constant Security Services provide the uniformed officers on duty on racedays at Pontefract and they sponsor 2 races on this card. Mutadaffeq won one of these races last year for trainer David O’Meara, and then came back to win on Ladies Day three months later.
Napoleons Casino Bradford sponsor the Fillies Handicap over 1m2f. It was won last year by the Mark Johnston trained Bonnie Arlene who went on to win at Sandown and Musselburgh in 2017. Get Up And Dance was the appropriately named winner in 2016 and there’ll be plenty of racegoers doing that in 2018 when Belinda Carlisle takes to the stage.
If you’re bringing a car to this meeting, don’t forget to pick up your voucher for two free bottles of water. Keep an eye out for the Ponte team handing out vouchers in the car parks. You’ll be able to redeem these at any of the ‘Designated Driver’ points around the Racecourse.
It’s going to be a fantastic night of racing, laughter, music and nostalgia and many racegoers will be taking advantage of the fact that the dress code is relaxed on this night when they pick out their best fancy dress outfit and hope to pick up one of the spot prizes provided by tiesplanet.com !
There are still discounted tickets available. The Premier Enclosure badges are currently £23 while Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure tickets are £15 – both prices include the concert after racing. Entrance tickets bought on the night will be full price (£25 and £17 respectively) so make sure you get your tickets before the night! Advance tickets can be purchased via the racecourse website at www.pontefract-races.co.uk or over the phone on 01977 781307.

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.

EASINGWOLD trainer Ruth Carr, who is never far away with her runners at Thirsk, has given notice of a potential boom or backers with a seven horse raid on her local course on Saturday evening.

Things start with a bang for the trainer with three runners in the opening Subscribe To Racing UK On Youtube Handicap and she believes that all three go with live chances.

“Kibaar is very well handicapped” says the trainer, who has booked Jack Garritty to take the ride, “while both Kingstreet Lady and Fuel Injection have been running consistently and go there on merit”.

A little more problematical is Rozy Boys in the ABF The Soldiers Charity Selling Stakes, a race he looks well up to winning.

“On ability he has a great chance, but he doesn’t always run as well as he should!” said Ruth with typical honesty,

Of the rest of her team, she is particularly hopeful for Be Perfect, who was well beaten in the valuable JW 4×4 Northallerton Handicap at Thirsk last month, but has since turned in a much better effort when second on the all-weather at Wolverhampton.

“That was a very encouraging run and I hope to see him build on that in the Cliff Stud Rearing Winners Handicap” she added.

This is Thirsk’s second meeting of the week following the extra meeting on Tuesday and this Saturday there will be live music throughout the evening performed by The Pipes & Drums Band of 103 Regt RA (V) , who will be playing before racing and between races along with Jump the Q who will also be performing.
Gates open at 3.30pm ahead of the First Race at 5.45pm.

Entry to the Premier Enclosure costs £23 (£21 if booked online ahead of the day), while Paddock admission can be obtained for £15 (£14 online). There are also great reductions for group bookings while, as always, adult accompanied children under 18 get in free. For more information go to www.thirskracecourse.net.

Ladies across the county are busy putting the final touches to their preparations ahead of the race to find Go Racing in Yorkshire’s Best Dressed Lady Racegoer for 2018.

Throughout the summer the county’s nine wonderful racecourses stage their own unique Best Dressed Lady competition in which frocks, frills and fascinators share centre stage with high class equine action out on the course. Gentleman are certainly not ignored, with many courses also staging competitions just for them.

Parade rings and specially erected fashion marques become the focal point for the fashionistas, whose stylish outfits are scrutinised by sharp eyed judges before the prizes are awarded. Each individual course winner then goes forward to the final at Doncaster on Saturday October 27th, when the overall winner for 2018 will be crowned.

Ladies’ Days have become a real highlight of the social calender for many ladies and gentlemen who take the opportunity to dress up and experience an afternoon, or evening, where fun and excitement are the order of the day.

‘All ladies love the opportunity to dress up and Ladies’ Days provide the perfect chance to do just that,’ says Emma White, General Manager of Go Racing In Yorkshire. ‘The atmosphere is incredible and with the racecourses pulling out all the stops by laying on a host of themed events I defy anybody not to have an amazing time. It is something you can enjoy with a group of friends, family or a partner and there are lots of different packages to choose from to suit any budget.’
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The first Ladies’ Day of the year takes place at Wetherby’s evening meeting on Wednesday June 6th, culminating in the final at Doncaster on Saturday October 27th, the prestigious Racing Post Trophy day.

The prize for the overall winner includes a luxury two-night break in a Spa Suite with treatments included at the Best Western Premier Mount Pleasant Hotel, Doncaster, a piece of stylish vintage jewellery with a value of over £2,500 courtesy of loveVintagediamonds.com and a £500 voucher for leading designer boutique Yasmine of Bawtry & Epworth.

The winning lady also becomes the face of Go Racing in Yorkshire for 2018, which promotes racing at all the Yorkshire courses.

If you think you have what it takes to be the next ‘Best Dressed Lady Racegoer in Yorkshire’, or simply want a memorable day out, then what are you waiting for?

For more information visit: www.goracing.co.uk.

LADIES’ DAY DATES 2018
Wednesday 6th June – Wetherby

Thursday 21st June – Ripon

Saturday 23 June – Redcar

Wednesday 8th August – Pontefract

Wednesday 15 August – Beverley

Friday 17 August – Catterick

Thursday 23 August – York

Saturday 8th September – Thirsk

Friday 14th September – Doncaster

Saturday, October 27th Go Racing in Yorkshire Best Dressed Lady Racegoer Grand Final – Doncaster

The new season at York Racecourse, which begins on Wednesday 16 May, will see the opening of a £5m improvement scheme to the grassed infield area which runs parallel to the final furlong of the track.

Along with the enhanced racegoer experience, will come a new name, The Clocktower Enclosure, which references the Listed building that enjoys an unrivalled view of the racing action, framed against the back-drop of the stands. It replaces the term “Course Enclosure”.

Main contractor, Lindum York, has delivered two large, modern toilet blocks at either end of the grass banking, twin canopies either side of the famous clocktower that offer catering and betting facilities as well as some racegoer cover, improved access for pushchairs and wheelchairs plus a refurbishment of the turnstiles.

The scheme has been an architectural challenge, with the need to preserve the near 100 year old Listed building itself whilst ensuring the new facilities are raised out of the flood plain, all in a the context of both a Heritage and Green Belt setting. Working closely with the City of York Council planning and conservation officers, taking guidance from Historic England, the design team has managed to retain the core features while adding modern infrastructure to deliver against 21st century expectations.

The area will retain its traditional atmosphere as an affordable place where families and social groups can enjoy either their own picnics or locally sourced “good food to go”. On the day, entrance prices for the Clocktower Enclosure still start at just £5 for adults, rising to only £12 for racing+music events or the Ebor Festival; there are further concessions for over 65’s and free entry for accompanied under-18 children on all racedays.

The creation of safe pathways from the entry level of the area up to the top of the banking means that racegoers with pushchairs or wheelchairs will find it easier to take advantage of the elevated viewing of the final furlong.

Two new toilet blocks have been created at the northern and southern ends of the bank acting as “bookends”, the northern one will be commissioned for the Dante Festival with its southern counterpart to follow shortly afterwards. Constructed to a twenty-first century standard, modern design makes for a light and bright environment. Of course, disabled and baby changing facilities will be present in both areas.

The Clocktower building remains the focal point of the area, with the stone blockwork of the wall that sits below it, on the western face, being restored to the original vision of the architects from the late 1920’s. The steel canopy that was added in the 1950’s shrouded this view and it has been removed. As part of the reconfiguration, stone from the same County Durham seam has been used to form the curved walls of the new toilet blocks.

A sunny afternoon picnic is how this area is often enjoyed but the scheme includes provision for the service of food and drinks from a series of kiosks set at the top of the bank. Along with the betting facilities, these are covered by lightweight canopies similar to the ones already in use on the stands side. These same canopies will afford some wet weather protection, but it was never the intention to create the scale of structure that would be required to shelter a large crowd.

As traditional picnics are welcomed in this area, the team at the racecourse are taking the opportunity to clarify with racegoers what this means. In essence, the enjoyment of finger food, served cold, using easily portable furniture. So the traditional picnic blanket and modern folding deckchairs will still be welcome, however large gazebos and other items that might spoil the view of other racegoers should be left at home. In a similar vein, the hand held treats that are found in traditional picnics will be welcomed without any charge, however the use of portable barbeques, with their smoke and risk of burns & bin fires, will no longer be possible. The area will retain its “no glass please” policy.

Speaking about the development William Derby, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course, said, “The course enclosure has always been an important and popular part of racing at York and I know it provides fond memories of summer days’ racing for many people, especially in the local community. We are delighted to have made this investment in this area of the course and I very much look forward to seeing generations of racegoers enjoy the enhanced facilities and improvements. It has taken a real effort by the construction and design team, in the face of some pretty miserable weather in the winter and early spring, and I thank the 300 or so workforce who have been on site to complete this scheme on time and on budget for racegoers to enjoy.”

KEVIN RYAN, who needs just one more winner to take his tally in Britain to 1,500 could hit the target with the veteran Bogart in the Watch Racing UK On Talktalk TV Handicap at Thirsk’s extra meeting tomorrow.
The fixture switched from Wetherby as part of the deal which took last Saturday’s scheduled Thirsk Hunt Cup meeting in the other direction to avoid a clash with the Tour De Yorkshire cycle race which was passing through Thirsk that day, has produced some great fields.
For Hambleton trainer Ryan, it could be a red-letter day on his local course as he chases that one winner needed for a significant landmark success.
He had three chances at Beverley on Monday, but it would be particularly significant if Bogart could do the trick as the nine-year-old has been in great form this year after a winless run stretching back to a valuable York handicap at the 2013 Ebor Festival.
However, an eye-catching second on the all-weather at Chelmsford was followed by a cracking run to take third at Beverley last time when he started favourite and with Bogart off the same handicap mark here, he has every chance of working the oracle.
He goes best with Tom Eaves in the saddle and the jockey is on board again tomorrow, just as he was for the first time this year at Beverley, so it could be a case of ‘here’s looking at you, Kev’ for the Hambleton trainer this time.
John Gosden has a cracking record just about everywhere in the country, but his tally of one win since 2014 at Thirsk indicates that the Newmarket trainer is a fairly infrequent raider to North Yorkshire.
However, he has a two-horse raid tomorrow including Hinde Street, who landed a 25-1 stunner first time up at Lingfield last month and will be a much warmer order in the Subscribe To Racing UK On Youtube Novice Stakes.
Owned by Michael Tabor, the son of Giant’s Causeway was pretty impressive on his racecourse bow and could prove hard to beat in what looks a quality race.
Racing gets underway at Thirsk at 1.55pm with the first of a sparkling eight races, although the gates open at 11am.

Beverley racecourse will on Bank Holiday Monday (May 7) pay its respects to former leading jockey Mark Birch by staging a race named in his memory.
Birch, who died of lung cancer in October 2016 at the age of 67, enjoyed a 30-year association with Peter Easterby and twice won the Chester Cup aboard the legendary Sea Pigeon.
He retired from race-riding in 1998, having ridden 1,339 winners and having been crowned top northern jockey seven times. He then became assistant to Kevin Ryan and played a huge part in the Hambleton trainer’s rise to the top.
The Mark Birch Memorial Handicap over five furlongs (2.30) at Beverley will acknowledge his significant contribution towards racing in the north.
Beverley’s memorial race was the idea of Birch’s daughter, Jill Boak, who will also take part in the ‘Ride of their Lives’ charity race at York on June 16 in honour of her late father.
She said: “It’s all been part of the grieving journey, and it’s lovely to have a race at Beverley in Dad’s memory.
“Beverley was one of Dad’s favourite tracks so it seemed fitting to have a race there before we head to York.
“Beverley also means a lot to Mum, who will be giving out the award for best-turned-out horse.
“When we were collecting at Pontefract for Macmillan Cancer Support it was amazing all the people who donated who knew Mark and remembered him when he was a jockey.
“We’ll also be collecting at the gates at Beverley before racing, so hopefully people can once again come out to support us.”
Jill will ride at York in the ‘Ride of their Lives’ charity race, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, as she attempts to raise £10 for every race her father won – a target of £13,390.
Jill, who lives in Norton, added: “As kids, we very lucky as Mum and Dad both worked in racing. But I left home when I was 18 and didn’t ride a horse again until I was in my 30s.
“I dabbled a bit, but I’d never ridden a racehorse until last year, when I decided to apply for the York charity race.
“I had to do something in tribute to Dad and when I came across the charity race, I knew it was thing I had to do.”
Since February 2017, Jill has been working on her fitness at Jack Berry House, in Malton. She now rides out three mornings at Tim Easterby’s Great Habton stables and on one morning at Ryan’s yard.
Jill said: “I’m still not quite sure what I’ll be riding at York, but it will be one of Tim’s or Kevin’s horses.
“I’m just delighted to be involved. Dad’s ashes are scattered at York’s winning post, so to gallop past there, knowing he’s there, will mean the world to me.”
Beverley racecourse chief executive Sally Iggulden said: “Mark played such a pivotal role in northern racing and is truly a much-missed member of our community.
“We are deeply honoured to stage a race named in his memory and wish Jill and her family all the love in the world as she gears up for the charity race at York.”
Donations can be made on Jill’s JustGiving page – www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Jill-boak – or by post to 14 Park Grove, Norton, Malton, North Yorkshire, YO17 9ED.

LAURENS FLYING UNDER THE RADAR FOR QIPCO 1000 GUINEAS

Karl Burke says he believes his QIPCO 1000 Guineas contender Laurens could still be “under the radar” despite her victory in the Group One Bet365 Fillies’ Mile at the end of last season.

The daughter of exciting French stallion Siyouni improved throughout last season, taking the Group Two May Hill Stakes at Doncaster before holding off the late lunge of September by a nose over the same course and distance on the Rowley Mile that will be used for the Classic on Sunday 6^th May.

“There are no easy Group Ones, no easy Classics,” Burke said today after watching his filly canter on the High Moor gallops in Middleham. “All you can do is get them there as fit and as well and healthy as you can. At this time of year, I think it’s especially hard for fillies. You can’t push them. You’ve just got to let them come and see if they’ve got the ability or they haven’t. And we know this filly has got the ability. It’s just a matter of getting her there on the day. “I think

she’s got a big chance. Her two-year-old form was very good and if anything I think she has improved on that. She’s a well-balanced filly for one who is so big and who has such a massive stride.

“I think she’s just gone under the radar a little bit. We analysed the times of that Group One. Everyone said September was unlucky and she was slightly impeded but they said she was quickening at the finish and it wasn’t that – Laurens was slowing down and that was just weakness.

“Now she’s a big strong filly and she can keep that great gallop up, do the sectional times that she was doing in the middle of that Group One win. She started slowing down at the two-pole in that race and her last furlong was her slowest. Now she’s that bit stronger, if she can keep that momentum and that gallop up, it’s going to be a good horse that gets by her.

“All winter September has been about 10 points shorter in the betting which we can’t really understand, bar the fact that it is trained by Aidan O’Brien.”

Burke took Laurens for a racecourse gallop at Newcastle on 18^th April 18 and PJ McDonald, who rode the John Dance-owned filly in all four of her starts this season, will again be in the saddle at Newmarket. However, the pair will first be reunited for a gallop close to Burke’s Middleham base this Friday.

“Going to Newcastle definitely brought her along, more mentally than physically. She’ll do one more piece of work. She did two good canters here on Tuesday. I didn’t want to gallop her, as such, but she’ll gallop on Friday under PJ and that will be her last proper piece of work.

“The thing is, although we want to win a Guineas, there’s a long season ahead of her. You can risk turning the screw with these fillies too early and we haven’t done that. She’s going to improve through the year, just naturally, more than us doing anything, and that’s the balancing act we have with her.”

“It would be fantastic to have a British Classic on the CV,” he said. “The best day I had in racing was when we sent Libertarian to the Investec Derby and he finished second. The whole event was fantastic. If we could go one better on Sunday in the QIPCO 1000 Guineas, it’s going to be an amazing day.”

ELARQAM IN FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR QIPCO 2000 GUINEAS

Mark Johnston is hoping the colt he describes as being “the spitting image” of his dam Attraction can deliver a third British Classic success for the stable when Elarqam lines up in the QIPCO 2000 Guineas on Newmarket’s Rowley Mile on Saturday May 5.

Now a trainer for more than 30 years, Johnston said today that no horse had given him as much pleasure as Attraction, the winner of 10 of her 15 races, including the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, its Irish equivalent, and three other Group One prizes.

Elarqam comes into the contest with an unblemished record from two runs, most recently when taking the Group Three Tattersalls Stakes at the Rowley Mile last September. And, having taken the colt for a racecourse gallop at Newmarket during the Craven Meeting, the trainer reported himself pleased with the build-up to the Classic.

“It wasn’t exactly a hard piece of work, and he hardly ended up seeing the other two horses, but he needed the experience of a day out and it’s a concern for me going into the QIPCO 2000 Guineas with only two runs under his belt,” he said.

“In actual fact, it was a piece of work he’d done here under Joe Fanning with Mildenberger [winner of the Bet365 Feilden Stakes at the Craven meeting] that was the most important. Joe said he was really pleased with that and felt he’d really come on mentally over the winter.

“Elarqam has to improve but I have a lot of faith of in his ability. And in a lot of ways it’s more exciting than it was with Attraction as being by Frankel out of Attraction, he’s the best-bred horse I’ve ever trained, the best-bred horse by a country mile that I have ever taken to a Classic. The implications of what sort of stallion he would be, or how popular he might be as a stallion if he won the QIPCO 2000 Guineas don’t bear thinking about.

“After he won his second race, Sheikh Hamdan said that would be for it for the season. I might have run him once more, perhaps in the Royal Lodge, but Sheikh Hamdan made that call.

“At that time, he and Jim Crowley both believed firmly that Elarqam would want a mile and a quarter this year, so we are going to the QIPCO 2000 Guineas saying ‘This is maybe not the whole story’ but the Guineas is the best Derby trial and if he was not to finish in the first three, you could well see him going on to the Dante and possibly to Epsom. That would not be impossible at all.

“The reality is that the Classics are still the most important races in the calendar and the hardest to win. But, on everything I have seen so far, I do have faith in his ability.”

“Elarqam is the absolute spitting image of Attraction. If you could draw a blueprint of what a colt out of Attraction would look like, you’d draw him. It’s a huge pleasure to be sent the offspring of Attraction to train. Up to date, I think she’s had 11 foals and this was only the third that we had been sent – the first two were winners, both good horses – and we’ve now also got a Dubawi two-year-old which Sheikh Hamdan has kindly sent to us.

Like Elarqam, Attraction went into the 1000 Guineas without a prep-run having just had a racecourse gallop at Ripon, but the filly was stronger on racecourse experience having won all five starts as a juvenile.

“This is nothing like it was with Attraction when she won the 1000 Guineas,” Johnston explained. “On that day, I believed that if she stayed, she would win. At that stage with Attraction, I firmly believed she was the best filly in Europe.

Johnston also intends to saddle Cardsharp, the winner of the Arqana July Stakes and placed repeatedly at the highest level during a busy juvenile campaign. The colt has only had one start this season, when well beaten at Deauville earlier this month, but Johnston explained: “It was a pretty awful run in pretty awful ground. You could argue the case for him having another run before the Guineas, but the owners have said they want to see.

“The horse has got plenty of form at the highest level. Take out his bad run at Deauville and he only had one other disappointing performance in the Dewhurst, when he was unlucky.

“He was always running against the best horses and he brings Group One form into the race but we don’t know – we don’t know about trip and we don’t know if he’s good enough. He could well be a sprinter, but he’ll go to the QIPCO 2000 Guineas and we’ll hopefully find out more.”

Hot on the heels of their successful season-opening fixture, Ripon are gearing up for their first feature meeting of 2018 on Saturday 28^th April and a fantastic afternoon of action is on the cards, with over £120,000 in prize money up for grabs at ‘Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse’.

The M.C.H. Hutchinson Memorial Handicap over 1m4f and the Download the Award-Winning At The Races App Handicap over 2m are the feature races of the afternoon and Ripon Champion Trainer of 2016 and 2017, Tim Easterby, is pondering both options for the reappearance of his Chester Cup hopeful My Reward.

“I’m not 100% sure which of the two races My Reward will run in just yet,” said Easterby. “He won the two-mile handicap last year and he likes the track. He’s in good order and I hope he can make a pleasing reappearance as a stepping stone on to the Chester Cup next month.”

The North-Yorkshire based trainer is also hopeful of a big run from a popular Ripon regular Flying Pursuit, who makes his return to action in the At The Races Sky 415 Handicap.

“He’s in great form for his first run of the season,” commented Easterby. “He’s won three times over the course and distance, we know he loves the track and the ground will be fine for him so I’d be very hopeful of a good run from him on Saturday.”

In addition to the quality racing action, there will be music from the Wetherby & District Silver Band and our charity partners for the day, British Red Cross Yorkshire and Cancer Research UK, will also be on course.

Looking ahead to May, Ripon are hosting their popular FREE Friday evening fixture on 11^th May, as part of an initiative to encourage first-time racegoers to enjoy a taste of the sport. This is the third year that Ripon has offered racegoers the opportunity to come for free and the feedback from previous visitors, particularly those experiencing racing for the first time, has proved highly positive.

The following weekend then sees Ripon stage the first of their four annual Family Days on Sunday 20^th May, with traditional entertainment on offer for all ages.

James Hutchinson, Managing Director and Clerk of the Course said: “We are very much looking forward to our first feature raceday of 2018. With plenty of prize money on offer it promises to be a great Saturday afternoon of racing.”

You can keep up to date with all the latest news and offers from Ripon Racecourse course on their social media pages, or by visiting their website.

Website: www.ripon-races.co.uk

Saturday in store at Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse

Hot on the heels of their successful season-opening fixture, Ripon are gearing up for their first feature meeting of 2018 on Saturday 28^th April and a fantastic afternoon of action is on the cards, with over £120,000 in prize money up for grabs at ‘Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse’.

The M.C.H. Hutchinson Memorial Handicap over 1m4f and the Download the Award-Winning At The Races App Handicap over 2m are the feature races of the afternoon and Ripon Champion Trainer of 2016 and 2017, Tim Easterby, is pondering both options for the reappearance of his Chester Cup hopeful My Reward.

“I’m not 100% sure which of the two races My Reward will run in just yet,” said Easterby. “He won the two-mile handicap last year and he likes the track. He’s in good order and I hope he can make a pleasing reappearance as a stepping stone on to the Chester Cup next month.”

The North-Yorkshire based trainer is also hopeful of a big run from a popular Ripon regular Flying Pursuit, who makes his return to action in the At The Races Sky 415 Handicap.

“He’s in great form for his first run of the season,” commented Easterby. “He’s won three times over the course and distance, we know he loves the track and the ground will be fine for him so I’d be very hopeful of a good run from him on Saturday.”

In addition to the quality racing action, there will be music from the Wetherby & District Silver Band and our charity partners for the day, British Red Cross Yorkshire and Cancer Research UK, will also be on course.

Looking ahead to May, Ripon are hosting their popular FREE Friday evening fixture on 11^th May, as part of an initiative to encourage first-time racegoers to enjoy a taste of the sport. This is the third year that Ripon has offered racegoers the opportunity to come for free and the feedback from previous visitors, particularly those experiencing racing for the first time, has proved highly positive.

The following weekend then sees Ripon stage the first of their four annual Family Days on Sunday 20^th May, with traditional entertainment on offer for all ages.

James Hutchinson, Managing Director and Clerk of the Course said: “We are very much looking forward to our first feature raceday of 2018. With plenty of prize money on offer it promises to be a great Saturday afternoon of racing.”

You can keep up to date with all the latest news and offers from Ripon Racecourse course on their social media pages, or by visiting their website.

Website: www.ripon-races.co.uk

Wednesday 2^nd May is a day when Pontefract traditionally looks to the future stars of racing, both human and equine. It’s the 29^th Annual Northern Racing College Charity Day!

The entire race meeting is unique in the fact that the majority of the card sees races sponsored by William Hill, Sky Bet, Coral and Ladbrokes. All these bookmakers traditionally set aside their commercial rivalry on this day in order to encourage the grass roots and future of the sport.

The Northern Racing College, based just outside Doncaster, was set up in 1984 and provides a range of courses at all levels for people who are looking at the horseracing industry as a future career. It also offers those currently in the business the chance to develop their qualifications and skills.

The racing on the day casts an eye to future stars. The opening 2yo Novice Stakes, sponsored by EBF and William Hill is historically an informative event. The race was won a few years ago by the subsequent globetrotting superstar, Peniaphobia, who won another Group 2 in Hong Kong last year.  Tony Coyle took the contest in 2017 with Brandy Station who maybe didn’t have the same pedigree as Peniaphobia but has been in the frame a couple of times since and is now trained by Lisa Williamson.

The 3yo Sky Bet Maiden also has a rich history – John Gosden’s Royal Ascot winner ‘Remote’ made his debut in this a few years ago while last year, Mudaarab trained by Sir Michael Stoute won by a length and then went onto win at Goodwood under the same margin. We’ll be on the lookout for another superstar to hit the Ponte turf this year.

Coral sponsor the 1m Handicap again this year. With last year’s winner Melodic Motion going on to be 2^nd in a Group 2 at Doncaster, there could be some exciting horses to follow this time round.

Again, looking ahead to the stars of tomorrow, the card concludes with the 3^rd Round of the Go Racing In Yorkshire Future Stars Apprentice Handicap. Last year’s winner Oriental Relation was ridden by Callum Rodriguez. The jockey had a cracking season last year which was topped off by ridding Nakeeta to victory in the Ebor at York.

The 6f Ladbrokes Handicap Stakes was won last year by our Champion Trainer Richard Fahey when Gin In The Inn, a real Ponte favourite, took the honours. If Fahey can win this race again this year he will unlock our “It’s Champion” Promotion, where for half an hour after the winner has been announced a special offer will be available to all racegoers on course. This promotion also applies if Danny Tudhope (Pontefract 2017 Champion Jockey) rides a winner at the course in 2018.

The Racecourse Postcode Lottery gives the opportunity for anyone based in Sheffield to come racing for free. By sending a Stamped Addressed envelope to the Racecourse, residents can get a ticket to the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure (Only 100 tickets available).

The Racecourse will once again be offering discounted tickets to those who book in advance – see www.pontefract-races.co.uk for more information.

TOP TRAINER Richard Fahey, who has a cracking record at Thirsk’s opening meeting of the season, will have his usual strong hand to play when the 2018 campaign gets underway at the North Yorkshire track on Saturday.

Leading the charge for the Musley Bank trainer is the smart Kimberella, who steps up to seven furlongs for the first time since October, 2016 when he tries to enhance to yard’s terrific record in the Michael Foster Stakes.

Since joining Fahey at the start of last season, Kimberalla has campaigned exclusively over five and six furlongs, winning three times including the valuable all-weather sprint championship at Lingfield and the listed Queensferry Stakes at Chester.

“It is a bit of a step into the unknown and very much a fact-finding mission, but he looks as though he will stay the trip. It will not be easy for him with his penalties, but he takes his chance and we shall see what happens” said Fahey.

If the yard’s record is anything to go by, then Kimberella is sure to go very close as over the last six seasons Fahey has won the race three times and saddled the second placed horse in the other three.

Another member of the Fahey team expected to give a good account at Thirsk is Wasntexpectingthat, who caught the eye when making significant late headway to take third place in the Brocklesby at Doncaster last month.

“He has come on a lot for that run” says Fahey, who is expecting the colt to run well in the opening Visit The All New racinguk.com Maiden Stakes.

The meeting features three £15,000 races on a seven-race card with the JW 4×4 Northallerton Handicap looking to be a competitive contest.

Michael Dods, another trainer with an impressive Thirsk record, runs Mister Belvedere, who was second on the all-weather at Newcastle on his seasonal bow. It would be an emotional winner for jockey Paul Mulrennan, who started his comeback after an horrific fall at Newcastle last month at Ripon on Thursday.

In the five furlong Watch Racing UK In Stunning HD Handicap, Kevin Ryan’s Savalas puts his 100 per cent Thirsk record on the line. An impressive winner on the course last July, Savalas comes into the race in good form after a clear-cut all-the-way win at Wolverhampton three weeks ago.

There will be live music throughout the day supplied by Rockin’ Deke Rivers, who will be playing on the bandstand before racing and between races, while there will be lots for younger racegoers to enjoy, including a bouncy castle, in the Family Enclosure.

Entry to the Premier Enclosure costs £27 (£24 if booked online ahead of the day), while Paddock admission can be obtained for £17 (£15 online). There are also great reductions for group bookings while, as always, adult accompanied children under 18 get in free. For more information go to www.thirskracecourse.net.

Gates open at 11am ahead of the first race at 1.55pm.

York Racecourse is delighted to confirm that the 2018 season, which begins on Wednesday 16 May, will feature the highest quality and richest ever race programme for York’s season.

The famous Knavesmire turf will now stage thirty races across the season that are part of the Pattern (racing’s traditional method of highlighting races of high quality). It has been confirmed that the leading northern venue will host two new Group 3 races: the upgraded John Smith’s Silver Cup on 14 July and the new Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Brontë Cup on 26 May for older fillies and mares over 14 furlongs.

Prize money for the season will be over £8 million after an increase of c£500,000.

Whilst the headline boost comes for the Sky Bet Ebor, to be run at £500,000 up 75% on last season there are also increases for three other contests on the Saturday of the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival, including a 20% rise for the Sky Bet Melrose.

In what promises to be a bumper year for stayers on the Knavesmire, the Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup itself will offer record prize money of £225,000; as well as being the final leg in the £1 million Weatherbys Hamilton bonus.

With every race at the showpiece Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival (August 22-25th) worth at least £70,000; all 122 contests over the eighteen days will offer a minimum of £15,000 in reward to connections.

AN EXCITING 17-day season for Thirsk gets underway on Saturday (April 21) with three £15,000 races on a seven-race card.

The ebfstallions.com Michael Foster Conditions Stakes, commemorates a former Thirsk chairman and is always a competitive event. It is also a regular early season target for top trainer Richard Fahey.

The Musley Bank handler has an interesting record in the race in recent years, having saddled either the winner or the runner-up in each of the last six seasons in the perfect sequence of 212121 since 2012.

Rene Mathis, the runner-up in 2016 went one better last year for the Fahey stable and if the sequence continues expect him to have the runner-up in Saturday’s seven furlong race!

The JW 4×4 Northallerton Handicap should be another competitive contest over a mile and a half, while the sprinters will be on show for another £15,000 prize in the five furlong Watch Racing UK In Stunning HD Handicap.

Off the track, the on-going project of the new Owners and Trainers Suite with its head-on views of the action is expected to be completed this year, adding to the recent developments which have completely upgraded the facilities at the course.

This weekend, there will be live music throughout the day supplied by Rockin’ Deke Rivers, who will be playing before racing and between races throughout the afternoon, while there will be lots for younger racegoers to enjoy, including a bouncy castle, in the Family Enclosure.

Entry to the Premier Enclosure costs £27 (£24 if booked online ahead of the day), while Paddock admission can be obtained for £17 (£15 online). There are also great reductions for group bookings while, as always, adult accompanied children under 18 get in free. For more information go to www.thirskracecourse.net.

Gates open at 11am ahead of the first race at 1.55pm.

It’s been a wet winter at Pontefract and unfortunately the Racecourse had to abandon their first race meeting scheduled for the beginning of April due to standing water on the track. However, hopefully the sun will stay out now and the Racecourse are looking forward to welcoming racegoers to the delayed start of their new season on Monday 23^rd April.

This race meeting is the new Racing Buddies Raceday and if racegoers tag their racing buddy on the Racecourse Facebook Events page they can qualify for Buy One Get One Free tickets for them and their friend.  See website for full details.

The two-year olds start the season off in style in The Belinda Carlisle at 80s Night on 25^th May EBF Novice. The race title promotes the course’s 80s Night later in the year when 80s superstar Belinda Carlisle will perform after racing. The Richard Guest trained Gisele’s Angel took the race last year, in doing so stopping Pontefract’s Champion Trainer Richard Fahey from winning this race for the 3^rd year in a row.  If Richard Fahey can get back on the winning trail he’ll unlock the Racecourse’s new ‘It’s Champion’ promotion where if Fahey or Danny Tudhope (Pontefract’s champion jockey) ride a winner at any Pontefract meeting this season, racegoers will be able to access a special offer lasting for 30 minutes after the winning race.

There’s £25k up for grabs in the RIU Hotels and Resorts Handicap. The course record was smashed in the race last year when Judicial flew over the 5 furlong trip in a time of 1min 0.49secs despite his jockey dropping his whip. Will we see another track record fall in 2018? RIU Hotels and Resorts will be back at Pontefract later in the year when they sponsor the Best Dressed Lady competition in August. This year, the winning lady will win an all inclusive holiday to the Dominican Republic!

The Pontefract Marathon Handicap – run over 2m5½ furlongs – is the longest flat race run in the country and forms the first leg of our Stayers Championship. The Ponte specialist Tuscan Gold took the prize in 2017 and also won the Stayers Championship after a lengthy battle with La Fritillaire! With these two horses now enjoying their retirement, there’ll be a new name to add to the championship role of honour in 2018!

The 6f Maiden has thrown up some decent winners in the past and Kevin Ryan and Brian Ellison shared the spoils with a dead heat back in 2016! David O’Meara’s Black Isle Boy took the contest last year and won his next two starts in Scotland at Hamilton and Ayr. The race will hopefully reveal some more promising horses to follow for the rest of the season.

The Racecourse are continuing their Postcode Lottery promotion in 2018 and those living in York can pick up a free ticket for this meeting if they register before the day. All postcodes throughout Yorkshire will be able to get tickets to specific meetings throughout the year.

Another new promotion will be launched this season when The Ponte Faithful makes its debut. People who booked tickets for a Ponte raceday in 2017 and again in 2018 will automatically qualify and they’ll receive a Free Bet, Free Drink and a ‘£5 off’ voucher that they can use at the turnstiles for any other fixture in 2018. They’ll also get a free entry in to a prize draw to win a table for 4 in the Park Suite on 8^th October.

There’s never been a better reason to go racing more often!

Prominent owner Keith Brown is determined to help ease sad memories from last year by returning to the winner’s enclosure at Beverley this season.

Brown, who is based just nine miles away from Beverley in Swanland, has savoured numerous high-profile triumphs, most notably across the Irish Sea.

Top Notch Tonto won for the first time at Beverley and also famously finished second in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot in 2013.

But last season Brown suffered heartache when one of his best horses, prolific Beverley winner Orewa, had to be put down.

Brown said: “Orewa picked up a nail on a back hoof and chipped a piece of the pedal bone.“We went to the end to the end of the earth to get him right, but we just couldn’t get him sound.”

Orewa, a four-year-old son of Helmet, won three times at Beverley. He also hit the jackpot at the Curragh two years ago when he earned connections 148,000 euro in the Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Sale Stakes.

Brown added: “It’s been an awful time. He was such a high-class horse for us, but we’ve got to move on and look forward with lots of positive thoughts for the season ahead.”

For all the owner’s big-race success, nothing gives him as much pleasure than a winner at Beverley, which opens its gates for the first time this season next Wednesday (April 18).

Having a runner in two of the keynote races of the Beverley campaign – the Brian Yeardley Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy and the Hilary Needler Hilary Trophy – is always a priority for Brown.

And this season he could have a perfect candidate for the Brian Yeardley, won last year by Cardsharp, who subsequently finished third in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Group One Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket.

Brown said: “We’ve a lovely young horse called King Billy, who is a Zoffany colt.

“He’s a very precocious two-year-old and we are intending to run him at Beverley’s first meeting of the season next Wednesday.

“We think a lot of him and if he does what we think he’s capable of, we hope he can become a Royal Ascot horse.

“Beverley is my local track – I absolutely love the place – so it will mean a lot to me to get off to a flying start to the season with King Billy.”

Brown, surprisingly, did not have a domestic winner in 2018. But that disappointment was tempered by the exploits of Dream Walker, who won nearly 60,000 euro with victory in the “Ahonoora” Handicap at the Galway Festival last August.

Dream Walker is, though, set for a change of scenery as this season he will be trained in Ireland by Co Kildare handler Jarlath Fahey.

Fahey has also recruited Top Notch Tonto, who is now eight years old and has not won since June 2015.

Brown said: “Top Notch and Dream Walker both love it out in Ireland.“They’re not getting any younger so it makes sense to see how they get on over there.

“Jarlath is a very good trainer and I’m sure he’ll do a great job with them.”

Prize-money at Beverley has this season been raised to more than £1million, with the Beverley Bullet on September 1, won last year by the mighty Take Cover, now worth £60,000.

Beverley chief executive Sally Iggulden has also introduced a new mile-and-a-half handicap for three-year-old fillies on July 7, which will be contested for £25,000.

Beverley’s parade ring, meanwhile, has undergone a complete overhaul, with new safety rails and walkways in place to increase the welfare of the horse.

A new winner’s circle has been installed, too, with the intention to make even stronger memories for victorious owners.

Archie Watson has made a terrific start to 2018 and his multiple winner Brandon Castle is one of 27 entries for the Group 2 Yorkshire Cup, which will take place at York on Friday 18 May.
The son of Dylan Thomas, who carries the colours of owner Chris Hirst, has enjoyed a meteoric rise since joining Lambourn-based Watson last summer.
The six-year-old has triumphed six times for Watson, most recently when taking the £100,000 Queen’s Cup at Musselburgh last Saturday.
The upwardly mobile stayer mastered his rivals from the front that day and Watson is optimistic that he can make his mark in Pattern race company this season.
Watson, who has already trained 25 winners this year, said: “I think he has improved 37lb since we got him and he continues to progress.
“It helps that he absolutely loves deep ground and when he gets these conditions it makes it hard for the others to peg him back.
“Because of his running style, I think the smaller fields of these races will suit him more than big-field handicaps where there is always something to take him on.
“The plan is to go to the Further Flight at Nottingham and if that goes well then the race (Yorkshire Cup) would definitely be on the radar.”
Stradivarius could be one of the top staying prospects for the 2018 campaign and he is one of three entries in the mile-and-six-furlong Yorkshire Cup made by trainer John Gosden.
The Group 1 Goodwood Cup hero is joined by Clarehaven stable-mates Muntahaa and Weekender in the £165,000 race.
Godolphin are also well represented in the entry through Frontiersman, Rare Rhythm, Red Galileo and Twilight Payment.
Three of that quartet ran last Saturday at Meydan in the Dubai Gold Cup in which Rare Rhythm was third, Frontiersman fourth and Red Galileo sixth behind three-time winner of that race, Vazirabad.
Wicklow Brave, now nine, could make his third visit to York for trainer Willie Mullins. He finished second in the 2015 Ebor and third in the following season’s Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup.
New this season, the Yorkshire Cup forms part of the Weatherbys Hamilton £1 million bonus, a series of races that seek to promote and reward the stayers division.

The Dante Festival runs from Wednesday 16 May 16 to Friday 18 May inclusive.

For tickets please call 01904 620911 x 225 or visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk

Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes entry up by 12

BRILLIANT filly Enable is the stand-out entry among sixteen nominated for the Betfred Middleton Stakes, which will be run at York on Thursday, May 17.

Prince Khalid Abdullah’s four-year-old swept all before her last season, winning five successive Group 1s that included the Darley Yorkshire Oaks on the Knavesmire.

Enable’s trainer, John Gosden, has also entered Coronet, who finished second in the Darley Yorkshire Oaks. Two other trainers are also doubly represented at the initial stage with Sir Michael Stoute having nominated another in the Juddmonte colours in Mori alongside Smart Call. Henry Candy has entered Chain Of Daisies and Uele River in the £125,000 Group 2 contest.

Chain Of Daisies has seven wins from seventeen starts, including a 2016 Group 3 success in at Windsor where she headed Ulysses, the Juddmonte International victor. Now six, she has been a consistent and classy mare who perhaps slips under the radar.

Candy said: “Nobody takes much notice of her, luckily!”

All being well either Chain Of Daisies or Listed winner, Uele River, will run in the extended mile and a quarter race at York. Both are well suited by the trip, while favouring different types of ground.

Candy added: “Chain Of Daisies is entirely ground dependent. If the ground isn’t fast she definitely wouldn’t run. Uele River is quite happy with a bit of cut in the ground.

“Chain Of Daisies is just starting to think about it but I haven’t done very much with her because she hates this cold and wet weather.”

Candy also provided an update on stable star, Limato, who has been given an entry in the Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes. The six-furlong Group 2, scheduled for Wednesday 16 May has attracted forty-eight entries – a dozen more than last year.

Two-time Group 1 winner Limato has been included in the race by connections but the versatile six-year-old gelding may well contest the one-mile Lockinge Stakes at Newbury the following Saturday (May 19).

Candy said: “He seems to be in great form, so we are very much looking forward to the year.

“He has grown again and would weigh a lot more – he has enjoyed his winter off this year. Last year he was on his travels and it took him a while to get over it.

“The plan would be, ideally, to go over a mile this year. So the entry at York is in case ground at Newbury was soft and York’s ground was good.”

Other interesting entries in the Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes include two-time Group 1 hero Harry Angel and the last two winners of the race – Tasleet (2017) and Magical Memory (2016). Last season’s Al Basti Equiworld Gimcrack Stakes scorer, Sands of Mali, is one of twelve three-year-olds that have been entered.

The Dante Festival runs from Wednesday 16 May to Friday 18 May inclusive.

Favourite for the Investec Derby, Saxon Warrior, heads an 83-strong entry for the £165,000 Betfred Dante Stakes which will staged at York on Thursday 17 May.

His trainer, Aidan O’Brien. is a four time winner and has entered twenty colts in this prestigious Group 2, landed in the past by ten subsequent Investec Derby winners. Golden Horn was the last horse to complete the York-Epsom double, in 2015.

Ballydoyle inmate Saxon Warrior, victorious in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster, is one of two Group 1 winners in the entry for the extended mile and a quarter race. The other is also trained over the Irish Sea, this time by Jim Bolger, Verbal Dexterity was the very impressive winner of the National Stakes by three and a half lengths last September.

In all, the top ten from the Derby betting feature in the entry for the Betfred Dante Stakes.

As well as those that made their mark as two-year-olds in 2017, the Betfred Dante entry holds some unexposed types. One such horse is the Harry Dunlop-trained, Knight To Behold, winner of a maiden at Newmarket on just his second start last October.

Owned by Neil Jones, Knight To Behold is a son of Sea The Stars from the family of St Leger winner, Millenary. He is bred for the part, with his sire having won the Juddmonte International over course and distance. His trainer is optimistic that he can step up to the mark this season. Lambourn-based Dunlop said: “Knight To Behold has wintered well. He went to Kempton for a racecourse gallop the other day and I was very pleased with him.

“The plan is to start at Newbury on April 20 in a mile and a quarter conditions race and if it goes well, the Dante is a race we shall consider.

“It is a long way off but we have always liked him. He ran two very good races at two, finishing second at Newbury (in the Haynes, Hanson and Clark Conditions race) before winning at Newmarket. He is bred for the trip so fingers crossed.”

Last year there was a Yorkshire winner of the race with the ill-fated Permian victorious for Middleham-based trainer Mark Johnston. This time, Johnston has entered three including the unbeaten colt Elarqam. A son of Frankel and Classic heroine Attraction, Elarqam won the Judith Marshall Memorial British EBF Novice Stakes over seven furlongs at York before taking the Group 3 Somerville Tattersalls Stakes at Newmarket.

Another unbeaten Yorkshire challenger is Group 3 Tattersalls Acomb Stakes winner is Wells Farhh Go who represents trainer Tim Easterby’s Habton Grange stable.

The Betfred Dante Festival runs from Wednesday 16 May 16 to Friday 18 May inclusively.

The Ebor, already the richest Flat handicap in Britain, is to be worth an incredible £1 million in 2019 after Sky Bet were unveiled as the new sponsors of the York showpiece – and they are vowing to create the most innovative, inclusive, adrenaline-fuelled Flat racing event of the year.

Britain’s most popular online bookmaker and York Racecourse have agreed a five-year partnership with prize money for this year’s renewal of the Sky Bet Ebor increasing by 75% to £500,000 and then leaping to £1 million the following year.

First run in 1843, the Sky Bet Ebor is an integral part of both the stayers’ programme and heritage of Yorkshire racing. The huge investment in prize money and changes to conditions will cement its place at the heart of the racing calendar and as a race everyone wants to win.

The race conditions for the Sky Bet Ebor will be amended to make it a race for four year olds and upwards, so ensuring this significant boost in funds does not distort the Pattern programme, particularly with respect to the programme for highly rated horses of the Classic generation. The established way of allocating the runners by weight rather than rating means that it is increasingly rare for a three year old to make the field for the Ebor and indeed there have been only two three year old runners in the last decade. The aim of British Racing’s strategy for stayers is to encourage the retention of owning and training stayers in Britain beyond their three year old careers and stakeholders in British Racing were positive in their support to this change to the Ebor conditions.

Sky Bet are also to sponsor the Melrose Stakes, regarded as being the “three-year-old’s Ebor” and prize-money there increases by 20% to £125,000 – and the £170,000 Great Voltigeur Stakes. Cracksman won the 2017 running of the Group Two contest, which is one of the top middle-distance races for the Classic generation, during the summer.

The Leeds-based firm, now in its 15th year sponsoring at the track, will continue to back the Listed City of York Stakes – Britain’s richest Group Three with a prize fund of £180,000 – and will add the £100,000 Group Three Strensall Stakes and two competitive handicaps on Saturday 25 August to its portfolio.

In total, four races on this day alone will benefit from increased prize money, as part of the new sponsorship agreement. There are plans in development to make Sky Bet Ebor Day even more of a red-letter day in the sporting calendar; more announcements will follow later in the year.
Announcing the plans for the Sky Bet Ebor, York Racecourse Chairman, Lord Grimthorpe said: “The Ebor has been a feature of my racing life and I think these plans set it on a firm course for future success. This great race encapsulates ambition, innovation and heritage, all of which are very much a part of York’s ethos.”
Speaking on behalf of the sponsor, Chief Executive of Sky Bet, Richard Flint said: “Sky Bet is proud to be based in Yorkshire and we are excited to be part of the future of such a great race. Today is only the first phase of an exciting partnership which I hope will mean fantastic things for Yorkshire racing.”
Chief Executive of the British Horseracing Authority, Nick Rust said, “British racing has made its commitment to the continued production of quality staying horses well known, and this sizeable investment is another boost for owners, breeders and trainers of staying horses. We need to do more to ensure that we keep stayers in training here in Britain and reduce the number of horses being exported overseas, and a £1m Ebor in 2019 will certainly be a significant incentive, as will the increased prize money for the Melrose.”
Middleham based trainer Mark Johnston, won the race in 1992 with Quick Ransom; his son and assistant Charlie said: “It’s a fantastic announcement. York and in particular the Ebor Festival, has been on an upward curve in recent years, especially in terms of prize money. This latest development backed by Sky Bet takes things to a new level. The prospect of a £1 million Ebor is fantastic for Yorkshire racing. It’s a race everyone is going to want to win.”

Richard Fahey has been the leading trainer on the Knavesmire on eight occasions so knows what it takes to win high summer, high value handicaps and noted; “It’s always been a great race but this is a real boost, there wouldn’t be many places prepared to offer this sort of money, so fair play to York and Sky Bet. The race will be on to find horses to go there with live chances now.”

Brian Ellison won the Ebor in 2011 with Moyenne Corniche and said: “It’s always been a special race to win – but the prize-money boost will make it extra special now! Hats off to York and Sky Bet – prize money at the track has always been good and this will really secure the Ebor’s place as the staying handicap everyone wants to win.”

Winning the Ebor Handicap of 1994 with Hasten to Add, is one of the many training feats of Sir Mark Prescott, who responded to the announcement by saying “This is wonderful news and a tremendous investment by York and Sky Bet in what was already the richest handicap in Europe. I also think it makes sense to exclude the classic generation who have other options such as the Great Voltigeur and St Leger; in the same vein, I was pleased to hear of the extra investment in the Melrose.”

Newmarket based trainer, Hugo Palmer, said: “This is wonderful news and something I have been hugely supportive of from the outset. I am sure that having a landmark handicap for stayers in Europe will help to keep talent here in the northern hemisphere and who knows, maybe an Aussie will try to win it one day too! We have all seen the impact that the Melbourne Cup has on Australian and world racing and it is great that York and Sky Bet have been able to invest so significantly in this famous race.”

Head of the county’s tourism body and Festival sponsors, Welcome to Yorkshire, Sir Gary Verity said, “It’s long been a dream of mine to see a £1m Ebor so I’m absolutely thrilled that it is now set to happen; to start and end the week with a seven-figure race really shows the quality of racing at York.”

Beverley Racecourse is stepping back in time to celebrate a distant era of racing on the Westwood.

The course is recreating a raceday in 1960, from a time when the country began to emerge from the post-war blues into a new era of optimism.

The Bygone Beverley raceday, on May 7, the May Day Bank Holiday, will feature retro attractions such as a full-size carousel, swingboats, traditional side stalls and fortune telling, while racegoers can also expect surprises on the day from a host of entertaining characters.

Kate McKee, Marketing Manager at Beverley Racecourse, said: “We’re very excited about our new themed raceday, Bygone Beverley.

“We’re recreating the 7^th May meeting from 1960 and celebrating racing as it used to be.

“There will be lots of free, traditional activities and entertainment for racegoers and families to enjoy and it will be a great way to spend the May Day Bank Holiday.”

Racegoers can try to outwit the street hustlers at a traditional Bunco Booth with fairground and racecourse scams, including Find the Lady, Prick the Garter and the Three Shell Game.

The Bunco Booth is being brought to the racecourse by Sideshow Illusions and Proprietor Jon Marshall said: “We’re challenging Beverley racegoers to roll up to the Bunco Booth and try to beat Sam the Scam, whose motto is ‘heads I win, tails you lose’.

“He’s a master of sleight of hand, so you’ll need to have your wits about you! It’s all for fun and you won’t lose any money, but we guarantee lots of laughs.”

Yorkshire-based performers Mad Dog Jones & his Swing Band will get toes tapping and fingers snapping with a rousing selection of swing and jazz classics throughout the day, while the meeting will feature a period bookmakers’ stand and demonstration of tic-tac – the secret sign language of the racetrack.

Revellers can also get hands-on and meet a range of animals such as meerkats, lizards and snakes, courtesy of exotic animal specialists Reptile Life – harking back to a time when such creatures were often among the raceday attractions.

The racecourse has invited residents from three Beverley care homes – Beverley Parklands, Claremont House and Beverley Grange – to attend with their families for a nostalgic day out. Racing Welfare, the charity supporting the British racing workforce, is also co-ordinating retired stable staff to join the day with relatives. All the guests will enjoy the day in a dedicated area, with tea, coffee and cake.

Racecourse staff have carried out meticulous research to make the day as authentic as possible and are encouraging people to help by sharing their memories and photographs of Beverley Races in that era by e-mailing kate@beverley-racecourse.co.uk

Kate added: “It’s going to be a fantastic atmosphere on the day and all the staff are getting into the spirit and dressing up in the style of the times.

“We’re urging everyone to join us in wearing the fashions of the day. We’re posting style tips on our Facebook page and encouraging people to check out local charity shops for some vintage finds to wear.”

Bygone Beverley is one of the early fixtures of the season which Beverley Racecourse enters buoyed by being ranked among the best venues in the country for a day at the races.

Beverley was listed in the top 12 courses, out of 60 tracks across England and Wales, ranked alongside venues such as Ascot, Aintree and Cheltenham. Beverley was rated as “excellent” in the Racecourse Association’s annual assessment involving VisitEngland, which looks at all aspects of the visitor experience on raceday.

Tickets for Bygone Beverley, on Monday, May 7, and the rest of the fixtures are available to buy online at www.futureticketing.ie/client/beverley/nostalgia_raceday.html or by calling the ticket hotline on 01482 867488. Racegoers are advised to book in advance, especially for the most popular meetings.

Details of the full Beverley Races 2018 fixtures can be found at www.beverley-racecourse.co.uk/racing/season-calendar

With Spring here and Summer just around the corner, the flat season roars back in to action at Pontefract with a quality race meeting on Easter Tuesday 3^rd April. With £92,000 worth of prize money on offer, the card often throws up some impressive early season types. The meeting falls in the Easter holidays so, in time honoured tradition, there’ll be plenty of free chocolate eggs and bunnies available for kids!

The Racecourse has been working with the Art and Graphic Design students at New College who have designed the promotional material for this race meeting as part of their A-Level Coursework. The winning designer, Ellie Tallant, not only has all her designs in print on the day, she will also have a spell of work experience with Leeds based Print and Design Company, Advertising Works.

The highlight of the racing programme is the £25,000 Visit The All New Racing UK Handicap over 1m 2f. A classy field assembled for the 2017 renewal. The winner was the subsequent Royal Ascot victor, Snoano, who took the honours for Malton trainer Tim Easterby.

The £15,000 1m4f EBF Maiden on this day has a rich roll of honour. Luca Cumani’s ‘High–Rise’ won this race on his way to victory in the Epsom Derby and lends his name to this race. Above Normal won the 2017 contest for Saeed Bin Suroor and Godolphin. He’s been winning in Dubai over the Winter – will 2018 unleash a potential superstar?

Of all the races run over the years at Pontefract, the Stayers races evoke the strongest memories among the race going public. With course favourites like Dan Buoy, Jamaican Flight and Bluff Cove all laden with stamina, the Stayers Championship has proved a popular addition to the racing programme in recent seasons. With a new running order for the Stayers races this season, we host the Phil Bull Trophy Conditions Stakes on the 3^rd April. The 2017 renewal (in October last year) provided Mark Johnston with his 4000^th victory courtesy of Dominating. It is hoped that the race will give the stayers an opportunity to get a prep run in ahead of some of the big Cup races during the season.

The award winning ‘Wall of Fame’ promotion is back at the course for 2018. Racegoers who visited in 2017 may already have spotted their face on the website dedicated to the promotion (www.pontefract-races.co.uk/walloffame ) but the life size artwork will be unveiled in the Paddock Bar at the opening race meeting of the year. Anyone spotting themselves will be able to claim a prize from the Office on any raceday during the season. With 462 faces on show, there are plenty of great prizes to be won!

Those with a Harrogate postcode can pick up a free ticket for this meeting if they register for the Racecourse Postcode Lottery scheme before the day – all postcodes throughout Yorkshire will be able to get tickets to specific meetings throughout the year. Full details are available on the website at www.pontefract-races.co.uk .

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.

York Racecourse is delighted and honoured that the track has been voted as Racecourse of the Year 2017 by The Racegoers Club, following a vote by their members which represent the largest club of its type in British Racing.

This means that the team at the Knavesmire retains the honour it won in 2016 and is the eighth time York has been awarded the top title.  As usual, it was a close fought contest, with Goodwood representing the south in second place, and Cheltenham, who continue to be the best loved track that stages jump racing.

Voters were asked for their scores in five categories: viewing experience, facilities, food & beverage, atmosphere and value for money.  The courses were split into three geographical regions and the winners were selected by who had the highest overall average score across all categories.  The Racegoers Club report they had a record number of votes recorded, as racegoers were also asked to comment on their choice and reasons for casting their vote.

York was described by one member as “a wonderful racecourse, with excellent facilities & good race viewing options”  with another commenting that it “provides value to every visitor in every enclosure. Worth a special journey”, whilst a third captured the essence of the feature meeting in August when saying “I love visiting for the Ebor Festival, great racing and a brilliant atmosphere, a must visit”.

Having won the national title, York also retained the equivalent title at a regional level, for the North & Scotland; a record 28th year that this regional award has been given to the Knavesmire, from the longest and largest established supporters club for the sport.

William Derby, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course, said, “The Racegoers Club is a fantastic organization which represents a membership who are committed followers of the sport with horseracing being both their hobby and passion.  To win and then retain the accolade of ‘Racecourse of the Year’ by the vote of such a fan base is an honour. It’s a real tribute to the hard work of so many that make racing at York such a special experience.  The good news comes at a time when we are continuing to invest in the facilities, race programme and experience of racing at York, so we shall be working hard to retain the crown, with our season due to begin on Wednesday 16 May.”

It’s been over 5 months since there was last racing at Pontefract but the 2018 season is almost upon us and the West Yorkshire track kick off their 16 day campaign on Easter Tuesday, 3rd April. The total prize money on offer of over £1.3 million is the highest ever provided at the West Yorkshire track and it promises to be another season of top class racing and fantastic entertainment.
Norman Gundill outlined exciting plans for the year ahead. He started by looking back to November 2017 when the Racecourse were shortlisted in four categories at the Annual RCA Showcase Awards and The Wall Of Fame (introduced for the first time in 2017), won the “Topspot” category. This is the third award that the Racecourse has won in the last four years.
The booking of Cheryl, Mike & Jay (formerly of Bucks Fizz) to play their greatest hits after racing on 80’s Night two years ago was so successful it led the track to make both of their Friday Evening Meetings Music Nights last year. That theme will continue this year when Belinda Carlisle plays after racing on 80’s Night on 25th May and The Bootleg Beatles perform on Red Shirt Night on 20th July.
The other evening meeting during the year, on Monday Eve 11th June, will once again be Rugby League evening and season ticket holders with Castleford Tigers, Wakefield Trinity, Featherstone Rovers and Huddersfield Giants will again be able to gain entry for £5.
Ladies Day will be on Wednesday 8th August this year. The winner of the Best Dressed Lady Competition will receive a week’s holiday for 2 in a Riu Resort in the Dominican Republic. Second prize will be a weekend at the new Riu Hotel in Dublin.
In keeping with the strong family tradition at the track, there are 3 family Sundays each with their own individual family friendly theme and over £100,000 worth of prize money! Two of the Sunday racedays have been revamped in recent years with the much loved Flat Cap & Whippet Family Day on 24th June and the hugely successful ‘In The Zone’ Raceday on 19th August. The remaining Sunday (on 29th July) will, for the first time in 2018, feature a “fake festival” with three different tribute acts. The EBF Stallions Highfield Farm Flying Fillies Stakes on the 19th August will once again be the richest race during the season with prizemoney of £60,000.

While the meeting on Sunday 24th June clashes with an England qualifying match in the World Cup against Panama, racegoers will be able to watch the match on dedicated TV’s in a World Cup Marquee on the site adjoining the Parade Ring.
On the track
The quality of the racing promises to be as good as ever with record prize money and 5 Listed Races offering a combined total of £¼million in prize money.
Both Abingdon and Queen Kindly had huge reputations before winning the Pontefract Castle and EBF Highfield Farm Flying Fillies Stakes respectively in 2017. Abingdon had four more runs last season, once in Group 1 company, twice in Group 2 and once in Group 3. She started favourite on 3 of those 4 occasions finishing 2nd on one occasion and 3rd twice. She ended her season with a rating of 108.
Frankel’s daughter, Queen Kindly, had won the Group 2 Lowther Stakes as a two year old and big things were expected of her as a three year old. However, her win in the Flying Fillies was her only victory last season and she ended the season with a rating of 103. The Racecourse is increasing prizemoney for this race and will try to attract the very best sprinting fillies and mares with the hope of it achieving Group 3 status in the future.
Another Touch lifted the Sky Bet Pomfret Stakes when he just got the better of former winner Custom Cut while Lincoln Rocks, who had such a fantastic season with some brilliant runs in good races, won the Pipalong Stakes. Connect has not been seen since winning the EBF Silver Tankard Stakes but he beat a good field very easily and the yard are hopeful that he will continue to improve into a group performer in the coming season.
There were some other top performances on the track with subsequent Royal Ascot winner Snoano winning on the 11th April. Golden Apollo won big sprints at both York and Ascot following his win in the Mr Wolf Sprint. There was even a winner for The Queen when Swiftsure took the Bet totequadpot Handicap on the 25th June.
Perhaps the best race of last season came in the Spindrifter Stakes when Zaman beat Unfortunately and Izzy Bizu. The winner was subsequently placed in 2 Group 2 races while the runner up won the Group 2 Robert Papin at Maison Lafitte and the Group 1 Prix Morny at Deauville. Even the third home won a Listed Race.
The biggest headline of Pontefract’s year came when Dominating gave Mark Johnston his 4000th winner in the Phil Bull Trophy. In 2018 the Phil Bull will be run at the first race meeting of the year with the aim of attracting some horses having an early season prep run for the Chester Cup.
Promotions and Admission
Prices to each of the Premier and Grandstand & Paddock have been increased by £1 but the price of the Silver and Picnic Enclosures has been held. Many racegoers have already taken advantage of the extended 50% off early bird discount which ran from 1st December until the 29th January. There is still 25% off until the 19th March.
Racegoers will also be able to win fantastic prizes again in the Wall of Fame promotion. Anyone who visited the track in 2017 could appear on the new mosaic artwork which graces the Grandstand & Paddock Bar.
There are two brand new promotions for 2018 – The It’s Champion and Ponte Faithful promotions. ‘It’s Champion’ will kick in when either the 2017 Pontefract champion trainer (Richard Fahey) or jockey (Danny Tudhope) win a race during 2018. For the 30 minutes following their win, a special offer will be unlocked giving discounts, freebies and special offers! The Ponte Faithful campaign rewards those who booked in advance for racing in 2017, and re-book again for a raceday in 2018.
David O’Meara will host the Pontefract Annual Badge Holders visit in 2018. A group of 50 will be taken to the yard before returning for the meeting on the 2nd July, hopefully armed with a few winners! With the cost of a joint Annual Badge working out at just over £8 per person per day for the whole season, the excellent Loyalty Card scheme and the FREE Postcode Lottery promotion all in operation this season, there are plenty of bargains to be had.
Food and Drinks
Racecourses across the country are frequently tackled about the cost of drinks charged by their catering companies. We are very aware of the rising cost of living and want to offer value to racegoers. In response to the rising costs of a pint the Racecourse have decided to take an unusual step and are subsidising the price of a pint of John Smiths and Fosters so this year they will be cheaper than 2017 and cost £4.20. This will be the lowest price on any Yorkshire Racecourse and probably at any sports stadium in the district.

Racecourse Changes
Following the hugely successful refurbishment of the Parade Ring, both the Pre Parade Ring and the Horsewalk from the Parade Ring to the Course will receive a similar upgrade with the same combination of crowd fencing and running rail as deployed around the Parade Ring.
With a new Veterinary Treatment Box, a renovated Medical Room and extensive repairs to accommodation in the stable yard, the facilities for horses and racing staff have been hugely improved.
A new Wi-Fi system will also be in operation from the middle of the season with racegoers being able to connect to a hugely improved, faster system.
Those of you driving towards the motorway will also notice new signage advertising racedays and events.
Many will already know that former jockey, George Chaloner, has joined the administration team to work alongside Richard Hammill and Norman Gundill. His knowledge and existing links to owners, trainers and jockeys is likely to prove invaluable over the coming seasons.
With just over 4 weeks to the start of the racing year at Pontefract these are exciting times for the Racecourse who look forward to welcoming punters, new and old, back for the 2018 season.
Full details of all the Pontefract race meetings to be held this year can be found at their website on www.pontefract-races.co.uk.

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.

Return of the Donkey Derby, Camel Derby, Bark de Triomphe and so much more …
Press release
February 7, 2018
After a successful 2017 season of bumper attendances, new partnerships and exciting themed racedays, Beverley Racecourse is racing ahead with plans for a thrilling new season.
Racegoers can expect new themed race meetings, more family-friendly days, new and improved party nights, plus, of course, exhilarating flat racing over one mile and three furlongs on the spectacular Westwood course.
The full list of Beverley Races fixtures has been announced, with a total of 19 racedays, including established favourites and new attractions.
The Beverley Races season gallops out of the stalls with the season opener on April 18 and is quickly into its stride with one of this year’s new highlights – Bygone Beverley – a themed raceday taking us back in time to one of the most defining decades of the 20th century.
Bygone Beverley, on May 7, the May Day Bank Holiday, will take a nostalgic look at the swinging sixties, when post-war blues were swept away by optimism, iconic fashion, pop art and a revolutionary music scene.
The team at Beverley Racecourse will be inviting community groups to reminisce and share their memories of this iconic era ahead of the big day, to build the most accurate picture of racedays on the Westwood in times past.
Another new attraction is the Paw Patrol Family Raceday on Tuesday, July 31. This midsummer raceday at the start of the school summer holidays will feature characters from the hugely-popular animated series, Paw Patrol, and will also see the return of the hilarious Bark de Triomphe, a comedy race for jockeys’ dogs.
Never a racecourse to stand still, Beverley is also hosting an attempt to smash the Guinness World Record for Horseboarding, in a drag race taking place on the popular Beverley Bullet Raceday in September. Horseboarding brings together surfing, skateboarding and horse riding in an extreme sport that sees a rider on a horse tow a board rider at speeds of up to 35mph.
Kate McKee, Marketing Manager at Beverley Racecourse, said: “We’re working on some very exciting plans for this season.
“Bygone Beverley is the first new themed raceday and we’re inviting local community groups to share their memories of the 1960s with us to create an authentic experience.
“We’re also working hard on plans to make this year’s Flemingate Ladies’ Day an unforgettable experience and we’ll reveal more about that over the next few months.
“Some of our favourite events such as The Very British Raceday, Hull FC Family Day and the Beverley Bullet are returning, as they were hugely popular with racegoers last year. And we are, of course, looking forward to the famous Donkey Derby, Camel Derby and Bark de Triomphe!
“We’ve also listened to visitor feedback and moved our popular 70s Race Night featuring Bus Stop from a Tuesday to a Friday evening, so people can let their hair down and not worry about work the next day.
“Not only that, we’re trying to incorporate a beer and cheese festival into the season, so there’s a huge amount for racegoers to look forward to this year.”
Sally Iggulden, Chief Executive of Beverley Racecourse, said: “After such a successful year in 2017 we have our work cut out to make this season even better, but we’re determined to rise to the challenge.
“We’ve reviewed the full fixture list to give people even more reasons to come racing to Beverley this season.
“We’ve also been busy upgrading our facilities, including investing in improvements to the parade ring, and we’ve introduced e-ticketing technology so tickets can be emailed or downloaded to a smartphone, which will be more convenient for racegoers.”
Attendances at the popular course during 2017 were 6% up on 2016, bucking the trend for racecourses across the country, which showed a dip on the previous year.
The picturesque racecourse also claimed two prestigious awards – the esteemed Food and Beverage Award at the 2017 Racecourse Association (RCA) Showcase Awards, and Best Value Racecourse in the North, voted by members of the Racegoers Club, the official supporters club for British racing fans, as well as being shortlisted for several other accolades.
Beverley Races tickets for the season opener, on Wednesday, April 18, and the rest of the fixtures are available online at www.beverley-racecourse.co.uk or by calling the ticket hotline on 01482 867488. Racegoers are advised to book in advance, especially for the most popular meetings.
Details of the full 2018 fixtures can be found at www.beverley-racecourse.co.uk/racing/season-calendar
If you would like to share your memories or photographs of Beverley in the 1960s, or find out how you can contribute to Bygone Beverley Raceday, please email Kate at kate@beverley-racecourse.co.uk

Richard Hammill, who joined the Management Team at Pontefract Racecourse in October 2000 and has been Assistant Manager since he qualified as a Clerk of the Course in 2006, has been appointed Chief Operating Officer with prinicipal responsibility for organising and running all race day operations, which he has effectively been doing for some time.

Mr Hammill will continue to oversee Pontefract’s Marketing and Promotions strategy and will also continue to act as joint Clerk of the Course. He will be assisted by George Chaloner who was engaged as Full Time Management Assistant last month.

Norman Gundill will remain as the Company’s Managing Director and Secretary, but will hand over the work he currently still does in respect of raceday management to Mr Hammill over the next 12 to 18 months. He will continue to act as Clerk of the Course jointly with Mr Hammill until George Chaloner, who is currently undergoing training, is accredited.

Mr Gundill will continue to be responsible with Mr Hammill for overall strategy and budgeting, and, with his legal background, will continue to oversee regulatory arrangements.

York Racecourse is delighted that the 2018 season will see a record number of the prestigious Group races, nineteen in total, staged on the Knavesmire.

After due consideration of various bids, the British Horseracing Authority has awarded a brand new Group 3 contest to York, it will be run on Saturday 26 May with prize money of £90,000. As the race is exclusively for fillies and mares, York has named it in honour of literary heroines from the White Rose county, it will be known as The Brontë Cup. With a race distance set at one and three quarter miles, it is part of an ongoing strategy to encourage the staying division of thoroughbreds.

To better balance the wider race programme, the Listed Grand Cup will switch to provide the Pattern action on Macmillan Charity Raceday (Saturday 16 June); with the mile long, Listed Ganton Stakes shifting twenty- four hours earlier in the calendar, to become a highlight of Friday 15 June.

Following the annual meeting of the European Pattern Committee, The John Smith’s Silver Cup has been upgraded to Group Three status with its prize money increased to £65,000. Staged on Saturday 14 July, it is run over the same staying distance (one and three quarter miles) and has long been a part of the popular John Smith’s Cup Day.

Taken together, it means that York will stage thirty Pattern calibre Races in 2018, offering this high quality action on sixteen of the eighteen days held on the Knavesmire.

Commenting on this achievement, William Derby, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course said, “This is a further signposting of the ongoing investment in our race programme and confirmation of the quality of racing at York. It is great news for racegoers and connections alike, as even more top thoroughbreds will be heading to the Knavesmire to compete for prize money that has increased by £100,000 for the two new races alone.

“It means we have been able to frame our 2018 race programme to offer a Pattern race on sixteen of our eighteen racedays.

“The upgrade of the John Smith’s Silver Cup is a reflection of the strength of a race that has featured many well-known stayers in the past, with Royal winners (Free Agent) as well as Ebor & Melbourne Cup contenders”

George Chaloner, who retired from race riding last year after a series of injuries, and has been looking for employment in the industry since then, has been engaged by Pontefract Racecourse as part of its Management Team.

George, who rode 137 winners from 1,400 rides during a 7 year career, has been appointed as full time Management Assistant. Whilst assisting both Pontefract’s Managing Director, Norman Gundill, and Assistant Manager Richard Hammill, he will be primarily involved in working with Richard Hammill to implement Pontefract’s Marketing and Promotions Plan. He is also to train as a Clerk of the Course and once he is accredited Norman Gundill will give up that role and George will share Clerking Duties with Richard Hammill.

Norman Gundill said “With our continued success, it has become clear that we need to expand our Management Team, and we think George is the ideal person to join us”.

Richard Hammill said “l am delighted George is to join our Team. His background, qualities and enthusiasm will be very beneficial to Pontefract, and I look forward to working with him”

George Chaloner said “Pontefract was one of my favourite tracks to ride as a jockey due to its challenging nature and was a lucky track of mine. Retiring from race riding was a huge decision to make and I am honoured that Pontefract has given me the opportunity of having another career within the racing industry, and I am really looking forward to working with their Team”.

3^rd January 2018

For further information please contact Norman Gundill on 01977 781307 or at info@pontefract-races.co.uk

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.

 Doncaster Racecourse, home to world class racing and summer venue to global music stars, is delighted to announce a DJ set from British music act, Chase and Status, as the first of their 2018 summer music events. 

Chase and Status, who have been a mainstay in the British summer music festival scene for several years, will bring a show stopping dance set to the Town Moor Turf after the Construction Index Race Evening on 30 June 2018.

“Chase and Status are a massive British music act who have collaborated with iconic names such as Emili Sande and Craig David and are known for creating a fantastic party atmosphere with their MC led set,” said Abby Chandler Head of Marketing Doncaster Racecourse. “We look forward to welcoming them to the venue for an after party to remember this summer.”

 Chase (Saul Milton) and Status (Will Kennard) met at University in Manchester and formed the group in 2003. Their unique sound has seen them secure seasons at clubs in Ibiza as well as creating four best-selling albums. 

“This is the first announcement from our 2018 summer season and we are looking forward to sharing the other in the coming weeks,” said Abby. “Once again some household names will be visiting Doncaster to bring a festival feel to a handful of our summer race meetings.”

Abby concluded; “The Music Live race meeting events are hugely popular both with Doncaster people, race goers and those that gather a group of friends together to enjoy an evening out. As always, we urge people to book tickets early to avoid disappointment.” 

Music Live will take place on 19^th May, 30^th June and 18^th August in 2018. 

Tickets went on sale at 9am on Monday 18 December to previous Doncaster Racecourse customers, with tickets on general sale from Wednesday 20 December.

Details and timings will be released closer to the event.  Further information, for all events and race meetings at Doncaster Racecourse can be found by visiting https://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/

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.

The 2018 Season at Pontefract Races may not start until Tuesday 3rd April, but tickets went on sale on 1st December with the Racecourse offering punters their best ever deals for those who book their tickets early.
Racegoers will get a massive 50% off the normal price of Premier Enclosure badges and Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure tickets when booking their tickets before the 29th January. The huge saving applies to all race meetings in 2018 with the exception of the popular 80s Night which has a slightly different pricing scale.
80s Night is fast becoming one of the most established race meetings in the Pontefract Racing Calendar and the popular event will be bigger and better than ever before in 2018. On Friday Evening 25th May, the Racecourse will welcome another huge act from the 80s when Belinda Carlisle takes to the stage.
If ever anyone has given Madonna a run for her money as the queen of the three-minute pop song, it’s Belinda Carlisle. Over the last three decades, she’s made the journey from Hollywood-based teen punk with the Go-Gos to the ultimate global pop icon with a serious of sophisticated, but instantly memorable pop-rock singles.
It was with “Heaven Is A Place On Earth” that Belinda achieved international success. It was a number one on both sides of the Atlantic and launched the start of an incredible solo career. With other huge hits such as “Circle In The Sand”, “(We Want) The Same Thing”, ‘Leave A Light On’, ‘Live Your Life Be Free’ and “Do You Feel Like I Feel?”, 80s Night is going to be a brilliant evening of good fun and nostalgia and lots of laughs!
With a tour of America planned over the Summer of 2018, it’s one of the only chances you’ll get to catch Belinda Carlisle in the UK in 2018!
The second of the Friday Night Music Night Series will be on Friday Eve 20th July when there will be another fantastic musical accompaniment to the brilliant racing on offer. The Bootleg Beatles are one of the world’s most famous Tribute Bands and they’ll be performing their stunning recreation of the greatest songbook of all time at Pontefract on this night. Tracing the Fab Four’s journey through the sixties, every tiny detail is meticulously covered from costumes to authentic period instruments.
Attracting critical acclaim wherever they perform, The Bootleg Beatles will perform their singalong set straight after the last race.
With two fantastic music acts booked, the 2018 season promises to promote Pontefract Races to a much wider audience. With tickets limited, Racegoers are encouraged to secure their place early.

Tickets are on sale now via the Racecourse website at www.pontefract-races.co.uk or over the phone on 01977 781307.

Contact: Richard Hammill (Assistant Manager/Clerk of the Course) 01977 781307

Pontefract Racecourse has been honoured at the annual RCA Showcase Awards by winning the prestigious #TopSpot Award.

The RCA Showcase Awards, partnered by Moët Hennessy and Racing Post, celebrate excellence and innovation in racecourse customer experience and were held this year at Newbury Racecourse.

Pontefract beat off all the competition and impressed the judges with their Wall of Fame which has put the customer at the heart of everything the racecourse does on racedays as well as in their marketing campaigns. The impressive mosaic is on display in the Grandstand & Paddock bar and racegoers are encouraged to check the artwork and claim a prize!

Maggie Carver, Racecourse Association Chairman, said: “I’m absolutely delighted for all the winners and especially for the team at Pontefract for their hard work and dedication to ensure outstanding customer experience at the racecourse.

“The excellence and innovation of all our Finalists made the competition as fierce as ever, and the winners have shown exceptional commitment to delivering outstanding customer experiences and initiatives across the sport.

“Well done to all the Winners and Finalists who can be very proud of their achievements. The variety and range of our racecourses are what makes the sport in Britain so unique and it was really pleasing to see so many represented and winning awards.”

Richard Hammill, Assistant Manager of Pontefract Racecourse, said:

‘We are absolutely thrilled to have won an Award at the RCA Showcase Awards. The Seminar and Awards are a fantastic example of how the racing industry comes together to share best practice. For a small independent Racecourse like Pontefract to be able to compete with, and beat, some of their larger counterparts is a huge achievement and shows what a memorable experience Pontefract are able to provide at all their race meetings. ‘

The Wall of Fame will be back once again in 2018 with a revised visual of racegoers who attended Pontefract Racecourse during the 2017 season. Once again, there’ll be a fantastic range of prizes on offer for anyone who spots themselves on the Wall. The 2018 visual will be available via the Racecourse website at www.pontefract-races.co.uk early in the New Year.

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.

The expertise and dedication of the grounds team at Ripon Racecourse has been recognised by this year’s Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) Industry Awards with the team winning the John Deere Professional Horse Racing Grounds Team of the Year Award.

The four-strong grounds team at Ripon Racecourse work consistently to produce a racing surface that is fast, good/good to firm for every race, whether by irrigation or drainage management. The site hosts 17 days of racing each season – with a turnaround of nine-15 days between each fixture and an average of 65 runners for each meeting (over 1,000 runners every year).

Head Groundsman Carl Tonks said “I’m very grateful and proud of our team’s hard work and dedication throughout the year. To be recognised with the elite of the Groundscare industry is truly an honour and a privilege.”

As part of this expert care, independent agronomy reports in recent years has shown that the turf management process has improved.

In addition to the track, the team also maintains 210 acres of open space, car parks, woodland, lakes and buildings, which accommodate varied use, including:

Over 50 outside events such as

• caravan rallies, car shows, beer festivals, car boot sales and dog shows;

• Weddings, conferences and trade shows;
• On the lake – fishing, diving, canoeing, jet skiing, triathlon training; and
• Pigeon race liberations.

Organised by the IOG – the leading membership organisation for everyone involved in the management of sports pitches, landscape and amenity facilities – the annual awards embrace categories of entry covering sport, young people and the environment.

The awards highlight the high standards of volunteer and professional groundsmanship, from grassroots to professional stadia level. They are judged by an independent panel on criteria that include effective use of resources, budgetary control, presentation and housekeeping standards, as well as environmental considerations.

Commenting on the high standard of award winners, IOG chief executive Geoff Webb, says: “With a record number of entries, this year’s awards continue to demonstrate the skills and passion of groundsmanship throughout the UK, at both voluntary and professional level. 

“Winning an award is testament to the dedication of the grounds teams and individuals whose ability to produce and maintain ever-improving playing surfaces – which enables more games to take place – goes largely unnoticed.”

Visit www.iog.org/awards for more details.

Pontefract Racecourse is thrilled to have been announced as a Finalist in 4 categories 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.

Pontefract Racecourse has been shortlisted in the Best Campaign, Operational Excellence, Love of the Sport and Top Spot categories. From the five Finalists in each category the winners will be revealed at the Showcase & Awards ceremony on 16^th November at Newbury Racecourse.

The Best Campaign category celebrates excellence in the sphere of marketing while the #TopSpot Award is looking for standalone initiatives, large or small, that enrich the racecourse brand and/or raceday experience for customers. The Wall of Fame obviously caught the judges eye as it was shortlisted for both of these awards – the only initiative across all categories to have been shortlisted twice!

The Love of the Sport Award celebrates initiatives that both enrich and extend the reach of the sport to customers and the West Yorkshire track impressed judges with their zoned Sunday race meeting which allowed racegoers to experience different aspects of a day at the races.

The Operational Excellence Award recognises exceptional delivery and behind the scenes initiatives that improve the operational performance and customer service at racecourses with Pontefract being praised for the innovative way that they reach out to the racegoer.

Racecourses across the county have done incredibly well with York, Catterick, Ripon, Redcar and Beverley also up for awards at the illustrious ceremony.

Richard Hammill, Assistant Manager at Pontefract Racecourse, said: “It’s a huge honour for Pontefract to be recognised as finalists in 4 categories at the Showcase Awards. It’s a fantastic achievement to be able to compete against the likes of such fantastic Racecourses as York and Ascot.

Having won an award for our Art of Racing Raceday at the ceremony last year, we are determined to keep on improving and better the racing experience for our customers.’

Pontefract only narrowly missed out on taking two awards at the 2016 ceremony when their Rugby League Evening was just pipped to the post.

Stephen Atkin, RCA Chief Executive, said, “I am delighted for Pontefract Racecourse for their success in being named a Finalist in 4 categories 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 Pontefract 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.”

With 6 of the 9 Yorkshire Racecourses nominated for the Racecourse Association Showcase awards, Yorkshire Racing has put itself on the map once again.

Pontefract, York, Beverley, Redcar, Catterick and Ripon all have nominations. Pontefract and Beverley really have hit the big time with 4 nominations each! This gives them the opportunity to win the Top Racecourse in the country award which would be well deserved no matter which one was victorious. An award previously won by York Racecourse in 2015.

All 9 Yorkshire Racecourses work tirelessly to improve their customer service and customer experience. The amount of nominations in our region is proof its working! So you have to ask, why would you go racing anywhere else?

Ripon 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.

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

The #TopSpot Award is looking for standalone initiatives, large or small, that enrich the racecourse brand and/or raceday experience for customers. To enter racecourses had to tweet an image using #TopSpot and a brief description.

Ripon Racecourse particularly impressed the judges through their Heck Pop-Up BBQ initiative which has seen the Racecourse working with Theakston Brewery and Heck Food to bring together the best of Yorkshire produce with the ‘BBQ n Beer Fest’ season finale.

Erin Boswell, Marketing Manager at Ripon Racecourse, said: “We are thrilled to have been shortlisted in such a competitive category. The annual RCA Showcase awards is something all Racecourses engage in and we are thrilled to have been shortlisted for the fifth year in a row. Both Theakston’s and Heck are big local brands that are at the top of their game and are on our doorstep. We offering racegoers a wonderful upgrade option to showcase what amazing produce we have here in Yorkshire. It was also a great way to celebrate a successful season and initiative to offer our racegoers some added value to our season finale”

Stephen Atkin, RCA Chief Executive, said, “I am delighted for Ripon 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 Ripon 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.”

 #TopSpot Finalists

 Beverley—The Bark D’Triomphe

Hamilton Park—Winners Wall

Newbury—Newbury Poppy Appeal

Pontefract—The Wall of Fame

Ripon—Heck! Pop-up BBQ

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.

York Racecourse concluded its 2017 season today after a hugely busy year which has seen a strong attendance, as 350,000 racegoers witnessed 122 races over 18 fabulous days of racing action. More thoroughbreds than ever (a total of 1,468) competed for a record of more than £7.7m prize money delivering an impressive average field size of 12 which looks set to retain its position as the largest in British racing.

In other excitements this year, Macmillan Charity Raceday in June raised a record sum of over £500,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support and other charities, making it the biggest charity raceday in British racing, having raised over £7.5m during the last 47 years.

For the first time in the modern era, York sold out in all enclosures, on Summer Music Saturday (1st July), when seven races including the innovative “jump jockeys Nunthorpe” plus a concert by Olly Murs, drew in the crowds.

The opening day of the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival saw the first ever million pound race on the Knavesmire, the Group 1 Juddmonte International, which currently holds the position as Britain’s highest rated race. Royal Patron of York, HRH The Duke of York, was able to present the trophy to the winning connections of Ulysses as trainer Sir Michel Stoute and jockey, Jim Crowley, delivered another big prize for the Niarchos family.

The balance of the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival saw an outstanding four days of racing action with Enable, the highest rated horse in Europe this season, taking the Darley Yorkshire Oaks as part of her five Group One victories in a row. Arguably the most dramatic finish of the season unfolded in the Coolmore Nunthorpe as Lady Aurelia, trained in the USA by Wesley Ward, was pipped in a photo-finish by Marsha, resulting in jubilant scenes from her Elite Racing Club owners and despondency for the vanquished Frankie Dettori.

Indeed, a remarkable six of the top ten rated horses that have raced in Europe this season, Enable, Ulysses, Battaash, Churchill, Barney Roy and Lady Aurelia have all graced the Knavesmire.

The total attendance for the year of 349,532 an increase of 2,350 from 2016, reflects the highs of Summer Music Saturday and the disappointing weather of the summer months which meant significant rain fell on eight racedays. The final day saw 20.676 racegoers watch Teruntum Star land the Coral Sprint Trophy, part of a double for Hambleton trainer Kevin Ryan in the hands of Kevin Stott.

The fiercely contested Charles Clinkard Top Trainer at York Trophy was won for the first time by William Haggas. Skipton-born, though Newmarket based, Haggas had led the way for the majority of the season and posted an impressive thirteen winners; surviving a late season surge by Malton’s Tim Easterby, that got the Great Habton yard to within three of the eventual champion.

A new name also appears on the Living North Champion Jockey Trophy, as locally based Danny Tudhope posted six winners and ten second places to land his first title, shading a clutch of top riders that included Jim Crowley, James Doyle and David Allan. As an indication of the strength of the field, twelve different riders achieved a double on a York raceday 2017.

The 2017 season saw the creation of a new dining experience, known simply as Eat Between Our Races, fusing the best in locally produced tasty food with the latest high street EPOS technology, which posted an impressive 40% increase in transactions and rapidly established it as a place to sample good Yorkshire food and then get on with enjoying the raceday.

Work has already commenced on the next major capital project at York, a wholescale upgrading of facilities for Course Enclosure racegoers in the centre of the Course. The £4m project will see enhanced catering, betting and toilet facilities for racegoers in the picnic enclosure while retaining the family atmosphere and outstanding value as a place to enjoy racing from. It is planned that Phase One of this project will be in use for the 2018 season.

William Derby, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course at York Racecourse said “What a memorable season 2017 has been. The quality of racing action at York has been tremendous and we are delighted that our continued investment in the track, facilities and record prize money has delivered such compelling and competitive racing action. We are grateful for the ongoing support of owners and horsemen for bringing their fabulous charges to York. Racegoers have seen some of the best horses and jockeys in the world compete on the Knavesmire and we have been delighted with their reaction to the improved facilities and innovations across the site and season. We are proud to be part of a Yorkshire racing community which goes from strength to strength and in the success of Yorkshire-based handlers and jockeys, both here at York and further afield, it is a tremendous reflection of the health of flat racing in the County.”

“I must pay tribute to the team at York who have delivered such a memorable and successful season, from the permanent York Racecourse and York Racecourse Hospitality teams based at the racecourse, who work so hard throughout the year to continue to innovate and improve the experience for visitors to the Knavesmire; to the raceday team who help provide the award-winning service and welcome to our racegoers. Some 2,000 people have given their time, talent and energy to make every York raceday so special.

“We remain hugely appreciative of the support of racegoers, boxholders, hospitality guests and sponsors, so very much hope they have enjoyed their own racedays at York in 2017 and will both look back on many happy memories, as well as look forward to many more!”

Head of Sponsorship and Marketing at York Racecourse, James Brennan, noted “The turn-out this year is a remarkable achievement. Competition for leisure spending is intense and we continue to strive to offer quality racing, value for money and a great day out. I am pleased our programme of entertainment, investment and innovation has been so well received. The performance of Olly Murs, as well as those by All Saints and Jess Glynne, the latter on a truly soaking evening, will provide memories into the winter nights. Another record number of participants enjoying the Ebor Fashion Lawn, a Family Sunday with a visit from Paddington, and the Countryside Raceday in October, were all exciting aspects which combined with top-class racing, service and facilities to provide great entertainment. The 2017 attendance and ongoing commitment of the course to buying fresh, local produce further support the independent economic study that concluded the racecourse was worth over £60 million to the York economy per annum.”

Summarising the year, Lord Grimthorpe, Chairman of York Racecourse, concluded “It has been an honour and privilege to be involved with such an exciting, enjoyable and successful season and I would like to thank everyone connected to York for their attendance, enthusiasm and support. Work will continue during the winter on both the race programme, facilities and innovations across the site to help us continue to attract horses and racegoers back to York for what already looks set to be an exciting 2018 season starting on Wednesday 16 May 2018”

After a great Summer of racing, the 2017 season comes to a close at Pontefract on Monday 23rd October. The final meeting ends what has been a fantastic year at the West Yorkshire track with some memorable racing. And the final raceday is no different with a top class Listed 2 year old race on the card.
The 25th running of the Listed totepool EBF Silver Tankard Stakes has an impressive roll of honour with past winners including Comic Strip, who won the 2004 renewal for Sir Mark Prescott before being sold to race in Hong Kong and becoming one of the most successful horses in their history. D’Bai took the honours in 2016 for Charlie Appleby and the Godolphin team – who’ll add their name to the trophy in 2017?
The main supporting race is the totepool Phil Bull Trophy Conditions Stakes. The race has a rich history of producing high class stayers – last year’s contest was taken by Mark Johnston’s Oriental Fox who won the Queen Alexandra Stakes at Royal Ascot earlier in the year. This race also marks the final leg of the 2017 Pontefract Stayers’ Championship. There are still 3 horses in with a chance of winning – previous winner, Tuscan Gold, heads the way from La Fritillaire and Madam Lilibet who have both been in excellent form at recent meetings.
A mile is a long way for youngsters to run and the opening race – a 1m nursery handicap for 2yos – often highlights a horse with stamina abundance. Mount Moriah took the contest last season and he’s been a revelation this year with thirds in the Group 3 Gordon Stakes at Goodwood and the Irish St Leger.
There are still a few places available on the totepool Punters Package on Monday. For just £42, punters will be able to secure a place in the VIP totepool Suite in the Dalby Stand boxes with hot buffet, guest speaker and use of the private viewing balconies! To book, go online to www.pontefract-races.co.uk or give us a call on 01977 781307.
The Racecourse continues to run the Yorkshire Postcode Lottery. The scheme gives racegoers from Yorkshire the chance to come racing in the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure for free. The last meeting of the season is again part of the promotion, and punters with postcodes from Bradford will be eligible for cheap entry on the last day.
There’ll also be a chance to buy some early Christmas presents too as the Injured Jockeys Fund will have their stand on course. You’ll also be able to purchase your 2018 Annual Badge at the 2017 price!
The action gets underway for the final time in 2017 at 2.20pm with gates opening at midday.

SPRING Loaded is ready to be unleashed once more with his trainer Paul D’Arcy’s sights set on the £100,000 Coral Sprint Trophy handicap at York on Saturday.

The five-year-old gelding delivered a power-packed performance in securing a three-and-half length win in the Portland Handicap at Doncaster last month.

It was a victory that suggested D’Arcy’s charge is every bit as good on the turf as he is on the all-weather.

Newmarket-based D’Arcy said: “He’s rated 105 on the all-weather so he’s a good horse. But people have pigeon-holed him as an all-weather horse and he’s not. I know he’s just as good on turf as he is on the all-weather.

“Things went right for him (at Doncaster). The draw was right and the ground dried out – just on the soft side of ‘good’, probably.

“Everything went right for him, which happens with sprinters. Sometimes you have to be patient.

“He came out of that race well and I always had this race at York in mind for him. I think the track will suit him.

“I ride him every day – we’ve had this partnership for four years. Like a lot of sprinters, the older they get, the better they get. I think there’s still some improvement in him.”

The race sponsors, Coral, have Spring Loaded as 7/1 favourite

Offering each way value at 16/1 would be the Ruth Carr-trained Pipers Note, who was fifth on Town Moor last month.

The leading Yorkshire-trained contender could well be Flying Pursuit. Tim Easterby’s charge won over course and distance in the Sky Bet Dash in late July, though the handicapper has had his say after this and a further success at Ripon.

Saturday’s seven-race card also includes the coral.co.uk Rockingham Stakes – a six-furlong Listed race for two-year-olds offering £50,000 in prize money.

For tickets please call 01904 620911 x 225 or visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk

WILLIAM Haggas is aiming to fulfil a career ambition on Saturday by becoming top trainer at York for the season.

The Skipton-born, if Newmarket-based trainer has recorded 12 winners on the Knavesmire in 2017 – three more than his fellow Yorkshireman and nearest rival, Tim Easterby.

Both stables will be well represented at York’s season-concluding two-day meeting – worth £465,000 – which gets underway on Friday. Haggas, 57, said: “I always wanted to, one day, be leading trainer at York one season. We nearly did it a couple of years ago and got done on the last day when David O’Meara had four winners in the last two meetings. This year, it looks as though – with a bit of luck – it’s only Tim that’s the danger.”

Haggas expects to run “three or four each day”, including The Grand Visir in the £100,000 Unibet Handicap on Friday and, the following afternoon, Raucous in the £100,000 Coral Sprint Trophy. He is also planning on being double-handed in the coral.co.uk Rockingham Stakes – a six-furlong Listed race for two-year-olds, worth £50,000.

He said: “In the past, we’ve not really had a plethora of runners – we’ve just been very lucky. But this time, we’re going to run a few, primarily because we’d obviously like to try and win. I think we’ll have three or four each day. But it’s quite late in the day.”

Tulip Fever, who won at Yarmouth last time, is declared in Friday’s opener – the TSG Paul Beioley Memorial Nursery Handicap. Zwayan, successful at Ascot last Friday, is turned out quickly again for the second race on the card – the unibet.co.uk Handicap.

In Friday’s feature, the mile and three-quarters Unibet Handicap, The Grand Visir returns to York after finishing fifth over course and distance in the Betfred Melrose Handicap during the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival. Haggas said: “The Grand Visir ran a very good race in the Melrose. He hasn’t run since but he’s in good form and we’ve had this race in mind for a while.”

Saturday’s Coral Sprint Trophy is the plan for Raucous who has run well in a series of high-profile races this summer without getting his head in front. His last success was back in April on the all-weather at Chelmsford.
Haggas said: “He has got plenty of talent – it just hasn’t fallen his way. We’ll just see how he goes but he could easily surprise – he’s one of those. He’s in really good form and looks great, too.”

Barton Mills, winner of a Kempton novices’ race in late September will come back in trip for the coral.co.uk Rockingham Stakes. Stable-mate Island Drive – beaten favourite at Nottingham two months ago on her last start – is set to join him in the race. Haggas said: “Barton Mills has run twice and run well over seven furlongs. The jockey (Martin Harley) is very keen to try him at six, so we’re giving it a go in a Listed race.”

Haggas has been in contention to land the Charles Clinkard backed top trainer crown for 2017 since the Dante Festival where he landed a big-race triumph with Tasleet. The sprint ace was successful in the Group 2 Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes. “He was marvellous,” said Haggas, nominating Tasleet’s win as his favourite from his dozen so far at York this season.

The trainer summed up: “York means a lot to a lot of people. It’s a great track, always packed and just a very good atmosphere. It’s a very fair racecourse; very few hard luck stories and very often the best horse wins. Now they’ve got the track drained properly, it has made it so much better. We race on lovely ground. They do a great job – it’s first class.”

Full coverage of every race in the conclusion of the season long championship is available on Racing UK.

For tickets please call 01904 620911 x 225 or visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk

BOLDER Bob will bid to complete a three-timer when he contests the £100,000 Unibet Handicap at York on Friday.

This three-year-olds only race, staged over almost a mile and three-quarters, has doubled in prize money so, unsurprisingly, has attracted a field of promising young stayers.

The majority look to be very much on the upgrade – not least Bolder Bob, a Yorkshire-based contender trained by David Barron at Maunby House, near Thirsk.

Connections have been patient with the gelding who has rewarded them in the second half of the 2017 campaign.

He ran out a comfortable winner of a mile and a half handicap at Leicester in August – the first success of his career. The following month, off an 8lb higher official rating, he won again over the same distance – this time at Beverley – and did so in equally emphatic manner.

That triumph resulted in a 7lb rise at the weights. Now he is set to face his toughest challenge yet up against a collection of improvers, all chasing the £62,250 first prize.

David Barron said: “He’s a horse that has progressed all year. He has won twice over a mile and a half and he’s looking as though he’s crying out for a step up in trip. I would hope the race would suit him well.

“Easy ground helps him. As far as we’re concerned, we wouldn’t want the ground to dry out too much.

“He’s a back-end three-year-old that’s starting to improve. Thankfully, he has an owner that was quite happy to wait for him and be patient with him. So, it’s nice when it starts to come together.”

York’s final two-day meeting of the year, worth a record £465,000, starts on Friday at 2.10pm; for those unable to visit the Knavesmire all fourteen contests will be available to view on Racing UK.

The season on the Knavesmire concludes the following afternoon with a seven race card that includes another £100,000 handicap – the Coral Sprint Trophy.

For tickets please call 01904 620911 x 225 or visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk

TRAINER Owen Burrows reported promising two-year-old prospect, Shabaaby, to be showing the right signs ahead of the Listed highlight of York’s Saturday card, the coral.co.uk Rockingham Stakes.

The two-year-old colt, owned by Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, is the highest-rated horse in the entry for the six-furlong black type race, following consecutive winning runs.

Shabaaby, who has an official ‘mark’ of 109, enjoyed a pipe-opener earlier today under jockey Dane O’Neill. Connections will be hoping that the exercise will help prime him for his weekend assignment in the £50,000 race on the Knavesmire.

Lambourn-based Burrows is at the Sales in Newmarket but confirmed: “Dane has ridden him this morning. I spoke to Dane and he was very happy.

“Shabaaby had a little bit of work at home on the grass and seems in good form.”
The son of Kyllachy was given his lofty rating after he won a conditions race by seven lengths at Doncaster’s St Leger Festival.

That was his second successive victory, following a novices’ race at Newmarket in mid-August.

He had previously run third on his debut two months earlier at Salisbury behind subsequent stakes stars Nyaleti and Billesdon Brook.

Lambourn-based Burrows said: “I came away from Salisbury slightly disappointed but it was Nyaleti that beat him and a horse of Richard Hannon’s was second – they’re both Group winners now!

“Shabaaby has always been a horse that I’ve liked and Dane was very impressed with him at Newmarket. He probably didn’t beat a lot but he picked up well – and he looked to go forward again at Doncaster. There wasn’t a big field – he only had three to beat – but the way he did it was impressive.

“It slightly surprised me that they rated him as high as 109. But I did read somewhere that they’d graded it as the best two-year-old performance out of Pattern company this year. Whether that was to do with speed figures or whatever, I don’t honestly know.

“But it has given us no option but to go into Listed class with that rating. Even if he was rated low 100s I think we would still be looking to go in a Listed race – it seems the natural progression.

“I’m looking forward to running him again. He has proven (on his last two starts) he handles soft ground, so we’re not having to be on weather watch.”

As for the longer term, Burrows believes that his charge has scope for physical progression.

He added: “He might not grow upwards but I think he’ll fill out and strengthen. Touch wood, that can only mean improvement. He certainly doesn’t just look a two-year-old type – put it that way.”

The most valuable contest on the final day of the York season is the £100,000 Coral Sprint Trophy.

For tickets please call 01904 620911 x 225 or visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk

 Bonfire Night has been a traditional British celebration for many years and this year a circus theme fireworks extravaganza is to be hosted at one of the town’s favourite attractions.

 Doncaster Racecourse, in conjunction with Hallam FM, will hold its glittering ‘Firework Spectacular’ event on Saturday 4^th November with the family friendly event culminating in a musical firework display at 7.30pm,  which visitors will enjoy from a covered viewing area guaranteeing enjoyment, come rain or shine! 

“Bonfire Night is always great fun for all the family and we are keen to keep this tradition going strong in the town,” said Abby Chandler Head of Marketing at Doncaster Racecourse. “Our event has been carefully thought out to ensure all members of the family can come along and have some fun.” 

Attractions and activities at the event include Mr Dan’s Circus Company where children will be encouraged to have a go in the Circus Workshop, face painting, fairground rides and stalls, and a fire trickster. Furthermore, a fancy dress competition will take place for those attending in circus themed costume. 

“We encourage families and groups of friends to get together and come and enjoy a fun few hours on home turf this Bonfire Night,” said Abby. “And remember, almost all entertainment is free once you’ve paid for your admission ticket including the firework display and huge children’s disco that will be taking place in the main hall.” 

Tickets can be pre-booked or purchased on the night. A family ticket (for 4 people) costs just £10. Individual tickets are available.

Fairground ‘Happy Hour’ will take place between 5.00pm and 6.00pm where small rides will be £1.50 and large rides £2.00. 

The event starts at 5pm and concludes at 8pm. 

For more information and to buy tickets visit http://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/event/fireworks-spectacular-in-conjunction-with-hallam-fm/

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.

As the flat season continues to wind down, Pontefract stage their penultimate meeting of the season on Monday 9th October. The 15th race meeting of the year at the West Yorkshire venue is bound to be well supported as trainers get one last run in to their charges before the National Hunt season takes over.
It’s a fascinating card with the feature being ‘The Leslie Burton Fisher Handicap’ over 1 mile. The £18,000 prize money is bound to attract some interesting types. The Godolphin team have won the last two runnings of this handicap and their 2016 winner, Blair House, was second in the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot earlier in the season. It’s traditionally a good day for the Godolphin team who have registered 5 winners at this meeting over the last 3 years – it may be worth keeping an eye on their runners.
Whilst it is not one of the more valuable races on the card, The Bluff Cove Handicap will certainly be one of the most fiercely contested, as it makes up the penultimate leg of the Stayers Championship at the course in 2017. The ‘Championship’ looks like going to the wire with current leader and former winner, Tuscan Gold, still in front of recent course winner La Fritillaire. The James Given trained runner, however, took the ‘Bluff Cove’ in 2016 and a repeat victory this year could see her take the lead in the championship.
The DEM Window Solutions Nursery is historically a fiercely competitive. Last year, there were 12 winners of future races in behind the winner, High Acclaim. In 2015, the race winner, Kassia, was also subsequently successful in Listed company, and so it’s a good race to keep an eye on with future winners in mind.
The Racecourse welcomes Napoleons Casino Bradford for the first time as they sponsor the one mile handicap on the card. Mr Cool Cash won the event last year and was recently runner up at the course in September. The race is bound to attract a few Ponte regulars!
The Racecourse continues to run the Yorkshire Postcode Lottery. The scheme gives racegoers from Yorkshire the chance to come racing for free in the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure. The last two meetings of the season are both part of the promotion, and punters with postcodes from Huddersfield and Bradford will be eligible for free entry at forthcoming meetings with Huddersfield postcodes the lucky ones on the 9th October. The action gets underway at 1.55pm with gates opening at midday.

Chief executive Sally Iggulden is keen to see the totescoop6 Beverley Bullet upgraded to a Group Three race.
The renowned five-furlong dash has been won by some exceptional sprinters in recent years, with the £50,000 Listed heat brilliantly claimed by Take Cover this season.
David Griffiths’ 113-rated 10-year-old subsequently advertised the Bullet form by a winning a Group Three race at Newbury on September 23.
Officials at Beverley are now hoping to convince the British Horseracing Authority that the Beverley Bullet is worthy of an even higher status.
Iggulden said: “We strive to update and to keep our races on a good level, and next year we are going to put a lot more funds into prize-money throughout the 2018 campaign.
“It’s always been my ambition to get the Beverley Bullet upgraded to a Group Three race and let’s hope Take Cover can take us there.
“It’s a long process as it does depend upon the winners you have had each season, but year on year we really have had some truly cracking winners of the Bullet.
“I do not think the Beverley Bullet would look out of place as a Group Three so hopefully we can make the dream a reality.”
Beverley chairman Charles Maxsted was able to reflect upon another fantastic year after the season came to an end on Tuesday.
In a report published last month, attendances at Beverley were found to have been six per cent higher than in 2016 – bucking the trend for racecourses across the country which are showing a six per cent decline on last year.
The 2017 campaign has also seen a series of new partnerships, a successful new format and partner for the season’s best-attended meeting, Flemingate Ladies’ Day, and Beverley being named as the north’s best value racecourse.
Maxsted said: “We’ve had a very fine season. We’ve had some very good innovations this year and Ladies’ Day with Flemingate was a great success.
“We’ve also had some very good racing and some very good winners, with Take Cover the star of the show.
“Attendances are up this year, which was very much against the nationwide trend, so that was ever so pleasing.
“I give credit to all the staff who have made this a season to remember and hopefully we can match, or even improve upon, the considerable gains made when we do it all again in 2018.”
Paul Hanagan was on Tuesday crowned leading Beverley jockey for the season with 10 winners, while Malton trainer Richard Fahey was the runaway top trainer on the Westwood with 16 victories to his name.

FIVE STARS OF THE BEVERLEY SEASON
STRADIVARIUS (John Gosden)
A carefree six-length winner of a mile-and-a-quarter handicap at Beverley’s first fixture of the season on April 19. The rest is history as he went on to claim top honours in the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot and the Goodwood Cup. Last seen finishing a close third behind Capri in the St Leger at Doncaster.
CARDSHARP (Mark Johnston)
Brilliant winner of the Brian Yeardley Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy in June, after which he finished third in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot. A subsequent Group Two scorer at Newmarket and also placed in the Gimcrack at York and the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood.
JUDICIAL (Julie Camacho)
Became the first horse to navigate the Beverley circuit in under a minute when he scorched to glory in the valuable British Stallion Studs Weatherbys Hamilton EBF Conditions Stakes in June – his third triumph on the bounce. Since placed in Listed races at York and at Chester and now rated 105.
TAKE COVER (David Griffiths)
Stunning all-the-way winner of the totescoop6 Beverley Bullet on September 2. The classy 10-year-old has looked as quick as ever this season and beautifully franked the Bullet form by securing Group Three glory in the Dubai International World Trophy at Newbury.
ALPHA DELPHINI (Bryan Smart)
Last season’s Beverley Bullet hero made a heartening return to winning ways in the Eddie And Violet Smith Conditions Stakes at the final meeting of the season on September 26. Poised to step back up class for a Listed race at Ascot next month and likely to be campaigned in top six-furlong races in 2018.

It’s a well-known fact that Yorkshire’s well established for its wonderful produce along with being blessed with some of the country’s finest Horse Racing.

Ripon Races have taken the saying ‘Love thy neighbour’ to another level and have teamed for the second year with Masham based brewers Theakston’s and Bedale based Heck Food for a BBQ n Beer festival to end their 2017 season.

The meeting which takes place on Saturday 30^th September is the fourth annual event put on by Theakstons at the Racecourse, the pop-up Beer Festival with a full range of seasonal and new ales from Theakstons is in addition to the permanent ‘Theakston Terrace Bar’ that was installed as part of the 2013 winter renovations.

Heck and Theakstons will both be on course as part of the BBQ n Beer festival, along with Leeds acoustic duo ‘Strobe’ who will be performing throughout the afternoon in the dedicated chill out area.

The trio have teamed up to offer racegoers the ultimate BBQ package with entry, a Heck BBQ meal and a pint of Yorkshire’s finest Theakston Ale and can be pre-booked on the Ripon Races website.

Victoria Bramley, Marketing Manager of Theakston Brewery said “We are greatly looking forward to the fourth Annual Theakston Pop-Up beer festival at Ripon Races and to what is fast becoming the must-go-to event in the Ripon social calendar. This year’s will be even bigger and better with a record number of nine of our famous Masham brewed ales on the bar and, in attendance with us for the second year running are the wonderful Heck whose sausages complements our beer perfectly!”

James Hutchinson, Managing Director of Ripon Races said “We are thrilled to continue our great working relationship with Theakston’s and showcase the best of Yorkshire BBQ with Heck joining the team. It’s amazing to think we have come to the end of what has been a fantastic season here at Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse’

Racing highlights of the day include the Class 2 ‘Ripon Cathedral City of The Dales Handicap Stakes’, a £25,000 contest for 3 year olds and upwards over six furlongs, ‘The Noel Hetherton Memorial Handicap Stakes’ a £10,000 five furlong sprint which remembers the former patron of the Racecourse who sadly passed away in 2015. 

The raceday also marks a special end to the season as the Racecourse pays tribute to their Groundstaff team with an official thank you.

The final race of the season has been fittingly named ‘The Thank You To Our Groundstaff Maiden Stakes’ as a tribute to the team behind ‘Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse’s award winning surroundings.

The team are celebrating the recent news of being named as one of three Racecourses in the final shortlist of the IOG John Deere Professional Horse Racing Grounds Team of the Year. Ripon will go up against teams from Sandown and Nottingham and will represent the Racecourse at the annual awards dinner where the winners will be announced.

Racing on Saturday 30^th September starts at 2pm with gates open for entry at 11.30am before Ripon close their gates until April 2018.

Edward Lewis takes aim at a big prize at Beverley’s final meeting of the season on Tuesday when the progressive sprinter runs in the £20,000 Eddie And Violet Smith Conditions Stakes.

The four-year-old gelding was a fine second to Desert Law in the 16-runner Symphony Group Handicap at York last month and now attempts to go one place better at the East Yorkshire circuit.

Edward Lewis had been declared for the Ayr Gold Cup on Saturday, but he has been rerouted to Beverley following the abandonment of the three-day Western meeting in Scotland.

Trainer David O’Meara said: “He’s been in good heart all season and won at Beverley earlier in the year, so we know he acts on the course.

“He ran a really good race at York and came out of it well, so we’ll give it a go as it’s a nice prize to win.

“He is having to give a bit of weight away to Alpha Delphini, but he’s been a good horse throughout year and might just improve again.”

Alpha Delphini, last season’s Beverley Bullet hero for Bryan Smart, is a half-brother to Tangerine Trees, who won the Eddie And Violet Smith Conditions Stakes in 2010.

Robert Cowell and owners Cheveley Park Stud claimed top honours in 2014 with Kingsgate Native and again team up with the 107-rated Ornate, who was runner-up to Caspian Prince 12 months ago.

Paul Midgley has declared Elysian Flyer and Line Of Reason, who finished seventh behind 2017 Beverley Bullet winner Take Cover in a Group Three at Newbury on Saturday.

Ziggy Lee will be having his first start for 361 days and completes the six-runner line-up for the Lawrence Mullaney team.

Beverley’s eight-race finale begins at 2.10pm, with the official going on Monday morning reported as soft ground.

As the flat season continues to wind down, Pontefract stage their second September meeting on Thursday 28^th.

The highlight of the card is the Simon Scrope Dalby Screw-Driver Handicap – a £20,000 Handicap over 1m2f. ‘Screw-Driver’ was the racing pin up in the early 19^th century, winning at least 2 ‘Cup’ races. These ‘Cups’ consisted of four heats over 2 miles on the same day with the winner being the horse with the best aggregate score over the 8 miles! This impressive feat makes Screw-Driver just about the first Pontefract course specialist on record! Team Godolphin have an excellent record in this race and they have taken 3 of the last 4 runnings. Their ‘Memorial Day’ destroyed his rivals last year by an easy 8 lengths – it was the last time he was seen in Handicap company and has been plying his trade at Group level ever since. The race also honours Simon Scrope, former chairman at Pontefract, who sadly passed away in 2010.

All races from Pontefract are shown live on Racing UK – Sky Channel 432 – and the channel lends their name to three of the races on the card. The chief supporting race, the Visit The All New racinguk.com Handicap, sees the 6f sprinters burning up the track. The race attracted so many runners, it was split into two divisions last year with Lincoln taking the first round for Mick Channon and Graham Lee, who both registered doubles on the day following Father Mckenzie’s win in the opening Maiden – to be run for the first time in 2017 as The procurementseminars.co.uk Novice Auction.

The EBF Frier Wood Maiden is often a decent pointer to a stamina laden 2yo. Henry Candy’s Cirencester took the honours last year while Percy Street took the same event a couple of years ago. He’s now a highly promising hurdler for the brilliant Nicky Henderson yard.

The EBF Fillies Nursery generally throws a few future winners up through the course of the season – Tomorrowcomes and Soldier’s Girl fought out the finish last year while Rioca, Peru and Mise En Rose were separated by just a neck in the 2015 renewal! If there’s a finish like that again then punters will be in for a treat!

The Racecourse has been running the Yorkshire Postcode Lottery throughout the season once again. The scheme gives racegoers from Yorkshire the chance to come racing in the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure for free. The remaining 3 meetings of the season are all part of the promotion, and punters with postcodes from Halifax, Huddersfield and Bradford will all be eligible for cheap entry at forthcoming meetings with Halifax postcodes the lucky ones on the 28^th September. The action gets underway at 2.20pm with gates opening at midday.

The coveted St Leger stakes trophy has had, as tradition dictates, its central element re-designed for this weeks 2017 William Hill St Leger Festival by Sheffield Silversmith Chris Knight.

Since 2007, when the new trophy was designed after the construction and redevelopment of Doncaster Racecoourse, a silversmith or sculptor receives the commission each year to create a new central element to the trophy – the part of the trophy which the lucky winner gets to keep – which, this year, renowned silversmith and original designer Chris Knight brings to life with his creative talent.

“Our Perpetual Trophy has over the years become something of a talking point and we are delighted with this year’s Yorkshire inspired element designed by Alison Counsell and manufactured by Chris Knight, both from Sheffield,” said Abby Chandler Head of Marketing at Doncaster Racecourse. “And, so that everyone involved in the 2017 William Hill St Leger Trophy win can have a small memento, a graphic image of the design has been engraved on the awards for the winning trainer, jockey and groom.”

Alison has taken inspiration from the original trophy in 2007 which encompassed elements of Yorkshire including the iconic Yorkshire rose. This has been represented for the 2017 trophy by the use of silver with the petals of the rose rippling around the dish like ribbons.

“Racegoers on the Saturday, William Hill St Leger Day, will be able to see this iconic trophy presented after the world’s oldest classic has been run,” said Abby. “It’s always a special moment in our racing calendar at Doncaster and this fantastic trophy by Alison and Chris will only serve to reinforce its heritage and history in the horse racing industry.”

The William Hill St Leger Stakes, part of the British Champions Series, will take place at 3.35pm

Selected tickets are still available and can be obtained by visiting http://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/st-leger/

It’s a well-known fact that Yorkshire’s well established for its wonderful produce along with being blessed with some of the country’s finest Horse Racing.
Ripon Races have taken the saying ‘Love thy neighbour’ to another level and have teamed for the second year with Masham based brewers Theakston’s and Bedale based Heck Food for a BBQ n Beer festival to end their 2017 season.

The meeting which takes place on Saturday 30th September is the fourth annual event put on by Theakstons at the Racecourse, the pop-up Beer Festival with a full range of seasonal and new ales from Theakstons is in addition to the permanent ‘Theakston Terrace Bar’ that was installed as part of the 2013 winter renovations.
Heck and Theakstons will both be on course as part of the BBQ n Beer festival, along with Leeds acoustic duo ‘Strobe’ who will be performing throughout the afternoon in the dedicated chill out area.

The trio have teamed up to offer racegoers the ultimate BBQ package with entry, a Heck BBQ meal and a pint of Yorkshire’s finest Theakston Ale and can be pre-booked on the Ripon Races website.

Victoria Bramley, Marketing Manager of Theakston Brewery said “We are greatly looking forward to the fourth Annual Theakston Pop-Up beer festival at Ripon Races and to what is fast becoming the must-go-to event in the Ripon social calendar. This year’s will be even bigger and better with a record number of nine of our famous Masham brewed ales on the bar and, in attendance with us for the second year running are the wonderful Heck whose sausages complements our beer perfectly!”

James Hutchinson, Managing Director of Ripon Races said “We are thrilled to continue our great working relationship with Theakston’s and showcase the best of Yorkshire BBQ with Heck joining the team. It’s amazing to think we have come to the end of what has been a fantastic season here at Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse’

Racing highlights of the day include the Class 2 ‘Ripon Cathedral City of The Dales Handicap Stakes’, a £25,000 contest for 3 year olds and upwards over six furlongs, ‘The Noel Hetherton Memorial Handicap Stakes’ a £10,000 five furlong sprint which remembers the former patron of the Racecourse who sadly passed away in 2015.

The raceday also marks a special end to the season as the Racecourse pays tribute to their Groundstaff team with an official thank you.

The final race of the season has been fittingly named ‘The Thank You To Our Groundstaff Maiden Stakes’ as a tribute to the team behind ‘Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse’s award winning surroundings.

The team are celebrating the recent news of being named as one of three Racecourses in the final shortlist of the IOG John Deere Professional Horse Racing Grounds Team of the Year. Ripon will go up against teams from Sandown and Nottingham and will represent the Racecourse at the annual awards dinner where the winners will be announced.

Racing on Saturday 30th September starts at 2pm with gates open for entry at 11.30am before Ripon close their gates until April 2018.

Autumn may be drawing ever closer but there are still 4 race meetings left to enjoy at Pontefract Racecourse before the season finishes. With 2 meetings in September and 2 in October, there’s plenty of fantastic racing ahead.

The first September meeting on the 21^st throws the sprinting fillies in to the spotlight with the second running of the EBF Breeders’ Series Fillies Handicap – a 6 furlong Handicap with £30,000 worth of prize money on offer. The race is the final opportunity for speedy fillies to qualify for the final of the series to be held at Newmarket on the 7^th October and is bound to attract some high quality horses aiming to take home the big prize in October! Last year’s winner, Kassia, picked up a small injury ahead of the final of the series so couldn’t compete. However, she was back to full strength a week later when winning a Newmarket Listed race. She has been campaigned at Group level in 2017.

The Pontefract Stayer’s Championship is also reaching its climax with any numbers of horses still in the running to take home the top prize, worth nearly £5,000 to winning connections in 2017. Course favourite and current leader in the Championship, Tuscan Gold, is bang on course to take in the final 3 legs of the Championship to try and cement his lead. He’ll need to be at the top of his game as Madam Lilibet, Frederic and Uncle Bernie are not far behind him!

The opening Maiden race on the card is normally an informative affair. Brian The Snail took the honours last season and was subsequently bought by the hugely successful Godolphin team. Who will follow in his hoofprints this season?

Two of the races on Thursday will showcase future events at the Course – bookings are now being taken for both the VIP Package at the final meeting of the year on 23^rd October and the fantastic Christmas parties happening in December.

The Racecourse has been running the Yorkshire Postcode Lottery throughout the season once again. The scheme gives racegoers from Yorkshire the chance to come racing in the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure for free. The last 4 meetings of the season are all part of the promotion, and punters with postcodes from Hull, Halifax, Huddersfield and Bradford will all be eligible for free entry at forthcoming meetings with Hull postcodes the lucky ones on the 21^st September. The action gets underway at 2.20pm with gates opening at midday.

TWO OF the leading racing journalists of recent years are remembered at Thirsk on Saturday with the unveiling of commemorative benches outside the weighing room.

Ray Gilpin, the former Northern correspondent of the Racing Post and Tom O’Ryan, whose career took him from jockey to race-reader for Raceform to journalist for the Racing Post and latterly presenter for Racing UK, both made huge contributions to racing in Yorkshire.

Gilpin, who died in 2015, was a popular figure on the racecourse and was a former vice-President of the Horserace Writers and Photographers Association as well as being the Northern chairman.

O’Ryan, who died after a short illness in 2016, had latterly been raceday presenter at York racecourse. Ironically, he was the driving force behind a commemorative bench at Thirsk in memory of his old Raceform colleague Alan Amies.

The benches will be unveiled at Saturday’s Ladies Day meeting at Thirsk by Sue Gilpin and Wendy O’Ryan.

ICEFALL and Swaheen, who were both touched off in a tight photo finish to the 2016 Calverts Carpets Hambleton Cup, will both be back at Thirsk on Ladies Day this Saturday (September 9) to renew their rivalry,

Twelve months ago, Icefall made a gallant attempt to make all the running only to be touched off by a head by Tamayuz Magic with Swaheen a further head away in third after producing a strong late challenge.

“He ran a great race last year and I think he will run very well again on Saturday” said Icefall’s trainer Tim Easterby, who has had to be patient with the 83-rated son of Frozen Power with just two runs this season.

“He was wrong in his coat in the early part of the year, but has been in good form for some time and I have been desperate to run him, but there hasn’t been a race for him. The only recent one before the Hambleton Cup was at Hamilton and the ground was too heavy for him. There is a definite shortage of races for a horse like him” the trainer added.

One trainer who is hoping to see Icefall attempt to run them all off their feet again this weekend is Julie Camacho, who saddles Swaheen, now 5lbs better off with his rival for that head defeat.

“He is in really good nick at the moment although a little rain would definitely help as he likes to get some dig into the ground.

“He also likes a strong gallop, so fingers crossed he will get that and if it is Icefall who makes it then hopefully he will get past this time!” she said.

It is by no means a two-horse race with Michael Dods improving three-year-old Barwell at the bottom of the handicap and Alistair Whillans saddling the in-form Royal Shaheen amongst others, but it would be no surprise to see last season’s near misses fighting out the finish again.

As well as top class action on the track with an eight-race card, there will be high fashion on show off it with plenty of Ladies Day prizes to be won.

Barkers of Northallerton are sponsoring both the Best Dressed Lady and Best Dressed Gentleman competitions with £500 worth of fashion vouchers for each winner, £300 vouchers for the runners up and £200 vouchers for the third in each competition.
There is also a Best Hat competition, supported by Harrogate-based Jenny Roberts Original British Millinary, who are also sponsoring the two divisions of the Novice Stakes, the first of which is the opening race at 1.45pm.
For the Best Hat competition, there is a £350 voucher for a Bespoke Jenny Roberts hat to be won with a day’s millinery tuition at the Jenny Roberts’ studio in Harrogate for the runner-up and a hat hire voucher for the third.
The first, second and third in all three categories will also receive a bottle of champagne.
In addition, the best dressed lady will go through to represent Thirsk in the Go Racing In Yorkshire Best Dressed Lady final at Doncaster in October with the chance to win a luxury spa weekend at the Best Western Mount Pleasant Hotel, Bawtry, a £500 fashion voucher for Yasmine of Bawtry and a vintage diamond ring courtesy of loveVintagediamonds.com.

It’s the perfect mix of haute couture fashion and first class racing at Thirsk this Saturday (September 9) when the annual Ladies Day takes centre-stage at the North Yorkshire track.
What is always one of the most popular days of the season at the course will feature a dazzling array of colour and elegance coupled with some outstanding seven-race action on the track featuring the EBF Handicap and the Calverts Carpets Hambleton Cup.
And it is not just the ladies who stand to win as Barkers of Northallerton are sponsoring both the Best Dressed Lady and Best Dressed Gentleman competitions with £500 worth of fashion vouchers for each winner, £300 vouchers for the runners up and £200 for the third in each competition.
There is also a Best Hat competition, supported by Harrogate-based Jenny Roberts Original British Millinary, who are also sponsoring the opening race at 2.15pm.
For the Best Hat competition, there is a £350 voucher for a Bespoke Jenny Roberts hat to be won with a day’s millinery tuition at the Jenny Roberts’ studio in Harrogate for the runner-up and a hat hire voucher for the third.
The first, second and third in all three categories will also receive a bottle of champagne.
In addition, the best dressed lady will go through to represent Thirsk in the Go Racing In Yorkshire Best Dressed Lady final at Doncaster in October with the chance to win a luxury spa weekend at the Best Western Mount Pleasant Hotel, Bawtry, a £500 fashion voucher for Yasmine of Bawtry and a vintage diamond ring courtesy of loveVintagediamonds.com.
On track, the EBF Handicap, run over a distance just short of a mile, should prove a competitive race, as should the Hambleton Cup over an extended 12 furlongs, won last year by Mick Easterby’s Tamayuz Magic is always hotly contested.
Entrance to the Premier Enclosure is £28 and £16 to go into the Paddock Enclosure when tickets are bought on the day, but there are significant reductions for pre-purchase which can be done online at www.thirskracecourse.net where there are details of all packages.
Children under 18 are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult and there are play areas for the children. A big screen will be in operation to show all the action.
Car and coach parking is free, unless taking advantage of the Park and View Family Ticket.
The first race is at 2.15pm, but the gates are open from 11am

There’s fun for all at the annual Press Family Sunday at York Races this weekend (Sunday 10 September), including record prize money for a seven-race thoroughbred card worth £132,000.

The feature race, the Listed Betfred supports York against Cancer Garrowby Stakes has increased in value by 25% to a record £50,000.

Another returning favourite to the day is children’s favourite, Paddington, who will make appearances at intervals throughout the day on the Knavesmire.

The only Sunday of the season sees the return of the Conditions Series Finals as young riders take part in the Charles Owen Pony Racing Series.

It is a full day out for both the novice and regular racegoer and those under 18 years of age will be admitted free of charge into all enclosures, though the under 16s will need to be accompanied. Continuing from the previous years is the popular offer of a single admission combining both the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure with the Course Enclosure for just £13. This will enable racegoers bringing a traditional picnic into the Course Enclosure to enjoy their lunch and then take advantage of the special ‘picnic hamper cloakroom’ and then cross over the track to see the horses close up in the Parade Ring and sample the facilities on the stands side.

Also, for this special family meeting, the County Stand dress code is relaxed, with smart casual being the advice.

The action on the track begins at 12.50pm with a couple of races, the respective finals in the Conditions category of the 2017 Charles Owen Pony Racing Series, showcasing the talents of the next generation of riders.

Racing under rules starts at 1.55pm with a race that will be especially poignant for both crowd and participants as it is an apprentice contest that remembers Tom O’Ryan, a much missed figure in Yorkshire racing. As well as being the voice of the Parade Ring at York, racing correspondent for both the Racing Post and York Press; Tom was a widely respected mentor to the young riders, who shared his long time, home town of Malton.

The card also remembers two regular York racegoers as the families and friends of both Judith Marshall and Peter Sutton; give their support to races carrying their names.

Sprinters take part in the afternoon’s richest race, The Betfred supports York against Cancer Garrowby Stakes, this is the sixth running of this Listed race run over six furlongs. The same distance as The Hanson Springs Stakes – a handicap contest for three-year-old sprinters. Stayers have their opportunity in The Transcore Limited 27th Anniversary Stakes (a handicap contest over two miles). The sporting action also includes a chance for those who specialism is the middle distance as Coopers Marquees return to support their second race of the season of the season, over the mile and a quarter trip.

The ongoing support of the European Breeders’ Fund is recognised in a pair of contests, part of their generous twenty-one race backing of the action at York of the season.

The opening contest for the upcoming jockeys is part of the ‘Go Racing in Yorkshire’ Future Stars Apprentice Series – now in its fifth year – which culminates in a Final at Doncaster in November. Coming into this race, Connor Murtagh continues to lead overall by five points from Clifford Lee, with Seamus Cronin fourteen points behind the leader in third, but with three rounds to go, there are still enough races in hand for the situation to change.

The Racing Interactive Zone will offer the chance to ride a virtual racehorse, to try on racing silks, question our experts and enter a colouring competition. Meanwhile, Harry the racehorse is a retired star of the track waiting to meet racegoers.

For those of all ages, the funfair is back for this meeting. Bouncy castles are also located around the course, along with a wide array of entertainments for the family. There’s also the ever popular face painting.

‘Tommo’ – well-known broadcaster, Derek Thompson will share his knowledge of the sport. Listen out for his racing guide and be ready to say hello and see yourself on the big screens as he roams the stands.

Three-course Sunday lunches are being served from noon or you might want to enjoy a fresh sandwich on one of the many lawns; whatever your culinary choice, a great afternoon awaits.

Delighted South Yorkshire trainer David Griffiths was “chuffed to bits” after brilliant sprinter Take Cover won the Listed totescoop6 Beverley Bullet on Saturday.

The popular 10-year-old made all the running in Beverley’s big race of the season to delight a huge crowd as the 3-1 favourite for the £50,000 dash.

Jockey Tom Queally was keen to enter the stalls as late as possible, but once the gates ripped open his willing partner scorched into an early lead.

Runner-up Final Venture flew home late on, but Griffiths’ speedball responded gamely to win by a length.

The Wagon Wheel was outpaced for much of the five-furlong journey but made up a lot of late ground to finish third, another head away from the winner.

Take Cover earned connections a cool £22,280 and, in doing so, banished memories of having finished last in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York last Friday.

The gelded son of Singspiel has now won 12 times from 39 starts but was, surprisingly, having his first outing at Beverley in a decorated career.

Griffiths, who is based in Bawtry, near Doncaster, said: “I said to Andrew Hollis (of owners Norcroft Park Stud) that I didn’t think we should run because of the rain they had on Friday night, so this is all down to him!

“I thought good ground and a stiff five furlongs might find him out, so I’m absolutely chuffed to bits.

“He was in (the stalls) too long at York so we waited and waited with him to go into the stalls and it worked out really well.

“He’s in the Flying Five at the Curragh next Sunday but we came here because the ground in Ireland looks soft at the minute.

“We haven’t got a Group Two penalty this year and there are a lot of Listed races and Group Threes for him later in the season.

“There’s a race at Doncaster and there’s a Group Three at Newbury, and then there’s the Mercury Stakes, which he won two years ago, back at Dundalk.

“To keep coming back like that, he’s unbelievable. Tom said, ‘I don’t think I’ve ridden anything as quick’.”

Trainer Paul Midgley was proud of runner-up of Final Venture, but was quick to salute the resilience of Take Cover.

The North Yorkshire trainer said: “For a 10-year-old to still keep doing what he’s doing, I take my hat off to him.

“I don’t think there’s a lot between the first two, but Take Cover got a better start than we did.

“That was probably the difference between winning and losing.”

Mirza will attempt to go one place better than three years ago when he shoots for glory in the totescoop6 Beverley Bullet on Saturday.
The Rae Guest-trained 10-year-old succumbed by a neck to Pearl Secret in the big Listed sprint at Beverley in 2014 and is back for another go in the hands of Joe Fanning.
Mirza has won 11 of his 60 career starts in a decorated career and this season chased home the high-class Battaash in the Coral Charge at Sandown in July.
The gelded son of Oasis Dream was then slightly disappointing at the Shergar Cup meeting at Ascot, but Guest is convinced he will be a different proposition in the £50,000 Beverley Bullet.
The Newmarket handler said: “He’s had a fantastic career, winning two Group Threes and three Listed races, and I’ve been very proud to have trained him.
“He’s still a very capable horse and he showed at Sandown that he can still perform at a good level.
“He did everything right in that Group Three, but he just bumped into a really good horse.
“At Ascot the ground wasn’t right for him, but we were desperate to get a run into him as he’d otherwise have been a fresh horse with nowhere to go.
“We needed to keep him ticking over, so that should have him right for Beverley, especially as it looks like he’ll get his ground.
“It’s a strong race, as you’d expect, but he wasn’t beaten far in it a few years ago and he’s in great form.
“Everything has to go right with these sprinters, but it looks a good opportunity for him.”
Mirza is one of 11 declarations for the totescoop6 Beverley Bullet, the feature race of the season at the well-attended East Yorkshire circuit.
Last season’s winner Alpha Delphini will run for the Bryan Smart team, while fellow North Yorkshire trainer Paul Midgley saddles Final Venture, Desert Law and Line Of Reason, who takes the Bullet plunge for a fourth consecutive year.
Popular sprinter Take Cover, trained by David Griffiths, takes his chance, while Richard Fahey is double-handed with ante-post favourite Kimberella and The Wagon Wheel.
Progressive five-year-old Judicial (Julie Camacho), Pipers Note (Ruth Carr) and Go On Go On Go On (Clive Cox) completes a strong line-up.

FINAL DECLARATIONS FOR THE TOTESCOOP6 BEVERLEY BULLET
Final Venture (Paul Midgley)
Kimberella (Richard Fahey)
Take Cover (David Griffiths)
Alpha Delphini (Bryan Smart)
Desert Law (Paul Midgley)
Judicial (Julie Camacho)
Line Of Reason (Paul Midgley)
Mirza (Rae Guest)
Pipers Note (Ruth Carr)
Go On Go On Go On (Clive Cox)
The Wagon Wheel (Richard Fahey)

Popular sprinter Take Cover will attempt to add further gloss on his exceptional CV by winning the totescoop6 Beverley Bullet on Saturday.
The 10-year-old gelding has been a wonderful servant for South Yorkshire trainer David Griffiths, for whom he has won 11 races and earned over £546,000 in prize-money.
Take Cover has surprisingly never raced at Beverley and also makes a swift return to action, having finished last in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York on Friday.
Griffiths is unfazed by the quick turnaround, though, and cannot wait to see the dual Group Two winner test his powers in the £50,000 Beverley Bullet over five furlongs.
He said: “All being well, we’ll be going to Beverley for the Bullet.
“The Nunthorpe didn’t go to plan as he was in the stalls too long before the race and that was that, really.
“The ground wasn’t brilliant that day, either, so that didn’t help, but he hardly had a race at York and is fresh and well.
“He’s not run at Beverley before, but he’s worked there in the past so at least he has an idea about how to handle the track.
“We couldn’t go to Beverley for the Bullet last year as he won a Group Two, but he doesn’t have a penalty this season and we go there optimistic of a big run.”
The totescoop6 Beverley Bullet has become an established staging post towards the Group One Prix de l’Abbaye at Chantilly.
Tangerine Trees did the double in 2011 but Take Cover is unlikely to follow suit. He will, however, be campaigned at a very high level throughout the autumn.
Griffiths added: “After Beverley, we’ll probably look at going to the Flying Five at the Curragh on Irish Champions Weekend.
“There’s also a Group Three at Newbury (Dubai International Airport World Trophy) that he was placed in a few years ago and he could run there, too.
“We’ve still got plenty of options so hopefully he will have a good autumn.”
Take Cover won a Listed sprint at York in July, when potential Bullet rivals Final Venture, Judicial and Ornate finished upwards of half a length in arrears of the son of Singspiel.
He is as low as 5-1 in the betting for the Beverley Bullet, with the Richard Fahey-trained Kimberella the general ante-post favourite.
The going for Beverley Bullet day is currently good to firm, with watering taking place to preserve conditions.
A mainly dry week with sunny spells has been forecast in the build-up to the most keenly anticipated raceday of the Beverley season.
TOTESCOOP6 BEVERLEY BULLET – THE LAST 10 WINNERS
2007 Hellvelyn Ted Durcan/Bryan Smart
2008 Look Busy Slade O’Hara/Alan Berry
2009 Exceptional Art Franny Norton/David Nicholls
2010 Mister Hughie Sam Hitchcott/Mick Channon
2011 Tangerine Trees Tom Eaves/Bryan Smart
2012 Borderlescott Frederik Tylicki/Robin Bastiman
2013 Stepper Point Martin Dwyer/William Muir
2014 Pearl Secret Jamie Spencer/David Barron
2015 Maarek Jamie Spencer/Evanna McCutcheon
2016 Alpha Delphini Connor Beasley/Bryan Smart

Doncaster Racecourse has been florally transformed just in time for the William Hill St Leger Festival thanks to a partnership with local award winning garden centre Walkers Nurseries.

The popular family owned plant specialist was chosen to supply over 2,000 summer bedding plants to the racecourse for its floral borders and displays around the course’s public areas and parade ring.

“This is always a lovely time of the year as we see the course dressed for the packed live music events and the iconic St Leger race meeting,” said Tim Radford, Estates Manager Doncaster Racecourse. “We thank James and the team at Walkers for their creativity and providing such a plethora of flowers that help us make the course look so welcoming and colourful, which has seen us achieve a coveted 5 out of 5 for site presentation from Visit England.”

In addition to the summer bedding plants, troughs which surround the winner’s podium were supplied incorporating a selection of shrubs with varying colours and textures to give longevity to the display.

“We are very proud to have worked with racecourse team and support this iconic local business with its horticultural needs and we look forward to developing a long-term partnership with them,” said James Bodle from Walkers Nurseries. “The plants have been chosen to give depth and colour but be easily maintained to give a resplendent display during the summer months.”

“Strategic partnership such as this with Walker’s Nurseries reinforces our philosophy of buying local,” said Abby Chandler, Head of Marketing at Doncaster Racecourse. “We’re really lucky that an award-winning garden centre is on our doorstep and delighted they are able to create such wonderful displays that will be blooming perfectly in time for the William Hill St. Leger festival.”

Tickets for St Leger Festival can be booked by visiting http://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/fixtures/

Judicial will return to the scene of one of his finest moments on a racecourse when he goes for gold in the £50,000 totescoop6 Beverley Bullet on Saturday.
The Julie Camacho-trained sprinter broke the five-furlong track record at Beverley in June when he became the first horse to navigate the East Yorkshire circuit in under a minute.
Judicial has since finished fourth in a Listed race at York and then got to within a length and three-quarters of Kimberella in the Queensferry Stakes at Chester on August 6.
Dan Downie, racing manager for his owners Elite Racing Club, said: “He’s been in very good form since Chester and the plan for Judicial is to run in the Beverley Bullet.
“He has won at Beverley before, breaking the course record in the process, so we know he goes well at the course – and that is very important.
“Julie has done really well with Judicial as he was a bit of a tearaway when he was younger and now he’s as quiet as a mouse.
“He’s now a very good horse and a very quick horse and the Bullet looks the right race for him.
“When he ran at York and at Chester he probably didn’t have everything in his favour as he needed the ground faster than it was to show his very best form.
“Hopefully conditions for him at Beverley will be ideal. We’re really excited to see what he can do.”
Twenty-three horses have been entered in the prestigious Listed race, including last year’s first two home – Alpha Delphini and Willytheconqueror.
Kimberella could renew rivalry with Judicial, with trainer Richard Fahey having also entered The Wagon Wheel.
Line Of Reason is in the frame to run in a fourth consecutive Beverley Bullet for the Paul Midgley team. The Westow handler also intends to saddle the hat-trick-seeking Desert Law and Final Venture.
Popular 10-year-old Take Cover has been given the option to run by David Griffiths, while Keith Dalgleish could be double-handed with Glenrowan Rose and Clem Fandango.
Clive Cox might also launch a dual raid on the totescoop6 Beverley Bullet with Go On Go On Go On and Lady Macapa.
Irish interests could even be catered for if Go Kart (Patrick Prendergast) and Gorane (Henry de Bromhead) receive the go-ahead to travel to England.
Ornate (Robert Cowell), Guishan (Mick Appleby), Pipers Note (Ruth Carr) and Orion’s Bow (Tim Easterby) also catch the eye on a strong list of sprinters.

Local hero Alpha Delphini is in the frame to defend his totescoo6 Beverley Bullet crown on Saturday, October 2.

The Bryan Smart-trained sprinter won the valuable Listed race 12 months ago when he came out on top by a neck in a thrilling finish.

Alpha Delphini’s half-brother Tangerine Trees landed Beverley’s coveted sprint in 2011 and subsequently claimed Group One glory in the Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp.

Like Tangerine Trees, Alpha Delphini was bred, and is partly-owned, by Beverley resident Marie Matthews.

The six-year-old son of Captain Gerrard would be making a swift return to action at the popular East Yorkshire circuit, having finished eighth in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York on Friday.

Smart’s assistant trainer Kevin Edmunds said: “He came out of the Nunthorpe really well and is in good form.

“He’ll probably work on Tuesday and then we’ll see how he is, but the Beverley Bullet is likely to be the plan.

“The Nunthorpe was obviously a super race but the owners were keen to have a go at the big one at York.

“He was brilliant in the Bullet last year and hopefully he might still be progressing.

“He’s not quite at the level of Tangerine Trees just yet, but, like his half-brother, he’s only going to get better as he gets older.

“The Bullet is a great race and it will obviously mean a lot for his owners, who love having runners at Beverley.”

Alpha Delphini is one of 23 entries for the £50,000 totescoop6 Beverley Bullet, which has been won in the past by star sprinters like the Smart-trained Hellvelyn (2007), Borderlescott (2012) and Maarek (2015).

A wonderful week of racing at York once again delivered heroes and heroines; as Ulysses claimed the first £1m Juddmonte International with flying fillies, Enable and Marsha, landing the Darley Yorkshire Oaks and Coolmore Nunthorpe, respectively.

With record prize money of £4.4million attracting over three hundred and forty runners including star thoroughbreds from the USA; plus six trainers from the home county (Paul Midgley, Tim Easterby, Kevin Ryan, David O’Meara, Mark Johnston and Richard Fahey) amongst the winners, it was truly a great week of sporting action.

The final day of the Festival saw Nakeeta come down from Dumfries to land Iain “Scobie” Jardine the richest flat handicap in Europe, the Betfred Ebor, in front of the biggest crowd of the week as approaching 27,500 racegoers finally got a chance to enjoy some sunshine.

Over the four days, the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival 2017 attracted over 80,000 racegoers. Hardly surprising after the deluge of rain on Wednesday that this is a modest decline from when last year’s meeting was staged earlier in August; so also avoiding a clash with Bank Holiday short breaks, the Challenge Cup Final and Leedsfest.

On the opening day, the highest rated race in Britain, £1,000,000 Juddmonte International fully justified its prize money as Ulysses provided Sir Michael Stoute with a sixth win in York’s richest contest and a first such triumph for Champion Jockey, Jim Crowley. The much anticipated clash with the winner of the English and Irish 2,000 Guineas (Churchill) and St James’s Palace hero (Barney Roy) delivered a thrilling final furlong as the trio come to the fore.

Appropriately for Ladies Day, The Darley Yorkshire Oaks, confirmed Enable as the star European filly of the season with the dual English and Irish Oaks winner, adding the Yorkshire variety to her glittering CV, in the silks of Prince Khalid Abdullah.

Friday saw Pattern races over the longest and shortest distances of the week, yet both were only decided after a photo finish. Success for Montaly in the Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup and Marsha in the Coolmore Nunthorpe; meant dramatic disappointment for HM The Queen as well as for Wesley Ward and Frankie Dettori after Dartmouth and Lady Aurelia fell the wrong side of the Judge’s rule.

Drama continued to part of the action right up to the very last race, when the richest Apprentice race in Britain, ended in a dead heat between Holmeswood and Intense Romance. A rare occurrence in itself, what made it all the more remarkable was that both horses were trained by Michael Dods and that one of the young riders, Callum Rodriquez, has won the Betfred Ebor itself, just ninety minutes earlier.

Always a key part of the European racing calendar, the Festival includes four races that are part of the QIPCO British Champions Series.

That no jockey managed more than four winners from twenty-five contests shows just how competitive the racing was over the four days. That total of four proved sufficient for Jim Crowley to secure the Ray Gilpin Award as backed by Sky Bet.

For the first time in the modern era, ITV Racing was the host broadcaster and strong viewing figures over the week are a tribute to the knowledge, enthusiasm and sense of fun that the presentation team, led by Ed Chamberlain, brought to the Knavesmire. Technical improvements such as the “towercam” and “batcam” or the “wash down cam” all added further insight for viewers. Many commenting on the feature with Richard Fahey or the close ups of farrier, Scott Mackie, working fast at the start of a race to reshoe a runner.

Fashion is always an integral part of the occasion and a record number of racegoers went down the Ebor Fashion Lawn catwalk.  The feature prize of a trip to go racing in Dubai – courtesy of Marriott Hotels – was claimed by Rachel and Stuart Walsworth from Leeds.

The experience of the recent refurbishment of the Edwardian Weighing Room and the wider £10m redevelopment of the Northern End of the Racecourse continued to be a benefit to racegoers, serving a range of locally sourced food and drinks.

The Duke of York, Patron of York Racecourse since 2015, visited the Knavesmire on Wednesday and presented the Juddmonte International trophy to member of the Niarchos family.

On the opening and closing day, parachute display teams, the RAF Falcons and Silver Stars of the Royal Logistics Corps, dropped in to the cheers of the crowd.

Reflecting on another memorable week, Lord Grimthorpe, Chairman of York Racecourse as well as Racing Manager to Juddmonte, said “There was a great atmosphere at the course all week. I’m delighted that the decision to increase the prize money attracted such strong fields reflecting an increased number of runners, that in turn produced thrilling racing. Add in the sense of occasion that the Ebor Fashion Lawn created and spontaneous fun generated by the live music and it all adds up to a great four days.  Racegoers have enjoyed the Yorkshire food which celebrates our use of local ingredients.”

Commenting on the meeting, William Derby, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course, said “Ebor 2017 will undoubtedly be remembered for the wonderful equine performances and the human stories linked to them. The racecourse team of over 2,000 staff and partners has put in a huge amount of work and I am grateful to them, the horsemen, our sponsors and racegoers for their tremendous support of the meeting.”

As the feature racing Festival of 2017 becomes a fond memory and before it returns on Wednesday 22 August 2018, the sporting crowds can look forward to the next raceday on Sunday 10 September when both the Pony Race Series and Paddington come to the Knavesmire.

With the summer holidays coming to a close, Ripon are set to wind down what has been a jam-packed august with their annual two-day August Bank Holiday race day. The event which starts on Monday with a family fun day including a variety of FREE fairground rides and fun for the children continues on Tuesday with another afternoon of quality racing.

Very much an established part of August’s Yorkshire racing calendar, the course have a fun filled afternoon of activities planned for children in the Course Enclosure on Monday.

The main feature for the children is the Racing Roadshow which will be located in the Course Enclosure. Part of the industry’s educational push on Horse Racing, racegoers of all ages will be able learn about horses, jockeys and a range of interesting facts what makes the racing industry so unique. ‘Racing to Schools’, an organisation dedicated to helping children understand the wonderful world of racing will also be providing an equicisor for you to test your own jockey skills. (see photo)

James Hutchinson, Managing Director and Clerk of the Course said:

“Bank Holidays are traditionally about relaxing and enjoying time with friends and family, there’s no better place to do that than at the races with a picnic and an ice cream in sunny Yorkshire!”

Turning to the racing, the days feature race is Ripon’s only listed race of the season, ‘The Longines Irish Champions Weekend EBF Ripon Champion Two Yrs Old Trophy’ a Class 1 sprint for two-year olds over six furlongs, with a total of £30,000 prize money on offer.

The action continues on Tuesday with a full card sponsored by At the Races, the Sky Sports owned channel which features every live race from Ripon as their broadcast partners. The day also features the 21 Engineer Regiment Sapper Nursery Stakes, a race held in conjunction with their annual visit to the Racecourse. The race which is a tradition in place for over 30 years, is held to honour 21 Engineer Regiment and their contribution to the local community

The gates on Monday open at 11.30am with the first of seven races starting at 2.10pm, with FREE entry for all accompanied under 18’s. Adult admission is available from £7 per person in the Course Enclosure, or £20 per car (inc admission for up to four adults) perfect for those picnics with the family.

You can keep up to date with all the latest news and offers from the course on their social media pages, or by visiting their website www.ripon-races.co.uk

DJ, model and entertainer Vernon Kay has been announced as the guest celebrity to appear at the hugely popular Ladies Day during the William Hill St. Leger Festival on Thursday 14th September.

Vernon is set to replace Mark Wright who has had to pull out due to unforeseen filming commitments

Abby Chandler, Head of Marketing at Doncaster Racecourse said: “We’re disappointed Mark Wright won’t be able to now join us on our fabulous Ladies Day however we wish him the very best. We’re extremely excited to welcome back Vernon Kay to Doncaster as he’s a firm favourite with our visitors and will certainly know how to entertain the crowds on Ladies Day!”

Known for his TV presenting roles on favourites shows such as ‘All Star Family Fortunes’, ‘Beat the Star’, ‘Lets Get Gold’ and the ‘Whole 19 Yards’, Vernon is also a talented sports pundit and radio DJ having worked at Radio One and Radio X.

Vernon will perform a ninety minute DJ set straight after the day’s racing  on the Hallam FM Champagne lawn for County Enclosure customers.

“Vernon is a fun and energetic entertainer who knows how we like to party in Doncaster so be prepared for a fun packed evening after racing,” enthused Abby.

Ladies Day is always hugely popular during the St. Leger Festival and is seen as one of South Yorkshire’s biggest social occasions full of glitz and glamour.  It is also well-known for its celebrated Best Dressed Lady competition which sees an array of fine fillies hoping to secure the coveted title along with a plethora of prizes including a holiday.

“This year’s competition details will be announced ahead of the day so ladies have as much opportunity as possible to choose a winning outfit,” said Abby. “We already have one finalist securing her place in the 10 lady lineup.  Zoe Mulligan won the Best Dressed Lady title at our Visit Bawtry Spring Ladies Night meeting, so with just nine places left we’re looking forward to seeing some outstanding outfits that are sure to impress our stylish celebrity guest.”

In the past, prizes have included a trip to New York, the use of a Mini car for a year and numerous indulgent smaller prizes.

TRAINER Aidan O’Brien will ask his dual 2000 Guineas hero, Churchill, to tackle an extended mile and a quarter for the first time tomorrow when the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival gets underway at York.

Churchill is one of seven declared runners for what’s set to be an outstanding renewal of the Group one Juddmonte International Stakes. The Galileo colt started his season with a fine victory in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and followed up with success in the Irish version of the mile Classic at The Curragh.

But he suffered defeat in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot before being pulled out of the Sussex Stakes after sustained rainfall changed the ground at Glorious Goodwood earlier this month.

O’Brien said: “It wasn’t ideal – we had him over there and it was just one of the freak weather things, I suppose. But he seems to have been well since.

“He hasn’t done an awful lot because it’s not long ago and he was fit going to Goodwood. Obviously, we would have preferred if we had a run – but that’s the way it is.

“We’ve always thought that a mile and a quarter would be within his compass. Everything seems well with him since Goodwood, so we’re looking forward to it.”

Churchill will be joined in the first ever £1million renewal of the prestigious contest by stable-mate, Cliffs Of Moher who met trouble in running early on in the Coral Eclipse at Sandown where he finished fourth behind Ulysses and Barney Roy – both of whom he re-opposes on the Knavesmire.

O’Brien added: “He suffered very bad interference in Sandown and I suppose he was lucky, really, not to fall. But he has been well since and we have been happy with his work.”

Earlier in the afternoon, O’Brien’s Ballydoyle team will be triple-handed in the Betway Great Voltigeur Stakes. Venice Beach, Spanish Steps and Douglas Macarthur have all been declared for the mile and a half Group 2.

Venice Beach was only beaten a length in the Grand Prix de Paris, a race in which an inexperienced Spanish Steps didn’t fire. But the latter came out and nicely won the Group 3 Ballyroan Stakes at Leopardstown almost two weeks ago. Douglas Macarthur won the Derrinstown Derby Trial in the spring before two creditable runs in the English and Irish Derbies.

O’Brien assessed: “Both Venice Beach and Spanish Steps went to Paris. Venice Beach ran a great race – Spanish Steps was a little bit green, a little bit babyish but came forward great from it and won very nicely at Leopardstown, beating Johannes Vermeer.

“Venice Beach has been in good form since France and we think – and hope – the track will suit him well. He is in good order as well. We think he is a horse who will progress through the whole year and look forward to him next year.

“We’re looking forward to seeing Douglas Macarthur run. We think he gets a mile and a half well – and might even get further. But he is in very good form and we’re very happy with him. He had a break after his last run and is just ready to start back again.”

In the first of twelve Pattern races over the Festival, the Group 3 Tattersalls Acomb Stakes, O’Brien will saddle promising two-year-old prospect Fleet Review over the seven furlong trip;

He said: “Fleet Review has had three runs and won the last twice – two six-furlong races at The Curragh, a maiden and a winners’ race.

“We always thought that he might get further than six. He is a forward-going horse. We think it’s a good time and a good track to just start going a little bit further and have another look at him.”

Thursday will see fellow O’Brien juvenile, Actress, who has been declared for the Group 2 Sky Bet Lowther. She has already shown her class with a third-place effort in the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes on August 13.

O’Brien said: “She has been progressing with every run. Obviously we’re going back a little bit early with her but she’s in good form. She came out of her last race well and we’re hoping she runs well.”

Alluringly, declared for the Group 1 Darley Yorkshire Oaks, will face middle-distance heroine, Enable, for the third time this season. O’Brien’s charge enjoyed a confidence booster when landing a Listed race over an extended nine furlongs at Gowran Park but is now stepped back up in trip.

O’Brien confirmed: “We’re going to give her another go over a mile and a half. She won in Gowran very nicely. That was only a few days ago but she seems to have come out of it well.”

The trainer also outlined that US Navy Flag is looking like the stable’s runner in Saturday’s Al Basti Equiworld Gimcrack Stakes.

Ballydoyle’s plans are still being finalised for Saturday’s £285,000 Betfred Ebor.

SIR Michael Stoute will bring a team brimming with talent to York for the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival, which runs for four days from next Wednesday.

The Newmarket trainer has a superb record at the famous meeting, winning no less than 16 Group 1s on the Knavesmire. He has also triumphed three times in the prestigious handicap that gives the Festival its name – the Betfred Ebor.

On the first day, Stoute will bring Ulysses for the eagerly-anticipated clash of the big guns in the £1million Juddmonte International. Fellow stars Churchill and Barney Roy are also set to line up in the extended mile and a quarter contest, ranked as the best race in Britain on its three year IFHA average, but Ulysses beat the latter by a nose in a thrilling renewal of Coral Eclipse in July.

Stoute’s charge was subsequently beaten by the race sponsor’s outstanding filly, Enable, in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, over a mile and a half.

“We are planning to go,” said Stoute, confirming his intentions to run Ulysses in the Juddmonte International. “He is taking his racing very well and we’re pleased with what we see.”

As for the decision to drop back from 12 to 10 furlongs, he added: “He’s competent at both trips. He loves top of the ground but he goes on any. You’ve only got to look at the King George and you’ve got your evidence there.

“I think it will be a high-quality race – it’s very interesting. We’ve had some great races for the International in the past and we’ll probably have a great one this time.”

On the same afternoon, the Newmarket-based trainer will saddle Mirage Dancer in the Betway Great Voltigeur. Stoute has won the mile and a half Group 2 race on seven previous occasions, the latest being in 2013 when Telescope struck.

Mirage Dancer is a lightly-raced son of Frankel who has shaped with bags of promise in both of his runs at three. His last start saw him beaten just over a length into third place in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.

Stoute said: “We’re just leaving nice gaps between his races. He is progressive. We like the horse and he keeps improving. This would be as far as he would ever want to go.”

No trainer has more than Stoute’s tally of nine Darley Yorkshire Oaks victories – although Matthew Dawson also won the race nine times in the 19th century. Next Thursday he plans to be double-handed in the £350,000 Group 1 with Queen’s Trust and Abingdon, tasked with taking on Enable.

Queen’s Trust, a Breeders’ Cup champion from last autumn, has run better this year than a glance at her bare form may suggest. Abingdon has shown up particularly well when competing on fast ground, notably when winning a Listed race at Pontefract by 10 lengths in June.

Stoute said: “Queens Trust hasn’t had the rub of the green this year. In the Prince of Wales’s, she got badly interfered with and was really coming home. Then the ground was too soft for her in the Nassau. But she is in good shape – she’ll run a big one.

“Abingdon is solid. She’s won at the track – the Galtres last year – she has been running well this year and I hope she’ll be in the frame. I’ll be happy with that. Loves top of the ground – good is no problem. But with her, she doesn’t want it softer than good.”

On the same afternoon, the British EBF and Sir Henry Cecil Galtres Stakes is the next scheduled assignment for Mori. The beautifully-bred Frankel filly is out of Midday, so her pedigree has York Group One winners on both sides, was only pipped by a neck in the Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Stoute said: “The plan is for Mori to go to the Galtres. The Ribblesdale was the best race she has run to date. She is progressive and we are very happy with her.”

The last of Stoute’s victories in the Ebor was provided by Clerkenwell in 1996. Since then, though, he finished second in 2010 with Rosika, who is the dam of his intended challenger, Dubka, on Saturday 26 August.

Dubka showed that she is very much made of the right stuff when beaten just a neck over a mile and six-furlongs – the Ebor distance – in a Group 3 at the Goodwood Qatar Festival earlier this month.

Stoute, who plans to run only her in the race, said: “She’s tough, stays well. I would think that run at Goodwood was the best that she has produced so far. The dam nearly won the Ebor so let’s hope she can win it.”

MIDDLE-distance heroine, Enable, heads up the entry for the Darley Yorkshire Oaks – the £350,000 feature race of Ladies Day, next Thursday at York.

Enable represents trainer John Gosden, who has three of the nine entries for the mile-and-a-half Group 1 contest for fillies aged three and upwards.

Enable, owned and bred by Prince Khalid Abdullah, has lit up the summer with a series of brilliant performances. She won the Investec Oaks by five lengths and followed up by triumphing in the Darley Irish Oaks – again by an emphatic margin.

To many eyes, she topped even those excellent displays with a four-and-a-half length victory when taking on the older colts, in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot last month. Now it’s next stop York for the fabulous filly by Nathaniel.

Gosden said today: “Enable is happy and well. We always wanted to go to this race. It was meant to be Irish Oaks to Yorkshire Oaks. She took the Irish Oaks so much in her stride that then the King George came into play. This was part of the original plan and hopefully we’ll be there.”

In recent years, Gosden’s Clarehaven Stables has housed stars such as Golden Horn and Taghrooda, both of whom came to feature races at the York showpiece. Now Enable is the latest yard flag-bearer to give pleasure to the Gosden team and target the Knavesmire. The Newmarket-based trainer added: “When you are lucky enough to have a Golden Horn in the yard or a filly of Enable’s ilk – like Taghrooda – it’s a great buzz. But of course with it comes added pressures – never forget that.”

Another Gosden-trained horse that will be the subject of great interest at the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival is Cracksman, who is set to contest the Group 2 Betway Great Voltigeur on the opening day of the meeting, next Wednesday.

The son of Frankel has run in two Derbies – at Epsom and The Curragh – on his last two starts, finishing third and second respectively. Gosden assessed: “We’d be hoping to run Cracksman in the Great Voltigeur. A mile and a half, fresh ground on the Wednesday – he’s in good order. It looks a Voltigeur of great depth.”

Gosden also indicated that Shutter Speed is in line for a tilt at the Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes, which takes place thirty-five minutes later on Wednesday. The Tattersalls Musidora Stakes winner over course and distance in May was subsequently fourth in the Group 1 Prix de Diane at Chantilly so eyes a share of the £1 million prize fund.

The Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival runs from Wednesday 23 August to Saturday 26 August inclusive.

Frankie Dettori described both Lady Aurelia and Enable as fillies with the “wow” factor based on their impressive seasons to date and he is looking forward to partnering them in big races at the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival.

The ebullient Italian was speaking to Racing UK after riding a piece of work on Lady Aurelia on the home straight of the Knavesmire and said “it felt like we were going a million miles an hour, she hasn’t lost her speed”.

With the filly having travelled from her base in Kentucky, Frankie continued, “American horses tend to like flat tracks, so York will suit her”.

The fastest race of the week, the Coolmore Nunthorpe on Friday is the target for Lady Aurelia where she is set to clash with Battaash, the impressive winner of the King George Stakes at the Qatar Goodwood Festival. Frankie described himself as “very impressed” with his Charlie Hills trained opponent and noted that his filly will “have to be at her very best” to land the biggest share of the £350,000 prize money.

Reflecting on dual Classic and King George winner, Enable, Frankie observed “you gotta say “wow”, I know how good she is, so you’re just hoping that she turns up”. Trained by John Gosden, the filly in the famous colours of Frankel is bidding to add the Darley Yorkshire Oaks on Thursday to her Group One successes in the Investec Oaks and Darley Irish Oaks.

In a busy morning on the Knavesmire, Frankie also partnered a second American filly, Happy Like a Fool for a spin and confirmed her as being “very speedy, in good form” ahead of the supplementary entry for the Sky Bet Lowther Stakes, the Group Two target for juveniles fillies, on Thursday.”

Trainer Richard Hannon relishing York test for stable star TRAINER Richard Hannon believes stable star, Barney Roy, “will take all the beating” in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York next Wednesday.

The Godolphin-owned colt was one of 15 horses today left in first running of a York contest at £1million prize money, at the latest entry stage.

The extended mile and a quarter Group 1 feature is set to deliver a mighty showdown between Barney Roy, Churchill and Ulysses.

The trio are vying for favouritism in the betting after, between them, delivering some superb performances so far this season.

Three-year-old pair Barney Roy and Churchill have clashed twice so far. Ballydoyle ace Churchill drew first blood when winning the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket but Barney Roy turned the tables on his rival with success in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Barney Roy has since been beaten by a nose in the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown by progressive four-year-old Ulysses.

Hannon said: “Barney Roy is in great form at home and has done very well since the Eclipse.

“He’s had a nice break and will go to Kempton for a bit of work this week. He heads there in fantastic order and the Juddmonte looks the ideal race for him.

“The Eclipse form has been boosted by the victory of Eminent on Tuesday (in a Group 2 at Deauville) and I think he will take all the beating at York.”

Hannon also outlined that he expects to be represented in other races through the four-day meeting, which runs from Wednesday 23 August to Saturday 26 August inclusive.

The master of Herridge Racing Stables talked about a contender for Britain’s richest nursery, at £70,000, adding: “Other runners will include the likes of Tangled in the (Betway) Nursery, who – having had to do a stalls test since Goodwood – heads there in great order.

“Kool Kompany has a few options available to him and hopefully can bring his best form back to the table after not a bad run in the Sussex.”

For tickets please call 01904 620911 x 225 or visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk<http://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk>

Trainer Clive Cox is hoping to saddle two runners in this season’s Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York on Friday 25 August.

At this stage, both Profitable and Priceless are on target to line up in the five-furlong Group 1, which is worth £350,000.

The former, who runs in the colours of Godolphin, secured a Group 1 success in last year’s King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot and has enjoyed another solid campaign so far in 2017. He also showed his potential when winning in Listed company aged three here at York.

He has finished runner-up on all of his previous three starts including when bidding for back-to-back wins at Royal Ascot and when last seen in action in Group 2 company at the Qatar Goodwood Festival.

Those two defeats came at the hands of Lady Aurelia and Battaash respectively and a rematch could well be on the cards for Cox’s sprinting ace.

Profitable is set to be joined by the Alan Spence-owned Priceless, a daughter of Exceed And Excel who landed a Group 2 prize earlier this season in the Temple Stakes at Haydock.

That success came on ground officially described as ‘firm’ and Cox is hoping that the ground will be on the quick side for both of his charges.

He said: “At the moment both Profitable and Priceless are intended runners in the Nunthorpe.

“Both seem in good form at home and deserve to take their chance. The long-range forecast looks decent and this would be in both their favour.

“Profitable ran well at Goodwood – we were very happy with him. He has come out of the race in good form.

“It looks like being a very competitive race – certainly a mouthwatering contest – and one that will be great to be part of.”

Cox has plundered many of the UK’s top sprint prizes in recent years and just last month he landed the Darley July Cup at Newmarket with Harry Angel. He has yet to take the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes and it is no doubt a race he would love to add to his CV.

He added: “It is always great to have runners at York – especially in the big races. Everyone wants to be part of it. It is a great occasion and somewhere we love to have winners.”

The Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes is the feature on day three of the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival which runs from Wednesday 23 August – Saturday 26 August inclusive.

For Tickets PLEASE CALL 01904 620911 x225 Or visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk<http://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk>

Elnadim Star and Gold Stone fly the flag for powerful owner Jaber Abdullah at Beverley on Thursday (August 17).

Kevin Ryan’s two juveniles both made their racecourse debut at the popular East Yorkshire circuit in July, with Elnadim Star down the field and Gold Stone runner-up.

They will now attempt to win at the second time of asking in the two divisions of the Nigel’s 60th Birthday EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes over five furlongs.

Elnadim Star lines up in division one at 2.10pm and will be ridden by Tom Eaves.

She was comprehensively defeated on her Beverley debut on July 7, but connections of the young daughter of Elnadim believe there could have been extenuating circumstances behind that eighth-place finish.

Jaber Abdullah’s racing manager Bruce Raymond said: “I felt she was very unbalanced on the track and it all felt a bit of a rush for her over that five furlongs.

“The bit went straight through her mouth that day, though, so you’d like to hope she has come on for her debut.

“She was very green first time out but she should know what it’s about now that she’s got that course experience.”

Gold Stone, who runs for Eaves in division two of the fillies’ novice stakes at 2.40pm, was a big eyecatcher on her racecourse bow at Beverley on July 24.

Despite having missed the break, the daughter of Havana Gold galloped strongly towards the line to finish second behind Special Purpose, who is highly rated by trainer William Haggas.

Raymond added: “She might well have bumped into a very good horse on her first start.

“She missed the break but stayed on really nicely for second place.

“Gold Stone beat the rest of them easily enough but I think she is a horse that should benefit going up in trip later.

“This is a good opportunity for her, though, and we think she’ll go well.”

Hot on the heels of Flemingate Ladies’ Day on Wednesday, the going ahead of Beverley’s eight-race card on Thursday is good, good to firm in places.

Before racing, the traps rip open once again for the Reckitt Benckiser Save the Children Camel Derby, which last year raised £9,000 for charity.

Bertie, a seven-year-old white Russian camel, will return to Beverley in his quest to claim glory for a second successive year.

 Ripon’s most valuable and iconic race of the season, The William Hill Great St. Wilfrid Stakes takes pride of place on a top-class card this Saturday, August 19th.

The famous Handicap for sprinters over six furlong will be the talk of the weekend’s action, with owners looking to land some of the £75,000 prize pot on offer for the big race.

It’s the most valuable raceday of the season at Yorkshire’s ‘Garden Racecourse’ with total prize money of £150,000 up for grabs. The meeting also includes the fifth running of The William Hill Silver Trophy, a £20,000, ‘consolation’ race for the horses entered but unable to get into the feature race.

The successful owner in Saturday’s big race will receive a silver trophy depicting Ripon’s Patron Saint, St. Wilfrid, mounted on horseback along with a healthy first prize fund of over £43,575.

The winning trainer of the race will also be presented with the William Hill floral gala, a unique tribute inspired by that given to winner of the American ‘Breeders Cup. Introduced in 2016, the floral gala which is handmade by Ripon florist Rebecca Passman at Floral Pride is made with individual flower heads and will be displayed on course throughout the afternoon before presented to the winner of the race which takes place at 3:15pm. (Pictured)

Last year’s contest was won by ‘Nameitwhatyoulike’ who is entered again and set to challenge for back to back wins. Trainer Bryan Smart said : “He is in good order and working well at home, he loves the track at Ripon so we are hopeful he will run a good race”.

Vicky Smart, Wife of winning trainer Bryan Smart, said: “The highlight of last season for us was the floral award given by Ripon Racecourse to our Great St Wilfrid winner ‘Nameitwhatyoulike’. It made us feel like champions at the Kentucky Derby and was so fitting to the track which is so well known for its beautiful flowers.

“The floral gala was handmade locally with individual flower heads and was displayed with pride in our yard at Hambleton for weeks afterwards and was only removed when the first storm of autumn threatened to carry it across the North York Moors.”

James Hutchinson, Managing Director and Clerk of the Course said:

“It’s one of our highlights of the season and something we build up to over a period with huge excitement. For the past six years the race has been won by Yorkshire trainers and the field is set to be full of talented Yorkshire sprinters once again”.

Racing on Saturday August 19^th starts with the first of seven races at 2:05pm with entry from 11.30am. Racegoers can gain entry from just £7 per person in the ever popular Course Enclosure with FREE entry for accompanied u18’s into all enclosures.

Saturday’s musical entertainment on the bandstand is provided by The Otley Brass Band, together with a selection of rides such as bouncy castles and inflatables for children in the Course Enclosure alongside their permanent play area (weather dependant).

You can keep up to date with all the latest news and offers from the course on their social media pages, or by visiting their website.

The American star filly, Lady Aurelia, is settling in at York ahead of her bid for further Group One glory in the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes on Friday 25 August.

Trained by Wesley Ward, she is one of three intended runners for the Kentucky based operation, who are now enjoying a Yorkshire welcome, ahead of the four day Festival.

A likely first runner will be Happy Like A Fool, with the juvenile filly anticipated to be given a supplementary entry for the Sky Bet Lowther on Thursday 24 August. Having been second in the Group Two Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot, she hopes to land the richest British Group Two for two year old fillies, in the £225,000 Lowther. Connections are expected to confirm her intended participation by paying the supplementary entry fee of £15,000 by Noon on Friday 18 August.

Lady Aurelia herself was a winner at Royal Ascot and is considered to be the best three year old in the USA, putting up a memorable display of speed in the Group One Kings Stand Stakes over the same five furlong trip as the Coolmore Nunthorpe.  The American filly is a general 6-4 favourite for York’s fastest race of the year, in front of King George Stakes winner, Battaash, from the Lambourn yard of Charlie Hills.

Completing the American raiding party is a third filly, Elizabeth Darcy, last seen running into second in a Group Three at Deauville after her European debut in the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes. Her target comes on Saturday 26 August in the Listed Julia Graves Roses Stakes, again over five furlongs, with £70,000 in the prize money kitty.

The three runners alongside companion thoroughbred, Strike The Tiger (a Royal Ascot runner back in 2009), are settling in well; with their stable staff enjoying the sights of one of Europe’s best known tourist cities.

In regular contact with Wesley Ward who is supervising runners on his home continent, assistant trainer Ed Veale who is with the runners in York said; “The horses and the team have had a great welcome and have settled in really well at York ahead of an exciting week. We dream of having a single winner at a big festival like the Ebor – Wesley came so close with Acapulco back in 2015 –  so having live prospects in three Stakes races is a real buzz. We know it won’t be easy because everyone wants a share of that prestige and prize money.”

Beverley Bullet would be one of the most appropriately-named winners on the Westwood for many years when he goes for gold on Flemingate Ladies’ Day on Wednesday, August 16.

Named in homage to the renowned Listed sprint, this year staged on September 2, the four-year-old gelding is trained in North Yorkshire by Lawrence Mullaney.

Mullaney feels he has Beverley Bullet in super order for the mile-and-a-quarter Flemingate Beverley Handicap (4.40pm) and is aware of the significance of the occasion ahead of the social event of the year in East Yorkshire.

The Great Habton-based handler said: “It’s a big day for Beverley Bullet – and also a big day for us.

“Ladies’ Day is the most important afternoon of the season at Beverley, and his owners (Jean Stapleton and Rob Wilson) love having runners there. I do, too, so we’re very much looking forward to it.

“Beverley Bullet is in great form and we are expecting a big run from him.”

The son of Makfi has been a revelation for Mullaney since his transfer from Les Eyre’s stables in April.

He has only once finished out of the frame in seven starts this season and has claimed two victories, at Carlisle in June and at Pontefract on his last outing on July 30.

Beverley Bullet faces seven rivals in the Flemingate Beverley Handicap and will be ridden by Daniel Tudhope, who was on board when the partnership struck by two and a quarter lengths at Carlisle.

Mullaney added: “He’s only four so he’s still improving, to be honest.

“We’ve got some even loftier plans with him, but he’ll need to win on Wednesday first and that’s all we are concentrating on for now.

“He’s won at Carlisle and Pontefract and they are sharp enough courses, so I don’t think the track is a problem. 

“It’s also great that we’ve got Danny Tudhope riding as he knows the horse really well.

“Everything is positive with him. He’s in a really happy place and has only gone up 3lb for his last win, and that is far from the end of the world.

“He hardly had a run at Pontefract as Joe Fanning gave him a beautiful, sympathetic ride.

“He’s fit, fresh and raring to go.”

Beverley’s eight-race card begins at 2.10pm, with the official going on Tuesday morning described as good. The forecast for Flemingate Ladies’ Day is for sunny spells and highs of 21C.

Tickets for Flemingate Ladies’ Day are selling fast, with the Premier Enclosure already sold out. 

Racegoers are urged to book in advance, either online at www.beverley-racecourse.co.uk or by calling the ticket hotline on 01482 867488.

Beverley racecourse chief executive Sally Iggulden said: “We’re very excited about our first Ladies’ Day in partnership with Flemingate.

“We’ve made some changes to the format this year which we believe will prove very popular with our racegoers.

“We’ve changed the criteria of the Most Stylish contest so this year it’s open to everyone to nominate themselves or be put forward by others.

“We’ve also added three themed marquees which will create a fabulous and very glamorous centrepiece for the day.

“To top it all off, the prizes provided by our wonderful partners are absolutely fantastic.

“Ladies’ Day is always Beverley’s social highlight of the summer and, with Flemingate on board and these changes to the format, the day promises to be even more dazzling.”

Beverley also stages a fine card on Thursday, August 17, and features the return of the RB Save the Children Camel Derby.

Marsha to take on big guns in Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes

TRAINER Sir Mark Prescott has outlined that his ante-post favourite for the £285,000 Betfred Ebor will require ‘soft’ in the ground description to ensure that he line ups at York on Saturday 26 August.

Prescott’s charge Flymetothestars has won three of his five starts – all of which have come on all-weather surfaces.

The four-year-old Sea The Stars’ gelding was last seen on July 1 in the Stobart Rail Northumberland Plate when running a fine third, beaten just three-parts of a length by Higher Power.

He is currently 7/1 with sponsors Betfred for the Ebor, staged over a mile and three-quarters on the Knavesmire.

Prescott said: “Flymetothestars will only run if there is ‘soft’ in the ground description. It’s a very unusual situation isn’t it – he has never run on turf in his life. He ran extremely well in the Northumberland Plate and hence he is such a short price. But he has never run on turf, only on all-weather.”

Prescott also confirmed that flying filly Marsha is to be tasked with tackling big guns Lady Aurelia and Battaash in the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York on Friday 25 August.

Marsha began the season with a dazzling victory in the Group 3 Palace House Stakes at Newmarket. The consistent four-year-old, owned by Elite Racing Club, has not been out of the three all season and is a course and distance winner having landed the Listed John Smith’s City Walls’ Stakes last July.

She was third behind Lady Aurelia in the Group 1 King’s Stand at Royal Ascot and also filled the same position on her last start at Glorious Goodwood behind Battaash in Group 2 company.

Now Marsha is ready to return to Group 1 company for a shot at the £350,000 Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes.

Prescott assessed: “She is very consistent, run in all the top sprints this year and been placed every time.

“The Nunthorpe looks a marvellous race with some very, very fast horses in it and she is entitled to be there but Lady Aurelia and Mr Hills’ (Battaash) have both beaten her this year.

“They have beaten her fair and square before but in sprints tiny little things make a big difference.”

The Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival runs from Wednesday 23 August to Saturday 26 August inclusive.

For tickets please call 01904 620911 x 225 or visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk<http://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk/>

Arena Racing Company (“ARC”) is delighted to announce a partnership with William Hill which sees the bookmaker open betting facilities on six of its racecourses.

William Hill has also signed a three-year deal to sponsor the Group 1 St Leger Stakes at Doncaster, worth £700,000 this year, along with a feature race each day of the four-day festival which will be known as ‘The William Hill St Leger Festival’ and run from Wednesday 13 September to Saturday 16 September 2017.

This betting facilities agreement between ARC and William Hill follows on from the long-term media rights deal agreed between William Hill and The Racing Partnership in December 2016.

William Hill’s Divisional Director for the Northern Region, Steven White, said: “The William Hill facilities at Doncaster are already proving popular so we are excited about extending our presence to the on-course betting facilities at five other of ARC’s racecourses including Lingfield Park, Royal Windsor, Southwell, Wolverhampton, Worcester. On course customers will receive the full William Hill service enabling them to bet on other courses as well as other sports while viewing the best of the day’s televised sporting action.”

ARC’s Director of Operations, Mark Spincer said: “We are really pleased to have been able to work with William Hill to ensure all these betting facilities will be open in the coming weeks.  As a leading betting operator, and key sponsor partner of ARC, William Hill’s facilities are well placed to meet all customers’ needs and thrive in the years ahead.”

To book tickets or find out further information about the William Hill St. Leger Festival please visit http://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/fixtures/?mn=09&yr=2017.

TRAINER James Bethell is targeting the opening day of the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival, Wednesday 23 August, at York with promising two-year-old, Ulshaw Bridge.

The High Chaparral colt is a proven course performer, having comfortably won the John Smith’s Novice Median Auction Stakes over six furlongs on the Knavesmire last month.

Connections are aiming for a first run in Group company, in the £90,000 Group Three Tattersalls Acomb Stakes, staged over seven furlongs.

An alternative option is the richest nursery in the land, the £70,000 Betway-supported contest over six furlongs that concludes the same card.

Ulshaw Bridge – named after the medieval structure that crosses the River Ure, a couple of miles east of his training base in Middleham – was 12/1 for that first career success in July, beating several well-fancied prospects.

“I was very impressed with him,” said Bethell. “The second (Midnight Wilde) has come out and won and I think something that finished way behind (Sands of Mali) has come out and won. So the form looks quite good.”

Ulshaw Bridge was subsequently a fast-finishing third, beaten just half-a-length in a six-furlong conditions race at Chester where the winner and runner-up both carried less weight than him.

It was the manner in which he finished that race, powering from last to almost win, that really caught the eye.

“I think that just the course being so sharp just caught him out a bit,” assessed Bethell. “But when he hit the straight he flew very fast. Another half a furlong – well, even less than half a furlong – he’d have won, I think.”

The fact that he was doing his best work late on has Bethell leaning towards the seven-furlong Tattersalls Acomb Stakes.

“We think he’d be better suited by seven furlongs but I’m possibly going to put him in the six-furlong nursery as well – just in case there’s something very smart in the Acomb. But we’d like to go for the Acomb if we can.”

The colt, owned by Geoffrey Van Cutsem and Partners, is in good shape ahead of whichever opening day assignment he contests at York.

“He is well now and won’t do a lot of fast work,” said Bethell. “He’ll probably have a little spin towards the end of the week and that’s it. But he is quite an easy horse to train.”

As for Ulshaw Bridge’s long-term prospects, Bethell is envisaging a horse that will keep taking forward strides as a three-year-old. “He should definitely progress and get stronger. He is a very nice horse to train.”

The Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival runs from Wednesday 23 August to Saturday 26 August inclusive.

For tickets please call 01904 620911 x 225 or visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk<http://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk/>

With record prize money of over £4.4 million, the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival looks set to attract the very best of thoroughbreds from Britain, Ireland, continental Europe and the USA to the Knavesmire for York’s flagship meeting, over four spectacular days of racing action from Wednesday 23 to Saturday 26 August.

The stellar racing action forms the centre-piece of a festival brimming with award winning hospitality, high summer fashion and all that contributes to the hoped-for fabulous atmosphere of the flagship meeting at Britain’s Racecourse of the Year.

The increase in prize money of £320,000 is spread over twenty-two of the twenty-five races; with the feature contest on each of the days receiving a boost, as well as the prize money threshold for all races rising again, to £70,000.  It marks another step in York’s support for its flagship race programme which has seen prize money increase by 50% over the last five years.

Britain’s highest rated race (based on three year average ratings) the Group 1 Juddmonte International, will become the richest race ever run at York, with £1,000,000 on offer to the horse seeking to follow such superstars as Frankel or Sea the Stars into the Winner’s Enclosure on the opening day. A mouth-watering race is in prospect with a host of Group 1 names considering a tilt at York’s blue riband, including the winner of the English and Irish 2,000 Guineas (Churchill), St James’s Palace hero (Barney Roy), the victor in the Coral-Eclipse (Ulysses) and Breeders’ Cup Turf champion, Highland Reel.

The Darley Yorkshire Oaks, ranked last year as Europe’s highest rated contest for fillies and mares, and the Coolmore Nunthorpe, the best five furlong sprint in the world, will both see increases, to reach their richest ever renewals, at £350,000.  The star European filly of the season and dual English and Irish Oaks winner, Enable, is hoping to add the Darley Yorkshire Oaks to her glittering CV on Thursday.  The best sprinter in the US, Lady Aurelia, looks to take on the best of the Europeans including Goodwood winner, Battaash.

The Sky Bet Lowther increases by £25,000 to £225,000 the same level as the Al Basti Equiworld Gimcrack making them Britain’s richest Group 2s for juvenile fillies and colts, respectively.

Completing the feature race set is Saturday’s Betfred Ebor, as Europe’s richest flat handicap, at £285,000.  York’s oldest and most famous race is set to be as fiercely contested as ever with the winner often booking their flight to the Emirates Melbourne Cup in November.

The Sky Bet City of York Stakes which will now offer £175,000 to the field contesting this seven furlong race on Friday 25 August, retaining it as Britain’s richest Group 3 contest for older horses.  Alongside a race programme that includes Britain’s richest maiden (British Stallion Studs EBF Convivial Maiden Stakes), richest nursery (Betway Stakes – 6f handicap on Wednesday) and richest apprentice (Betfred Apprentice Stakes – 5f handicap finale) contests in Britain, each at £70,000.

From sprinters to stayers on Friday, with the Weatherbys Hamilton Insurance Lonsdale Cup, over the two miles, joining the Group One races as the fourth contest to be part of the British Champions Series, which culminates at the richest day of racing in this country, Qipco British Champions Day on Saturday 21 October.  The support of Qipco is clear on all four days; with the BCS racemakers in attendance to help guide less experienced visitors around the racecourse and share their knowledge.

On all four days, stand-side racegoers will be able to watch and participate in the Ebor Fashion Lawn without the need to book in advance.  The eye-catching, flower-clad catwalk, set in the picturesque surroundings in front of the Edwardian Weighing Room, will offer a touch of “modern vintage”.  A panel of judges will cast an expert eye over the preparations and attire before them, ready to decide the winner on each day of the “Best Dressed Racegoer”.  As well as award prizes like £500 gift vouchers from French Connection, or a personal shopping experience with York based, Cuffs & Co, for “Best Hat, Best Dressed Gent, Best Dressed Child and Best Dressed Couple”.  The winner on Ladies Day (Thursday 24 August) will also be crowned ‘Best Dressed Festival Racegoer’, and will win a short break for two to the Marriott Hotel for the Dubai World Cup.

Expect to see a host of world-class jockeys competing for top honours at York – the field at York is currently led by David Allan, a man who enjoyed a profitable July across several Yorkshire tracks.  In a fitting tribute to popular racing journalist, Ray Gilpin, who passed away in 2015, a special prize will be offered by Sky Bet, for the most successful rider over the twenty-five races of the Ebor Festival.

Amongst the trainers, Skipton-born William Haggas is already enjoying a remarkable season on the Knavesmire, with an impressive eleven winners seeing him sit proud at the top of the Charles Clinkard backed leaderboard.

The global nature of the top quality competition is reflected with the three Group Ones all being part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series and the Juddmonte International and Darley Yorkshire Oaks attracting huge bonuses for the winner to go to race in Japan.  York will welcome representatives of international racing from America, Japan, Europe, the Middle East and Australia in a meeting that continues to grow global profile and reach.

There is horsepower of a different nature on display on the Edwardian Weighing Room Lawn as the latest Maserati will be on show courtesy of JCT600.

On the opening and closing day of the four day meeting at 1.00pm, parachute display teams are set to drop in on the Knavesmire with the RAF Falcons on Wednesday and the Silver Stars of the Royal Logistics Corps on Ebor Saturday.

The first four races on each of the four days will be broadcast live on ITV1, in addition to every race being covered live on Racing UK and TurfTV.  GBI Racing will be transmitting the event to over 80 countries around the world.  Ed Chamberlin and Francesca Cumani will head the ITV coverage which will feature use of the “Batcam” as well as capturing the fun with fashion experts Mark Heyes and Charlotte Hawkins.

Away from the track, a brigade of some 80 chefs, backed by a wider raceday team of over two thousand staff, will provide the welcome, services and treats that come with a major sporting event.  Seafood will be delivered from the Yorkshire coast every morning including 2,000 crabs, joining Dales lamb and 3,000 home-made beef burgers, Hawes cheeses, 6,000 fresh baked fruit scones and locally made dairy ice cream on the various menus.  Partner Moët et Chandon support the meeting with Mercier champagne priced at £35, Moët et Chandon Brut Imperial NV at £51 and selected bars stocking York’s house champagne at £31.

Whether it is to show off their fashion or send pictures of the ice sculptures and chocolate fountains in the main restaurants, or simply to capture the feel good factor, racegoers will be able to use the free Wi-Fi service installed at the track by local tech firm, York Data Services.

Those seeking musical entertainment will have their choice, as both jazz and steel bands perform on the Edwardian Weighing Room Lawn, with Murphy’s Marbles playing their own blend of Irish foot stomping, good time tunes.  Local band, The Monotones, will play to racegoers after the last race into the early evening on each of the four racedays from the Edwardian Weighing Room Lawn.

In an off the track record, there will be seven giant screens relaying the action in HD quality, including a new screen above the Roberto Bar at the heart of Grandstand & Paddock, matching the screen that overlooks the John Carr Terrace. Guests in the Voltigeur Restaurant will benefit from the latest technology as Savilles Audio Visual, based in York, are showcasing what is probably the biggest screen in a hospitality suite in the land.

William Derby, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course, concluded “The Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival is simply the highlight of our year.  With the record investment in prize money, the stellar entries, ongoing investment across the site and all the countless initiatives and innovations, this year looks set to be a landmark event of top quality racing action as well as a tremendous social and fashion event.  I very much hope racegoers, punters and viewers will enjoy the feast on offer.”

TRAINER Charlie Hills has billed his stable star Battaash’s head-to-head with Lady Aurelia in the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York as “what racing is all about.”

The pair have lit up the sprinting scene in 2017 with some superlative performances and now they are on schedule to clash in the £350,000 Group 1 on the Knavesmire on Friday 25 August.

The American ace, Lady Aurelia, trained by Wesley Ward, put up a sensational display to land the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Though, Battaash, owned by Sheikh Hamdan, has emerged as the leading British-trained speedster this season with three emphatic victories, earning an official rating of 122.

Two of those successes came at over the same five furlong trip as the York contest though both were at Sandown, the second in the Group 3 company, saw him smash the course record.  His Sandown wins were both recorded on top of the ground but the three-year-old has subsequently proved that he handles soft underfoot conditions when taking the Group 2 King George Stakes at the Qatar Goodwood Festival a week ago.

Hills has been pleased with his charge since that success and is relishing the prospect of taking him to the Knavesmire in two weeks’ time.

He said: “Battaash has come out of his win at Goodwood really well and we are looking forward to York now.

“He isn’t a horse who a needs a lot of work between his races so it is a case of ticking him over and keeping him in good form.

“I am happy with him. We were obviously delighted with his performance at Goodwood. He showed that he goes on any ground and beat a number of very good horses.

“It is not going to be easy at York – Lady Aurelia is obviously very good but there are plenty of other top sprinters in there too. Clashes like this are what racing is all about and we are looking forward to it.”

The Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes is sure to be one of the highlights of the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival. Other likely participants include Group 1 winners Marsha, Profitable and Goldream.

The Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival runs from Wednesday, August 23 to Saturday August 26 inclusive.

Sunday 20^th August marks the last of the three popular Family Day fixtures at Pontefract this season with the final weekend fixture of the year being run for the first time as The Sunday Service Family Day! For the race meeting, the Racecourse are getting ‘in the zone’ and setting up themed zones around the stands and enclosures to encourage racegoers to learn a little bit about, and engage with, all aspects of the sport.

On the day, there’ll be areas set up such as The Tipster Zone, The Industry Zone, The Jockey Zone, The Horse Zone and The Kids Zone as well as a Newcomers Zone for those who’ve never been racing before.

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

There are also free Pony rides with the Ponte Clip Clop Ponies AND you can take a look behind the scenes with our minibus trips down to the start. Running from the Picnic Enclosure Entrance gates for the start of chosen races, it gives racegoers the chance to watch the calm before the equine superstars explode in to action.

The feature race on the day, and the richest race to be run at Pontefract in 2017, is the £55,000 EBF Highfield Farm Flying Fillies’ Stakes. The race has a rich history with some very classy fillies on the role of honour. The 2016 prize went the way of Mehronissa who went on to finish 4^th in the Group 1 Haydock Sprint Cup before a trip to America for the Breeders Cup. The race sponsors, Highfield Farm, have had a number of superb horses through their paddocks in recent years including Group 1 winners Mayson and Garswood.

There is some high class supporting action on the track too. The £13,000 tote sponsored handicap over 1½m last year saw the highly touted Regal Monarch take the spoils. Mark Johnston’s talented horse was then sold to race in Australia – hopefully ending up as a Melbourne Cup hope one day. The Stayers are once again back in action for Round 5 of the Stayers Championship, in a race sponsored by Moor Top Farm Shop. Former winner Tuscan Gold currently heads the standings but with a whole host of horses snapping at his hooves, the prize is still up for grabs!

There are some special Family Day Tickets also available when booked in advance. 2 adults and their children can take advantage of a special price of just £23. There is also limited availability for the new Sunday Specials packages. If you’d like to take advantage of any of the special advance packages, please view the course website (www.pontefract-races.co.uk ) or give them a call on 01977 781307. Racing gets underway at 2.15pm and the gates open at 11.30am!

 the British author of the famed children’s fantasy novel, Alice’s’ Adventures in Wonderland.

Carroll is also well-­known for his obsession with madness and, it seems, it’s rubbing off. With Ripon Races set to hold their ‘Alice in Wonderland Family Raceday’ for the third year running.

Marketing Manager, Erin Boswell of Ripon Races­ who are also set to host their most prolific race of the season next Saturday, the William Hill Great St Wilfrid – admits to going slightly loopy with excitement for the ‘Alice in Wonderland Day’ event, which is free to all under 18s and could be said to be getting ‘curiouser and curiouser’ each year.

“The book – Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland -­ has a special place in the hearts of us here with such close links to the City” said Erin, “This is the third year we have held our ‘Alice in Wonderland Day’ and it gets bigger and better every year. It’s a great day out for all the family, with lots on for the Children alongside some quality action on the track.”

As well as enjoying an afternoon of racing, little ones can go crazy with a ‘Mad Hatter’s Tea Party’ which is to be staged at 1.15pm. Children are encouraged to bring their picnics and join in with Alice and friends before an afternoon of fun and games. The Racecourse also have tea cup rides, bouncy castles, balloon modelling and face painting.

The main event of the afternoon is the kids fancy dress competition for both over and under 6s, with some ‘wonderful prizes’ up for grabs including Lightwater Valley Passes and racing packages. Adults need not get ‘down, down, down’ in the dumps though; with prizes for ‘Best Adult Costume’ for over 18s and perhaps a little bet on the gee-­gees, everybody is catered for.

The gates on Monday open at 12:00pm with the first of six races starting at 14:00pm, with FREE entry and FREE fun for all accompanied under 18’s. Adult admission is available from £7 per person in the Course Enclosure, or £20 (inc admission for four) perfect for those picnics with the family.

Ripon continue racing next week on Saturday 19^th for one of the most highly anticipated sprints of the season, the ‘William Hill Great St Wilfrid’. The day which is Ripon’s most valuable raceday of the season has over £150,000 of prize money on offer, with the winner of the prolific sprint also presented with a unique handmade floral gala.

You can keep up to date with all the latest news and offers from the course on their social media pages, or by visiting their website.

It is a little-known fact that Doncaster as a town attracts more day visitors than your typical tourist destinations including Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford and its Yorkshire counterpart Harrogate.

Over a three-year period, between 2013 and 2015, 6. 46 million[1] people visited Doncaster for a day, or part of, and over this same period almost 200,000 of them visited the St Leger racing festival that takes place each September in the town.

“The visitor figures are quite startling and we are delighted that Doncaster Racecourse draws in such a huge crowd each September and showcases the very best of what Doncaster has to offer,” said Abby Chandler Head of Marketing at Doncaster Racecourse. “It is anticipated that both Ladies Day and Leger Day will once again be a sell out event and, as the Wednesday and Friday continue to attract more visitors’ year on year, we are hopeful that the 60,000 visitors we enjoyed last September will increase in 2017.”

The St Leger Classics race first took place in 1776 on Cantley Common and moved to its current home, Town Moor just two years later. Whilst the race has been run each year it has occasionally moved from its Doncaster home due to myriad reasons, including World Wars, subsidence and in 2006, the redevelopment of Doncaster Racecourse.

This year, Wednesday 13th will see Pepsi Max Leger Legends Day take place, whilst the finest fillies in the region flock to the course on Thursday for DFS Ladies Day. Friday is Gentleman’s Day, where male visitors are encouraged to dust down their finest attire in the hope of being crowned ‘Best Dressed Gent’ and the William Hill St Leger Day on Saturday is usually sold out as race goers flock to witness one of the highlights of the racing calendar, the William Hill St Leger Stakes.

Abby concluded; “The William Hill St Leger festival really does help to put Doncaster on the map and makes a significant contribution to visitor figures during the month of September. We look forward to another fantastic week of racing, events and music in the town and to welcoming racegoers from near and far to the fantastic Town Moor.”

To book tickets or find out further information please visit http://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/fixtures/?mn=09&yr=2017 and to find out more about the William Hill St Leger Festival visit http://www.visitdoncaster.com/whats-on/st-leger-festival-2017

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.

With the summer holidays now in full flow, what better way to spend a day with the family than at Ripon’s annual ‘Children’s’ Day on Monday. The event held this year on the 7th August, not only has FREE entry for all accompanied under 18’s but there are lots of FREE fun and goodies too!

Very much an established part of August’s Yorkshire racing calendar, the course have a fun filled afternoon of activities planned for children in the Course Enclosure. The main attraction for the children will be the cute and furry friends brought by The Riggamoor Mini Farm, along with a variety of funfair rides and bouncy castles as part of the afternoon’s FREE entertainment.

The freebies don’t stop there either, each child will be given a FREE ice cream and the racecourse will also be offering (while stocks last!) FREE kids activity packs with race cards and sweets for the youngsters to help them learn all about horse racing.

The Racing Roadshow will also be in the course enclosure for racegoers of all ages to learn about horses, jockeys and racing in general. ‘Racing to Schools’, an organisation dedicated to helping children understand the wonderful world of racing will also be providing an equicisor for you to test your own jockey skills. (see photo)

James Hutchinson, Managing Director and Clerk of the Course said:

“Our annual Children’s Day is the perfect day out for all the family and a great introduction for new racegoers. We have a fantastic afternoon of racing planned and lots of fun as always for the junior racegoers. What better way to start a fantastic month of racing here at Ripon!”

Turning to the racing, the days feature race is ‘The Armstrong Memorial Handicap Stakes’ a race for three-year-olds over six furlongs. This year commemorates the 61st running of the Armstrong Memorial race and is supported by the Armstrong Family, one of the country’s most famous racing dynasties.

The Armstrong family has strong links with racing in Yorkshire, with the late brothers Sam and Gerald Armstrong both well recognised as legendary Yorkshire trainers, Sam having also trained in Newmarket.

Colin Armstrong, son of late trainer Gerald, is an active director of Ripon Race Company and is also the genius behind the much loved local tourist attraction ‘The Forbidden Corner’ at Middleham.

The gates on Monday open at 12.15pm with the first of seven races starting at 2.15pm, with FREE entry for all accompanied under 18’s. Adult admission is available from £7 per person in the Course Enclosure, or £20 (inc admission for four) perfect for those picnics with the family.

Ripon next race for their Alice in Wonderland Family day the following Monday on 14th August before they host their traditional ‘William Hill Great St Wilfrid’ meeting on Saturday 19th August. It’s their most valuable raceday of the season and is one of the most highly anticipated sprints of the season with over £150,000 of prize money on offer that afternoon.

You can keep up to date with all the latest news and offers from the course on their social media pages, or by visiting their website.
Closing details

Ripon Races are a flat turf racecourse, one of nine racecourses in Yorkshire. They hold 17 race meetings in 2017, from April to September with a variety of evening, weekend and family fun race days.

The race meeting on Monday 7th August starts at 14.15pm with the gates open from 12.15pm and the last of 7 races at 17.15pm.

Website: www.ripon-races.co.uk

The Danielle Mooney-trained Beau scorched a trail to glory in the inaugural running of the Burgess Supadog Bark de Triomphe at Beverley on Tuesday afternoon.

After two trials featuring canine speedballs that are trained and owned by jockeys, Mooney’s Collie showed jawdropping pace to seize the day by half a dog’s length.

The class K9 affair for eight-month-olds and upwards was staged in aid of Antibiotic Research UK.

The first three dogs home in each Bark Trial heat then contested the grand final of the Bark de Triomphe – a race which unquestionably stopped a nation in its tracks.

But it was Mooney and Beau who landed the total prize fund of unbelievable kudos, a bag of Burgess Supadog and a cuddly toy with an ultra-game frontrunning performance.

A visibly emotional Mooney said: “She’s done her job. She’s won her maiden brilliantly and now she goes off to stud.

“This is probably one of my finest moments on a racecourse.

“It will take a while to sink in, but when I get back to Catterick I’m sure the magnitude of what Beau has achieved will hit home.

“She’s got a great pedigree and is one my best chums.”

There was also perfect symmetry to Beau’s victory as the Collie was named in homage to Sophie’s Beau, who provided Mooney with a first winner as a jockey at Beverley in June 2013.

Mooney added: “I didn’t have a ride on the Beverley card today, but for Beau to show the sporting world what she was capable of will make the long journey back north that much sweeter.”

Beverley’s Bark de Triomphe has already raised over £3,700 for Antibiotic Research.

Donations can be made here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/antibiotic-researchuk/barkdetriomphe2017

HAVING missed out on a crack at the Betfred Mile at Glorious Goodwood on Friday, York winner Chiefofchiefs heads North instead with Newmarket trainer Charlie Fellowes targeting the £30,000 Totepool Summer Cup at Thirsk on Saturday.

No trainer south of Malton has yet won the Summer Cup, which has its sixth renewal this weekend, but Fellowes is very hopeful of breaking that hoodoo with his talented four-year-old.

“He is a lovely, big horse who takes his racing very well and he has come out of his win at York two weeks ago really well. He had been aimed at the Betfred Mile at Goodwood, but when he was balloted out, I always had the Summer Cup as an excellent fall-back position.

“It comes just 24 hours later and is an outstanding race with a really good pot, so it was always the intention to target it if Goodwood didn’t materialise” said Fellowes.

The Newmarket trainer has fond memories of the North Yorkshire track even though he has only had four runners there in the four seasons he has been training.

“I had a winner at Thirsk in my season with a horse called Epsom Hill. He was a three-year-old running in a competitive handicap over 12 furlongs in pretty bottomless ground. It was raining so hard that you could hardly see the race on television but he absolutely sluiced up and won in a canter” the trainer recalled.

Whether Chiefofchiefs will do the same on Saturday remains to be seen, but providing the ground is not extreme – and there is no reason to believe it will be – then Fellowes expects another solid performance to follow up his half-length defeat of Arcanada in the John Smith’s Racing Handicap at York on July 15.

The Totepool Summer Cup is the highlight of a very competitive card on Saturday when the main supporting race is the Peter Bell Memorial Handicap.

Racegoers will be able to follow all the action on the big screen opposite the stands, with the races from Glorious Goodwood interspersing with the racing at Thirsk.

As well as some thrilling action on the track, there will be plenty of entertainment off it lots of exciting activities to keep the younger racegoers occupied in the Family Enclosure.

Entry to the Premier Enclosure costs £28 on Saturday (£25 if booked online ahead of the day), while Paddock admission can be obtained for £16 (£15 online). There are also great reductions for group bookings. For more information go to www.thirskracecourse.net

Gates open at 11am ahead of the first race at 2.15pm.

On Friday, Thirsk stages an eight-race card, starting at 1.40pm and featuring the Breeders Backing Racing EBF Stakes which sees the 2015 Thirsk Hunt Cup winner Sound Advice take on last season’s Royal Lodge Stakes third Sea Fox and both That Is The Spirit and Mount Tahan, who were split by a head when they met at Ayr last September. The gates open at 11.30am.

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.

York Racecourse is delighted to announce a further boost of £60,000 to the already record prize money for its flagship meeting, the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival, which is staged between Wednesday 23 and Saturday 26 August.

Taken in conjunction with previous announcements, it sees the year on year prize fund increase by £320,000 to a record level of over £4.4 million for the four days. This represents an increase of 50% in the last five years.

The highest profile race to benefit from this latest cash injection is the Sky Bet City of York Stakes which will now offer £175,000 to the field contesting this seven furlong race on Friday 25 August, retaining it as Britain’s richest Group 3 contest.

It is also noteworthy that the minimum prize money for any race at the Festival, will now be £70,000 (2016: £60,000) following the additional boost in prize money to nine contests, including those that were already the richest maiden (British Stallion Studs EBF Convivial Maiden Stakes), richest nursery (Betway Stakes – 6f handicap on Wednesday) and richest apprentice (Betfred Apprentice Stakes – 5f handicap finale) contests in Britain.

Some 22 races, out of the 25 to be staged, have seen an increase in prize fund since their 2016 running; with every contest on the opening and closing days set to be more valuable.

As previously announced, the feature race of the week, the Group 1 Juddmonte International, already Britain’s highest rated race, according to the average three year rating by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, will become the richest race ever run at York, with £1 million on offer. The Darley Yorkshire Oaks, ranked as Europe’s highest rated contest for fillies and mares, and the Coolmore Nunthorpe, the best five furlong sprint in the world, will both see increases to reach their richest ever renewals at £350,000. The Sky Bet Lowther increases by £25,000 to £225,000 the same level as the Al Basti Equiworld Gimcrack making them Britain’s richest Group 2’s for juvenile fillies and colts, respectively.

Completing the feature race set in August is Saturday’s Betfred Ebor, with Europe’s richest flat handicap of 2016, increased again to £285,000.

York Racecourse Chairman, Lord Grimthorpe, “York is delighted that our continued commercial success in the first half of the season has allowed us to keep investing in the prize money, facilities and experience of racing at York. The Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival is our flagship meeting and we look forward to welcoming the racegoers and supporters to York to see the world’s best horses and jockeys competing on the Knavesmire. It already looks set to be a fabulous four days of racing action. Our continued thanks to our supporters and sponsors who help us to invest in racing at York.”

AFTER a fantastic Festival Friday, get set for a super Summer Saturday at Thirsk this weekend when the Totepool Thirsk Summer Cup will be the highlight of a two-day meeting at the North Yorkshire track.

With £30,000 in prize money and run over a distance just short of a mile, the Summer Cup has proved a highly competitive race since its introduction into Thirsk’s racing calendar in 2012.

In its short history, it has proved to be a benefit for Northern trainers and a graveyard for favourites, although the second of those sequences was cracked last year when Ginger Jack, starting at 9-2 joint favourite, was one of the last winners for Stockton trainer Garry Moss.

Before Ginger Jack brought some relief to backers, Osteopathic Remedy, who won the 2014 renewal for Darlington trainer Michael Dods, had been the only winner under 10-1 with even Richard Fahey’s 2012 winner Lord Aeryn going off at 20-1!

On a terrific Saturday card, the main support to the Summer Cup comes from another class three contest, the Peter Bell Memorial Handicap, commemorating one of the most important figures In Thirsk’s recent history.

Friday’s card features two class three events, the Tomrods Steel Stockholders Nursery Handicap and the Breeders Backing Racing EBF Conditions Stakes before attention turns the Saturday card and the latest renewal of the Summer Cup, a race which has quickly established itself with owners, trainers and the racing public alike.

Racegoers will also be able to follow all the action on the big screen opposite the stands and Paddock, with action from the big meeting at Glorious Goodwood interspersed with the racing at Thirsk.

As well as some thrilling racing on the track, there will be plenty of entertainment off it lots of exciting activities to keep the younger racegoers occupied in the Family Enclosure.

Entry to the Premier Enclosure costs £28 on Saturday (£25 if booked online ahead of the day), while Paddock admission can be obtained for £16 (£15 online). There are also great reductions for group bookings. For more information go to www.thirskracecourse.net

Gates open at 11am ahead of the first race at 2.15pm, while on Friday the gates open at 11.30am with the first race at 1.40pm.

Racing and fashion combine in the annual Pontefract Ladies Day on Wednesday 9th August and there’s never been a better excuse to buy a new outfit! Courtesy of RIU Hotels and Resorts, Pontefract Racecourse is offering an all inclusive, week long holiday for 2 to Sri Lanka. The prize includes return flights from Manchester. RIU Hotels and Resorts are also providing a fabulous runners’ up prize of a 3 night break for 2 to their new hotel in Dublin! With such a fantastic offering, the competition is bound to be fiercely contested!
If you’d like to be considered for the competition, then the Heart Angels will be on the lookout for the Best Dressed Ladies from the minute that the gates open at 12noon and they will allocate numbered cards to 100 lucky finalists before the judging gets under way in the Parade Ring at 1pm. This year, the judging panel will consist of the Heart Breakfast Show team of Dixie and Emma, along with the National Business Manager for RIU, Maria Battersby.
The Racecourse is urging anyone wishing to be considered for the Best Dressed Lady competition to please make sure that they arrive early on the day so that they do not miss out. There’s an added incentive to arrive early as the first 500 ladies through the Premier Enclosure entrance will also get a free glass of bubbly and a buttonhole.
There’s some fantastic action on the track too. The feature race is the £15,000 tiesplanet.com – Ladies Love Guys In Ties Handicap. Aside from being one of the best named races on the racing calendar, it’s also a high class handicap for 3 year olds. Last year’s winner, Stars Over The Sea, has since left Mark Johnston and has joined Henry De Bromhead’s team in Ireland. Who knows, he may one day face the 2015 winner, Penhill, who won at the Cheltenham Festival earlier this year for the all conquering team of champion Irish trainer Willie Mullins!
Local bookmakers Jayne and Steve Robinson sponsor 2 races on the card on Ladies Day – a two year old Novice race and a handicap for 3 year olds and up. They’ll be on the track on the day offering up the best prices for their races! There’s a £10,000 bonus on offer to the winner of the 2 year old race, taking the prize money on offer to £18,000! The 2016 winner, Perfect Madge, went on to compete in the Group 2 Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket and the end of last season so we’ll certainly be keeping an eye on the winner of the 2017 renewal.
Sponsors of the Best Dressed Lady competition, RIU hotels and resorts, also sponsor the veterans handicap on the day. Ralphy Boy has won the last two runnings of this race, beating Richard Fahey’s Chiswick Bey on both occasions! Both are reportedly on course for their third showdown and Richard Fahey will be hoping that it’s a case of 3rd time lucky!
Racecourse contract cleaners, Solutions 4 Cleaning, sponsor the opening race on the card for amateur Gentleman Riders. Silver Alliance and jockey Ross Birkett took the race for the second time when he powered clear in 2016.
With the Park Suite Restaurant, Marquee and Hospitality Boxes already fully booked on Ladies Day, racegoers are encouraged to book their tickets and badges early to avoid disappointment. With a small number of ‘Premier Packages’ still available, there’s still the chance to upgrade your Ladies Day out! To book, or to view full details of the day, please visit the course website (www.pontefract-races.co.uk ) or give the office a call on 01977 781307. Racing gets underway at 2.10pm and the gates open at 12noon.

East Yorkshire’s most glamorous event of the summer launched in spectacular style today with the unveiling of a promotional film capturing the grace and power of the equine stars of Ladies’ Day at Beverley Racecourse.
Ladies’ Day is the social highlight of the racing calendar at Beverley, giving style-conscious ladies and gentlemen the chance to dress to impress and stand out from the crowd.
With just three weeks to the big day on August 16, the racecourse today released an evocative video promoting a three-year partnership with Flemingate, East Yorkshire’s newest retail and leisure destination.
Filmed at dawn before the Flemingate centre becomes a bustling hub of activity, the video follows four magnificent horses as they canter through the centre’s main thoroughfare.
The four-legged stars of the film were under the expert guidance of horse trainer and stunt rider Ben Atkinson, of East Yorkshire-based Atkinson Action Horses. The family-run company supplies highly-trained horses and riders for film and television, including TV hits such as Poldark, Peaky Blinders and Jamaica Inn, and has worked with the racecourse on a number of projects.
Sally Iggulden, Chief Executive at Beverley Racecourse, said: “We’re thrilled to team up with Flemingate to bring the focus of Ladies’ Day back to Beverley and we thought this film would be a wonderful way to promote the partnership.
“You don’t expect to see horses running free in a shopping centre, which is why the film is so striking and different. The horses are always the centre of attention at Beverley – even on Flemingate Ladies’ Day, when they share the limelight with racegoers in all their finery – and the film reflects that.
“It’s an unusual way to promote Ladies’ Day, but perfect in view of our exciting partnership with Flemingate.”
Ben Atkinson, who is the riding double for Aiden Turner, who plays the title character in Poldark, alongside Beverley’s own glamorous rising star Eleanor Tomlinson, said: “Working with the team at Beverley Racecourse has enabled Atkinson Action Horses to be a part of some incredible projects, from tuxedo Cossacks to riding stallions through shopping centres.
“However, this latest challenge tops them all! We hope people enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed helping to make it!”
The film features Atkinson Action Horses trainer and stunt rider Katherine Pickering, who is seen leading the horses through Flemingate, exuding the beauty and glamour of Ladies’ Day.
The partnership with Flemingate will herald in a new feel for the hugely-popular annual event this year. Changes to the format include the addition of three large inter-connected marquees, with a seated garden area, in the centre of the picturesque course.
The central marquee is the venue for the Most Stylish contest which, in a change from previous years, is open to everyone to enter. The fantastic prizes include a seven-night holiday for two to the Costa Blanca, courtesy of Humberside Airport, and a spectacular Longines Conquest watch donated by Flemingate-based jeweller Guest & Philips.
There is also the Retreat pamper marquee, presented in partnership with Debenhams at Flemingate, where racegoers can enjoy some relaxation and pampering services, such as hair and make-up touch-ups. It’s an ideal place for ladies to take the weight off their high-heels and relax away from the hustle and bustle of the main event.
The third marquee is home to the Secret Garden gin bar. A new partner to the racecourse, North Yorkshire-based Sloemotion offers natural flavour combinations for gin based on ingredients foraged from hedgerows and woodland edges, such as sloe berries, damsons and cherries.
Sally Iggulden added: “Our partnership with Flemingate has helped to inspire a new approach for this year’s Ladies’ Day and we’re confident the changes we have made will be very successful and popular with racegoers.
“They will add even more glamour to the occasion and make the day even classier, more inclusive and a little calmer. In addition, thanks to our wonderful partners, the prizes for this year’s Most Stylish awards are absolutely fantastic!”
Graham Tait, Flemingate Centre Manager, said: “We’re delighted with the film, which is so creative and inspirational. It has really captured the essence of our partnership.
“We’re so proud to be supporting Beverley’s biggest social event for the next three years and excited to be working so closely with Sally and her team to make this year’s Ladies’ Day even more glamorous.”
Tickets for Flemingate Ladies’ Day are selling fast, with the Premier Enclosure already sold out, so racegoers are urged not to lose out by booking in advance, either online at www.beverley-racecourse.co.uk or by calling the ticket hotline on 01482 867488.
Gates open at 11.30am on Wednesday, August 16. The first race is at 2.10pm and last race currently at 5.15pm.

AUTOCRATIC will bid for more Group-race glory when he contests the £120,000 feature at York on Saturday – the Sky Bet York Stakes.
Owned by Cheveley Park Stud and trained by Sir Michael Stoute, Autocratic boasts a progressive profile having moved up through the handicap ranks as a three-year-old last year to emerge as a Group performer in his latest campaign.
The son of Dubawi ended the 2016 season with a comprehensive success in a handicap run over Saturday’s course and distance, of an extended ten furlongs.
Autocratic started this term with a below-par effort in the Earl Of Sefton Stakes at Newmarket but bounced back with an impressive win next time in the Group 3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown in May.
A minor setback has prevented him from running since that success but connections are pleased with his condition and feel this is the obvious next step.
Chris Richardson, managing director of Cheveley Park Stud, said: “Autocratic is in good form and we were obviously delighted with his win in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown.
“He subsequently had a slightly cloudy wash which prevented us from running him, but he is well now and this looks a good step for him.
“He won over course and distance last year with Ted (Durcan) on board and this will tell us if he is still progressing and could come back in a month for the Juddmonte International.”
Autocratic is one of eight declared runners for the £120,000 Group 2 prize which has been won in the past by subsequent Group 1 winners Twice Over and Mukhadram. The former, trained by Sir Henry Cecil, famously went on to beat stablemate Midday in the 2011 renewal of the Juddmonte International Stakes; while Mukhadram took the following season’s Coral Eclipse Stakes at Sandown.
Mukhadram was trained by Newmarket-based if Skipton-born, William Haggas, who saddles two runners in this year’s event. The lightly-raced Hathal won a Group 3 at Haydock last year and was third in the Group 2 Summer Mile on his first start of 2017 while Victory Bond has run well twice at York already this season. As the stable have already recorded ten winners on the Knavesmire this season, the sponsors will have taken note.
Other intriguing runners include the David Simcock-trained Group 3 winner Algometer, the Irish-trained Success Days, and Mondialiste who brought the Arlington Million Trophy back to David O’Meara’s North Yorkshire base.
The seven-race card, which makes up day two of York’s Music Showcase weekend, also features the £50,000 Sky Bet Dash, a handicap over six furlongs. The weights are headed by Wokingham Stakes winner, Out Do, who is one of fifteen runners trained in the White Rose County.
The action gets underway with the Win £100k For Free At sportinglife.com/pick 7 Handicap at 2:05pm.
For tickets please call 01904 620911 x 225 or visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk

AJMAN Princess will bid to return to winning ways when she contests the Listed feature on Friday’s card at York, the British Stallion Studs EBF Lyric Fillies’ Stakes.

Trained by Roger Varian, for owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid, Ajman Princess is the top-rated filly in an eleven-strong line up and she goes to the Knavesmire in good form, having won or been placed on all four of her starts in 2017.

Now aged four, Ajman Princess came into this campaign as one of the highest-rated maidens in training having finishing runner-up in the Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot last summer. She then failed to fire when next out in the Darley Irish Oaks and was not seen on a racecourse for the remainder of 2016.

The daughter of Teofilo has made up for lost time so far this year, easily shedding her maiden tag at Lingfield in March before running away with the Listed Daisy Warwick Stakes at Goodwood in May. She has subsequently finished third in the Group 2 Lancashire Oaks and Group 3 Pinnacle Stakes, both held at Haydock, over a mile and a half.

She is dropping back in trip by two furlongs on Friday evening, chasing the record prize money of £50,000, for a contest won last year by Diploma, in the colours of HM The Queen and trained by Sir Michael Stoute.

Varian, who saddled Postponed to win the Group One Juddmonte International Stakes in the same yellow and black colours last year, said: “Ajman Princess was placed in the Ribblesdale Stakes last season, but she started this year as a maiden and I am pleased she has vindicated Sheikh Mohammed Obaid’s decision to keep her in training as a four-year-old by becoming a Listed winner, while she has also been placed twice at Group level again.

“We are bringing her back in trip as her main asset is her high-cruising speed – she has travelled strongly in all of her races, but the steady early tempo went against her in the Lancashire Oaks and she shapes like she could be an even better filly over ten furlongs.

“She has a penalty to shoulder here (at York), but she still comes out second best on the weight-adjusted figures, and this is a nice option as the galloping track will play to her strengths, as will the prospect of decent ground.

“This run ought to give us a good indication of how we campaign her for the rest of the season and I am hopeful of a bold showing under these different conditions.”

The aforementioned Sir Michael Stoute saddles Playful Sound in this year’s contest; while former York Champion Trainer, David O’Meara, is represented by Reachforthestars.

The 2017 runaway leader in the Charles Clinkard backed championship is William Haggas who will saddle Enstar, a daughter of Fastnet Rock, placed twice already at this level, in a bid to record winner number eleven.

The six-race card worth £110,000 is York’s only evening fixture of the year, it gets underway at 6pm with the Think As One Apprentice Handicap.

For tickets please call 01904 620911 x 225 or visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk

York’s two-day Music Showcase weekend on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon (July 28 & 29), supported by Sky Bet, combines Pattern race quality action on the track and live performances on the music stage, so it is no surprise that each event has a track record of being the best attended meeting of its type, in the country.

Grammy award winner, Jess Glynne is set to play on the evening of Friday 28 July, entertaining the Knavesmire crowd with her five number one singles.

After racing on Saturday 29 July, All Saints, chart toppers themselves and special guests on the recent Take That “Wonderland” Tour, will be the headline act. The all-girl quartet are recognisable for their harmonious brand of pop that has led to number one singles such as “Never Ever” as well as two Brit Awards and a recent album, Red Flag.

The only evening fixture of the season at York gets underway at 6.00 pm on Friday with gates opening at 4pm.

The highlight of a valuable six race card is the ninth running of a Listed race for fillies and mares, the British Stallion Studs EBF Lyric Stakes offering an increased prize fund of £50,000 and one of twenty-one contests on the Knavesmire this year supported by The European Breeders’ Fund. Last year’s race was won by Diploma, another smart sort in the colours of HM The Queen, from the yard of Sir Michael Stoute.

Also featured on a Friday evening card now worth over £110,000 is a handicap contest over five and a half furlongs that demonstrates Sky Bet’s commitment to The Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival, as this meeting is part of the initiative that links the eight flat courses in the county, over nine days of fantastic sport.
Apprentice jockeys are in the spotlight in the opening race, The Think as One Stakes, with two-year-olds being the rationale for The Best One Xtra Local Median Auction Novice Stakes; whilst a competitive handicap takes the name of Irish Thoroughbred Marketing. A much missed York Annual Badgeholder , Tom Parsons, is remembered by just the sort of handicap that he enjoyed solving.

Saturday’s quality seven-race programme means the prize money for Saturday will exceed £250,000. The action starts at 2.05 p.m. with the entire card sponsored by Sky Bet – the Leeds based firm who are regular supporters of York and also one of the leading horseracing, gaming and sports betting companies in the U.K.

The principal race on Saturday is the twelfth running of The Sky Bet York Stakes, at a record prize money offering of £120,000 (up by £20,000); this Group 2 contest is run over the extended one mile and a quarter. Won last year by Time Test, a thoroughbred now running in Group One races in the USA, still in those famous Juddmonte silks. According to recent history Saturday’s victor could reappear in the best race in Great Britain and the richest race of York’s season, the £1,000,000 Juddmonte International on Wednesday 23 August.

Also featured on Saturday’s strong card is the fastest race of the two days, the Sky Bet Dash. This £50,000 sprint is over six furlongs. Last year’s winner was Kimberalla, yet another of the quality sprinters trained by David “Dandy” Nicholls whose passing sees the horse now in the care of fellow Yorkshire handler, Richard Fahey.

Former racehorses now in the care of ‘New Beginnings’, a Yorkshire-based charity, are in attendance on Saturday, enabling racegoers to see them at close hand.

Several giant screens will enable racegoers to enjoy even more of the action from both the track and the stage on both days, as well as following the action from the other big Saturday race meeting at Ascot and Test Match cricket from The Oval.

Away from the main stage, there will be music from both Doctor Jazz and The Monotones. The popular ‘Punter’s Panel’ takes place prior to racing helping racegoers to identify possible winners.

For the best in racing and live music York is the perfect venue.

The second Family Day of the 2017 season at Pontefract on Sunday 30^th July is also the final day of the 10^th Annual Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival. With racing taking place in the White Rose County throughout the preceding week, there’s going to be a real festival feel to the days’ proceedings. Trainers and jockeys will also be bidding to get that all important next win on the leader board as they aim to be top dog in their respective Championships sponsored by Goldsborough Hall and TVF Promotions.

As has become the custom on Sundays at Pontefract, there’s a lot going on for the kids in the Picnic Enclosure. With kid’s rides, a circus, face painting and free sweets, activity books and racecards AND free pony rides there’s plenty to keep the little ones occupied while mums and dads enjoy some top class racing. Eagle eyed kids need to keep a look out for the lucky Golden Horseshoe too – there’s a hamper of sweets to be won for the first person to find it!

To celebrate the conclusion to the Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival, there’s even more happening than usual as ‘Horses Inside Out’ will also be painting Harry (a retired race horse) anatomically so that we can understand a little more about how our equine superstars work. With fascinating presentations and interactions with racegoers, those who missed this incredible spectacle last year mustn’t miss out this time round.

On the track, Sky Bet support the main race on the card – the 1 mile Listed Pomfret Stakes. David O’Meara has farmed the race in recent years. Custom Cut and Mondialiste have been sensational winners of recent runnings but it was Sir Michael Stoute who took the honours last year with Convey. He won the Group 3 Winter Derby earlier in the year and was most recently competing in the Group 1 Champions Mile in Hong Kong. Keep your eyes on this race – there are some fantastic horses on the roll of honour.

If high speed is your thing, tiesplanet.com sponsor the main supporting race – the £15,000 6f Handicap while Pontefract and District Golf Club Ltd sponsor an interesting Maiden over 1 mile which was won in 2016 by Khairaat. Sir Michael Stoute’s 4 year old won 2 more races following his win at Ponte and started favourite for the Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot a few weeks ago.

There are some special Family Day Tickets also available when booked in advance. 2 adults and their children can take advantage of a special price of just £23. The new Sunday Special packages are also selling fast – if you’d like to take advantage of any of the special advance packages, please view the course website (www.pontefract-races.co.uk ) or give them a call on 01977 781307. Racing gets underway at 2pm and the gates open at 11.30am!

CHORISTER ON SONG FOR BEVERLEY MISSION

David Menuisier is optimistic Corpus Chorister can give the West Sussex trainer a first winner of the year when she runs at Beverley on Tuesday.

Highly-rated Menuisier has endured a painful few months after a virus forced the temporary closure of his Pulborough yard.

But with his team now back on a racecourse, and seemingly in good spirits, John Dunlop’s former assistant believes Corpus Chorister can seize the initiative in the 132nd Year of the Watt Memorial Handicap (3.45).

Menuisier said: “We’ve had a very tough year so far.

“We were hit by a virus in the last couple of months and had to shut down the yard to give the horses a break.   “It’s been awfully frustrating and I’ve had quite a few sleepless nights.

But I’ve had a lot of horses running in the last fortnight or so and though I’ve not had a winner, they all have ran up to form. “There’s now a lot more positivity around the yard and it would be lovely to get back up and running with a winner at Beverley.”

Corpus Chorister looks a leading player in the £10,000 handicap over two miles.

The four-year-old daughter of Soldier Of Fortune won twice last year and has this season finished runner-up at Nottingham and at Chester.

“She is a very tough filly,” added Menuisier.

“She ran very well first time and then finished second at Nottingham in May when she was beaten by a better-handicapped horse.

“I wasn’t sure she ran up to her best, though, as that was also around the time our problems in the yard started.

“I was delighted with her on her return at Chester at the start of this month, but she grew a little tired towards the finish – probably because she needed the run after a few months out of action.

“She should be a bit fitter for that run and this looks a great opportunity for her.“She stays very well and is now starting to understand the rhythm of these longer races.“She now knows how to build speed, rather than simply just hitting her stride.“Hopefully she can run a big race at Beverley.”

Corpus Chorister is one of seven declared runners in the historic 132nd Year of the Watt Memorial Handicap – a race that was conceived when local dignitary William Watt bequeathed a fund to Beverley racecourse.

William Watt’s father, Squire Richard Watt, was based at nearby Bishop Burton and trained four St Leger winners in the early 19^th century.

The 112-rated St Michel, trained by Sir Mark Prescott, won the race last season and is now under consideration for the Melbourne Cup in November.

Highland Castle, trained by Lucinda Egerton, must carry top weight in this year’s renewal, while the Micky Hammond-trained Waterclock won the race in 2015 and once again tries his luck.

Alan King has also declared Grade One-winning hurdler Grumeti, who claimed victory in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket two years ago.

Angel Gabrial, La Fritillaire and The Blues Master complete the line-up in a fascinating race.

All eyes will be on Talent Scout in the Racing UK-sponsored handicap at 4.15pm.

Karen Tutty’s course maestro is on a hat-trick of Beverley victories after having won at the track on June 27 and July 8.

Lean On Pete is also a fine operator on the Westwood, and won at the East Yorkshire circuit three weeks ago.

Ollie Pears’ eight-year-old old is one of 13 declared runners for the Dorothy Laird Memorial Trophy Lady Riders’ Handicap (5.45) – a race held in memory of the former vice-president of the Amateur Jockeys’ Association

Beverley’s eight-race card starts at 2.15pm, with the official going good to firm.

The popular Malton Stables Open Day is returning after a year out. Renamed ‘Malton Festival of Racing’, the event will take place on Sunday, September 17^th and is sponsored by Arena Racing Company. Fifteen yards in the Malton area will be opening their doors to the public in the morning and a programme of exciting activities is scheduled in the afternoon.

 Malton Festival of Racing will give racing fans and local people the opportunity to see behind-the-scenes at the yards of some of Yorkshire’s best known trainers. Trainers opening their yard gates to visitors include Richard Fahey, Brian Ellison, Mick Easterby and David O’Meara. For people attending the St Leger meeting at Doncaster Racecourse on Saturday 16^th, visiting Malton Festival of Racing on the Sunday will make a truly memorable racing weekend.

After meeting racehorses, stable staff and trainers in the morning, visitors will be able to enjoy a wide range of attractions in the afternoon which will appeal to horseracing fans of all ages. These events include; a jockey’s relay showjumping competition; a question and answer session with well-known racing characters in the marketplace; a racing personality’s dog show and hobby horse and wheelbarrow races for stable staff. There will also be a wide-range of high-quality food and drink and shopping stalls in the marketplace.

As the organisers of the event, Racing Welfare will be the main beneficiary charity of the Open Day, with a proportion of the funds raised also going to local causes. Racing Welfare has a significant presence in Malton, providing wide-ranging support to all of those in the area who work in, or are retired from racing. The charity’s regional office at 4, Old Maltongate provides a base for two Welfare Officers as well as safe, secure accommodation for six young people starting out on their careers. Retired racing staff in the Malton area are also well catered-for with monthly coffee mornings, trips and outings and the Sporting Memories reminiscence project all helping to prevent loneliness and social isolation amongst the community.

Sarah Fanning, Regional Welfare Manager for the North at Racing Welfare said “The Malton Festival of Racing, incorporating the Stables Open Day is a key event for the horseracing industry in the area. It helps to highlight the success of racing in the North of England and provides a special opportunity for racing fans and local people to see the hard work that takes place behind the scenes in the sport.”

Richard Fahey, Malton-based Racehorse Trainer said “I’m looking forwards to opening Musley Bank for the Malton Festival of Racing. It’s fantastic to see this event returning to the calendar and there will be a warm welcome for every visitor to the yard. Whether you are just interested in seeing what happens behind-the-scenes at a racing yard or if you’re interested in getting into racehorse ownership, we are looking forwards to answering all of your questions and showing you around!”

Tickets to the event are on sale now at www.maltonfestivalofracing.co.uk with adult tickets priced at £10, concessions at £7.50 and those 16 and under going free of charge.

Press contact: Rachel Cawley (01638 560 763; rcawley@racingwelfare.co.uk)

York Racecourse is pleased that its application for planning permission to improve the racegoer’s experience of the infield area of the track has been approved by City of York Council.

Formally known as The Course Enclosure, often referred to as the family or picnic enclosure, it is a largely open air space already enjoyed by over 60,000 visitors each season.

Approval has been granted to a scheme that seeks to improve access, enhance and increase the number of toilets and better showcase the iconic Listed Clocktower building, which is the centrepiece of this area.

Proud to have been part of the sporting, social and economic life of York since 1731, the racecourse has seen many popular developments, most recently of the County Stand facilities to its Northern End. The cycle of improvement means it is now the turn of this informal area to once again benefit from an investment; in this case, some £4 million has been earmarked for the project.

The proposed creation of pedestrian walkways from the entry level of the area up to the top of the banking means that racegoers with pushchairs or wheelchairs will find it easier to take advantage of the elevated viewing of the final furlong. A planned new lift will also ease access between the levels.

One of the challenges with the existing facilities is that they are victims of the damp as they are set into the rear (western) side of the grass bank and are also exposed to the consequences of flooding. Each year the racecourse team battle to make them presentable with a cleaning and repainting schedule. Two new toilet blocks can now be built at the northern and southern ends of the bank acting as “bookends”. Constructed to a twenty-first century standard and slightly elevated, they should remain dry, offering a lighter and brighter environment. Of course, disabled toilets will be present in all refurbished areas. When coupled with a wholesale refit of another toilet block on this side of the course, the total number of female toilets will be approximately doubled.

The Clocktower building was originally designed to house the workings of the clock itself; with its exterior being used as a numbers board, where hand painted signs would provide an update on runners, riders and results. The modern era has seen both uses overtaken by the provision of two giant outdoor screens that can provide the latest updates at the touch of a button. However it remains a landmark structure, worthy of its Listed status, so it will benefit from refurbishment and improved access as part of the proposed scheme. The team at Historic England gave their support to the application.

When the Clocktower was first opened in the late 1920s, the stonework of the wall that sits below it, on the western face, would have been far more visible than it is today; as the addition of a steel canopy in the 1950s shrouded this view. The planning application proposes to remove this steel canopy and so the undercroft area, revealing the original stonework to its full effect.

A sunny afternoon picnic is how this area is often enjoyed but the scheme includes provision for the service of food and drinks from a series of kiosks set at the top of the bank. Along with the betting facilities, these will be covered by lightweight canopies similar to the ones already in use on the stands side. These same canopies will afford some wet weather protection but it is not the intention to create the scale of structure that would be required to shelter a large crowd.

The now approved plan was developed in consultation with the appropriate bodies such as Historic England and the Environment Agency, the local conservation and heritage groups, as well as with the relevant departments at the City of York Council. The Committee agreed that it is designed to address both practical concerns around issues such as flood protection as well as having a positive impact on preserving the heritage of this region of the city.

The project schedule would see the new facilities opened during the 2018 summer race season. It will be overseen by York based conservation architects, Purcell.

Speaking about the application, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course, William Derby said, “the Course Enclosure has always been an important part of racing at York and on a sunny day it provides an unrivalled view of the final furlong with the stunning backdrop of the grandstands. It is an area of the racecourse which generations of families and racegoers enjoy. This scheme seeks to address the challenges of the facilities which are located on the infield. It will improve both the physical buildings and standard of facilities for our Course Enclosure racegoers.”

GERMAN trainer Dominik Moser will return to his favourite European racecourse on Friday when Artistica and Sugar Free both contest the Group 3 Unibet Summer Stakes, at York.

Moser enjoyed a very special day at the Knavesmire in 2012 when his charge, Gracia Directa, won the same race as a 14/1 chance.

She returned a year later to finish second in the six-furlong contest for fillies and mares aged three-year-olds and upwards.

Artistica, a three-year-old, has won all three of her starts in 2017, including a Listed success at Nottingham followed by a Group 3 victory at Baden-Baden on May 27, so heads to the £60,000 contest on the upgrade.

Moser said: “After Nottingham, when we went to Baden-Baden there was a very short time between the races. But she ran very well in a fantastic time.

“We gave her a little break after her last race and she has worked very well in the last two weeks.

“She travels very well. This is a young filly but she is very professional on her journeys.

“I think six furlongs is the best distance for her. We saw last year that seven was a little bit too far.”

Sugar Free was second in Listed company at Hanover earlier in the season before contesting a race of the same class at Haydock. On that occasion she stumbled from the stalls and finished sixth of ten. But Moser rates her ability as close to that of Artistica.

He said: “Sugar Free had a little bit of a bad luck at Haydock last time.

“Artistica has no problems with any ground. She won on soft ground and good ground. I think Sugar Free needs a little bit more good ground – she doesn’t like soft.

“This race was one of the goals from the beginning of the year for Artistica and Sugar Free.”

Franny Norton rides Artistica, while Robert Winston – Gracia Directa’s old ally – will be aboard Sugar Free. The pair are part of a quality 16-strong field which includes such local opposition as Queen Kindly, the Group Two Sky Bet Lowther winner of last season.

For Moser, the day will trigger fond memories of Gracia Directa’s triumph on the Knavesmire.

He added: “It was a big thing for me – very special.  For me, it’s a dream to come back to York. It’s my favourite racetrack in Europe.”

TRAINER Jeremy Noseda has reported Sixties Groove to be “in great order” ahead of Saturday’s John Smith’s Cup at York.

The four-year-old, owned by Paul and Susan Roy, is a general 8/1 favourite for the £200,000 heritage handicap staged over an extended mile and a quarter.

Connections will be hoping the gelding can emulate the achievement of his sire, Sixties Icon, and secure a big-race triumph at York. Sixties Icon carried the Roy’s familiar lilac silks to victory in the St Leger in 2006 – the year in which the famous mile and three-quarters Classic was staged on the Knavesmire, while a new stand was constructed on Town Moor.

Sixties Groove did not scale such heights as his father as a three-year-old but still registered three victories.

His latest campaign has seen him deliver two promising runs, not least his fifth-placed effort in the Duke of Edinburgh handicap at Royal Ascot where he probably didn’t enjoy the run of the race.

Noseda said: “Sixties Groove is in great order. In the circumstances he ran very creditably at Royal Ascot and I am happy with how he has come out of Royal Ascot.

“He has done one nice piece of work since and we are looking forward to Saturday’s race. Gerald Mosse will take the ride.

“The track, trip and likely fast-ish ground all should be suitable. He goes there with a very solid chance.”

Fellow Newmarket-based trainer David Simcock is set to be double-handed in his bid to land the 58th renewal of what is the longest sponsored flat contest in the world.

Simcock plans to saddle Majeed and Dragon Mall. The former was beaten a diminishing neck by Snoano in the Wolferton (Listed) Handicap at Royal Ascot, while Dragon Mall was a further three lengths back after badly missing the break.

Simcock said: “The John Smith’s Cup is a lovely race for these older exposed horses. Both Majeed and Dragon Mall could have a good each-way chance.

“Majeed was arguably unlucky in the Wolferton. He seems in good order and York is a track that should suit him.

“Dragon Mall is mercurial. He is a talented horse who did remarkably well to be beaten just over three lengths last time at Ascot considering how he raced early on. If the real Dragon Mall turns up on the day he’d be very competitive.”

The seven–race card starts at 1.55pm with the John Smith’s Racing Handicap staged over almost a mile where Noseda could send the talented four-year-old, Abe Lincoln, who returned to action in the Royal Hunt Cup after a long lay-off. He finished in mid-division on that occasion at Royal Ascot.

Noseda said: “We are looking at possible objectives at York and Newmarket for Abe Lincoln. He is in good shape and I was satisfied with his first effort of the year.

“He should acquit himself well wherever we decide to let him take his chance.”

One of the most popular TV heart throbs of this century has been unveiled as the guest celebrity DJ at one of the most popular Ladies Day meeting north of Royal Ascot. 

As ladies enjoyed a spring evening at the racecourse last weekend, the team at Doncaster made the surprise announcement that St Leger Ladies Day at Doncaster Racecourse on Thursday 14^th September 2017 will welcome the TOWIE star, model and TV presenter Mark Wright.  Mark will perform a ninety minute DJ set straight after the day’s racing and will also be on hand to meet a handful of racegoers during the day who will be selected from an earlier competition. 

“We are delighted to welcome Mark to our racecourse on one of our most spectacular days –  Ladies Day and we look forward to showing him some true Yorkshire hospitality,” said Abby Chandler Head of Marketing Doncaster Racecourse. “After a packed race card Mark will take to the stage and delight the after racing crowds with a DJ set showcasing his inimitable charisma and stage presence.” 

Mark shot to fame on the reality TV series The Only Way is Essex (TOWIE) and has since then become a household TV name appearing on BBC Strictly Come Dancing and ITV’s I’m a Celebrity.  Mark is married to Michelle Keegan known for her role in ITV’s Coronation Street and more recently the BBC hit drama Our Girl. 

Ladies Day is always hugely popular during the St. Leger Festival and is seen as one of South Yorkshire’s biggest social occasions full of glitz and glamour.  It is also well-known for its celebrated Best Dressed Lady competition which sees an array of fine fillies hoping to secure the coveted title along with a plethora of prizes including a holiday. 

“This year’s competition details will be announced ahead of the day so ladies have as much opportunity as possible to choose a winning outfit,” said Abby. “We already have one finalist securing her place in the 10 lady lineup.  Zoe Mulligan won the Best Dressed Lady title at our Visit Bawtry Spring Ladies Night meeting last weekend, so with just nine places left we’re looking forward to seeing some outstanding outfits that are sure to impress our stylish celebrity guest.” 

In the past, prizes have included a trip to New York, the use of a Mini car for a year and numerous indulgent smaller prizes. 

Tickets for the St Leger Festival are now on sale. Further details can be found by visiting http://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/fixture/ladies-day/

The richest ever running of the famous John Smith’s Cup raceday will see over £365,000 on offer for the 58th staging of a day that contains the famous handicap itself, Saturday 15 July. The £200,000 prize money of the feature contest makes the John Smith’s Cup the richest middle distance handicap in Britain.

Named after Britain’s best-selling ale, it is the centrepiece of a seven-race programme that includes two Listed races, which have both increased in value by 25% to offer £50,000 purses.

The headline contest is the longest continuous commercial sponsorship of a flat race in the country, an arrangement that will now reach at least the Diamond Jubilee of the contest – as the racecourse last year announced a further extension of the deal with Heineken.

The opening day on the Friday features the Group Three Unibet Summer Stakes, both offering a black type opportunity to the fastest filly down the six furlong course as well as signalling a regular sponsor partner to the track. The online brand also backs a competitive middle distance handicap, earlier in the afternoon and racedays at York in both late May and mid-October.

One of Europe’s most prestigious and competitive middle-distance heritage handicap contests, Saturday’s renewal of The John Smith’s Cup is contested over the extended one mile and a quarter. The winning owner can look forward to receiving the specially-commissioned Wedgwood challenge trophy.

Fougalle was the first winner of this famous race back in 1960, and since then there have been many dramatic moments, with the race becoming a major betting heat of the summer. In 2016, Educate provided trainer, Ismail Mohammed, and jockey, Thomas Brown, with a memorable victory. Last season’s champion jockey, Jim Crowley, took the Listed John Smith’s Silver Cup for Pamona from Ralph Beckett’s yard, with Group One winner, Quest for More, being a beaten favourite on that day.

The sprinters have their say in the Listed John Smith’s City Walls over five furlongs and the 2016 winner, Marsha, has proven a top-class performer for Sir Mark Prescott, notably with her Group One triumph in France last October.

Always one of the big days of the year, this event has become a showcase for ‘Yorkshire’s Finest’, and sees John Smith’s treasuring its Yorkshire roots with a full Yorkshire menu of locally-sourced and home-made food. In addition, there will be a number of cask ales available at the racecourse, thanks to collaboration with fellow Yorkshire brewers, Theakston’s.

The highlight on Friday, The Unibet Summer Stakes, is a Group Three sprint contest over six furlongs for fillies and mares, continues to offer a purse of £60,000. Last year’s race was won by Ridge Ranger for Lancashire trainer, Eric Alston. Previous winners have come from Germany and Dominik Moser will be hoping that his current star filly, Artistica, can follow where Gracia Directa led the way in 2012, returning to Saxony as champion.

Friday sees a number of other long-standing supporters of the Knavesmire return with Cakemark and Acturis in attendance; alongside the accountancy firm responsible for audit matters at the track, Garbutt + Elliott. Once again, it is an “ITM Friday” as the Irish organisation responsible for promoting bloodstock sales from the emerald isle back a five furlong handicap. The final race of Friday gives apprentice riders their chance and the younger generation will be very much in mind as Sugro UK back the race on behalf of the Wingate Centre, a charity that provides life-enriching holidays for children with special needs.

The two days of racing get underway with an interesting novice contest over the unusual distance of five and a half furlongs. It is among the twenty-one contests backed by the European Breeders’ Fund who also recognise the Racehorse Owners Association Jackpot Scheme in the race title.
Catering for broad musical tastes, Friday offers a choice of the Chris Brown Quartet or Murphy’s Marbles brand of foot-stomping Irish tunes. More of both from this pairing on day two as the party atmosphere of Saturday also hosts The Players performing their melodic set of popular covers on the bandstand as the last race crosses the line.

A number of giant screens will enable racegoers to enjoy even more of the action on both days, along with racing from Newmarket’s July Meeting and Ascot. The tennis action from Wimbledon will be shown on televisions around the track. The popular punters’ panel held prior to racing on the winners’ podium will preview the card on both days.

The Betfair Clock Tower Cup is a charity race solely for stable staff held over 7 furlongs with those taking part riding horses who are in training with their employer. Now in its third year, the race is becoming an established event in the racing calendar at Doncaster. The race celebrates the hard work that stable staff dedicate to looking after and exercising racehorses and gives them an opportunity to experience the excitement of riding on the track, often for the first time. The race is one of the highlights of Racing Staff Week which started on 1st July and continues until Saturday 8th July.

The winning rider in the Betfair Clock Tower Cup 2017 was Mark Simms, who gave his horse Baron Run a well-judged ride to win by a neck. Mark works for Karl Burke in Middleham and is a graduate of the British Racing School. Mark has worked in racing for the best part of 10 years and has travelled all around the UK and Europe as part of his job as a Travelling Head Person. Mark said after the race “I was worried that I had gone too fast early on, but as I started to pull away from the pack and catch the leader I knew that we could win. It’s great to win today and it’s fantastic to be raising money for Racing Welfare. They do so much for the racing community in Middleham.”

Mark was presented with prizes by Flat Jockey Luke Morris which included a yellow and black Betfair branded saddle made by Gibson Saddlers as well as training to the value of £1,000 at either the British Racing School or Northern Racing College to achieve his Category A Amateur license or undertake another career-enhancing course.

Second place went to the long-time leader Jessie O’Kane who rode Buccaneers Vault for Malton trainer Paul Midgley. Jessie wins a whip kindly donated by White Rose Saddlery as well as Champagne and vouchers for Gibson Saddlers. Third placed rider was Jenny Walker, riding Pennine Warrior for trainer Scott Dixon (who takes home prizes from White Rose Saddlery and a Gibson Saddlers voucher) and fourth went to Poppy Fielding riding Chosen Character for trainer Tom Dascombe who wins Candy Bluetooth Earphones and a voucher for Gibson Saddlers.

All riders who took part in the races have received medals and a beanie hat and base layer donated by Careers in Racing. Congratulations must also go to Julie Kelshaw, riding for Patrick Holmes who raised the most sponsorship for today’s race.
The twelve riders who took part:

Danny Bembridge (Scott Dixon)
Poppy Fielding (Tom Dascombe)
Rhianon Horne (Daniel Mark Loughnane)
Jessie O’Kane (Paul Midgley)
Jenny Walker (Scott Dixon)
Julie Kelshaw (Patrick Holmes)
Amy Lawrence (Marjorie Fife)
Mark Simms (Karl Burke)
Elise Kemp (Karl Burke)
Kieran O’Hare (Martin Keighley)
Jess Richardson (Jedd O’Keeffe)
Samantha Pugh (Tim Easterby)

Evening meetings are always extremely popular at Pontefract and the last of the season is our Red Shirt Night and Beer Festival on Friday Evening 21^st July. The race meeting also marks the second of the Friday Night Music Night series held at the Racecourse in 2017 and, with Cheryl, Mike and Jay, formerly of 80s Legends Bucks Fizz playing straight after racing, it promises to be the best Red Shirt Night ever!

Bucks Fizz were one of the top selling British groups of the 1980s – they had 11 top 20 singles during the 1980s including ‘If You Can’t Stand The Heat’, ‘New Beginning’ and ‘Now Those Days Are Gone’. They had three massive number ones – Land of Make Believe, Making Your Mind Up and My Camera Never Lies – the first two of which made it in to the top 50 best selling singles of the decade in the UK! They sold in excess of 15 million records, spending 219 weeks in the UK charts alone!

The band will forever be associated with the Eurovision Song Contest. It is 35 years since their ‘Making Your Mind Up’ won the 1981 Contest thanks to the famous skirt ripping dance routine! The single went on to be number 1 in nine countries across the world.

Jack Berry and Red Shirt Night have a place firmly in the history of Pontefract Racecourse. As a trainer, Jack Berry was renowned for wearing his Red Shirt as his lucky symbol. He was easy to spot when cheering home the likes of Mind Games and Paris House, two of his very best horses. Since retiring, he’s been the driving force behind Jack Berry House – a state of the art rehabilitation centre for injured and retired jockeys in Malton. Now in its 25^th year, some racegoers will also don a red shirt but it’s certainly not a requirement! The charity race night is one of the most popular fixtures at the West Yorkshire track!

The popular race meeting also incorporates a Beer Festival, with local breweries Revolutions Brewing, Pennine Breweries, Ossett Brewery and the Bier Huis all showcasing their wares. The beer festival will be held throughout the evening in the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure and racegoers in both this area and the Premier Enclosure will be able to access the trademark best selling ales.

There’s an exciting racing programme as well with 6 races kicking off at 6.30pm.The feature race is the £15,000 Betfred Supports Jack Berry House Handicap – a 5 furlong sprint which will take around just a minute to win it! Trainer Paul Midgley has won 4 of the last 5 runnings of this race. Last year’s winner, Final Venture, was trained at the time by the late Alan Swinbank. He has since been snapped up by Paul Midgley and has been competing in Group or Listed races ever since!

There’s an interesting supporting card including the Countrywide Freight Maiden Auction Stakes which opens proceedings. This is the race where you could spot the odd star of the future! Only a few years ago, Treaty of Paris took this race before going on to beat The Grey Gatsby at York!

It’s the last evening meeting of the Summer at Pontefract and it’s always a popular event – make sure you take advantage of the advanced booking rates available through the Racecourse’s website at www.pontefract-races.co.uk.

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

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

Stable staff can stay safe in the sun at Beverley racecourse this summer thanks to an innovative campaign launched in association with Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Sun-cream dispensers have been installed around the popular East Yorkshire circuit to protect stable staff and racegoers throughout the season.

Yorkshire Cancer Research has also created wristbands that change colour to indicate when skin protection from ultraviolet rays is required.

The campaign will be launched on Friday, July 7 and Saturday, July 8 – Beverley’s biggest racing weekend of the 2017 campaign – and will continue on the Westwood during the summer.

Beverley officials will issue free wristbands, tubes of sunblock and sun-awareness information guides to all stable staff working over the weekend as part of its contribution to Racing Staff Week.

Racing Staff Week aims to bring the industry together to inform and engage about the passion, skill and dedication required to work with racehorses.

George McGrath, chief executive of the National Association of Stable Staff, said: “This is an initiative we very much support and is most appreciated.

“We welcome any initiative like this from any racecourse that acknowledges the hard work and professionalism of our stable staff.

“The sunblock is particularly appropriate for stable staff as it can be easy, when working under timescales and pressure, to forget to protect your skin during the summer.

“The recognition and respect given to our stable staff with this initiative is very important and very significant.”

Beverley staff will hand out wallet-sized information guides on sun safety as well as the wristbands, which will be on sale for £1 to racegoers, with proceeds going to Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Sun cream will also be available, free of charge, in all bathrooms at the track.

Racing Welfare chief executive Dawn Goodfellow said: “It’s a lovely idea and something Racing Welfare very much welcomes.

“For busy racing staff who are working outside for a large part of their day, sun awareness is something that is probably down the list of priorities for many.

“The partnership with Beverley and Yorkshire Cancer Research will crucially help to spread sun awareness amongst stable staff – and that can only be a good thing.”

Beverley racecourse chief executive Sally Iggulden added: “We take our duty of care to stable staff and other employees very seriously indeed, so it’s important to us that this campaign applies equally to people working at the racecourse.”

Adrienne Hodgson, relationship officer for Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “With cases of skin cancer on the rise in Yorkshire, we’re aiming to spread our sun awareness message as far and wide as possible among communities in the region.

“Our new partnership with Beverley racecourse will play a vital role in helping us reach people of all ages as they enjoy the outdoors this summer.”

Ripon Races are gearing up for a busy few months and the action starts on Monday 10th July with their ‘Blues Brothers Evening’, what better way to dust off that Monday Blues and start your week on a high!

With musical entertainment on Ripon’s bandstand a regular feature at their summer race meetings, Ripon are welcoming back of the UK’s finest Blues Brothers tribute bands ‘The Jailhouse Blues Brothers’.

The duo will be performing between races, before a set after racing at 9.15pm. The course are also staging an alternative ‘Best Dressed Competition’ and are encouraging racegoers to get in the spirit and get creative, with last year’s top prize going to a Dan Ackroyd Ghostbusters tribute (pictured).

James Hutchinson, Managing Director and Clerk of the Course said:

“This will be the 3rd year we’ve held the Blues Brothers Evening and year on year it just gets better. Adding a bit of entertainment to our evening meeting with a great covers band really does go down well and watching them all line up in their outfits is hilarious!”

There will also be six races on the track with the feature race of the evening, ‘The Ripon Cathedral Handicap Stakes’ attracting Class 3 runners over a mile and a quarter with a prize fund of £12,000.

It’s just over four weeks until Ripon will welcome their biggest crowd of the season for the 10th annual ‘Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival’. The festival which starts at Ripon on Saturday 22nd July celebrates Yorkshire racing with 8 days of racing at 8 of the 9 Yorkshire Racecourses from 22nd – 30th July.

You can keep up to date with all the latest news and offers from the course on their social media pages, or by visiting their website.

Scott Mills, one of the nation’s favourite DJ’s is to visit Doncaster Racecourse this summer to entertain the racing crowds.

Scott, who began his career on the Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Zoe Ball and endeared himself to the nation when he took place in the 2014 series of Strictly Come Dancing, will play after evening racing concludes at the Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival which takes place on Thursday 27th July.

“Scott is a born entertainer and he is a hugely popular DJ who is sure to play an amazing set at one of our legendary summer evening meetings,” said Abby Chandler Head of Marketing Doncaster Racecourse. “We shall look forward to welcoming him to Doncaster for the first time and feel sure that the entire evening will be a huge success.”

In addition to being a hugely popular radio presenter Scott has made numerous appearance on TV and also DJ’s at events in the UK and Europe.

“Summer evening racing at Doncaster continues to draw in the crowds and the addition of Scott to this evening in late July is expected to attract even more people who can enjoy an evening of quality racing and then a fantastic after party,” said Abby. “It’s a great night out for friends and family and is the best social scene in Doncaster.”

Gates open at 4pm with the first race taking place at 5.45pm. The last race begins at 8.55pm and Scott will commence his performance shortly after.

For tickets visit http://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/fixture/summer-evening-racing-4/

Racing Staff Week runs from Saturday 1^st July until Saturday 8^th July 2017. The week is sponsored by Betfair and aims to bring the racing industry together to inform and engage horseracing followers and supporters about the passion, skill and dedication required to work with racehorses.

At every one of the 41 meetings during the week, the vital roles of the stud, stable and racecourse staff will be celebrated through the display of a special Racing Staff Week film, racecard adverts and many named races. Furthermore, tracks are offering excellent prizes and gifts to staff throughout the week to show their appreciation for their work.

Special initiatives include free ice cream for all stable staff at York and sticky toffee pudding to take home for all staff at Cartmel. Both courses will also be giving hampers to all winning grooms. Increased Best Turned Out prizes will be provided at Chester, Pontefract, Thirsk, Nottingham, Chelmsford and Newton Abbot during the week with the latter two courses also running a prize draw for staff in the canteen. Hamilton Park will be providing commemorative mugs to all staff, Newbury will be giving out free cupcakes to staff and Perth will be giving branded baseball caps to all winning grooms. A complete list of racecourse initiatives is available at www.racingstaffweek.com and is being updated and added to on a daily basis.

All Arena Racing Company Racecourses are holding a free prize draw in the stable staff canteen to win a hamper at each track; this includes Doncaster, Lingfield, Newcastle, Windsor, Uttoxeter, Wolverhampton, Brighton, Chepstow, Bath, Worcester and Yarmouth. Furthermore, Lingfield and Doncaster are the two host courses for the stable staff charity races, the Betfair Three Feathers Cup and the Betfair Clock Tower Cup.

Pontefract Racecourse have also incorporated a Racing Welfare ‘Lifetime in Racing’ award race into their card on Monday 3^rd. The race will recognise the career of Roy Fowler who has worked in racing since 1964, initially as racing groom and head lad until becoming a jockey’s valet in the 1980s.

Jockey Club Racecourses will be providing all staff, including box drivers, with a ‘goodie bag’ for the journey home including fruit, a chocolate bar and water. Jockey Club racecourses will also be offering a minimum £50 Best Turned Out Award for every race on all courses during the week. At the Sandown Eclipse meeting, Coral have very generously provided £150 for all races on Coral-Eclipse Day bar the Coral-Eclipse itself which will have a £250 prize. The Jockey Club will also be recognising the contribution of racecourse staff by running competitions for all its full time and casual staff during the week too.

The Racehorse Owners Association are generously contributing £100 to up to 30 racing yards across the country towards a yard BBQ or social event during Racing Staff Week.  In a survey carried out by the ROA last year, owners identified a rewarding element of owning a racehorse was knowing the member of stable staff that looks after their horse, and the ROA saw the Racing Staff Week BBQ initiative as a great opportunity for owners and staff to get together and for trainers to organise a social event to thank their staff for their hard work.

ROA Chief Executive Charlie Liverton said “The great care and effort given by staff looking after racehorses is very much appreciated by their owners. The ROA is delighted the barbeque initiative has proved so popular as it recognises these vital staff and gives owners an opportunity to socialise with them in a relaxed environment. Our thanks is extended to the 30 participating training yards and to Racing Welfare for coordinating both these and the regional events.”

In addition to the yard organised events across the country, the ROA have kindly donated £200 towards four Racing Welfare organised events for staff in Newmarket, Middleham, Malton and Lambourn, to which staff and owners are also invited.  The Thoroughbred Breeders Association have also generously contributed towards the Racing Welfare regionally organised events and stud staff are invited to attend these events.

The British Horseracing Authority and Careers in Racing will be hiding 13 ‘golden tickets’ around racecourses and training centres for lucky racing staff to find across the course of Racing Staff Week. 12 will have a £100 voucher for a choice of high street retailers, whilst the 13th will be an invitation for two to the 2018 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff awards, nominations for which open on Saturday 8th July. The vouchers can be redeemed by sending back the winning ticket to the BHA with the winner’s name, address, employer, and which voucher they would like.

Zoe Elliott, Careers Marketing & Recruitment Manager at the BHA, said: “All of the racing industry is coming together for Racing Staff Week and we thought golden tickets would be a fun and interactive way for BHA to show its appreciation for all the work that racing staff put in behind the scenes.”

The National Association of Stable Staff is also offering fantastic prizes for racing staff with a daily prize draw of a £150 worth of Red Letter vouchers which can be entered via their Facebook page. NASS are also holding a Grand Prize draw at the end of the week, on 8^th July 2017, for £1000 in travel vouchers to the lucky winner. The competition is open to all racing staff in the UK.

George McGrath, NASS Chief Executive said “NASS welcome the Racing Welfare initiative of Racing Staff Week. This is a great opportunity for everybody associated with racing to show their appreciation for the work the staff do. Racing is a labour of love requiring the staff to work early mornings and late evenings. Racing staff week gives the owners and trainers a chance to say thank you to the staff and raises the public’s awareness of the skilled work we do.”

The National Trainers Federation is launching a £4,000 award for Racing Grooms in memory of the late racehorse trainer Toby Balding, who was dedicated to the support and development of young people in the horse racing industry. The annual award, which is funded by the National Trainers Federation Charitable Trust (NTFCT) from a donation made by the Swire Trust in memory of Toby Balding, will be presented to a member of stable staff who demonstrates a desire to further their career and to train for a higher level qualification or undertake personal development training.

Rupert Arnold, NTF Chief Executive said “Last year the NTF enabled its members to say a big Thank You to all the dedicated people who care for the horses at the centre of our great sport. This year, to support Racing Welfare’s Racing Staff Week, we are creating a new way for aspirational racing staff to develop their career path. Toby Balding was a great supporter of anyone looking to make their way in horseracing so the annual award named after him offers an exciting opportunity for ambitious employees in British racing yards to widen their knowledge and train to acquire new skills. We would encourage all trainers to embrace this award by supporting those loyal members of their staff to apply and help them advance to a more senior role.”

Dawn Goodfellow, Racing Welfare Chief Executive, said: “We are thrilled at the great initiatives being run for Racing Staff throughout the week, both from racecourses and industry bodies. Racing Staff Week will not only create awareness among racegoers about the vital role of racing staff, but will also show staff, from across studs, stables and racecourses, how much their skill and dedication is appreciated. ”.

Ends

Notes to Editors:

About Racing Staff Week:

Racing Staff Week runs from Saturday 1^st – Saturday 8^th July. It is an initiative developed by Racing Welfare with sponsorship from Betfair.

It celebrates the roles of racing’s workforce– the stable staff, stud staff and all the other behind the scenes staff that play a vital role in the production of British Horseracing. It also aims to raise the profile of Racing Welfare, the only charity that supports all of Racing’s workforce (stud staff, stable staff and support staff – including racecourse staff)

Stable staff require dedication, specialist skills and talent to work with racehorses and none of them would do the job for very long unless they loved the horses they care for and ride.

For further information about Racing Staff Week visit www.racingstaffweek.com 

METEOR Light will bid to complete a three-timer when he contests the sunbets.co.uk Handicap – the £50,000 feature of Saturday’s seven-race card at York.

The lightly-raced three-year-old has only had three career starts, triumphing in his last two. Trainer Ed Vaughan’s charge opened his account at Nottingham in early May before winning a handicap a month later at Leicester.

That was a Class 4 contest and now Vaughan has stepped up Meteor Light in grade to Class 2 level for this extended mile and a quarter race on what is a brand new raceday on the Knavesmire. But he is looking forward to seeing how the improving Clodovil gelding competes against stronger opposition.

Newmarket-based Vaughan said: “He is a progressive horse, who won nicely last time from a tricky draw.

“I know it’s soft ground at York but a bit of juice won’t hinder him, that’s for sure. And I think the track will suit him, also. It’s a nice flat, galloping track – it’s a no excuses track for any horse, really.

“He still doesn’t know a whole lot about racing – he’ll improve again for another run

“I think he is probably in better shape than he ever has been. Since his last run, he has eaten well, is looking great and he’s in great form with himself. We don’t try him at home. They just improve with their racing.

“He hasn’t put a foot wrong yet this year, has slipped into a decent handicap off a nice low weight so it’s worth taking the chance.”

Vaughan’s string is firing at around a 22 per cent success rate and he enjoyed a nice winner at Newmarket last Friday, thanks to Roman Holiday. “They’re all running to form,” he added.

The first Saturday of July is a brand new raceday for York and is already proving very popular.

Not only are there some unique races on the Sun Bets supported card – including the “Jump Jockeys Nunthorpe”, only open to riders who hold a National Hunt Licence – with extra entertainment coming from a post-racing concert by pop superstar, Olly Murs. Stands Side has reached capacity in advance but racegoers can still follow the £150,000 card as well as the music from Course Enclosure, which goes on sale on the day at 11.15am

The first race is at 1.55pm when the two-year-olds are out in the Sun Bets Download The App Novice Stakes.

Beverley Racecourse has announced a ground-breaking partnership with Yorkshire Cancer Research to raise awareness of the dangers of sun damage and over-exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays.

The campaign aims to protect racegoers and racecourse staff during the rest of the season following the recent hot spell which saw the UK record its hottest June day for 41 years.

Such have been the unprecedented temperatures that race organisers at Royal Ascot relaxed the strict dress code, allowing gentlemen in the Royal Enclosure to remove their jackets for the first time in the meeting’s history.

The partnership between Beverley Racecourse and Yorkshire Cancer Research is the first of its kind involving a racecourse and spanning both spectators and staff.

It will launch on Friday, July 7, and Saturday, July 8, during East Yorkshire’s biggest racing weekend of the summer and continue through the season.

Sally Iggulden, Chief Executive at Beverley Racecourse, said: “We’re delighted to team up with Yorkshire Cancer Research to raise awareness of the dangers of sun damage.

“Racegoers love nothing better than spending a day in the sun soaking up the wonderful atmosphere at courses like Beverley. But we’re very aware that it’s easy to forget to use sun cream and, as the recent heatwave demonstrates, we all need to protect our skin.

“We’re launching the partnership at our big summer racing weekend. Both the Friday night and Saturday have an amazing party atmosphere and people really make a weekend of it. It’s a fantastic way to spend a summer evening and the following day with friends or family.

“We’re installing sun cream dispensers around the course so racegoers can stay protected and enjoy thrilling racing, entertainment and live music without worrying about sunburn or, even worse, long-term skin damage.

“The dispensers will remain in place throughout the season, so racegoers and staff will always be able to apply sun cream to protect themselves from the sun’s rays while around the course.”

Adrienne Hodgson, Relationship Officer at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “Staying safe in the sun is incredibly important. One blistering sunburn can double the risk of getting skin cancer later in life, and UV rays can damage your skin even on cloudy days.

“With cases of skin cancer on the rise in Yorkshire, we’re aiming to spread our Sun Awareness message as far and wide as possible among communities in the region. Our new partnership with Beverley Racecourse will play a vital role in helping us reach people of all ages as they enjoy the outdoors this summer.”

Yorkshire Cancer Research has created wrist bands that change colour to indicate that skin protection from ultraviolet (UV) rays is required, and sun cream provided by Beverley Racecourse will be available free of charge in all bathrooms at the racecourse.

Raceday staff will hand out wallet-sized information guides on sun safety as well as the wrist bands, which will be on sale for £1, with proceeds going to Yorkshire Cancer Research.

In addition, Beverley Racecourse will give wrist bands, tubes of sun block and the information guides to all stable staff working over the weekend as part of its contribution to the racing industry’s Racing Staff Week.

Sally Iggulden added: “We take our duty of care to stable staff and other employees very seriously indeed, so it’s important to us that this campaign applies equally to people working at the racecourse.”

The Party on the Pasture and Big Saturday Raceday are two of the most popular meetings in the Beverley racecourse calendar, featuring live entertainment, face art and neon performers, plus live music from racecourse regulars the New York Brass Band. Almost 15,000 racegoers attended the corresponding events last year.

Gates open at the Party on the Pasture Race Night at 4pm on Friday, July 7. The first race is at 6.40pm and last race at 8.40pm.

Gates open for the Big Saturday Raceday at 11.30am on Saturday, July 8. The first race is at 1.40pm and last race at 5.10pm.

Tickets can be booked online at www.beverley-racecourse.co.uk or by calling the ticket hotline on 01482 867488. Racegoers are urged to book in advance for these popular meetings.

More information can be found about Yorkshire Cancer Research at www.yorkshirecancerresearch.org.uk.

PADDY Brennan and Tom Scudamore have ridden the last two winners of the King George VI Chase – one of jump racing’s most coveted prizes.

But this Saturday the pair – with no less than 16 Cheltenham Festival winners between them – are set for a very different challenge in the £20,000 Follow Sun Bets On Twitter “Jump Jockeys’ Nunthorpe” Handicap at York.

Instead of getting the leg up on a three-mile chaser, Brennan and Scudamore are preparing to tackle the flying five furlongs on the Knavesmire, which is the distance that the Group 1 Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes is staged over every August at the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival.

Brennan, who is well known for his partnership with the superb Cue Card (King George hero in 2015), is jocked-up to ride the in-form Henley for trainer Tracy Waggott. But while riding a sprinter is not the norm for Brennan, it is far from unknown territory for him.

He said: “I’ve ridden on the Flat before. I started with Jim Bolger and I rode a winner over five furlongs at Navan. It’s a long, long time ago but yeah, I’ve experienced it.

“The horse won his last two – any rain probably won’t do him any harm. But it’s five furlongs and we’ll jump out and go as fast as we can.

“This is definitely new to most of the lads – they wouldn’t have experienced anything like this, ever.

“York is a lovely place. I’ve been there before – it’s one of the nicest racecourses I’ve been to, so I’m looking forward to going and riding on the track.”

Like Brennan, weighing-room colleague Scudamore rode on the Flat very early in his career.

Scudamore, the rider of last year’s King George star Thistlecrack, said: “When I first started I was 16 – I rode on the Flat. Ryan Moore, Davy Russell and myself all started off competing against each other on the Flat.

“It was a very good experience and one I thoroughly enjoyed. I was champion amateur on the Flat. I think I rode 10 winners on the Flat as an amateur, so did okay. It was a long, long time ago (he landed the Flat amateurs’ championship in 2001).”

Scudamore is scheduled to partner the Paul Midgley-trained Gamesome this Saturday. He says there has already been some chat among the jump jockeys about riding at York and it’s a race he’d love to win.

Scudamore added: “It would be tremendous, a great thrill. I might have ridden a sprinter as an amateur round Redcar. Other than that, I’ve never ridden in a sprint race, so it will be a new experience and one I’m very much looking forward to.”

The declarations for the race will be published tomorrow but several other jump jockeys are already listed to ride: Timmy Murphy (Love On The Rocks), Jack Quinlan (Escalating), Sean Quinlan (Mount Kiara), Andrew Tinkler (Bashiba), Joe Colliver (Fumbo Jumbo) and Sam Twiston-Davies (Memories Galore).

Saturday’s first of seven races is due off at 1.55pm, with Olly Murs taking to the stage after racing. The popularity of the event means that the racecourse has reached capacity on Stands Side. There will be no admissions to Stand Side sold on the day, however racegoers can still be part of the atmosphere by visiting the Course Enclosure, it is only open for sales once gates open (11.15am) on the raceday. For more information please visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk<http://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk/>.

 William Hill agree three-year deal with ARC to sponsor the St Leger Festival at Doncaster Racecourse including the world’s oldest Classic horserace

 Today, Arena Racing Company (“ARC”) announces that William Hill is the new sponsor of the St Leger Stakes, the world’s oldest Classic horserace.

 The three-year deal sees William Hill sponsor the Group 1 St Leger Stakes, worth £700,000 this year, along with a feature race each day of the four-day festival which will be known as ‘The William Hill St Leger Festival’ and run from Wednesday 13 September to Saturday 16 September 2017. 

Alongside the feature race, William Hill will sponsor the following races;

·       The William Hill Handicap on the opening day of the Festival (Wednesday);

·       The William Hill May Hill Stakes on Ladies’ Day (Thursday);

·       The William Hill Mallard Stakes on Gentlemen’s Day (Friday); and

·       The William Hill Portland Stakes on the finale, alongside the William Hill St Leger Stakes on the final day (Saturday). 

In 2016, the St Leger Festival was attended by over 60,000 racegoers. In 2017, terrestrial coverage of the William Hill St Leger Stakes day will be on the ITV 1 channel with coverage on ITV4 for Ladies’ Day and Gentlemen’s Day. 

New St Leger Festival sponsor, William Hill was the first betting company to sponsor a major horserace in 1957.  Today, William Hill is sponsor of the Ayr Gold Cup, Great St. Wilfrid at Ripon, Scottish Super Sprint at Musselburgh and is also the broadcast sponsor for all of ITV’s horseracing coverage.  

William Hill CEO, Philip Bowcock, said: “William Hill is one of the best known brands in betting – with a long history of horseracing sponsorship.  We are delighted to sponsor the oldest classic and we will work closely with ARC to continue to build the profile and popularity of the William Hill St Leger Festival.” 

Chief Executive of ARC, Martin Cruddace, said: “We are delighted William Hill have become the new sponsors of the St Leger. We really enjoy working with their team and look forward to extending this to our feature racing festival of the year. William Hill have the brand, vision and team to help build on the success of both the four-day festival and the feature race, the St Leger, which continues to be one of the most important races in the British Racing calendar.”

 Executive Director of Doncaster Racecourse, Tim Banfield, said “The William Hill St Leger Festival is a wonderful four days of racing for Doncaster, the Yorkshire region and the whole of British Racing.  We aim to have a real and long-term partnership with all our sponsors and we look forward to integrating William Hill’s world-renowned brand into our feature event.  The team here are working hard on preparations for this year’s William Hill St Leger Festival and we are set on delivering another fantastic four days of racing.”

 Tickets for the St. Leger Festival are now on sale and can be purchased online at

http://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/  

York is back in action with a brand new raceday on the first Saturday of July, as a combination of an £150,000 seven race card, with some special races and a concert from pop superstar, Olly Murs, has already proven popular.

As with every afternoon at York, there is a valuable feature race, on this occasion a £50,000 middle distance handicap supported by Sunbets, who give their backing to the whole day

Another likely first on the afternoon will come courtesy of the winning rider in the “Jump Jockeys Nunthorpe”; a handicap contest over the flying five furlongs, only open to riders who hold a National Hunt License. Will champion jockey, Richard Johnson, record his first Knavesmire winner?

The final and longest race of the afternoon, over one and a half miles, is another unusual handicap as it potentially puts three types of jockey in direct competition. All need to be female riders however, as the name Pro-AM suggests, fully fledged professionals can compete against amateurs, as well as apprentices. York was the first course to see a female rider win a Group One when Alex Greaves landed the Coolmore Nunthorpe of 1997, a feat repeated by Hayley Turner in 2011. The growing reputations of York winners already this season, Josephine Gordon, Georgia Cox or Jo Mason would be further enhanced by a victory.

The popularity of the event means that the racecourse has reached capacity on Stands Side so a crowd of over 30,000 is already guaranteed. There will be no admissions to Stand Side sold on the day, however racegoers can still be part of the atmosphere by visiting The Course Enclosure (called the Picnic Enclosure by some). In the middle of the racecourse, it is only open for sales once gates open (11.15am) on the raceday, Course Enclosure will be part of the atmosphere and offers an angled view of the stage (and great view of the racing) moreover the sound system will reach this area. Admission to the Course Enclosure is £10 for adults, £8 for over 65s and free of charge to accompanied under 18s. It can only be purchased when the gates open at 11.15am on Saturday. The capacity of Course Enclosure is significant and it has not reached this capacity on previous music events, however the advice, as always, is to arrive early.

Expecting a lot of first time racegoers, there will be the opportunity to explore a track recently voted as the best in Britain, by the knowledgeable Racegoers Club. The upgraded areas such as the new Eat Between Our Races Café form part of a rolling programme of improvements that has seen the unveiling of £10m Northern End Development in recent years. True to York’s reputation, a bottle of champagne will be available from £31. Other tastes are catered for with an extended range of craft beers brewed by Ainsty Ales just beyond the six furlong start, the introduction of premium mixers from Fever-Tree to join the premium spirits served on the smart Moët Ice Roof Terrace, or the easy availability of Heineken 0.0 as a new, refreshing, zero alcohol option.

The sunbets.co.uk Youbetcha British EBF Maiden Fillies Stakes over seven furlongs is one of 21 races at York to also benefit from the generous support of The European Breeders’ Fund.

Racegoers will have the chance to get close to a racehorse as Yorkshire based equine charity; New Beginnings are bringing Harry, (a thoroughbred who raced here in 1994 using his professional name of Golden Hello) as well as his friend Meg the pony.

The relaxed atmosphere of this new fixture is further enhanced with live musical entertainment provided by the Paradise Steel Band on the Edwardian Weighing Room Lawn and the Players under the Knavesmire Stand.

After racing, all eyes will focus on the dedicated music stage as Olly Murs will entertain the crowd. Since he shot to fame on ‘X Factor’ in 2009, Olly has crafted four multi-platinum albums, produced four number One singles, whilst clocking up total record sales exceeding 10 million. His latest album, ’24 HRS’ sees him working with an array of producers and was recorded in both London and L.A. – Olly has never sounded so good.

For those wanting to get even closer to Olly, there is a competition running on the York Races Facebook page, offering the prize of  “meet and greet” with the singing star, entries need to submitted between 5pm Monday to 10am Thursday.

The ‘Punters Panel’ will preview the action before racing from the winners’ enclosure, while a new giant screen on the John Carr Terrace will provide racegoers with an even closer view of proceedings on the track.

Those who want to find out more about this raceday and the season ahead can visit York’s website on www.yorkracecourse.co.uk<http://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk/>

Declan Carroll was narrowly denied a first Royal Ascot winner last Thursday but seeks a degree of solace with two “live chances” at Beverley on Tuesday.

The Malton-based handler was left with mixed emotions at the Royal meeting when talented two-year-old Santry could not quite claw back Sioux Nation in the Norfolk Stakes.

But Carroll is keen to get back to winning ways and now heads to Beverley with stable stalwarts Mysterial and Save The Bees.

The former won over 10 furlongs at the picturesque East Yorkshire circuit last June and carries top weight in the Racing UK-sponsored handicap over a mile and a half (3.00).

Nine-year-old Save The Bees will be having his 90th career start – 11 of which have ended in victory – in the feature race of the day, the £10,000 Skidby Handicap over a mile and a quarter (3.30).

Carroll said: “These two horses have been with me for a while now and I think a lot of them.

“Mysterial will like the ground and potentially has a nice draw. He might also find this a little bit easier than on recent runs.

“He also has winning form at Beverley – and that’s never a bad thing.

“Save The Bees has been running really well this year. He’s a grand old boy that’s getting older, but, if anything, he seems to be improving.

“He comes good at this time of year and always wears his heart on his sleeve.

“He’s on a nice mark and will also like the ground – he just needs that bit of luck. It’s a nice prize to win so hopefully he will go well.

“Both horses go to Beverley with live chances.”

Carroll has given Santry a clean bill of health after his brave effort in defeat in the Norfolk Stakes.

The young son of Harbour Watch has solely been campaigned over five furlongs, but his trainer cannot wait to step him up in trip.

Carroll, who used to train near Beverley at Sledmere House, added: “Santry is in fantastic form and came out of the race as sound as a pound.

“Ascot was bittersweet, really. To go so close and not win was disappointing, but I’m so proud of the horse.

“We’ll probably go to York now for the Gimcrack. I said about possibly running him in the Nunthorpe on the day, but he’s not just a five-furlong horse and I see him as a miler next year.

“There’s also the Middle Park at Newmarket to think about later in the season so there’s a lot to look forward to.

“There’s been good money turned down for him, but the owners aren’t too keen to sell as they think the world of this horse – just like I do.”

Beverley’s eight-race card on Tuesday starts at 2pm, with the official going described as good to firm – with watering taking place to maintain ground conditions.

A competition hosted by Doncaster Racecourse as part of Local Community and History Month has discovered two exceptionally talented students amongst the borough’s schools.

Lizzie Bowie,13, from Armthorpe Academy was the winner of the secondary school competition with her poem entitled “The Race’. Meanwhile Sky Hassan from year five at Richmond Hill Primary Academy was the winner of the primary competition which was to create a piece of artwork depicting horse racing in Doncaster. The competition, launched as part of Local and Community History Month, provided the ideal opportunity for today’s younger generation to explore racing heritage in the town.

Lizzie’s poem, which takes the reader on a horse racing journey commences:

“1776 is when it all began,
The St. Leger Festival,
Where all the finest ran”

It concludes with an inspired final line which the racecourse team felt encapsulated the very heart of the Doncaster racing heritage, history and experience.

“Massive applause as the trophy is lifted,
People are proud of the duo so gifted,
All in all, what a fantastic day,
Doncaster Racecourse; where dreams are made.”

“It has been great to work with local schools and to receive so many fantastic entries which made judging rather tricky,” said Abby Chandler Head of Marketing Manager Doncaster Racecourse. “Well done to Lizzie and Sky for displaying such creativity – they are true ambassadors for their schools and Doncaster. Lizzie’s poem was superbly written and she had clearly researched racing heritage in the town whilst Sky’s poster visually represented how proud Doncaster is of racing in the past, present and future.”

Both students enjoyed family passes for the recent Yorkshire Wildlife Park family fun day which attracted bumper crowds. They also receive a family pass for St Leger Day in September and a family day pass to Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

Lizzie and Sky saw their work printed in the race card for the Father’s Day meeting and they will also be framed and displayed during the prestigious St Leger Festival which this year takes place between Wednesday 13th and Saturday 16th September.

“Our family fun day attracted great crowds who enjoyed quality racing, lots of family activities and quality time with friends and family in the summer sunshine,” said Abby. “It was lovely to welcome Lizzie and Sky and their friends and family and see them enjoying such a huge part of Doncaster’s past and it’s future.”

Details of forthcoming racing and music nights can be found by visiting http://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/

The inaugural ‘Art of Racing’ Raceday won an award at the prestigious Showcase Awards last year for its unique innovation and the first of two Art of Racing Racedays in 2017 takes place at Pontefract on Monday 3^rd July. It once again promises to be a brilliant day for both racing fanatics and those going racing for the first time as the race meeting celebrates everything we know and love about The Sport of Kings!

For those who think they know a bit about racing, the Racecourse are looking for 7 guest tipsters to preview one race each on the day. These form experts will then visit the course on the day to share their knowledge to other racegoers before their race takes place!  Pontefract are also looking for those with a keen eye for the horses to join them to pick out the Best Turned Out Horse in each race as well. If you’d like to be considered for either of these roles, please contact the Racecourse on 01977 781307 or email info@pontefract-races.co.uk.

There will also be a beginners commentary booth for people to have a go at commentating on a race ‘behind the scenes’ – everyone taking part will be able to take home a recording of their commentary! With bus trips to see the equine stars down at the start, as well as a mechanical horse for budding jockeys to try out and some fantastic racing, it’s going to be a fun packed day with plenty going on!

On the track the European Breeders Fund sponsor the 2 most valuable races on the card – the Fillies Handicap and the Spindrifter Conditions Stakes. The latter always produces a speedy youngster – the race was won in 2016 by Mark Johnston’s Love Dreams. The race honours Spindrifter, who won an incredible 13 races as a two year old in 1980 – three of which were at Pontefract! The ebfstallions.com Fillies Handicap over 6f has been won for the last two years by Tim Easterby’s Gran Canaria Queen. With £15,000 on offer to the winner, there’s likely to be a host of fillies challenging for top honours in 2017.

The popular Lifetime in Racing Series host a 5f Sprint in honour of Roy Fowler. With a rich history in the sport, Roy ‘Flogger’ Fowler is an unsung hero of the weighing room and has worked tirelessly behind the scenes as a jockey’s valet. We look forward to welcoming him and his family to Pontefract for his race!

There are also three races on the card run in honour of dearly missed family members. Tony Perkins sponsors a couple of races on the card – a Classified Race in honour of his late grandfather Wilfred Underwood and a handicap for Lady Amateur riders celebrating the life of his father, JP. The Conway Family will again be remembering Wayne for the 10^th consecutive year. He loved his racing at Pontefract and would have loved having a race in his honour.

The Racecourse will once again be offering discounted tickets to those who book in advance – see www.pontefract-races.co.uk for more information.

York Racecourse is delighted that  Alison Storey, the Chief Receptionist at the course, has won a Visit York Tourism Award.

Her success came in the Outstanding Customer Service Category where her work, as the first point of contact for many of the 350,000 visitors to the Knavesmire was recognised.

Presented at a glittering ceremony, in the National Railway museum, the evening was a celebration of the tourism industry in the city and surrounding area.

Only last week, York was voted as the Best Racecourse of the Year by the members of the Racegoers Club for the 4th time, another accolade where Alison will have played her part.

Speaking about her award, Alison said, “I’m flattered to have been the one collecting the award but it really is a team effort, so it is a team award. The evening passed in a blur so I’m looking forward to seeing some of the photographs as a reminder of a great evening.”

William Derby, Clerk of the Course and Chief Executive at York, said, “I am truly delighted for Alison, she is a popular member of the hard working team here at the Knavesmire and we so proud she has been recognised with such a prestigious award.  Unendingly helpful, welcoming and a friend to everyone, she embodies the essence of York Racecourse.  Alison has been a lynchpin of York Racecourse since 1999 and she and her colleagues are wonderful ambassadors for the course.  The Visit York team and their sponsors, such as Manchester Airport who backed this category, put in a huge amount of effort to make it a successful event.  It is great to have been a part of it, of course, made all the better by Alison picking up her award.  It adds to the positive mood ahead of the brand new raceday on Saturday 1st July.  We look forward to welcoming the horses, their connections, racegoers and Olly Murs; I think Alison will be busy again.”

Yorkshire folk are happy to admit they love a night out that doesn’t cost the earth!  Combine that with their love for racing and you have the perfect recipe for one fantastic evening of fun!  With the folk of South Yorkshire in mind – Doncaster Racecourse has announced the date of its Free Residents Evening.

 The Frenchgate Free Residents Evening will take place on Thursday 20^th July and residents whose home address has a DN postcode will enjoy free tickets to the family enclosure for the evening.

“We want everyone in the Doncaster area to be able to experience the thrilling action and vibrant social scene at this famous racecourse and this annual event has proved to be hugely popular in previous years,” said Abby Chandler Head of Marketing Doncaster Racecourse. “It’s great to see people enjoying our hospitality and allows us to give a little something back to the local community of Doncaster.” 

During 2016 2.3m visitors flocked to Doncaster with over 300,000 visiting the racecourse highlighting the significant contribution it makes to the local tourism economy when it is open for only 36 racing days each year. 

“It is possible to upgrade these complementary tickets to other areas of the racecourse for those that may like to be able to access all areas,” said Abby. “Whichever part of the course you choose to watch the racing from you will enjoy a summer evening racing, perfect for racing enthusiasts or those wanting to try it out for the first time.” 

Tickets can be booked quoting the code JULYFREE. Upgrades cost £5.00 for the Grandstand Enclosure, £10.00 for the County Enclosure and £15.00 for the Premier Enclosure. Children under 18 are free when accompanied by an adult.

 Gates open at 4pm with the first race taking place at 5.40pm. The final race commences at 8.50pm.

To book tickets or to find our more information visit http://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/fixture/summer-evening-racing-3/

As the jockeys take to their saddles to ride at Royal Ascot (or Ripon!) this week, most will be lucky enough to have ridden their fair share of winners in their careers. But as most jockeys and sportsmen/women alike will remember, nothing beats your first competitive win whatever sport they compete in.

It will certainly be a mixture of emotions for the apprentice jockeys due to ride at Ripon Races on Wednesday evening, as they are all in fact chasing their first ever winner in the ONLY race in British racing open only to jockeys who have yet to ride a winner.

The race is the all down to the work of North Yorkshire racing welfare legend Raye Wilkinson, who has been working in racing for over 50 years.

Wilkinson was previously a social worker in Catterick Garrison, but a chance meeting with Middleham trainer Ernie Weymes in 1966 led to his involvement in racing. He instantly fell in love with horse racing and has never looked back. By October of that year Wilkinson was a full-time worker for the Stable Lads Welfare Trust, and the office in Middleham was opened.

Raye has since moved on but still works in Middleham for Mark Johnston Racing as their dedicated welfare officer. He continues to support up and coming jockeys by creating the very unique race for Apprentice riders which takes place at Ripon on Wednesday evening, 21^st June.

“If anything, I’ve left my mark by creating a welfare service, in 1978 I looked at racing from a stable lads’ point of view, and realised there was very little welfare cover for them,”

“I am so passionate about helping those working in racing from the ground up and this race is what that is all about, recognising those wonderful moments in a young jockeys career, however long that may be” said Wilkinson

The race which is the first race on Wednesday evenings card at Ripon, is this year titled to honour Rayes Dedication to the sport as ‘The Raye Wilkinson Apprentice Handicap’

Raye’s hard work has also been well recognised within the industry, having won the ‘Go Racing in Yorkshire ‘Lifetime achievement award’ back in 2010 and most recently being one three finalists for the Rory Macdonald Community award at the annual Godolphin Stable and Stud Awards in January 2015.

Wilkinson who has organised the race for seven years now, will never forget the day Oisin Murphy won the race back in 2013. Frustratingly Murphy who has since gone onto become one of the nation’s top flat jockeys, had a winner just three days before the race at Salisbury but conditions of the race meant that as the declaration dates had passed he still qualified to ride in the race.

Raye often refers to a fitting quote by Charles Trigg who rode an impressive 843 winners after his first ever winner in Newbury in 1905, and is best known for winning the Epsom Oaks aboard Rosedrop in 1910.

“Nobody but an apprentice who has done it will ever know what it means to ride his first winner. No words can explain it. You walk on air. You do not care what happens. You have done it. You have ridden a winner, and nothing can ever take that away from you” Charles Trigg, (1881 – 1945)

We look forward to seeing some more future stars start their careers with a first win in the saddle, what is sure is that it will be a day to remember for one happy jockey.

Closing details

Ripon Races are a flat turf racecourse, one of nine racecourses in Yorkshire. They hold 17 race meetings in 2017, from April to September with a variety of evening, weekend and family fun race days.

The race meeting on Wednesday 21^st June starts with the first of six races at 6.50pm with entry from 4.50pm. The course will have live music on the bandstand from Leeds based acoustic duo ‘Strobe’.

As usual at Ripon, accompanied children under 18 years of age are admitted FREE of charge into all enclosures. Tickets can be pre-booked for discounts or adult admission is available on the gates from £7 per person in the Course Enclosure, £15 in the Paddock and £23 for the Club Enclosure.

Watched by nearly 27,000 people, amateur rider Belinda Keighley raced to victory on Buckle Street, trained by her husband, Martin, and raised more than £25,000 for the charity

An amateur horse rider, Belinda Keighley closed a record breaking charity raceday by taking first prize in the Best Western Hotels and Macmillan Ride of their Lives. She was one of 10 amateur riders who today went head-to-head on York Racecourse, in front of a crowd of nearly 27,000 people.

Together, the riders – including a care worker, a swimming teacher and a vet – have so far raised over £132,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support to help people affected by cancer. They began training, and fundraising, six months ago aiming at today’s event. You can still add to this total by visiting their justgiving pages.

The 41 year-old from Luckley in Gloucestershire was joined on the winner’s podium by sons, Freddie, 8, and Harry,6, after seeing off a strong finish from Jo Ford aboard Arabian Oasis, with long time leader, Tanawar, holding on to give third place to Catriona Moon.

She said: “This is a dream come true, it’s absolutely amazing.  That’s probably me retired now, I think I’ll stop at the top – I’ll wait for my two boys to do it now.

“I’ve shed nearly three stone to ride today. I dedicate this race to my mum, Kathy, who we lost too young in 2010 after a brave 18 year battle with cancer and my Dad John, who was the most amazing carer but sadly died three months later.”

The raceday, which is the charity’s single biggest fundraising event, raised a record sum of just over £500,000. All money raised for Macmillan will help the charity continue to provide emotional, financial, medical and practical support to people affected by cancer. Other local cancer and racing charities will also benefit.

Lynda Thomas, chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “Thank you to everyone who has supported Macmillan Charity Raceday and made it such a record-breaking success. Macmillan Cancer Support relies on donations to fund our services, which are there to help people living with cancer, so we’re very grateful.”

Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course at York, William Derby said, “for Macmillan Charity Raceday to set a new record after 47 years and having now raised over £7,650,000 is a wonderful tribute to the support of so many individuals and organisations.  Everyone associated with York Racecourse is so proud of the partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support and the funds this day generates for helping people suffering from cancer.  After a week in which we were voted as Best Racecourse in Britain to end it, blessed with glorious weather, top quality racing action and a wonderful atmosphere around the racecourse, as well as that record sum of over £500,000 makes for a memorable chapter in our 2017 season.”

Andrew Denton, Director of Communications at the sponsors, Best Western Hotels & Resorts -Great Britain, said: “The riders have achieved something extraordinary and inspirational by taking part in the Ride of their Lives this year. We are humbled by their stories and their successes over the last six months and as race sponsors we are proud to help raise important funds for people whose lives have been affected by cancer.”

The raceday also featured seven professional races alongside charity lunches, auctions, raffles and collections all helping raise money for Macmillan and other charitable causes.

The online auction drew nationwide attention due to a unique lot – a vintage Vox Soloist guitar signed by more than 40 music legends, including Paul Weller, Van Morrison, Tony Lommi and Johnny Marr. Donated by Keith Stubbs, 68, the Macmillan supporter collected autographs over 10 years in the aftermath of his own cancer diagnosis. The guitar sold today for £2,550.

More than 150 Macmillan volunteers took part in Raceday, collecting donations and selling more than 19,000 raffle tickets to further boost the grand total. Just by attending, racegoers played their part as a contribution comes from each and every gate receipt.

Macmillan Charity Raceday is a fundraising collaboration between York Racecourse and Macmillan Cancer Support. Founded by the late Reg Griffin, the event has been held at York, annually since 1971, now raising more than £7.6 million in total for Macmillan and other charitable causes.

Macmillan Charity Raceday will return on Saturday 16 June 2018, so put the date in your diary.

For further information, please contact:

David Williams, Regional Communications Officer, Macmillan Cancer Support

Thesme attempts to claim a significant prize in her career when she lines up in the big race at Beverley on Tuesday evening (June 20).

The five-year-old mare has been solely campaigned in Group races this season and is one of five declared runners for the £14,000 British Stallion Studs Weatherbys Hamilton EBF Conditions Stakes (7.00).

Thesme has some fine form in the book, most significantly when she finished fifth in the Group One Nunthorpe Stakes at York last August.

She has, though, not won since August 2015, with North Yorkshire trainer Nigel Tinkler keen to set the record straight at Beverley.

The Malton-based handler said: “She’s been a little bit disappointing this season, but she has worked very well since her last run at Haydock.

“Tom Eaves has ridden her at home and he’s been very happy with her, so that’s good to hear.

“She’s well in at the weights for the Beverley race, so that’s also a positive.

“The track might be a little bit stiff for her, but, on the other hand, fast horses do win at Beverley so we are pretty hopeful she’ll run well.

“This looks a really good opportunity for her and it will be a nice prize to win.”

The hat-trick-seeking Judicial (Julie Camacho) and popular veteran Hoof It (Mick Easterby) have also been declared for the British Stallion Studs Weatherbys Hamilton EBF Conditions Stakes.

Michael Herrington’s Doc Sportello and the Kristin Stubbs-trained Soie D’Leau complete the line-up in what should be a really informative renewal of the valuable Beverley sprint.

Last season’s race was won by Line Of Reason, who broke Beverley’s five-furlong course record when he defeated Red Pike by a length and a quarter.

Beverley’s six-race card begins at 6pm, with the going at the East Yorkshire circuit reported as good to firm – with watering taking place to maintain conditions.

The forecast for 70s Racenight Featuring Bus Stop at Beverley – the first evening meeting on the Westwood this year – is for sunny spells, cloud and highs of 17C.

PROGRESSIVE young sprinter Ekhtiyaar is all set to tackle the Catherine Kinloch Paver Memorial Macmillan Charity Handicap at York on Saturday.

The six figure, six-furlong prize is the feature contest on Britain’s biggest charity raceday.

With a prize fund of £100,000 it is one of the season’s most valuable contests for three-year-old sprinters and has been won in the past by the likes of Cadeaux Genereux, Sheikh Albadou and more recently, Twilight Son.

The Sheikh Hamdan-owned Ekhtiyaar has some way to go before he is mentioned in the same breath as that trio but he certainly looks a sprinter to follow.

A winner of his second start at Yarmouth last October, the son of Bated Breath was runner-up on his seasonal reappearance at Doncaster before taking a six-furlong handicap at Newmarket a month ago.

He overcame trouble in running that day to beat a field of improving sprinters by a head with many of Saturday’s potential rivals in behind. He was raised 5lb for that victory by the handicapper – an increase which his trainer, Roger Varian, is hopeful will not halt his progression.

The Newmarket-based trainer said: “The handicap programme for three-year-old sprinters is a lucrative one and this race is a standout being such a valuable contest. As such, the plan was always to come here with Ekhtiyaar following his victory at Newmarket and I think the course will suit him given he is a strong-travelling type.

“The horse has been in good form following his victory last month and he posted an impressive performance on that occasion, given he was forced to switch entering the Dip as a gap was closed by a horse hanging in front of him. It is not easy to regain momentum in rain-softened ground and the way he picked up inside the final furlong was quite taking, with the front three pulling a long way clear of the remainder.

“The overall time of the race was good and a 5lb rise for the win seems a very workable assessment of the form by the handicapper. The better ground won’t be a problem and I hope Ekhtiyaar holds very solid claims, for all a number of horses arrive here on steep upward curves and I expect the race to be as competitive as the prize fund suggests it ought to be.”

Another highlight on the card is the Best Western Hotels Ganton Stakes, a Listed contest over a mile. The boosted £50,000 prize could see some real old favourites, with the likes of Custom Cut, Kool Kompany, Gabrial and Mondialiste as well as 2yo Course Record holder Dutch Connection, all featuring in the initial entry.

Saturday’s card will also see ten people even getting the chance to ride around the famous Knavesmire in the nine-furlong charity race – the Best Western Hotels & Macmillan Ride of their lives. Each rider is required to raise at least £3,000 with the aim to beat last year’s combined total of £150,000- help them on their Justgiving  pages.

The day gets underway at 1:50pm with The Queen Mother’s Cup, a race for lady amateur riders which was won in 1988 by The Princess Royal.

Racing also takes place on the Knavesmire on Friday with the first of seven races taking place at 1:50.

TRAINER Ian Williams will be hoping Turanga Leela and Monjeni can maintain their fine early-season form at York on Friday – the opening card of a two-day meeting on the Knavesmire.

Turanga Leela has been declared for the feature EBF Breeders Series Fillies’ Handicap – a £30,000 contest for three-year-olds and upwards. The six-furlong race has attracted twelve runners.

The Williams-trained speedster won in good style by a length and a half at Chester at the end of May.

It was a second victory at that track for Turanga Leela, who is owned by Denise and Mark Sheasby of Eventmasters Racing – who also sponsor the closing apprentices’ handicap, in support of their hospitality business.

The British Horseracing Authority handicapper raised her 7lb for that latest victory and her latest assignment will be a first crack in a Class 2 handicap.

Williams said: “Turanga Leela loves Chester and probably saves her best for there but has certainly earned the right to run in this race – although it looks very competitive.

“This is by far a stiffer assignment but she merits an opportunity against these horses.

“George Wood (apprentice rider) takes a handy 3lb off. But on the face of it she was given quite a lump for her win at Chester. So, it does make it very challenging for her on Friday.”

Monjeni is one of eleven declared for the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Handicap staged over a mile and three-quarters.

He joined Williams for his four-year-old campaign and has proved a revelation thus far. The gelding has won three of this four starts from Williams’ Alvechurch stables, including last time out at Haydock in mid-May.

Williams added: “Monjeni has a very progressive profile and I was very impressed with the way he won at Haydock last time.

“Ultimately, the handicapper has had his say and it gets tougher. But being by Montjeu and out of a very good mare, this horse is bred to be good.

“So, it would be lovely for the breeder if Monjeni was able to make another step forward.

“He should enjoy the track and the ground and we are looking forward to seeing him perform.

“He will hopefully enjoy a truly-run race and a good long straight to get going in.”

Saturday showcases emerging sprint stars with £100,000 up for grabs in the Catherine Kinloch Paver Memorial Macmillan Charity Handicap.

On the same card, a field of high-class milers will line up for the £50,000 Best Western Hotels Ganton Stakes – a Listed–class race.

Friday’s seven-race card, demonstrates York’s wide ranging investment in prize money, being worth £115,000 in total. It gets underway at 1.50pm.

Everyone at York Racecourse is delighted and honoured that the track has been voted as the best racecourse in the country by The Racegoers Club, following their 2016 annual survey of members.

It is the fourth time that York has been awarded the top title and as usual it was a close fought contest with Cheltenham, who continue to be the best loved track that stage jump racing.

Voters were asked for their scores on five categories; viewing experience, facilities, food & beverage, atmosphere and value for money. The courses were split into three geographical regions and the winners were selected by who had the highest overall average score across all categories.

York was described by one member as: “Still the best racecourse in the country. Great racing and a brilliant atmosphere, a must visit this year.”

Having won the national title, logically it follows that York also retained the equivalent title at a regional level, for The North & Scotland; a record 27th year that this regional award has been given to the Knavesmire, from the longest established supporters club for the sport.

William Derby, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course, said, “”The best awards to win are always those voted for by your customers, so it gives me great pleasure to be able to thank the Racegoers Club for this honour. As has been well documented the standards across all racecourses just keep on improving, so it is a real tribute to everyone involved with York that we have managed to secure the top spot. I’m sure that spirit of friendly competition will see the team at Cheltenham keen to take back the crown and we’re already working hard to retain it with our 2017 season already under full steam.”

The next chance to experience the award winning York Racecourse is on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th June.

As the nation gears up for a week of action at Royal Ascot, Ripon Races are getting into the spirit with their very own ‘Royal Ascot of the North’ as they host two-days of action including their annual Ladies’ Day on the same day as the Berkshire course.

The North Yorkshire course, otherwise known as ‘Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse’ is set to host their annual two-day Ladies’ Day meeting, with an evening of racing on Wednesday 21^st, before they host their Ladies’ Day on Thursday 22^nd June.

To launch the event, the Racecourse have teamed up with Stray FM and Heli-jet to offer four racegoers the chance to win the ultimate VIP day at the races. Not only does the winner win full hospitality for four people, the lucky winner will be brought to the racecourse by helicopter to really get into the spirit of Royal Ascot! Entries close on 18^th June with Harrogate based radio station Stray FM taking entries online.

https://www.strayfm.com/win/riponracesladiesday.php

One of the main highlights of the afternoon is the traditional ‘Best Dressed’ and ‘Best Hat’ competitions, with prizes courtesy of and judged by sponsors Snooty Frox and Milliner Jenny Roberts both of Harrogate.

Turning attention to the racing, Thursday’s Ladies Day’ theme is also replicated on the track as Ripon stage their ‘Ladies’ Derby’ – an amateur race for Lady Riders only. The race is one of the longest standing in racing history, with Ripon hosting one of the first EVER recorded races for Lady Amateur riders back in 1723.

Ripon also host an evening of racing the previous day on Wednesday (21^st), the meeting features six races including the ‘Raye Wilkinson Apprentice Handicap Stakes’. The race is the only race in British Racing which is only open to Apprentice Jockeys who have never ridden a winner. (See separate press release)

James Hutchinson, Managing Director and Clerk of the Course said:

“Ladies’ Day is a real highlight of our racing calendar and we are thrilled to be able to offer racegoers the chance to do it in real style! This year’s competition is simply out of this world and as always we look forward to an afternoon of quality action, glitz and glamour’

Whether you want to strut your stuff at the bookies, sip champagne on the summer lawns or simply resurrect that beautiful hat and shoes combo from the wedding you went to last year, Ladies Day provides a great excuse to let your hair down and enjoy a day not to be missed.

You can keep up to date with all the latest news and offers from the course on their social media pages, or by visiting their website.

The race meeting on Wednesday 21^st June starts with the first of six races at 6.50pm with entry from 4.50pm. The course will have live music on the bandstand from Leeds

Thursday’s Ladies’ Day afternoon racing starts with the first of seven races at 2.10pm with entry from noon.

Horse Racing is the fastest growing social sporting activity and what better way than to enjoy a summers evening than with the whole family.

As usual at Ripon, accompanied children under 18 years of age are admitted FREE of charge into all enclosures. Tickets can be pre-booked for discounts or adult admission is available on the gates from £7 per person in the Course Enclosure, £15 in the Paddock and £23 for the Club Enclosure.

TRAINER Tim Easterby is aiming for a third victory in five runnings of the £100,000 feature race at York on Macmillan Charity raceday, the Catherine Kinloch Paver Memorial Macmillan Charity Stakes, staged this Saturday on the Knvesmire.

Easterby, who trains at Habton Grange near Malton, won the valuable prize for three-year-old sprinters in 2013 with Body And Soul and a year later with See The Sun.

For the latest renewal, he has three entries headed by Copper Knight, winner of a the Unibet Sprint, a five-furlong handicap at York on May 27. Only two horses among the 29-strong entry for this six-furlong contest have a higher official rating than his figure of 101.

The son of Sir Prancealot has struck the last twice but has only competed at the minimum distance of five furlongs in his nine career starts. That’s why he has also been entered at Sandown in the Listed Scurry Stakes at the weekend.

Easterby said: “We’re just deciding whether to run at York or Sandown. He has never run over six furlongs before – that’s the only dodge that we’re a little bit concerned about.

“I should think there would be a good chance he’d run. He’s in good form and the money is fantastic.

“It’s a brilliant race to target with a three-year-old sprinter. We’re willing to support York if we can.”

Easterby has also entered 89-rated Hope Solo – who last ran in July – and the 81-rated Golden Apollo who is in action at Pontefract this evening.

Easterby added: “If Golden Apollo happened to win at Ponte, then it could be tempting.

“Hope Solo is in good form and working well. I’ll speak to Steve Parkin (whose Clipper Logistics colours Hope Solo carries) – there could be a chance I might run her.

“She is also in at York on the Friday as well (the £30,000 EBF Breeders Series Fillies Handicap). She will definitely run one day there.”

The wider raceday is one that Easterby always enjoys. Indeed, last year there was double cause for celebration in the Easterby household as Tim trained Snoano, victorious in the Queen Mother’s Cup partnered by the winning lady amateur rider. who was his daughter. Emily. The unique prize of winning her weight in GH Mumm champagne was particularly well received.

Easterby added: “It’s a good raceday, well planned.”

York’s two-day June meeting gets underway on Friday afternoon.

Polish your platforms and fish out those flares – legendary 70s disco extravaganza Bus Stop is coming to Beverley for a fun-filled night at the races!

Racegoers can relive the disco night which filled the dancefloor every Tuesday at Hull’s Lexington Avenue (LAs) nightclub.

Bus Stop launched at LAs in 1995 and ran for seven years, with thousands of clubbers enjoying the very best of 70s disco hits and revelling in fashions that time tried to forget!

With the nightclub site now making way for a new DoubleTree By Hilton hotel, Beverley Racecourse is ensuring cheesy nights at LAs won’t be consigned to history.

Tony Loveshaft, Tricity Bendix and Crystal Maze are just some of the original show’s cast bringing the wildly popular retro disco to the Westwood course on Tuesday, June 20, after an exciting evening of racing.

At the height of its residency at LAs, Bus Stop performed to over 2,000 revellers and became a huge hit with clubbers clad in seventies-style fashion.

DJ Tony, aka Bus Stop creator Darren Smith, said: “The Bus Stop Show is a fantastic night reliving the cheesy disco days of the 1970s. It’s all about great fun, good memories and an excuse to wear big hair and even bigger flares.

“It will be a real blast from the past for all those people who remember going to LAs on Tuesday nights back in the nineties. All but two of the original cast are still in the show and the night promises to be an unforgettable experience.”

Kate McKee, Marketing Executive at Beverley Racecourse, said: “We’re really excited about our 70s Racenight. I used to love going to LAs on Tuesdays for Bus Stop – it was always great fun and I have some amazing memories from that time.

“Now we’re getting the gang back together – on a Tuesday night, of course!

“The show starts after the last race and we want to see everyone letting their big hair down and reliving their disco days!”

DJ Tony and his glamorous dancers Tricity and Crystal hopped on the X46 bus from Beverley Bus Station to the racecourse to promote the return of Bus Stop.

Tony Loveshaft and his collection of 70s throwbacks will be spinning the decks behind the wheel of his trademark VW Beetle in the Premier Enclosure from 8.35pm – 15 years after their last show in Hull.

The evening will also feature fun challenges, a special 70s cocktail menu and bottles of Pina Colada for the best 70s outfits.

With the nostalgic night expected to be popular, racegoers are advised to book in advance. Doors open at 4pm with the first race at 6pm and last race at 8.30pm.

Tickets can be booked online at www.beverley-racecourse.co.uk or by calling the ticket hotline on 01482 867488.

Building on 47 years of popularity with racing fans and with over £7 million already raised for good causes, Macmillan Charity Raceday at York Racecourse this Saturday (17 June) promises to be an afternoon of quality racing that again helps those in most need.

Saturday’s principal race is The Catherine Kinloch Paver Memorial Macmillan Charity Stakes, run in memory of the inspirational shoe retailer, Cathy Paver, who died earlier this year.  One of Britain’s richest sprint handicaps for three-year-olds, it offers prize money of £100,000. The roll of honour in this race over six furlongs includes top sprinters such as Cadeaux Genereux and Sheikh Albadou.

Still a relative new aspect of the event, the day will end with Best Western Hotels & Macmillan Ride of their Lives, a chance for eleven supporters to participate in a nine furlong race around the famous Knavesmire. Each has pledged at least £3,000 to the charity and you can help them beat last year’s contribution of over £150,000 by visiting their donation pages on Just Giving.  Among the riders is Jo Ford, 45, a housewife from Bedale in North Yorkshire. Jo has recovered from surgery to rebuild part of her back following injury and disease affecting her spine.  She has also had cancer twice. As well as, Stella Riley, 41, owner of a baby swimming business, who simply says “I want to make my two young boys proud.”  The seven women and four men span three decades, aged 23 to 55.

The charity auction so generously supported over the years is now available to view online in advance of the raceday.  This means everyone can place a bid for the many stunning lots. A VIP trip to Coolmore, a weekend break in a Best Western Hotel every month for a year, or a Woburn golf break are all amongst the travel items.  An array of fine dining experiences, an Aagrah ‘cook in’ with Mohammed Aslam MBE, or the chance to brew your own recipe of beer or a private tour of York Minster, are some of the more unusual opportunities.  Visit www.macmillanyorkraceday.co.uk<http://www.macmillanyorkraceday.co.uk> for more information on how to make your bid.

Since 2012, a Listed race has featured on the Saturday racing programme supported alongside the Charity Race by York-based, Best Western Hotels.  The Ganton Stakes over one mile offers record prize money, increased to £50,000 and so provides another reason to attend the day, just by attending, racegoers will increase the money raised for charity.

Racing on Saturday begins at 1.55pm, with the 29th running of The Queen Mother’s Cup, the richest race for lady amateur riders in Britain and a contest won by The Princess Royal in 1988.  It offers an opportunity for the successful rider to toast her success in her own weight of G.H. Mumm champagne.

Known as a world leader in construction technology, JCB, support a valuable handicap over seven furlongs.  The high standard continues on this Charity Raceday with The Reg Griffin Appreciation EBF Stallions Maiden Stakes – a contest for two-year-olds named in honour of the founder of this Charity Day in 1971.  The Ice Co° back a competitive handicap for the fifth year that denotes their support of Macmillan, a link that was cemented when company director, Polly Marr, rode in the Macmillan Charity Race of 2013.  The seventh race of the card welcomes a debut supporter in Rievaulx Sporting, who offer some of the finest driven partridge, pheasant and duck shooting to be found anywhere in the world.

Macmillan Charity Day is part of a two-day meeting with racing on the Friday beginning with one of twenty-one contests at York to benefit from the backing of the European Breeders’ Fund; they also support the feature of the afternoon, a fillies’ handicap over six furlongs, that offers £30,000 in prize money and so cements the policy of every card on the Knavesmire being worth at least £100,000.

With an on course presence on every Friday at York, Irish Thoroughbred Marketing sponsor a valuable handicap contest over the fourteen furlong trip.  The SKF Rous Selling Stakes has now been supported for more than a dozen years by engineering company, SKF (UK) Ltd.  Then Goffs UK will bring the excitement of the Sales Ring to the Winner’s Enclosure with an auction straight after the race.  The Jigsaw Sports Branding Stakes, a handicap contest over seven furlongs demonstrates the help given to the track by its sign and branding contractor.  On a card full of variety, the work colleagues of Peter “Sooty” Sutton have backed the sort of ten furlong handicap that he loved in his memory, with the concluding race as a handicap contest for apprentice jockeys.

The ‘Punters’ Panel’ takes place prior to racing on both days from the winner’s podium as a preview to the action on each day, while giant screens will provide racegoers with an even closer view of proceedings on the track.

As part of a series of initiatives to get closer to the sport, groups of racegoers will be able to enjoy accompanied, complimentary trips to the round course starts.  On Saturday, they will also have the chance to meet a retired racehorse, Harry, courtesy of equine charity, New Beginnings.

The two day meeting offers a further chance for racegoers to explore the latest improvements to the racegoing experience at York, such as, the extensive refurbishment of the eating area on the ground floor of the Ebor Stand.  Called “Eat Between Our Races”, the new name seeks to capture the speed of service on offer, as well as referencing the most famous contest at the track.  A range of freshly made hot and cold deli sandwiches and tasty cakes are likely to start as favourites in this particular race.  The upgraded area forms part of a rolling programme of improvements that has seen the unveiling of £10 million Northern End Development in recent years.  The past winter also saw an upgrading to the “thatched head-on box” which is a recognisable landmark at York.  Renovated and restored in Douglas Fir to the style of the rest of the equine areas of the course, this improvement has been kindly supported by the Calvert family.  True to York’s reputation, a bottle of champagne will be available from £31.  Other tastes are catered for with an extended range of craft beers brewed by Ainsty Ales just beyond the six furlong start, the introduction of premium mixers from Fever-Tree to join the premium spirits served on the smart Moët Ice Roof Terrace, or the easy availability of Heineken 0.0 as a new, refreshing, zero alcohol option.

Musical accompaniment to the action will take the form of three different bands; Murphy’s Marbles performing their brand of foot stompin’ Irish fun in the Knavesmire Courtyard, whilst the equally upbeat The Players will draw proceedings will be brought to a close on Saturday.  On both afternoons, the Tom Roberts Jazz band will entertain the crowds.

Cardsharp booked her place at Royal Ascot with a terrific performance in the Brian Yeardley Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy at Beverley on Saturday (June 10).

Trained by Mark Johnston and ridden by Joe Fanning, the 6-4 favourite made most of the running to claim the £25,000 conditions stakes by two and a quarter lengths from stablemate Rufus King.

Prince Of Lir and The Last Lion, last year’s respective first two home in the Brian Yeardley, ended up finishing in that order in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Cardsharp, whose trainer was also responsible for subsequent Group One winner The Last Lion, could now attempt to follow in those esteemed hoofprints at the Berkshire track later this month.

Deirdre Johnston, assistant trainer and wife of the Middleham handler, said: “He’s a big, lovely horse and that was fantastic.

“He took a lot of pulling up and Joe said five (furlongs) or six would be fine.

“After that, he’ll probably be entered in the Norfolk, Windsor Castle and Coventry Stakes and we’ll see which race is the most suitable for him.

“The second horse probably wants another furlong and we’ll discuss it with the owner about Royal Ascot.”

Prince Of Lir was trained in Newmarket by Robert Cowell and owned by the Cool Silk Partnership, and the same combination struck again on the big stage with Hilary Needler Trophy heroine Chica La Habana.

Like last season’s Brian Yeardley winner, the daughter of Havana Gold (6-1) arrived at Beverley unraced yet belied her inexperience to take the prestigious five-furlong dash by three-quarters of a length from Maggies Angel.

The Cool Silk Partnership consists of Scunthorpe United chairman Peter Swann and his mother-in-law Barbara Wilkinson.

Chica La Habana could also be under consideration for the Royal fixture, with the Queen Mary Stakes a natural next port of call for any Hilary Needler winner.

Jockey Adam Beschizza said: “She’ll come on a stone for that run as the penny kept dropping during the race.

“She’s been working well at home but we hadn’t really given her a racecourse gallop or anything like that.

“I wouldn’t like to say if she was a Queen Mary horse – Royal Ascot would be a big step up – but she’ll improve a lot for that.”

Areen Faisal could emerge as a credible contender at Royal Ascot if he successfully takes the next step along the ladder in the Brian Yeardley Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy (2.40) at Beverley on Saturday.

The Bahamian Bounty colt, trained by Richard Fahey, is one of seven declarations for the £25,000 conditions stakes, won last season by subsequent Norfolk Stakes hero Prince Of Lir.

Areen Faisal caught the eye on his debut at Newmarket in April when he looked green yet still flashed home for third place behind the well-regarded Sound And Silence.

Richard Knight, racing manager and bloodstock adviser for owner Sheikh Abdullah Almalek Alsabah, said: “He ran a nice race at Newmarket and has been given a little bit of time to recover.

“Richard has been pleased with his work since then. It’s pitching him slightly in at the deep end at Beverley but he’s a nice prospect.

“We quickly earmarked this race after his debut and hopefully this is a stepping-stone towards Royal Ascot.”

Mark Johnston saddled last season’s Brian Yeardley runner-up The Last Lion, who again finished second to Prince Of Lir at Royal Ascot but went on to claim victory in the Group One Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket.

The Middleham handler is this year responsible for Pontefract winner Rufus King and Cardsharp, who was runner-up to leading Coventry Stakes fancy De Bruyne Horse in the Woodcote at Epsom last Friday.

Excellently Poised, part-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, won well on his debut at Musselburgh and is still in contention for the Bryan Smart team.

Scunthorpe United chairman Peter Swann won the Brian Yeardley as an owner with Prince Of Lir and could attempt a big Beverley double with the James Given-trained Cool Spirit.

Last-time-out scorers Joe’s Spirit (Michael Bell) and Chatburn (David O’Meara) complete the line-up.

Swann, who runs his horses under the Cool Silk Partnership banner, can also look forward to watching the unraced Chica La Habana compete in the historic Hilary Needler Trophy (3.15).

Trainer Robert Cowell said: “She’s a nicely-bred filly and I’d say she will have no problems handling a bit of cut in the ground.

“She’s got a good pedigree and the Hilary Needler will tell us whether or not we should be aiming even higher with her.”

The Fahey-trained Maggies Angel was fourth in the Marygate Fillies’ Stakes at York last month and will renew rivalry with Mount Victoria, who finished eighth for Lincolnshire trainer Given.

Moonlit Sands (Brian Ellison), Ce De Nullis (Paul Midgley), Popsi (Marjorie Fife) and the Johnston-trained Rebel Assault have also been declared for the £25,000 conditions stakes over five furlongs.

The going on A Very British Raceday at Beverley on Saturday remains soft following 1.5 millimetres of overnight rainfall.

Saturday’s forecast is for cloud and showers, with temperatures of 16C.

Local owner Keith Brown is optimistic Moonlit Sands can realise her true potential in the prestigious Hilary Needler Trophy at Beverley on Saturday (June 10).

Brown’s silks have in recent years become a standing dish at the well-attended East Yorkshire circuit, with the likes of Top Notch Tonto and Orewa having got off the mark at Beverley before going on to achieve great things.

Moonlit Sands will be the latest young horse in Brown’s care to test her mettle on the Westwood when she lines up in the historic Hilary Needler Trophy over five furlongs.

The daughter of Footstepsinthesand is trained in Malton by Brian Ellison and made an eyecatcher debut at Redcar last month, when she stayed on for fifth place behind Time Trail, who could renew rivalry in the £25,000 Hilary Needler.

Brown said: “She’s the real deal. She’s had that one race, up at Redcar, but didn’t know what the heck was going on.

“She was very green, but she picked up really well at the finish and will have come on loads for that.

“I’m not sure whether she’ll win the Hilary Needler or not, but she’s in great form and everyone at Brian’s yard loves her.

“Brian seems to think she wants a bit of cut in the ground, too, so we’ve got great hopes for her.

“She’s a class act and it would be lovely to think about Royal Ascot if she ends up going well at the weekend.

“This is a big race to go for in its own right, though. The Hilary Needler has got great history and tradition and it’s always been a race I’d love to win, especially as Beverley is my favourite track.”

The going at Beverley is soft following 24 millimetres of rain within the last 24 hours.

Dual feature on A Very British Raceday is the £25,000 Brian Yeardley Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy.

The respective first two horses home in last season’s renewal, Prince Of Lir and The Last Lion, finished in that order in the Group Two Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot

Chatburn could confirm his place at Royal Ascot with a big run in the £25,000 Brian Yeardley Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy at Beverley on Saturday (June 10).

Prince Of Lir defeated The Last Lion by a length and a quarter in last season’s Brian Yeardley and the form was brilliantly franked at the Royal meeting as the same two horses finished first and second in the Norfolk Stakes.

The Last Lion even signed off from his racing career with a rating of 116 after having claimed victory in the Group One Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket last September.

Impressive Redcar winner Chatburn, trained by David O’Meara, could now attempt to complete the Beverley-Ascot double.

Emma Armstrong, who owns Chatburn with her husband, David, said: “The plan is to run in the Brian Yeardley.

“I’ve spoken to David and he is really happy with him and this looks a perfect race after doing so well at Redcar.

“He won well at Redcar and is a nice horse, so hopefully he can take the next step up the ladder at Beverley.

“We always enjoy having runners at Beverley as it’s the track where we had our first major winner with Miss Meggy in the Hilary Needler (2004).

“We’ll see how he goes at Beverley, but Royal Ascot would be an option.

“The Brian Yeardley is a bit closer to Ascot this year, but I’ve spoken to David about it and it definitely wouldn’t put him off from running at both meetings.

“Chatburn was our first two-year-old winner this year and we like him a lot.”

Chatburn is one of 15 horses in contention for the Brian Yeardley Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy.

Richard Fahey has entered Areen Faisal, Bengali Boys and Peter Leonard, with Mark Johnston responsible for Cardsharp and recent Pontefract winner Rufus King.

Last-time-out scorers Joe’s Spirit (Michael Bell), Awsaaf (Simon Crisford) and Unfortunately (Karl Burke) also hold entries.

Excellently Poised, part-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, won well on his debut at Musselburgh and is in contention for the Bryan Smart team.

Scunthorpe United chairman Peter Swann won the race last year with Prince Of Lir and could attempt to repeat the dose with the James Given-trained duo of Cool Spirit and Gift In Time.

Like Prince Of Lir 12 months ago, both horses are unraced and compete for Swann in the colours of the Cool Silk Partnership.

Prince Of Lir was trained by Robert Cowell, who could this year saddle the unraced Sovereign State, owned by Qatar Racing.

Black Orange (Gay Kelleway) and Skyva (Brian Ellison) complete the list of possible runners.

Twin feature on A Very British Raceday at Beverley on Saturday is the £25,000 Hilary Needler Trophy, won by the mighty Attraction in 2003.

Fifteen horses have been engaged for the five-furlong speed test, with the hat-trick-seeking Time Trail a stand-out entry.

The Swiss Spirit filly is trained by Michael Dods, who won the 2015 Hilary Needler Trophy with the high-class Easton Angel.

Formidable Kitt (Tom Dascombe), Validator (William Haggas), Villa Tora (Mark Johnston) and Maggies Angel (Richard Fahey) also catch the eye in a potentially excellent renewal of the historic race at Beverley.

Now in its third year, the Betfair Clock Tower Cup at Doncaster Racecourse on the 7^th July, is the pinnacle of Racing Staff Week, celebrating the role of racing staff, which runs from Saturday 1^st July to Saturday 8^th July.  

The race will see 12 members of stable staff line up in a 7 furlong charity race.  In recognition of their hard work and dedication, the riders will have been nominated to ride in the race by the trainers they work for.  Normally the staff would be leading up a runner at Doncaster but on the 7^th July they will don racing silks and experience the thrill of riding in a race. 

Over 200 guests at the Racing Welfare Charity Lunch will cheer on the Clock Tower Cup riders and enjoy a great afternoon’s racing.  The lunch will raise funds for Racing Welfare, the charity that supports racing’s workforce.  It will feature a Champagne reception sponsored by Pommery, guest tipsters providing all the winners, and an excellent three-course meal with wine.  A lively auction will include some amazing lots which will also be available to bid for online from Friday 31^st June until Thursday 6^th July:  www.racingwelfare-auction.co.uk. 

Racing Staff Week is an initiative developed by Racing Welfare, the charity which supports Racing’s Workforce, and sees the racing industry united to inform and engage horseracing followers and supporters about the passion, skill and dedication required to work with racehorses.   For more information about Racing Staff Week and the activities taking place across Britain during the week please visit www.racingstaffweek.com.

Tom Dascombe will attempt to win the Hilary Needler Trophy for a second time if Formidable Kitt lines up at Beverley on Saturday (June 10).

The Cheshire handler savoured a red-letter day at the popular East Yorkshire circuit when Don’t Tell Mary claimed the historic sprint by four lengths in 2009.

Formidable Kitt won nicely on her debut at Newmarket in April and is one of 15 fillies entered for the £25,000 Hilary Needler Trophy.

Dascombe is, however, keeping a watchful eye on the weather for the daughter of Ceiling Kitty, who won the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2012.

Should all go to plan, Formidable Kitt will try to follow in her mother’s hoofprints at the Royal meeting later in the month.

Dascombe said: “She’s in great form and she’s in the Hilary Needler, but it’s absolutely all about the ground.

“She showed a nice bit of speed at Newmarket and is a lovely filly – any of our horses that win first time out are usually pretty good.

“She will not run at Beverley if the ground is anywhere near soft so we’ll have to see what the weather does throughout the week.

“Everything is aimed at the Queen Mary, which was the race her mother won.”

Beverley sustained nine millimetres of rainfall on Monday, but the weather forecast promises dryer conditions as the week progresses.

The Hilary Needler Trophy is a renowned staging post for young fillies with Royal Ascot pretensions, and was famously won in 2003 by the brilliant Attraction

Six of the last seven winners of the Hilary Needler have ended up at Royal Ascot, with 2015 scorer Easton Angel finishing second behind Acapulco in the Queen Mary Stakes.

Dual feature on A Very British Raceday at Beverley is the £25,000 Brian Yeardley Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy.

The respective first two horses home in last season’s renewal, Prince Of Lir and The Last Lion, finished in that order in the Group Two Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Renowned for bringing some of the music world’s greatest names to the town, Doncaster Racecourse has announced two more acts to its Music Live 2017 line-up.

Following hot on the heels of five-time Grammy award winning DJ Mark Ronson will be the modern British rock band Ocean Colour Scene (OCS). During the height of their fame in the 90’s the band achieved five Top 10 albums and six Top 10 singles.  Masters of music in the Britpop scene OCS supported top acts such as Paul Weller and Oasis and received international acclaim for their second album Moseley Shoals.  The band continue to enjoy sell out crowds and will be paying homage to their Moseley Shoals album plus many more of their renowned singles at Doncaster Racecourse on 5^th August.

The second act announced to grace the stage this summer is the hugely popular Scottish rock pop band Texas.  Fronted by Sharleen Spiteri the critically acclaimed band have sold over 40 million records, have had 13 UK Top Ten singles, three UK number one albums and eight UK Top Ten albums.

Abby Chandler, Head of Marketing at Doncaster Racecourse said: “We are delighted to welcome two huge bands to our Music Live line-up.  Both bands have stood the test of time and continue to sell out wherever they play.  They both have a dedicated following but more recently have attracted new fans to their classic rock pop sounds.

“Both OCS and Texas will play live on stage following a day of racing here at Doncaster which will offer our visitors a fantastic day and night of entertainment.”

OCS will play following the Unison Race day on Saturday 5^th August and Texas will be live on stage on Saturday 19^th August after the Sun Bets Music Live afternoon racing.
Abby continued: “Summer racing is hugely popular and when the crowds have had such a good time during the day its great to see that they can continue into the evening with our Music Live acts.”

Texas have added Doncaster to their European tour which is promoting their latest album Jump on Board.

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online at

http://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/

Cyclists who are riding more than 450 miles to provide financial support for young people to work in racing had pride of place at Redcar today.
The riders from the British Racing School “Rory MacDonald Memorial Fund” stopped at the seaside track en route from Musselburgh to Newmarket.
During their epic journey, they are visiting seven racecourses in memory of the late chief executive officer of the BRS. Mr MacDonald was CEO of the school for 22 years and died suddenly in 2015.
The proceeds from their fund-raising will support young people aiming for careers in the racing industry.
The cyclists presented the trophy after the British Racing School Charity Cycle Ride Handicap, which was won by Wink Oliver, trained at Lambourn by Jo Hughes and ridden by Dougie Costello.
Paul Hanagan and Middleham-based James Bethell teamed up to win the Zetland Gold Cup at Redcar on Monday with Briardale and the pair were swiftly back in the winner’s enclosure today.
Hanagan won the opener on Richard Fahey’s Dance Diva, who beat Tom Dascombe’s Miss Dd, despite running green, and will surely be better for the run.
Veteran trainer Bethell followed up in the second race of the day, with New Society, ridden by PJ MacDonald, running out an easy winner from Tim Easterby’s Sheriff Garett.
Former champion jockey Jamie Spencer had one booked ride at Redcar and he made it pay as Luca Cumani’s Near Kettering stayed on gamely to hold off Mick Channon’s Pattie under a determined ride from Graham Lee.
The Richard Guest-trained Lydia’s Place won the fifth race of the day despite hanging right under Clifford Lee. The pair go up on the stands rail to deny a 33-1 surprise by Economic Crisis.
Malton trainer Nigel Tinkler’s Kaeso ran on well under Tom Eaves to deny favourite Logi in the penultimate race.
And Rod Millman made the long journey from Devon pay dividends when Concur took the last race of the day, the Follow Redcarracing On Facebook and Twitter Amateur Riders Maiden Handicap. Pat Millman brought the four-year-old through to lead inside the furlong and win going away from Marjorie Fife’s Kensington Palace.

We’re lucky enough to have some fantastic sporting action right on our doorstep in West Yorkshire with Rugby League and Horseracing being two of the biggest spectator sports in both the region and nationally. And on Monday 12^th June – our Rugby League Evening – some of our fantastic Rugby League teams (Castleford Tigers, Featherstone Rovers, Huddersfield Giants and Wakefield Trinity) will be taking over Pontefract Races for one night only!

There are some fantastic offers about – season ticket holders with any of the clubs will be able to come along on the night and pay just £5 to get in to the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure – just don’t forget to bring your season ticket along with you!

Those wanting to make a night of it can meet their teams’ heroes with the VIP Package. For just £42, fans will have the opportunity to meet, greet and mingle with their favourite players in the luxury of the private Rugby League Hospitality Box. With private viewing balconies overlooking the Parade Ring and Winning Post, as well as a fantastic hot buffet and a table for the evening, it’s a fantastic opportunity to really make it a night to remember.

The feature on the track is the Mr Wolf Sprint Handicap. This £15,000 race over 6f remembers one of the all-time Ponte greats. Runners in this race have a huge mountain to climb to emulate the great Mr Wolf – he ran at Pontefract an incredible 36 times throughout his career, winning here on 8 occasions. He ran is last race at the course back in July 2012 but will be back on the night to parade before racing starts.

The race itself is always a fiercely competitive event and last year, the first 5 horses were separated by just ¾ length with Dutch Mist just getting her nose ahead in the final stride for the Kevin Ryan team.

At the other end of the scale, The Tony Bethell Memorial forms the 3^rd round of the 2017 Stayers Championship. The evergreen course favourite, Tuscan Gold, is the current leader and he’ll be back to try and regain his 2015 crown.  There’ll no doubt be a few familiar names lining up and another grandstand finish is on the cards!

The Racecourse’s ‘Postcode Lottery’ promotion gives those with a DN postcode the chance to pick up a free ticket. There are 100 tickets available! For full information, please view the Racecourse website at www.pontefract-races.co.uk

Racing gets underway at 6.40pm and the gates open at 4.30pm.

Contact:           Richard Hammill (Assistant Manager/Clerk of the Course) 01977 781307

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!”

Rookie trainer Tom Clover is excited by the prospect of saddling a first runner at Beverley on Wednesday when Monsieur Glory lines up in the Hull FC Handicap.

The Newmarket handler has high hopes for the four-year-old gelding, who is one of 11 declared runners in the mile-and-a-quarter race at 4.30pm.

Monsieur Glory won over this course and distance last July, when he was trained by Tom Dascombe.

The son of Monsieur Bond will be having just his second outing for first-season trainer Clover after he finished second at Yarmouth on May 2.

He will be ridden at Beverley by dual champion jockey Paul Hanagan.

Clover, who was assistant to David Simcock for five years, said: “On paper, this race fits in quite well with him.

“He’s won over course and distance, he will like the ground and he seems in really good form.

“He’s quite a big horse and takes a bit of getting fit, so I’m hoping he has gone forward since that Yarmouth run.

“You’d also like to think there’s some natural improvement, turning from a three- to a four-year-old, so we go there optimistic he should go quite close.

“It’s also good to have Paul on board as he probably rides Beverley better than anyone.”

Clover, 31, is based at Wroughton House Stables and is working in partnership with Jackie Jarvis, daughter of the late Classic-winning trainer Michael Jarvis.

He will be seeking a second career winner after young colt Declarationoflove won so well at Windsor on May 8.

The trainer added: “The owners are obviously keen on a big day out at Royal Ascot with him, so the Windsor Castle might be the race to go for.

“There’s also the Super Sprint at Newbury, where he would have a lovely racing weight and should love running over a fast five furlongs.

“It was very pleasing to get that first winner and hopefully we can carry on in a similar vein at Beverley with Monsieur Glory.”

Feature race at Beverley is the £8,000 Dr Eddie Moll Handicap (4.00) over eight and a half furlongs.

Jacbequick won the race by a neck 12 months ago and goes for the double for jockey Josh Doyle and trainer David O’Meara, who also saddles Sunglider and Haraz.

The going at Beverley is good to firm after five millimetres of rainfall on Sunday night.

Half-Term Raceday at Beverley will give racegoers the opportunity to meet players of Betfred Super League side Hull FC, who are on the Westwood to join in with interactive training routines and games.

One of York’s top races will be run in memory of the inspirational shoe retailer Cathy Paver who died earlier this year.

The Catherine Kinloch Paver Memorial Macmillan Charity Stakes is the richest handicap for three-year-olds in Europe. It will be held on Saturday June 17 and will be televised on ITV4.

It forms part of the Macmillan Charity Raceday, the charity’s biggest single fund-raising event of the year.

Cathy Paver was the founder of the York-based Pavers, which is now a hugely-successful global footwear retailer.

Beth Morgan-Henderson, head of brand and marketing at Pavers and a friend of Cathy’s, said: “Cathy loved racing and owned racehorses and this is a very appropriate way of remembering her and honouring her legacy in her home city. It is especially relevant because this race is the highlight of Macmillan Cancer Support’s charity day and Cathy herself died from this terrible disease.

Full press release, plus photo of Cathy with two of her beloved horses, attached.

For further info, please contact:

Robert Beaumont Associates,

Minskip Lodge,

Minskip,

York

YO51 9JF

01423 323139 or 07710 127713

York is back in action with the first Saturday of its eighteen day season (May 27).

As with every afternoon at York, the total prize money is into six figures, on this occasion over £180,000 for the seven race card, with the feature race boosted by £10,000.

The younger generation will be able to take part in activity with The Pony Club from a special marquee in Course Enclosure, an area that will come to life in the forecast sunshine. The same positive weather outlook means that the track has relaxed its dress code for the County Stand area, so no jacket is required, simply a collared shirt and tie for gentlemen.

This is the first opportunity for weekend racegoers to explore the latest improvements to the racegoing experience at York, such as, the extensive refurbishment of the eating area on the ground floor of the Ebor Stand. Called “Eat Between Our Races” the new name seeks to capture the speed of service on offer, as well as referencing the most famous contest at the track. A range of freshly made hot and cold deli sandwiches and tasty cakes are likely to start as favourites in this particular race. The upgraded area forms part of a rolling programme of improvements that has seen the unveiling of £10m Northern End Development in recent years. This winter has also seen an upgrading to the “thatched head-on box” which is a recognisable landmark at York.  Renovated and restored in Douglas Fir to the style of the rest of the equine areas of the course, this improvement has been kindly supported by the Calvert family. True to York’s reputation, a bottle of champagne will be available from £31. Other tastes are catered for with an extended range of craft beers brewed by Ainsty Ales just beyond the six furlong start, the introduction of premium mixers from Fever-Tree to join the premium spirits served on the smart Moët Ice Roof Terrace, or the easy availability of Heineken 0.0 as a new, refreshing, zero alcohol option.

The first of now seven Saturday afternoon fixtures this season on the Knavesmire, the day welcomes back, weddingmates.co.uk, the footwear accessory brand, who support the Listed Grand Cup. Locally trained by Peter Niven, Clever Cookie, is a two time winner of the race who looks set to face some smart opposition, including the progressive four-year-old, Frontiersman, carrying Godolphin’s blue silks or Midterm trained by Sir Michael Stoute, highly regarded as a three year old, running in the famous Juddmonte colours.

New to the day is online betting company, Unibet, who back a top drawer contest for sprinters, The Unibet Sprint, the second contest on the day to offer prize money of £50,000. Big sprint handicaps on the Knavesmire are as popular with Yorkshire trainers as with Yorkshire racegoers and some thirteen of the entries hail from the white rose county.

Extending their support for York, is Godolphin, who back a competitive race to increase the profile of their Club Godolphin initiative.

The Yorkshire Regiment, also return to put their name to a contest for novice two-year-olds and away from the track, the Regimental Band will entertain racegoers. It is also part a racing scheme known as Plus 10, meaning that there is a bonus of £10,000, awarded to the winning connections, if the horses are qualified.

The Infinity Tyres British EBF Fillies Stakes is one of 21 races at York to also benefit from the generous support of The European Breeders’ Fund

Gentleman amateur riders have their opportunity in the final race of the afternoon, a handicap contest over seven furlongs, sponsored once again by York-based John Wright Electrical Services Ltd, who have worked on the facilities at the racecourse.

Racegoers will have the chance to get close to a racehorse as Yorkshire based equine charity; New Beginnings are bringing Harry, (a thoroughbred who raced here in 1994 using his professional name of Golden Hello) as well as his friend Meg the pony.

The relaxed atmosphere of the first weekend fixture is further enhanced with live musical entertainment provided by the Band of the Yorkshire Regiment on the Weighing Room Lawn and the Superlicks under the Knavesmire Stand. The upbeat style of The Players provides the soundtrack to the late afternoon.

The totepool ‘Punters Panel’ will preview the action before racing from the winners’ enclosure, while a new giant screen on the John Carr Terrace will provide racegoers with an even closer view of proceedings on the track.

Racegoers will be able to follow both the One Day International Cricket and the FA Cup Final on selected televisions around the course.

Those who want to find out more about this raceday and the season ahead can visit York’s website on www.yorkracecourse.co.uk<http://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk/>

PROGRESSIVE four-year-old Frontiersman is set for his toughest assignment to date when he tackles the Listed feature on York’s first Saturday, the weddingmates.co.uk<http://weddingmates.co.uk> Grand Cup Stakes.

The Godolphin-owned colt got his 2017 campaign off to the best possible start with victory in a competitive handicap at Newmarket’s QIPCO Guineas Festival.

With an official rating of 109, connections feel he is ready for the step up to Pattern company and look forward to him taking his chance on the first of seven Saturday fixtures on the Knavesmire.

Trainer Charlie Appleby said: “He has come out of his win at Newmarket well and the plan at this stage is to run at York.

“We see the race as a bit of a fact-finding mission as we are stepping up in trip to a mile and three-quarters and we are hoping that this might open doors for him in the future.

“He is a beautifully bred horse – I couldn’t be happier with him and I feel that he has got this level in him.

“As I said before, this race will, all being well, show us whether he is a horse to campaign in pattern mile and a half races or make up into a ‘Cup’ performer.”

It would be no surprise to see Frontiersman take the step up in grade in his stride and add some more ‘black type’ to what is already one of the best pedigrees in racing. By Dubawi, Frontiersman is out of seven-time Group 1 winner Ouija Board and a half-brother to Investec Derby hero, Australia. In addition to the Classic at Epsom, Australia also took the 2014-renewal of the Group 1 Juddmonte International on the Knavesmire.

Another colt, bred from the highest class, who could contest this £50,000 prize is Midterm, a son of Galileo and multiple Group 1 winner Midday. Trained by Sir Michael Stoute, highly regarded as a three year old, finished third in last weekend’s Al Rayyan Stakes at Newbury and carries the famous Juddmonte colours.

York favourite, Clever Cookie, trained locally by Peter Niven looks set to take his chance in a race that he has twice landed (2014 & 2015). The intriguing Harrison, an emphatic winner of a conditions event at Chelmsford last time out for trainer Mick Channon, could add further spice to the contest.

Newmarket-based Yorkshireman William Haggas, who enjoyed a fine Dante Festival, has two entries in Dal Harraild and the unbeaten filly Signe; as does David Simcock who could be represented by Curbyourenthusiasm and Goldmember.

Saturday will see a fascinating seven-race card and, as is always the case at York, there might just be a future champion on show. Two years ago, Galileo Gold, finished second on his racecourse debut in the Yorkshire Regiment British EBF Novice Stakes before going on to multiple top-flight success including last year’s Qipco 2000 Guineas.

The action gets underway at 2.10pm and with a bright forecast, the track have relaxed the dress code in County Stand meaning no formal jacket is required, though a collared shirt and tie, is still the obligation for gentlemen.

For tickets please call 01904 620911 x 225 or visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk<http://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk/>

Given the forecast for continuing sunny and warm weather into the weekend, York Racecourse has announced a relaxation of its dress code, meaning that racegoers in County Stand are not required to wear a formal jacket, for this Saturday only.

Gentlemen still need to wear a collared shirt and tie in the premium area.

Those enjoying the lawns of Grandstand and Paddock or bringing a picnic to the Course Enclosure can dress in a more relaxed manner to suit the recent hot weather.

As every day offers different weather in Yorkshire, then for the County Stand dress code for the balance of the season reverts to its traditional; jacket, collared shirt and tie.

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.”

Irish eyes may be smiling at Thirsk on Saturday (May 20), but it could be female eyes that are flashing with delight after the two big sprints that highlight the ever-popular annual Irish Day at the North Yorkshire track.

Ruth Carr, who trains just down the road at Stillington, can take centre stage with Pipers Note in the big race of the day, the Constant Security Services Handicap, which carries a prize of almost £13,000 to the winner.

Pipers Note was trained by Richard Whitaker when he won the David Chapman Handicap at Ripon last season, a race which commemorates her grandfather and while the seven-year-old has run well in four races since moving to Carr’s yard, he has still to win for his new handler.

“It’s a pity that the rain has come as he would prefer better ground, but he is in good form and all the horses are running well, so I shall let him take his chance” said Ruth.

And she added: “He would have an obvious chance on his run in the Cammidge Trophy at Doncaster when he was third to Tupi, but he ran a lot better than the result suggests when he was eighth at Ripon last time as he got no room at all at a vital stage of the race”.

Less clear cut is the chance of Roaring Forties, who makes his return to racing after almost two years on the sidelines for Wetherby trainer Rebecca Bastiman in the six furlong UKinsuranceNET Handicap.

Formerly trained by Charlie Appleby for Godolphin, Roaring Forties looked to have a bright future when coming back from a gelding operation to win nurseries at Chester and Kempton in 2015, but he has not been seen out since finishing last but one in the Betway Nursery at York’s Ebor meeting that August.

“I bought him at Doncaster as he had had a few issues, but nothing too bad and he has settled in really well. We have a completely different regime to the one he has been used to and I think it has suited him.

“He has been off the track for a long time, but has been working well at home and while I am not sure the ground will altogether suit him, you have to start somewhere and I am hopeful he will run well” said Rebecca.

There is a strong supporting card featuring the Wharton Construction Maiden Stakes and the Marion Gibson Brown Handicap on a day which opens with the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Fillies Stakes.

The Irish theme continues off the track with live music in the Paddock Enclosure where the Irish band Murphy’s Marbles make a welcome return to the course after their brilliant sets last year kept racegoers’ feet tapping.

For the youngsters there is plenty of entertainment too, with bouncy castles and a children’s play area in the family enclosure, while there will be a chance to follow the action on the big screens in the Paddock Enclosure and trackside.

Entry to the Premier Enclosure costs £28, and it’s £16 to go in the Paddock on the day, but there are great discounts for pre-booking and for groups, while, as always at Thirsk, admission for children under the age of 18 is free, as long as they are accompanied by a paying adult. Car parking is also free.

Racing starts at 2.10pm, but the gates will open at 11am.

YORK’S eight time top trainer, Richard Fahey, is hoping to start the new season on the Knavesmire with a winning week at the Dante Festival.

The sizeable Musley Bank team will include Growl in tomorrow’s Duke Of York Clipper Logistics Stakes, Forest Ranger in Betfred Dante Stakes and the marvellously named, Brian The Snail, in the Listed British Stallion Studs EBF Westow  – the latter two contesting their respective races on Thursday.

Five-year-old Growl, one of 13 in the richest ever renewal of the Group 2 Duke Of York Clipper Logistics Stakes, is making his seasonal bow and the recent rainfall won’t present a problem to him.

Forest Ranger faces a step up in grade and distance in the Group 2 Betfred Dante Stakes. He won a mile conditions race at Newcastle last month but this is an altogether tougher assignment with Cracksman, Rekindling and the unexposed Crystal Ocean among the eleven declared runners.

Brian The Snail, owned by Godolphin, will be hoping to add to his unbeaten career record in the five-furlong Listed contest in which eight are set to face the starter.

Fahey said: “The rain will have helped Growl. It will hinder others and help us. We’re very happy with him but it’s a very warm race. I’m sure he’ll run well.

“It has been the plan all year for Forest Ranger to go to the Dante. But it’s a fantastic Dante this year if they all turn up – extremely competitive. We’ve got a small outside chance. I’m a fraction worried about the trip because he’s a horse with plenty of pace.

“The race at Newcastle we earmarked for him and, as far as I’m concerned, came through with flying colours. We’ve been very comfortable with him – he’s a huge horse now and is going to improve with racing.

“Rain helped me to make the decision to declare Brian The Snail. I wouldn’t have wanted to run him over five furlongs on fast ground. The slower ground will help him. We like him a lot. It’s another stepping stone for him – the next level. But we’d be very happy with him. He won a handicap at Ponte last month, carrying a big weight and did it well.

“It’s a tough week for us if we don’t have any winners – it’s a great week if we do!”

‘Following on from the success of last week’s landmark FREE FRIDAY meeting, Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse hold their first Family Day of their season this Sunday, with their annual ‘Traditional Family Fun Day’.

Complementing Ripon’s family friendly Racecourse status, the day focuses on entertainment for the family with their Traditional Family day activities. There will be a wide variety of FREE attractions suitable for all ages (adults included), with Punch & Judy shows, face painting & balloon modelling and lots more fairground rides alongside a classic brass band to set the tone. Children’s entertainment is in the Course Enclosure; ensuring youngsters have a fun-packed day alongside the whole family enjoying the horse racing.

James Hutchinson, Managing Director and Clerk of the Course said:

“Family fun days are a big part of our racing calendar and our Traditional Family Fun Day is great way to introduce the next generation of racegoers to racing at Ripon. With the range of activities alongside the quality racing, it really is a great affordable family day out”

Turning to the racing, the day features’ The Wilmot-Smith Memorial E.B.F ‘Breeders Series’ Fillies’ Handicap Stakes’ a £20,000 Handicap contest for fillies over the sprint distance of six furlongs. The afternoons feature race ‘The Ripon, Yorkshire’s ‘Garden Racecourse’ Handicap Stakes over one mile offers prize money of £23,000.

The race meeting on Sunday 21^st May starts at 2.00pm with the gates open from 12.00pm and the last of 7 races at 5.10pm.

Fixture details:

Sunday 21^st May –

Gates open at 12:00pm – First of seven races starts at 14:00pm

All accompanied u18’s come FREE into any Enclosure with a range of FREE fun for the kids including a visit from the National Festival Circus who will be performing throughout the afternoon alongside a range of fairground rides and other activities.

Feature race of the day: ‘The Ripon, Yorkshire’s ‘Garden Racecourse’ Handicap Stakes (£23,000)

TRAINER John Gosden is set to send four of his emerging talents to York for key races during its season-opening Dante Festival, which starts this Wednesday.

Cracksman (6/1 with Betfred for the Derby) will on Thursday bid to become Gosden’s third straight winner of the Group 2 Betfred Dante Stakes, after the triumphs of Golden Horn (2015) and Wings Of Desire (2016). He is unbeaten in his two races to date, including victory in the ‘Classic Trial’ at Epsom last month.

Shutter Speed has also won both of her starts and will seek a career hat-trick when she contests the Group 3 Tattersalls Musidora Stakes on Wednesday. She delivered a smart display in landing a conditions race at Newbury last month.

A year ago Gosden won the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes with So Mi Dar, who returns to York for the Group 2 Betfred Middleton Stakes on Thursday. It will be the lightly-raced four-year-old filly’s first racecourse assignment since finishing third in the Group 1 Prix de l’Opera at Chantilly last October.

Friday’s Betway Yorkshire Cup will see Gosden’s strong team represented by progressive stayer, Muntahaa. After finishing third in a Doncaster conditions race, he showcased an upwardly mobile profile with victory in the Group 3 registered as the John Porter Stakes at Newbury in April.

Newmarket-based Gosden said: “Shutter Speed won nicely at Newbury and we rather feel, at this stage, around a mile and a quarter is her trip. When she ran at Newbury, the plan was the Musidora. We said that straight away and we’re staying with the plan. She is a nice type of filly – she could do no more than what she has done so far.

“So Mi Dar has obviously been off a very long time, waiting for the Middleton because there’s nowhere else to go. She’s liable to be a little fresh and will come on a great deal for her first run.

“Cracksman has only had two runs in his life. The Dante is closer to the Derby than usual due to a late Easter. We’ve lost a week, which is not helpful. On the other hand he needs the experience to race if we are even to consider Epsom.

“It’s the smartest trial but I still see it as a trial. He came out of his last race and he learnt a lot; he has been in good order since and ate well (The record books show that a 16-day gap between the Dante and Derby need not be a barrier to success as demonstrated by the fact that Authorized won both races with a similar timeframe in 2007).

“Muntahaa ran nicely in the John Porter. Obviously, it’s logical to come to the Yorkshire Cup – a Group 2 after a Group 3 win. It didn’t work out for him in his first race of the year – that went a little bit wrong. But he ran a nice race the other day and he’s on good terms with himself.”

York’s season-opening Dante Festival runs from this Wednesday 17 to Friday 19 May inclusively.

EXCITING filly Shutter Speed will bid for a first Group-race victory when she contests the £100,000 Tattersalls Musidora Stakes at York on Wednesday – the first day of the racecourse’s new season.

Shutter Speed will face four rivals in the extended mile and a quarter Group 3 race in which she will seek to make it three wins from three starts.

The John Gosden-trained filly was victorious in a maiden on her sole outing as a juvenile before reappearing as a three-year-old in a conditions race at Newbury last month.

Prince Khalid Abdullah’s homebred by Dansili, gave an impressive performance winning by two and a half lengths. The form of the Newbury race was given a significant boost when stable-mate Enable – also carrying the famous Juddmonte colours – comfortably landed the Listed Cheshire Oaks at Chester last week.

Lord Grimthorpe, racing manager to Prince Khalid, said: “Shutter Speed has come on very well since her Newbury run. It’s probably going to turn out to be a pretty decent race – we were delighted that Enable came out and won the Cheshire Oaks last Wednesday, which franks the form a little bit.

“Shutter Speed herself has been in great shape and we are really looking forward to running her at York. The main thing for us is for her to have a good race and get into a good rhythm.

“York will be a good test for her and hopefully will provide us with a good indication of where she should go. She has the option of the Oaks at Epsom and the Prix de Diane as well.

“Enable will go to the Oaks, all being well. But if we thought it was the right thing for Shutter Speed to go, we would still go with her. Her pedigree suggests that a mile and a quarter could be her best trip but we’ll see.”

Shutter Speed’s rivals will include the Jim Bolger-trained Vociferous Marina, who won a Listed race at Navan last month. Also in opposition will be the unexposed Sandown maiden Serenada from the powerful yard of Newmarket trainer Roger Varian. The field of five is completed by Miss Infinity (Mark Johnston) and debut winner Vintage Folly (Hugo Palmer).

Wednesday’s other highlight is the Group 2 Duke Of York Clipper Logistics Stakes – worth £125,000 – which has attracted 13 runners. Group 1 winner The Tin Man makes his seasonal bow as does last year’s 1-2 in Magical Memory and Suedois.
York’s season-opening Dante Festival runs from Wednesday 17 to Friday 19 May inclusively.

You won’t need to have kissed the Blarney Stone to enjoy your racing the Irish way when a touch of the Emerald Isle returns to North Yorkshire this Saturday (May 20) for Thirsk’s annual Irish Day.

Enjoy all the craic as the fun and excitement for which the Irish are famous will feature on a day that always figures as one of the best in the Thirsk calendar.

On the track, the feature race is the Constant Security-backed sprint handicap over five furlongs for four-year-olds and upwards, a contest which local trainer Kevin Ryan has targeted with some success since its introduction in 2014.

Ryan won the first two runnings of the race with Comino and Kelinni, but his outsider Fast Act could never get into contention 12 months ago and when the Julie Camacho-trained Judicial beat a strong field including this season’s All-Weather Sprint champion Kimberella.

There is a strong supporting card featuring the Wharton Construction won in 2016 by Ruth Carr’s Explain and the Marion Gibson Brown Handicap, which was divided last year and produced two cracking races with tight finishes.

The Irish theme continues off the track with live music in the Paddock Enclosure where the Irish band Murphy’s Marbles make a welcome return to the course after their brilliant sets last year kept racegoers’ feet tapping.

For the youngsters there is plenty of entertainment too, with bouncy castles and a children’s play area in the family enclosure, while there will be a chance to follow the action on the big screens in the Paddock Enclosure and trackside.

Entry to the Premier Enclosure costs £28, and it’s £16 to go in the Paddock on the day, but there are great discounts for pre-booking and for groups, while, as always at Thirsk, admission for children under the age of 18 is free, as long as they are accompanied by a paying adult. Car parking is also free.

Racing is scheduled to start with the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Fillies Stakes at 2.10pm and the gates will open at 11am.

Popular syndicate Hambleton Racing and trainer Kevin Ryan seek further gains at Beverley on Tuesday when Magic Jazz runs in the opening race of the day.

Hambleton Racing enjoyed a lovely afternoon on the Westwood three weeks ago when Fine Example and Havana Star both won their respective races.

Magic Jazz now attempts to carry on the good work in the five-furlong Racing UK Now In HD Novice Stakes at 2pm.

Hambleton racing manager Cosmo Charlton said: “We had a great day at Beverley with our two winners, and it was great to see so many of our members enjoying the occasion.

“We’ve been going for 11 years now and we started off with Kevin, who trains most of our horses.

“We’ve a great relationship with him and have enjoyed much success over the years.

“Hopefully Magic Jazz can give us another good day out at Beverley.”

Magic Jazz made an eyecatching debut at this track in April, when he looked very naïve yet still flashed home for seventh place behind the useful Almane.

The son of Red Clubs will be ridden by Kevin Stott and breaks from stall one.

Charlton added: “He was slowly out the stalls on his debut, and it was very much a first-day-at-school sort of thing as he was quite green.

“He wasn’t knocked around, though, and stayed on quite nicely at the end, I felt.

“He’s a classic horse of Kevin’s, I think, in that he will have gained plenty for the experience.

“We think he’ll want further in time, but a stiff five furlongs at Beverley will suit and the ground will be perfectly fine for him.

“This looks a better race, but we think he’ll go very well.”

Feature race at Beverley on Tuesday is the £10,000 eight-and-a-half-furlong handicap (3.30), in which the David O’Meara duo of Jacbequick and Rousayan, with seven course wins between them, are sure to be popular with the locals.

TRAINER Joseph O’Brien is hoping Rekindling can boost his Investec Derby credentials with a big performance in the Betfred Dante Stakes at York on Thursday 18 May.

The High Chaparral colt is among 21 horses in the renowned Group 2 ‘trial’ race at the latest entry stage. Permian, winner of the Listed Newmarket Stakes last Saturday, and Century Dream have been supplemented at a cost of £12,000 each.

Rekindling made a fine start to his season when winning the Group 3 Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown last month.

That was his first outing for O’Brien’s string, having been trained in 2016 by David Wachman, who retired at the end of that season.

The Ballysax Stakes success was Rekindling’s second from four career starts and he is now a 14/1 chance with Betfred for the famous Classic at Epsom, staged on 3 June.

O’Brien said: “We were delighted with his reappearance – his first run for us. He’s a quite laid-back horse so it’s very hard to know how good he is.

“He never is a horse that sparkles at home, so you have to kind of take things for granted and look forward to him on the racecourse.

“We were hopeful he’d run well but we were over the moon, obviously, when he won.

“We’ve been very happy with him since. He seems in good form and the plan is to go onto the Dante. It will be a very competitive race, I’m sure. We’re looking forward to it.

“He won one of the Derby trials in Ireland. At the minute, he has all the credentials to be an Epsom Derby candidate. I suppose he has to go to York and show us that he is.”

O’Brien, 23, is in his second season as a trainer, having enjoyed many high-profile wins as a jockey – including on Camelot and Australia in the Derby. Now he is dreaming of taking Rekindling to the Classic.

He added: “It’s unbelievable to have a horse to think about even going to a Derby.”

So far O’Brien has been the only person in the Derby trials to head the Ballydoyle battalions of his father, Aidan.

The trio of Ballydoyle horses that followed home Rekindling in the Ballysax Stakes filled the first three spots in last Sunday’s Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown. This week at Chester, Venice Beach led home another 1-2-3 for Aidan O’Brien in the Vase, while Cliffs Of Moher won the Dee Stakes.

O’Brien snr has seven of the 21 entries in next Thursday’s race on the Knavesmire, which has seen an already record prize fund further boosted by the supplementary entries, to reach £185,700. Trainer John Gosden has won the last two runnings of the Dante and could be represented by leading Derby contender Cracksman as well as Monarchs Glen in the famous Juddmonte silks.

On the same card, 10 fillies and mares have been left in the Group 2 Betfred Middleton Stakes. Breeders’ Cup heroine Queen’s Trust and last year’s Tattersalls Musidora winner, So Mi Dar, are among those on course to chase the record £125,000 pot.

The Dante Festival runs from Wednesday 17 May to Friday 19 May inclusively.For tickets please call 01904 620911 x 225 or visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk<http://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk/>

TRAINER James Fanshawe is hoping to start The Tin Man’s 2017 campaign in next Wednesday’s Group 2 Duke Of York Clipper Logistics Stakes, the sprint highlight of the opening day of York’s Dante Festival.

The son of Equiano, who carries the colours of Fred Archer Racing, is one of 15 potential runners remaining at the six-day entry stage for the richest ever staging of the six furlong contest, now worth  £125,000.

Fanshawe’s charge is the only runner with a Group 1 penalty in the field, having triumphed in the QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes last October.

He had a number of potential Duke of York rivals behind him that day – notably Brando, who made a winning return in the Abernant Stakes at Newmarket’s Craven Meeting last month.

It has been Fanshawe’s long-term plan to kick-start The Tin Man’s season on the Knavesmire and the Newmarket-based trainer has been pleased with progress this spring.

He said: “The Tin Man has wintered well and the plan is to run at York on Wednesday. He will run as long as the ground isn’t firm, so we are hoping that the track gets a bit of rain between now and then.

“He seems in good form and looks very well. This has been the plan and it is the ideal starting point for him. He likes Ascot so ideally the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot will be on his agenda as well as the other top sprints later in the year.”

Fanshawe has used the Duke Of York Clipper Logistics Stakes as a launch-pad for a top sprinter before. Group 1 winner, Society Rock, was victorious at York in 2013 ahead of finishing second to Lethal Force in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes

In addition to Brando, other entries to note are last year’s winner and second, Magical Memory and Suedois, the latter a Group 3 winner who carries the colours of George Turner and Steve Parkin of the sponsor, Clipper Logistics.

Trainer Charlie Appleby could be triple-handed with Baccarat, Comicas and Jungle Cat all remaining at the six-day entry stage. The second-named of that trio was second on Dubai World Cup night in the Group 1 Golden Shaheen – the latter a close-up fourth in the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint on the same card at Meydan.

The opening day of York’s Dante Festival will also stage the Group 3 Tattersalls Musidora Stakes, where smart three-year-old fillies will put their Investec Oaks credentials to the test hoping to become the seventh to do the York-Epsom double.

The Dante Festival runs from Wednesday, May 17 to Friday, May 19 inclusively.

For tickets please call 01904 620911 x 225 or visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk<http://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk

Evening meetings are always extremely popular at Pontefract and the first of three this season is 80s Night on Friday Evening 26^th May. It’s the first of two Music Nights (the other being on Friday Eve 21^st July) and with legends of pop, Bananarama, playing straight after the last race, it promises to be the best 80s Night yet!

Bananarama have been big news in recent weeks after it was announced that the original line up would be reforming in November. While Siobhan Fahey will rejoin the band in November, the remaining duo will take to the stage after the last race.

Bananarama are celebrating their 35^th Anniversary this year and their achievements speak for themselves. They have an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most successful female band world wide with the most charting singles, all of which were international hits, four hitting the US Billboard Top 10 including a No 1 with Venus. They also performed on two of the Band Aid singles.

To date, they have had 32 Top 40 UK hits. They have released 10 albums and sold 30 million records. They became internationally hot property with hits such as ‘I Heard a Rumour’, ‘Robert De Niro’s Waiting’ and ‘Love in the First Degree’ and, on Friday Eve 26^th May, they’ll be hot property in Pontefract as they play the 2017 80s Night!

On the track, the highlight is the 6 furlong £20,000 EBF Youngsters Conditions Stakes. With an impressive list of previous runners (including last years winner, Yalta) it always attracts some precocious juveniles looking to stake their claim for Royal Ascot glory the following month.

Constant Security Services provide the uniformed officers on duty on racedays at Pontefract and they sponsor 2 races on the card. Alpha Delphini ran in one of their races last year (finishing a close 3^rd) and went on to be just touched off in a Group 3 at Newbury at the end of the season.

The final race on the card is a Maiden race for 3 year olds, run in honour of Ken Sutton’s 70^th birthday. His friends and family will be out in force to raise a glass for his special day and cheer home a winner. Get Up And Dance was the appropriately named winner of this race last year and there’ll be plenty of racegoers doing just that in 2017 when Bananarama take to the stage.

If you’re bringing the car to this meeting, don’t forget to pick up your voucher for two free bottles of Harrogate Spa Spring Water. Keep an eye out for the Ponte team handing out vouchers in the car parks. You’ll be able to redeem your vouchers at any of the ‘Designated Driver’ points around the Racecourse.

It’s going to be a fantastic night of great racing, laughter, music and 80s nostalgia and many racegoers will be taking advantage of the fact that the dress code is relaxed on this night when they pick out their best fancy dress outfit and hope to pick up one of the spot prizes provided by tiesplanet.com!

There are just a few discounted tickets still available. The Premier Enclosure badges are currently £22 while the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure tickets are £10 – both prices include the concert after racing. Entrance tickets bought on the night will be full price (£24 and £16 respectively) so make sure you get your tickets before the night! Advance tickets can be purchased via the racecourse website at www.pontefract-races.co.uk or over the phone on 01977 781307.

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.

Action for the 2017 season at York Racecourse gets underway with the three day Dante Festival starting on Wednesday 17 May.  With a record investment across the season of £7.7m in prize money (up £600k), as well as a new eighteenth raceday on Saturday 1 July and ongoing improvements across the racecourse; excitement is building for the summer ahead on the Knavesmire.

Prize money over the three days of the Dante Festival has risen for the sixth year in succession, increasing by £45,000 again this year to £1.2m, with all four of the Group Two contests receiving a boost of £5,000 per race and every race worth £20,000 or more. With a feature race on each day sitting within the top 250 contests in the world, the York season begins with a feast of top quality racing.

Wednesday’s £100,000 Tattersalls Musidora is one of twenty one races across the York season to offer at least a six figure sum to connections.  A feature race for three year old fillies, the Musidora has proved to be a leading form indicator for the Investec Oaks, with six champion fillies that have gone on to achieve Classic glory.  Typically, fillies from the Musidora return as older horses to contest the now £125,000 Group 2 Betfred Middleton Stakes on the Thursday of the Festival, one such looks set to be the 2016 champion, So Mi Dar.

Potential champion sprinters will go to post in the fastest contest of the week, the Group Two Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes, staged over just six furlongs expect to see the winner in the mix for all the summer’s big sprints.  This year’s renewal looks set to include last year’s victor, Magical Memory, and a host of other Group One proven speedsters.

The Betfred Dante, the race that gives the Festival its name by honouring the last Yorkshire trained winner of the Derby back in 1945, is staged on Thursday.  This Group Two contest, now offering a prize fund of £165,000 is one of ten contests on the Knavesmire that sit proudly within the top two hundred contests anywhere in the world, according to the respected TRC Global Rankings.  The Dante winner has gone on to win the Investec Derby ten times, with Golden Horn the last to achieve that double two seasons ago.

The British Stallion Studs EBF Westow Stakes for three year old sprinters is one of three Listed contests during the Festival to see their prize money rise to £50,000. The then Michael Dods trained, Easton Angel, campaigned at the highest level after victory at York in 2016.

Friday’s principal race is The Betway Yorkshire Cup, now with £165,000 on offer to the leading stayers over one mile and three-quarters, a valuable and highly-rated Group Two ‘Cup’ race.  Friday’s renewal is part of the Qipco British Champions Series, the first of five York contests that are part of this special series of the top races in Britain.

Whilst this contest will feature established crowd favourites such as the most recent winner, locally trained Clever Cookie, a Listed race on the final day showcases the star fillies of tomorrow.  Backed by both Langleys Solicitors and the European Breeders’ Fund, the Marygate has proven a stepping stone to contests such as the Queen Mary and Sky Bet Lowther; a rise in prize money to £50,000 makes it the richest contest of its type for juvenile fillies in the country.

The latest improvement to the racegoing experience at York is the extensive refurbishment of the eating area on the ground floor of the Ebor Stand. Called “Eat Between Our Races” the new name seeks to capture the speed of service on offer, as well as referencing the most famous contest at the track. A range of freshly made hot and cold deli sandwiches and tasty cakes are likely to start as favourites in this particular race. The upgraded area forms part of a rolling programme of improvements that has seen the unveiling of £10m Northern End Development in recent years. This winter has also seen an upgrading to the “thatched head-on box” which is a recognisable landmark at York.  Renovated and restored in Douglas Fir to the style of the rest of the equine areas of the course, this improvement has been kindly supported by the Calvert family.

True to York’s reputation and despite the currency pressures of the last year, a bottle of champagne will be available from selected bars at £31.  Other tastes are catered for with an extended range of craft beers brewed by Ainsty Ales just beyond the six furlong start, the introduction of premium mixers from Fever-Tree to join the premium spirits served on the smart Moët Ice Roof Terrace, or the easy availability of Heineken 0.0 as a new, refreshing, zero alcohol option.

The opening race sees on-line bookmaker, Sky Bet, extend their support to a valuable middle-distance handicap contest over one mile and a quarter.  Infinity Tyres continue to back York – this time by supporting a valuable handicap race over six furlongs.  Conundrum Human Resources return to the venue where they provide professional services, to put their name to a competitive-looking handicap contest for three-year-olds, over seven furlongs. Novice two-year-olds take their opportunity in a contest under the European Breeders’ Fund banner, one of a record twenty-one contests over the season to receive the generous backing of the EBF. While racegoers continue to benefit from free, high speed Wi-Fi, racing connections benefit from the support of its technical provider, York Data Services, as they support the final handicap of day one.

As Thursday’s feature race points the way to Epsom, it is no surprise that the blue riband backers, Investec, also support a race on the Knavesmire. The Stratford Place Stud, owned by popular music impresario, Chris Wright CBE, once again supports a contest for maiden two-year-olds, the Stratford Place Stud Breeds Group Winners EBF Stakes.

A second Listed race for fillies is prominent on the final day as three-year-olds are catered for in The Longines Irish Champions Weekend Stakes, a contest over one mile supported by Horse Racing Ireland that has also benefited from a boost in prize money to £50,000. The Betway Jorvik Stakes also offers a £50,000 pot and is a handicap run over one mile and a half. Three-year-old sprinters have their opportunity, as new sponsors, the Yorkshire Equine Practice, support a handicap race over five furlongs.  Fillies and mares face the starter in the EBF Stallions Breeding Winners Frank Whittle Partnership Fillies’ Stakes, backed by the firm who advised the racecourse team on the popular Northern End Development Project.  Completing the twenty-one race programme is the 7IM supports Cystic Fibrosis Care Stakes, a handicap that promotes the link between the charity and the financial services firm; with £20,000 in prize money being a healthy reward as the minimum return of the week.

Richard Fahey is seeking to defend what was his eighth leading trainer title at York with competition again set to be fierce for the Charles Clinkard backed Top Trainer Trophy.  Andrea Atzeni bagged his first leading rider title on the Knavesmire last season; though crafty punters have already noted the return of former multiple champion Paul Hanagan to his northern roots, so expect a battle for the Living North Magazine Top Jockey Trophy.

York are pleased to be offering complimentary guided minibus trips to the start for racegoers; these will be taken by former professional flat jockey, John Murray, as another example of initiatives to further explain the sport and get racegoers closer to the action.

A new giant screen has been installed in the canopy over the John Carr Stand bringing the racing action alive to racegoers enjoying the champagne lawns in the shadow of the Grade 2* Listed John Carr Stand that dates from 1755.  This increases the provision to four giant screens at York which will join the 100 plus LCD flat screen televisions in showing high definition (HD) pictures of the action; a benefit also available to viewers of Racing UK for all twenty-one races.

Further details about the Dante Festival and the season ahead, please visit York’s website on www.yorkracecourse.co.uk<http://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk/>

 Racegoers are set to flock to Ripon Racecourse this Friday night (May 12th) for the return of the most generous offer the UK racing industry has to offer and it’s right on our doorstep here in Yorkshire!

The ‘FREEFRIDAY’ initiative that was first introduced last season saw over 6000 racegoers take up the offer of FREE entry to all racegoers into Paddock and Course Enclosures and no, there isn’t a catch it really is as simple as to turn up and walk in for FREE.

A bold move from one of Yorkshire’s most scenic Racecourses, with Ripon’s free fixture enabling those new to racing a chance to ‘try before you buy’ and not only showcases some quality action on the track but gives those an insight into the industry.

Ripon want to embrace the nation’s love for the sport and override the often stereotypical view that racing is for an elite group or isn’t suitable for families. Ripon very much fly’s the flag as a family friendly venue with free admission for accompanied u18’s all year round.

James Hutchinson, Managing Director & Clerk of the Course said “Last year’s event was a massive success and was a great way to bring new people to experiencing racing for the first time. Racing can be anything you want it to be and we encourage everyone to come along and make the most of this fantastic offer” 

For those wanting to get involved and attend, racegoers can walk into both the Paddock and Course Enclosures for FREE from 4pm, with the first of six races starting at 6pm.

In addition to the action on the track, the Racecourse also have live music after racing from Madness tribute band ‘The Madhouse Brothers’ starting just before 9pm.

Fixture details:

Friday 12^th May –

Gates open at 16:00pm – First of six races starts at 18:00pm

FREE entry is available into the Paddock and Course Enclosures with Club Enclosure upgrade available on the night at £15.

All accompanied u18’s come FREE into any Enclosure.

Feature race of the day: The SIS Celebrating 30 Years in Horseracing Handicap Stakes

Two of the region’s best loved sporting institutions are coming together to offer families a feast of fun during the Spring Half-Term break.

Beverley Racecourse has teamed up with rugby league club Hull FC for a week-long series of fun activities featuring an afternoon of racing and a big match at the KCOM stadium.

Grown-ups can enjoy an exciting afternoon of racing on Wednesday, May 31, while younger fans can practice wrestling in inflatable sumo suits; roll around in a giant Zorb ball; take a selfie with the Challenge Cup; enjoy funfair rides, and try for a prize in Hull FC’s popular “Boot It” kicking competition! Fans of both horseracing and rugby can also meet Hull FC first-team stars.

Racegoers will also be offered discounted tickets to enjoy top-class rugby as Hull FC take on the Wigan Warriors at the KCOM stadium on Saturday, June 3, including the half-time mascot match – a big family-favourite. Youngsters can also don silks and take a ride on ponies dressed up as race horses in West Park before the big game as part of the club’s annual family fan zone, with rides, activities and games.

Sally Iggulden, Chief Executive of Beverley Racecourse, said: “We’re delighted to have teamed up with Hull FC for Spring Half Term. It feels a very natural partnership as both organisations are very family-orientated and work hard at being part of the local community.

“Our afternoon race meeting on Wednesday, May 31, will be a really great family friendly day where racegoers can meet the Hull FC squad and take selfies with the Challenge Cup as well as lots of other fun activities we’ve got lined up.

“We’ve also recently teamed up with celebrity chef Colin McGurran of Winteringham Fields, so diners can try his signature dish in our Attraction restaurant – making it a fabulous experience for all the family.”

James Clark, Executive Director at Hull FC, said: “We know many of our fans enjoy a day at the races as much as they do the rugby, so it will be a great week to bring fans and families, young and old, together.

“Our annual family game is always popular, and this half-term will be no exception, so to work with the team at Beverley Races to make this a full week of fun is a fantastic opportunity that hopefully we can round off with a win!”

As part of Hull FC’s ongoing commitment to developing rugby league for future generations, the club will be operating one of its popular school holiday camps at the racecourse during the half-term break as part of the new partnership.

The three-day camp will run from Tuesday, May 30 to Thursday, June 1, giving youngsters up to the age of 16 the chance to train with Hull FC and attend the half-term race day.

Those taking part will learn rugby skills, play mini tournaments, receive a training certificate and free tickets to the Hull FC game. Prices for the camp are £30 for three days from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

To book your child onto the Hull FC Spring Half-Term camp, e-mail haley.richardson@hullfc.com or call 01482 327 200 (option 0). The camp will be delivered by qualified coaches from the Hull FC Foundation.

Tickets for all race meetings can be booked online at www.beverley-racecourse.co.uk or by calling the ticket hotline on 01482 867488.

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.”

Winners may have temporarily dried up for Keith Dalgleish, but the Carluke trainer is hopeful things will get back on track when he makes a two-pronged attack on the Totepool Thirsk Hunt Cup this weekend.

After a bright start to the year when he rattled off a dozen winners by the middle of April, the winners have stalled in the last couple of weeks for Dalgleish as they have for Philip Makin, who rides most of the yard’s runners.

However, a cracking effort by Cliff Bay, who dead-heated for second place when just a head behind winner Teodoro at Redcar on Thursday, suggest that another winner surge is on the way and it could take off at the North Yorkshire track on Saturday.

Dalgleish is double-handed in the £16,000-to-the-winner Thirsk feature with Sound Advice and Lat Hawill and a good case can be made for both to turn in top performances.

Sound Advice won the Hunt Cup in 2015 and though he makes his seasonal bow has to be respected. His win two years ago and a success last season in a valuable Chester handicap with recent Thirsk winner Rene Mathis beaten into fourth, suggest he could go well on a track which has seen him win twice and be second once from just three appearances.

He will be ridden by Rowan Scott, winner of Go Racing In Yorkshire’s Future Stars Apprentice Series last season as Makin opts to partner Lat Hawill on the back of an eye-catching second to Twin Appeal at Musselburgh last month. He was ridden by Shirley Teasdale that day as, ironically, Makin was on the David Barron-trained winner.

As always with the Hunt Cup, a very competitive race is in prospect. Brian Ellison, Kevin Ryan and John Quinn are also double-handed while Richard Fahey, the leading trainer at Thirsk, runs Spring Offensive following a bold run in the Irish Lincolnshire Handicap at Naas last time.

Other trainers to note are Tim Easterby, who runs last year’s fourth Silvery Moon off a 5lbs lower mark and Brian Meehan, whose team has run into form and who saddles Mutarakez here.

The Hunt Cup is centrepiece of a terrific seven race card at Thirsk, which gets under way with the Totescoop6 Play For Just £2 Today Novice Auction Stakes at 1.55 and as well as top class action on the track there will be music from The Playlist and lots of activities for the younger racegoers in the Family Enclosure. Admission for under 18’s is free when accompanied by an adult.

New for 2017 is the Cherry Tree Premier Package which offers entry and badge for the Premier Enclosure, parking, the official racecard, a choice of alcoholic, soft or hot drink from the Cherry Tree Bar, which has its own private lawn area, the choice of gourmet food and a £2 Totepool betting voucher all for just £40.

Racegoers will also be able to follow all the action on the big screen opposite the stands and Paddock.

Entry to the Premier Enclosure costs £26 (£24 if booked online ahead of the day), while Paddock admission can be obtained for £16 (£15 online). There are also great reductions for group bookings. For more information go to www.thirskracecourse.net  Gates open at 11am.

A RACE which began with the intention of bringing together some leading hunters from around the country, will attract some top mile handicappers when the historic Thirsk Hunt Cup takes centre stage on Saturday.

For the third week in a row, Thirsk stages a weekend fixture with a meeting backed entirely by Totepool and with the Hunt Cup as the centrepiece.

It is more than 150 years since Thirsk race committee took out nationwide adverts hoping to see “Leicestershire or Melton flyers put in an appearance and nor would a Cheshire or Scotch good hunter be unwelcome”. Today, it is cracking mile handicappers that make their way to Thirsk for this competitive event.

Recent winners include the Godolphin star Farrh, who won the race in 2012 and went on to finish second to the mighty Frankel in the Juddmonte International at York three months later before winning both the group one Lockinge Stakes and the Champion Stakes in 2013.

Since then, there have been four straight Northern-trained winners including last year’s winner Finn Class, a second Thirsk Hunt Cup winner for Darlington trainer Michael Dods and, at 16-1, the longest priced winner of the race since Hallion in 2003.

As well as top class racing on the track there will be plenty of interest off it with music from The Playlist and lots of fun for the younger racegoers in the Family Enclosure with admission for under 18’s free when accompanied by an adult.

New for 2017 is the Cherry Tree Premier Package which offers entry and badge for the Premier Enclosure, parking, the official racecard, a choice of alcoholic, soft or hot drink from the Cherry Tree Bar, which has its own private lawn area, the choice of gourmet food and a £2 Totepool betting voucher all for just £40.

Racegoers will also be able to follow all the action on the big screen opposite the stands and Paddock.  Entry to the Premier Enclosure costs £26 (£24 if booked online ahead of the day), while Paddock admission can be obtained for £16 (£15 online). There are also great reductions for group bookings. For more information go to www.thirskracecourse.net

Gates open at 11am ahead of the first race at 1.55pm.

Ed Dunlop will try to remain unbeaten at Beverley this season when he saddles Weloof in the feature race on Thursday (April 27).

The Newmarket handler enjoyed a fine start to the 2017 campaign at the East Yorkshire circuit when he secured a double at the opening fixture last Wednesday.

Amlad and Global Revival obliged for Dunlop on the Westwood, and now the Abdullah Saeed Al Naboodah-owned Weloof gets the chance to shine in the 2017 Bernard Evans Memorial Handicap (2.45).

Like Amlad, the three-year-old colt sports the same red and white silks of Dabyah and Daban, who both advanced their Classic claims with significant victories last week.

Weloof was well beaten on his sole start as a juvenile, but caught the eye at Wolverhampton last month when he won an eight-and-a-half-furlong maiden by two and a quarter lengths.

Dunlop said: “I’m looking forward to running him at Beverley.

“He did well at Wolverhampton last time and the horse that finished second (Everything For You) has since won a race.

“He wouldn’t want the ground too fast, but he’s in good form and will now enter handicap company in the hope he can back up his Wolverhampton run.

“Mr Abdullah Al Naboodah has been a big supporter of the yard recently so hopefully Weloof can continue his fine run of form.

“We had a good day at Beverley last week and Mulzim winning at Wolverhampton on the evening made it an across-the-card treble.

“We hope this can help propel us forward as we move into a key period, with many horses ready to run in the near future.”

Weloof will be ridden by Paul Mulrennan at Beverley and takes on six rivals over seven and a half furlongs.

Aardwolf is set to carry top weight for Mark Johnston, who also saddles Kodiac Khan.

Richard Fahey runs Starlight Romance, the mount of Sammy Jo Bell. Fahey won this race 12 months ago with Garcia, who subsequently claimed victory in the Silver Bowl Stakes at Haydock last May.

Monks Stand (Tim Easterby), Arc Royal (Tom Dascombe) and Fayez (David O’Meara) also go to post

Beverley’s seven-race card is due to begin at 1.40pm and also features the Rapid Lad Handicap (3.50). This mile-and-a-quarter contest is named in honour of the course specialist who won 12 races on the Westwood between 1983-89.

The current going at Beverley is good to firm, good in places, after four and a half millimetres of rainfall on Tuesday night.

As the nation goes ‘Racing crazy’ this weekend for the Tour De Yorkshire, down at Ripon Races it is very much ‘business as normal’ as they prepare for a different kind of racing and their first Saturday raceday of the season.

Alongside an afternoon of quality action on the track, the Racecourse will be showing full coverage of the Tour De Yorkshire alongside the jump season finale action from Sandown.

Ripon’s first Saturday meeting of the season has over £120,000 of prize money on offer, with £30,0000 up for grabs for the main event of the afternoon. The feature race ‘The Download The Free Attheraces App Handicap Stakes’, this contest for staying horses over 2 miles is often a stepping stone for potential Royal Ascot winners with Trip to Paris winning the race before winning the Ascot Gold Cup back in 2014.

James Hutchinson, Managing Director and Clerk of the Course said:

“We are delighted the Tour De Yorkshire is coming to Ripon and have worked closely with Welcome to Yorkshire to ensure our spectators will have no problems getting in or out of the Racecourse this Saturday”

Travel news with reference to Saturday’s racing and the Tour De Yorkshire: –

The Women’s race will have passed through Ripon Market Place by the time their gates open at 11.30am and the action will already be underway (our first race commences at 14.15pm) once the Men’s race enters the city (at approximately 16.15pm).

There will only be short road closures in place on the A61 at Ripley at approximately 09.30am to 10.30am and 14.15pm – 15.15pm and the main access route from the A1 is completely unaffected, with no travel restrictions whatsoever by the time the final race is completed by 17.40pm.

Other big news coming from the track is the return of our #FREEFRIDAY initiative in two weeks’ time. Last year’s event saw over 6000 racegoers turn out to enjoy a Friday evening of racing for FREE.  This year’s fixture takes place on Friday 12th May, with over 6000 people already registered to attend it is set to be another landmark event.

You can keep up to date with all the latest news from the course on their social media pages, or by visiting their website.

TRAINER Michael Bell is hoping it will be third time lucky for stable stalwart Big Orange who is among 38 horses to remain in contention for the feature race of Friday 19 May, the Betway Yorkshire Cup, at today’s first forfeit stage.

The globetrotting six-year-old will be hoping to add a further Group 2 triumph to his previous success at this elevated level, having recorded back-to-back victories in the last two renewals of the Goodwood Cup.

But, to date, York has not been a happy hunting-ground for Big Orange, who has disappointed on his two previous course appearances.

He was seventh in the weddingmates.co.uk Grand Cup – a Listed contest – and had only one behind him in the 2015 running of the Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup.

However, Bell believes Big Orange can be excused for not delivering his best form on the Knavesmire…yet.

He said: “He has run twice there. The first time we changed the tactics and tried to drop him in but that backfired. Then he also ran again in the Lonsdale but that was on the back of a hard race in the Princess of Wales’s (at Newmarket) and a hard race at Goodwood. There’s no logical reason why he shouldn’t be effective at York, so we want to go there all guns blazing.

“We feel that the Yorkshire Cup fits in nicely – timing-wise – with possibly running in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot. Provided there are no extremes of ground – and that he’s healthy and well – I am sure he will be there.”

His last run in England was on the Sussex Downs nine months ago. Since then he has been campaigned in Australia, Hong Kong and Dubai.

Most recently, he contested the Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup (sponsored by Al Tayer Motors) in which he was a very creditable fourth. That performance at Meydan in late March is all the more impressive, given the back-story.

Bell explained: “Bearing in mind 48 hours before the race he had a temperature of 104, I think it was a very, very good run. He had a heat wobble. Although on race day he was fine, that is not the ideal preparation.

“He couldn’t canter the day before the race. Not that you can get a horse fit in a day but it can’t have been a positive – it must have been detrimental. And he ran, I wouldn’t say a career-best, but he wasn’t far off his best ever form.”

Almost a month later and Bell reports his charge to be in “very good form” at home. And, unsurprisingly, Big Orange is a very popular figure around the stables at Fitzroy House in Newmarket.

Bell added: “He is a great character – a huge presence in the yard, physically as much as anything else. The longer horses stay around in Flat racing yards, the more attached you get to them. He has taken us all round the world, not once but twice, so he’s a great friend.”

The £165,000 Betway Yorkshire Cup is a Group 2 race, staged over a mile-and-three-quarters of the Knavesmire and is part of the QIPCO British Champions Series.

York’s season-opening Dante Festival runs from Wednesday 17 May to Friday 19 19 inclusive.

For Tickets PLEASE CALL 01904 620911 x225 Or visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk<http://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk>

One of the best known all girl bands of all time, All Saints, are set to play York Racecourse on Music Showcase Saturday, 29 July.

All Saints (Melanie Blatt, Shaznay Lewis, Natalie & Nicole Appleton) were one of the most successful pop groups of the 1990s, with two multi-platinum albums and record sales in excess of 12 million worldwide. Their debut album, ‘All Saints’ went 5x platinum and produced 3 number-one singles, including the double BRIT award-winning ‘Never Ever’ which ended up selling over 1.2 million copies in the UK. The band returned with a new album, “Red Flag” and are back performing live to rave reviews.

To book visit yorkracecourse.co.uk<http://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk>; admission to the main Grandstand and Paddock enclosure, starts at just £24 per person for a group of six.* Accompanied under 18s are admitted free of charge and as well as free car parking, there are no booking fees.

On the racecourse itself, the Group Two Sky Bet York Stakes will be the £120,000 centerpiece of a seven race card, with a first race time of 1.55pm.

It promises to be a fun filled July for racing and music fans as there are four other racedays scheduled for this popular month; which gets under way with a brand new date for the York Calendar, Saturday 1 July, when Olly Murs will be the headline act. A fortnight later the traditional highlight of the 58th John Smith’s Cup Meeting (Friday 14 and Saturday 15 July) will entertain the crowds.

Just the evening before, Friday 28 July, Jess Glynne will have been on the Knavesmire stage, after an evening of racing.

James Brennan, Head of Marketing and Sponsorship said:

‘Everyone at the course is really excited now that we have finalised an exciting Music act that will sit alongside our races. I’m delighted that we will be welcoming Melanie, Shaznay, Natalie & Nicole to York. This year’s lineup offers performers who have been stars across two decades and promises to be a real treat. Add in the spectacle of the racing itself and we hope these will prove summer days to savour.’

The tickets for All Saints officially go on sale at 9am on Wednesday19 April and music and racing fans alike can take advantage of some attractive deals by visiting www.yorkracecourse<http://www.yorkracecourse>.co.uk or calling 01904 620911.

Weston Park Cancer Charity and Hospital is once again painting the town purple as it hosts a special race day at the town’s iconic Racecourse on Friday 2nd June.

As part of the charity’s ongoing fundraising efforts, racegoers will be able to unite at Doncaster Racecourse and enjoy an evening of top class racing and entertainment as the town moor turf adopts the velvety undertones of the colour purple – the colours of the charity.

“Last year many racegoers wore purple in support of Weston Park and we hope that this year’s crowd will do the same again,” said Abby Chandler Group Marketing Manager Arena Leisure Corporation. “It promises to be a lovely early summer’s evening with a fantastic mix of quality racing and entertainment coupled with a fantastic atmosphere.  And, visitors can be assured that by enjoying an evening out they are also supporting a hugely important charity that not only cares for people with cancer but is one of only four dedicated cancer hospitals in England.”

In addition to a packed race card, visitors can enjoy music from the PYT’s after racing. A 6-piece contemporary band that performs an exhilarating combination of rock, pop, funk and soul to get everyone in the party mood.

Darren Hayes Business Development Manager at Weston Park Cancer Charity commented; “Last year’s inaugural race day was a fantastic evening for everyone concerned and we hope that this year’s will be equally well supported. We ask the people of the region to come out and join us to help raise awareness and much needed funds to support the local cancer network. The evening promises to be another showcase for the charity and a chance for people to make the effort to support us and have a great night.”

In support of the evening Doncaster Racecourse has donated 2,000 Grandstand tickets to Weston Park Cancer Charity.  The tickets worth £16 each will be available to the charity’s patients for the event on Friday 2nd June.

Gates open at 4.30pm with the first race taking place at 6.20pm. The final race of the evening commences at 8.50pm.

For further information and to buy tickets visit http://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/fixture/spring-afternoon-racing-3/.  Patients can call Weston Park Cancer Charity on 0114 226 5370 for tickets.

STAR TRAINERS Richard Fahey and David O’Meara will go head-to-head in the two feature races on a high quality card to mark the opening day of Thirsk’s 2017 season on Saturday.

The pair come up against each other in a cracking renewal of the EBFstallions.com Michael Foster Stakes, a race, which commemorates the long-serving director and former chairman of the North Yorkshire course, and lock horns again in the New “Cherry Tree” Racegoers Package Handicap.

In the Michael Foster Fahey’s Rene Mathis, who was second in the race last year, is up against O’Meara’s group race performer Custom Cut in what promises to be a fascinating clash, although it nearly didn’t happen with Fahey making a last minute decision to run.

“I was a bit worried about the opposition and it was 50-50 an hour before declarations, but when just three were declared and the race reopened, I had another look and decided to give it a go” said Fahey.

The Malton trainer certainly knows what it takes to win as he has an outstanding record in the race with three winners in the past 10 years, while his runners have made the frame in six of the other seven runnings. The one exception was 2010 when Fahey wasn’t represented.

With over 30 winners on the board already this season and a team in form as evidenced by a Beverley double on Wednesday, Fahey has high hopes that Rene Mathis will go one better after chasing home Kevin Ryan’s Kelinni last year.

Although Ryan is represented by Mount Tahan, who was fifth in the Spring Mile at Doncaster last time, the main threat looks to be O’Meara’s Custom Cut, who has been plying his trade in group races. He was beaten a neck when third in the group three Diomed Stakes at Epsom last June and was placed in both the Strensall Stakes at York and the Boomerang Stakes at Leopardstown.

“Custom Cut is in good form following his run in the Doncaster Mile last time and I have no worries about dropping him back to seven furlongs” said O’Meara.

It will be the first time Custom Cut has run over a trip shorter than a mile since he was tenth in the Prix de la Foret at Longchamp in 2015.

Fahey and O’Meara go head-to-head again in the Cherry Tree with Gabrial’s King and Saved By The Bell, although both may be trumped by Tim Easterby’s Mukhayyam, who Is sure to improve for a recent run at Catterick.

Off the track, there will be live music throughout the day supplied by The White Ties and lots for younger racegoers to enjoy in the Family Enclosure.

Entry to the Premier Enclosure costs £26 (£24 if booked online ahead of the day), while Paddock admission can be obtained for £16 (£15 online). There are also great reductions for group bookings while, as always, adult accompanied children under 18 get in free. For more information go to www.thirskracecourse.net

Gates open at 11am ahead of the first race at 1.50pm.

TOP-CLASS action awaits at Thirsk on Saturday (April 22), when the North Yorkshire racecourse stages its opening meeting of the 2017 season with the first of five successive weekend fixtures in a row until May 20.

In the first of 16 meetings at Thirsk this year, a set of high-quality middle distance horses will line up for New Cherry Tree Premier Racegoers Package Handicap over 12 furlongs, a race which highlights one of the great new offers to racegoers this year.

For just £40, the package offers Premier Enclosure parking, entry and badge, the official racecard, a choice of alcoholic, soft or hot drink from the Cherry Tree Bar, which has its own private lawn area, the choice of gourmet food and A £2 Totepool betting voucher.

Yorkshire trainers Brian Ellison and David O’Meara lead the way with three entries each, although in a race which is often dominated by horses at the top of the handicap, Mark Johnston may have the ace in the hole with Final.

The five-year-old will be well forward after a campaign on the all-weather which saw him win at Lingfield in February and Newcastle last month. On his latest start, he clipped heels with another runner at Newcastle and gave jockey PJ McDonald a nasty looking fall.

Sharing top billing on Saturday is the seven-furlong EBFstallions.com Michael Foster Conditions Stakes, commemorating the long-serving director and former chairman of Thirsk.

A Class 3 event worth over £9,000 to the winner, the race usually attracts quality entries from several of the top Northern and Southern stables with Richard Fahey the outstanding yard. Since 2007, Fahey-trained horses have won three times and finished in the first four every year except 2010.

Racegoers will also be able to follow all the action on the big screen opposite the stands and Paddock.

As well as some thrilling racing on the track, there will be plenty of entertainment off it lots of interesting attraction to keep the younger racegoers occupied in the Family Enclosure.

Entry to the Premier Enclosure costs £26 (£24 if booked online ahead of the day), while Paddock admission can be obtained for £16 (£15 online). There are also great reductions for group bookings. For more information go to www.thirskracecourse.net

Gates open at 11am ahead of the first race at 1.50pm.

For further information please contact Thirsk racecourse on 01845 522276 or John Sexton on 01539 533005 or 07760 623106

HORSE-MAD schoolgirl Olivia Renshaw has earned her family a special Easter treat thanks to her artistic skills.

Olivia, 11, of Middlesbrough, is the winner of Redcar Racecourse’s competition to design the front cover of the racecard for the Easter Monday meeting on April 17.

The prize means one of the races at Redcar on Easter Monday will be named in Olivia’s honour and she’ll present the trophy to the winner as part of a VIP package which also includes a three-course meal with her family.

Olivia, who attends Acklam Whin Primary School in Middlesbrough, loves horses and volunteers every Saturday at Stainsby Grange stables at Thornaby. She wants to be an Olympic show-jumping star when she grows up.

She said: “I can’t believe I’ve won the competition. It’s really exciting and I can’t wait to come to the races with my family and see my very own race.”

She’ll be joined by her mum Claire Kane, sister Sophie, 14, and her grandma and grandad Glynis and Albert Dyas.

Claire said: “Olivia had the chance to take any of her friends but she especially wanted to take her grandad because he hasn’t been very well. We all can’t wait.”

Redcar’s Easter Monday meeting promises to be a fun-packed family day out, with appearances by the Easter Bunny, Alice In Wonderland, and the Mad Hatter. There’s also an Easter bonnet parade, a treasure hunt and free mini-eggs for early arrivals subject to availability.

There are seven scheduled races, due to start at 2.35pm, but the first race could be brought forward to 2.05m, depending on the number of runners declared on Saturday morning.

Adult tickets for the course enclosure are £6 with children 17 and under admitted free.

General manager Amy Fair said: “It’s a great value day out for families who want to do something a little different on Easter Monday. Bring a picnic and join in the fun.”

Local hero Alpha Delphini is in the frame to once again set the sprinting world alight at Beverley Racecourse this season.

Bryan Smart’s six-year-old was a stunning winner of the totepool Beverley Bullet last year when he claimed glory by a neck in a thrilling finish to the Listed heat.

Alpha Delphini is a half-brother to Tangerine Trees, the gifted sprinter who won the Bullet in 2011 before going on to secure Group One honours in the Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp. And like his now-retired former stablemate, he was bred, and is partly-owned, by Beverley resident Marie Matthews.

Beverley’s season begins next Wednesday (April 19), yet Smart is already looking towards late summer when his classy speedster could defend his crown in the valuable five-furlong Bullet on Saturday, September 2.

The North Yorkshire handler said: “He’s won it once, and there’s no reason why he couldn’t have another go at it.

“He’s plenty of options but the Bullet is there for us. “He seems to love Beverley – he won his maiden there, too – and it’s a great prize to have a go at. “It was a brilliant day when he won it last year, not least because of Marie and her connections with Beverley, but also because it was a proper, proper race.  “I wouldn’t be afraid to send him to Beverley for the Bullet again, put it that way.”

Alpha Delphini went to Newbury after his Beverley heroics and ably franked the Bullet form when a short-head second to the 112-rated Cotai Glory in the Group Three Dubai International Airport World Trophy Stakes.

The gelded son of Captain Gerrard is reportedly thriving at his Hambleton base and is likely to make his seasonal debut at Newmarket in May.

Smart added: “Alpha is very well, I’m really happy with him.

“He’s had a good winter and he has strengthened up a lot – he’s a much bigger horse than he was last year.

“He’ll go to the Palace House at Newmarket first, and then we’ll take it from there.

“I’m very pleased with him, physically, and it will be great to get him going again.”

The totepool Beverley Bullet is the keynote race of the season at the popular East Yorkshire venue and has been won in the past by such luminaries as Hellvelyn (2007), Borderlescott (2012), Pearl Secret (2014) and Maarek (2015).

With the British public still counting their winnings from last week’s Grand National, the flat season is well underway with Ripon kick-starting their season next week with an Easter Family Fun Day.

Alongside an afternoon of quality racing, the course is offering FREE entry and FREE entertainment for the children including a visit from the Easter Bunny for a special ‘Easter Bunny Hunt’, bouncy castles, face painting and balloon modelling!

The day will be the first day in service for the ‘Ripon Races Express’, a new free raceday shuttle bus service running from Ripon coach park in the City Centre to the Racecourse for each raceday. The service is in partnership with local company Sherwoods and has been one of many improvements to the racegoers experience over the past few years since the introduction on Ripon’s own betting operators RiponBET.

The start to the season comes after the Racecourse was recently listed in the top 11 Racecourses by Visit England as part of their national quality assured assessment scheme which also saw the Racecourse’s Club Dining Room reclaim their Excellence accolade.

The award was first issued in 2015 for achieving a score of 90% and over for their quality restaurant on customer service and the quality of the overall dining experience. Most impressively Ripon are the ONLY Racecourse in England and Wales to achieve this for 2016 out of the 60 Racecourses that were assessed.

James Hutchinson, Managing Director and Clerk of the Course said: “We are really excited to get the new season underway and it’s great to add an Easter theme to the fixture as it falls in the Easter school break. The introduction of the new shuttle bus service has been due to demand and we are really looking forward to giving something back to the community” 

Other big news coming from the track is the return of their #FREEFRIDAY initiative, which saw over 6000 racegoers enjoy an evening of free racing to their Friday evening fixture. This year’s fixture takes place on Friday 12^th May, with over 5000 people already registered to attend.

You can keep up to date with all the latest news and offers from the course on their social media pages, or by visiting their website.

Fixture details:

Thursday 20^th April –

• Gates open at 12.15pm – First of Seven races starts at 14.15pm
• Adult entry on the day from £7 – £22
• All accompanied u18’s come FREE
• FREE entertainment for the children includes:  Easter Bunny Hunt, Bouncy Castles, Balloon Modelling and face painting.

Feature race of the day: The Ripon Cock o’ the North Handicap – a one mile contest for horses three year old – offering £11,500 in prize money.

Doncaster Racecourse, one of the largest attractions for day visitors in the town, has received a top industry accolade from the Racecourse Association (RCA), one of only 11 courses in the UK to receive such recognition.

It received the award for its overall visitor experience, with a particular commendation for its visitor information and signage, which adds to the enjoyment of the day for its visitors.

“We are delighted to receive this award and the associated industry recognition that comes with it,” said Tim Banfield Executive Director Doncaster Racecourse. “It is the continued efforts of the entire team to deliver a fantastic experience for everyone, whether an owner, jockey, trainer or visitor, that has led to this award and I thank them all for their team spirit and commitment.”

The Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme (QARS) is carried out in conjunction with VisitEngland and VisitScotland and allows racecourses to be benchmarked against other attractions, ensuring that standards across the sporting and leisure venues remain consistent.

Of the 60 courses in Great Britain all were rated as ‘good’ or higher however, eleven received the highest award of Excellence when judged and rated on criteria which includes; the quality of the day out, customer service levels, cleanliness and the efficiency of the racecourse operation.

“Racing at Doncaster continues to grow in popularity with a growing number of loyal visitors choosing us as their number one racing venue,” said Tim. “We aim to make racing and our venue enjoyable for everyone whether it is their first, or one of several visits, and achieve this through consistency and a clear direction of standards and strategy.” 

For further information about fixtures for 2017 at Doncaster can be found by visiting http://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/

YORKSHIRE-based trainer Kevin Ryan has the Betfred Dante Stakes (Thursday 18 May) as an early-season target for his exciting three-year-old, Syphax.

The colt, who was purchased by Godolphin during the off-season, is one of 84 entries for the richest ever renewal of the Group 2 contest which is widely recognised as the leading ‘trial’ for the Investec Derby. This year’s entry offers £165,000 in prize money so it is no surprise that it includes the top five in the betting for Epsom’s globally-renowned Classic.

Ten winners of the Betfred Dante – including Golden Horn, two years ago – have gone on to take the Blue Riband. The Knavesmire showcase also has a rich history of throwing up French and Irish Derby winners with Ryan himself responsible for The Grey Gatsby in 2014. The striking ‘grey’ followed up his home turf success with victory in the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly.

Syphax was last seen winning the Tattersalls Acomb Stakes, a Group 3 for two-year-olds staged at the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival. He beat subsequent Royal Lodge Stakes winner Best Of Days and the pair could meet again at York on 18 May.

Ryan is reluctant to draw comparisons between Syphax and The Grey Gatsby but is hopeful that he has a high-class prospect on his hands.

He said: “We had planned to go straight to the Dante but the plan is now to run at Newcastle on 14 April in a conditions race. It will be good to get a run into him before going to York.

“He has done fantastically well over the winter and I am very happy with him. He obviously won the Acomb at the track and all being well he can go there in good shape.”

Godolphin are represented by 15 colts while the trainer Aidan O’Brien’s Ballydoyle team make up over a third of the initial entry with 29. Among them are current Qipco 2000 Guineas/ Investec Derby favourite and champion juvenile Churchill, as well as the highly regarded, War Decree.

Another intriguing ‘possible’ is Rivet, the colt landed his maiden victory at York last August and then won the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster, for Skipton born handler William Haggas. Fellow Newmarket trainer John Gosden, has won the last two renewals of the big race with the aforementioned Golden Horn (2015) and twelve months ago with Wings Of Desire. Among the master of Clarehaven’s eight entries for this year’s contest is Crowned Eagle, an Oasis Dream half-brother to Wings Of Desire, who ran out an emphatic winner of his maiden at Nottingham last November.

Gosden also looks to have a strong hand in the Betfred Middleton Stakes, the Group 2 that focuses on the fillies & mares on the second day of the Dante Festival (Thursday 18 May).  Another contest that has seen prize money increase, a total of 23 horses have been entered in the £125,000 contest, run over the same extended ten furlongs as the Dante.

Gosden’s trio include Journey, the Group 1 QIPCO British Champions Fillies and Mares winner as well as So Mi Dar, who was an impressive winner over course and distance in the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes last May.

The other Group 1 winners who could feature in the line-up are Breeders’ Cup heroine Queen’s Trust (Sir Michael Stoute) and the Aidan O’Brien-trained Seventh Heaven, who followed up her Darley Irish Oaks success with victory at York in the Darley Yorkshire Oaks of 2016.

Also among the entry is the defending champion, Beautiful Romance, who racked up the air miles following that success with a trip to Australia last autumn. The daughter of New Approach, owned by Godolphin and trained by Saeed Bin Suroor, ran with credit in the Melbourne Cup. She then enjoyed success at Meydan this winter – scoring in Group 3 company.

The Dante Festival runs from Wednesday 17 May to Friday 19 May inclusive.

For tickets please call 01904 620911 x 225 or visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk<http://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk/>

TRAINER Laura Mongan believes that the Group 2 Betway Yorkshire Cup at York on Friday 19 May is “the perfect starting point” for 2016 St Leger winner Harbour Law.

The Lawman colt really put Epsom-based Mongan on the map with his superb Classic success last September. Owner Mrs Jackie Cornwell has kept the horse in training as a four-year-old and his initial challenge is scheduled to be the mile and three-quarter contest that offers record prize money of £165,000.

Harbour Law features among a bumper 50-strong entry – up from the 28 at the same stage twelve months ago. It is a case of quality as well as quantity, with the both the 2016 & 2015  Gold Cup at Royal Ascot winners, Trip To Paris and Order of St George, both featuring, amongst some seven stayers to have already scored at the highest level.

Mongan has already given Harbour Law “a couple of pieces” of fast work this spring and is looking forward to her stable star returning to action in the Betway Yorkshire Cup.

She said: “We think that’s the perfect starting point for him – with the view, all being well, to go onto the Gold Cup. They’d be our main early targets. We think we’ve got a horse good enough.

“I think, the further the better with him. The mile and six furlongs at York will suit him but the best of him will show over longer trips.”

Harbour Law, not seen out since scoring in the Classic at Doncaster last September, enjoyed a winter break at his owner’s property in Dorset.

Mongan added: “He has been back with us since mid-January. We’re very lucky to have him back. He looks great and holidayed well. We couldn’t be happier with him.

“He always was a beautiful stamp of a horse and he looks better, stronger – great in himself. So we’re very excited, if not a little nervous! (But) it’s a lovely pressure to have.

“All he did last season was mature and improve, looks-wise and mentally. I’m pretty sure that he has carried on doing that. He is doing everything right at home – that’s all I can ask for.”

Evergreen Clever Cookie – now nine – could bid to give trainer Peter Niven back-to-back victories in the race. The course specialist has three other Knavesmire triumphs to his name.

York’s season-opening Dante Festival runs from Wednesday 17 May to Friday 19 May  inclusive.

For Tickets PLEASE CALL 01904 620911 x225   Or visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk

With Spring here and Summer just around the corner, the flat season roars back in to action at Pontefract with a quality race meeting on Tuesday 11^th April. With 74,000 worth of prize money on offer, the card often throws up some impressive early season types.

The Racecourse has been busy over the Winter and will take the wraps off their new Parade Ring for the first time. The Paddock has been regraded and has brand new terracing for enhanced viewing for racegoers. The modern, state of the art Parade Ring has cost just under £½ million and is an exciting upgrade for the West Yorkshire track. The Dalby Stand and Premier Enclosure entrance has also had a facelift and racegoers will be welcomed by a bright, modern reception area.

The highlight of the racing programme is the £25,000 Racing UK Anywhere Available Now Handicap over 1m 2f. A classy field assembled for the 2016 renewal with strong representatives from the Newmarket yards. The prize stayed in the North though as Master of Finance won the race for the second year running!

The £15,000 1m4f EBF Maiden on this day has a rich roll of honour. Luca Cumani’s ‘High–Rise’ won this race on his way to victory in the Epsom Derby and lends his name to this race. Du Moto won the 2016 contest for Sir Michael Stoute. While he didn’t head to Epsom, he remained unbeaten for the rest of the season. Will 2017 unleash a potential superstar?

Of all the races run over the years at Pontefract, the Stayers races evoke the strongest memories among the race going public. With course favourites like Dan Buoy, Jamaican Flight and Bluff Cove all laden with stamina, the Stayers Championship has proved a popular addition to the racing programme in recent seasons. Round 1 of the 2017 championship gets underway with The Jamaican Flight Handicap over 2m2f. The 2016 series champion, Riptide is due to return to his beloved Pontefract in order to defend his title – one he’s already won on two occasions!

Tuesday 11^th April marks the start of the new ‘Wall of Fame’ promotion at the course. Racegoers who visited in 2016 may already have spotted their face on the website dedicated to the promotion (www.pontefract-races.co.uk/walloffame ) but the new life size artwork will be unveiled in the Paddock Bar at the opening race meeting of the year. Anyone spotting themselves will be able to claim a prize from the Office on any raceday during the season. With 462 faces on show, there are plenty of great prizes to be won!

Those with a Harrogate postcode can pick up a free ticket for this meeting if they register for the Racecourse Postcode Lottery scheme before the day – all postcodes throughout Yorkshire will be able to get tickets to specific meetings throughout the year. Full details are available on the website at www.pontefract-races.co.uk .

Contact:           Richard Hammill (Assistant Manager/Clerk of the Course) 01977 781307

The start of the flat season in horse racing takes place each year at Doncaster Racecourse with the famous Betway Lincoln. This year it will be a particularly memorable occasion as a silversmith from Sheffield has designed and manufactured a stunning new perpetual trophy for the Lincoln Heritage Handicap.

Designed and commissioned by Silversmith Chris Perry the perpetual trophy and winner’s replica have brought together iconic images from Doncaster Racecourse along with the iconic Cathedral and Fleur de Lys from the flag of Lincoln, creating a truly memorable trophy.

“It is a tremendous honour to be asked to be part of this historic race and we are delighted with how our ideas and designs have come to life,” said Christopher Perry. “We hope our trophies give the participants an even greater sense of achievement by winning a trophy that has been designed and made by local crafts people and which encapsulates the spirit of the occasion.”

The trophy which forms part of  a series of commissions to create race day memorabilia for Doncaster Racecourse was designed by Chris Knight and Karen Perry and manufactured by Chris Perry.  It is formed from copper, silver plated and then oxidised to emphasise the visually intricate graphic design.  Elements from this design will also be featured in other trophies for the Lincoln Race Meeting to create a uniform collection.

“This perpetual trophy represents a new vigour for the Lincoln Handicap and meeting at Doncaster in 2017 as we work with our partners to elevate the status of the occasion in the racing calendar,” said Roderick Duncan Clerk of the Course Doncaster Racecourse. “I believe this is one of the strongest renewals for quite some years, 26 of the 108 horses currently standing their ground are over nine stone which clearly demonstrates the strength of this race.  And, because it is a hugely important heritage handicap in the flat season racing calendar the Lincoln certainly warrants a remarkable trophy that reflects its high standing and the quality of horses it attracts.  Chris and his team have epitomised the spirit of this legendary horse racing occasion and it will be a pleasure to present this trophy to our 2017 winner.”

The race meeting features the listed Betway Lincoln, a heritage Handicap worth £100,000 in prize money and run over 1 mile, and also the first two-year-old flat race of the turf season The Betway Brocklesby Conditions Stakes.  Currently, this year sees a particularly strong presence from the Yorkshire fraternity with two Yorkshire trained horses appearing in the top seven weights including Top Notch Tonto by Brian Ellison and Gabrial by Richard Fahey.

Gates for the 2017 Betway Lincoln open at 11.30am and the first race is scheduled for 1.50pm. The final race is at 5.20pm. All children under 18 receive free entry to the course when accompanied with a paying adult.

A number of special packages, including hospitality, are available if booked in advance.

For further information and to buy tickets visit http://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/fixture/betway-lincoln-2/

REDCAR Racecourse is ready for the starting stalls to open on an action-packed new season following an impressive investment of nearly £200,000 to improve facilities.

The friendly seaside track has a cracking season ahead, with 18 meetings, starting on April 10.   The raceday experience will be better than ever thanks to a general upgrading of facilities, which includes the installation of a “Wi-fi Net” across the course to give race-goers the advantage of superfast broadband.

Redcar has seven “Premier Meetings” in 2017, starting with an eggs-tra special Easter Monday fixture on April 17. Ideal for a family day out, the meeting features appearances by the Easter Bunny, Alice in Wonderland, and the Mad Hatter.

There’s also a chance to win a VIP family day out at the races on Easter Monday in our fabulous competition to design the front cover of the Easter Monday racecard. The young artist who colours in the winning entry will win VIP tickets, a table in the restaurant with a three-course meal, a race named after them, and the chance to present the trophy in the winners’ enclosure. The template and entry form can be downloaded from www.redcarracing.co.uk.

The other Premier Meetings are:

• Racing UK Zetland Gold Cup Day on Bank Holiday Monday, May 29.
• Ladies’ Day on Saturday, June 24 (featuring a Fashion Show, plus Best Dressed Lady and Best Hat Competitions, with great prizes provided by Market Cross Jewellers).
• Help For Heroes Family Fun Day on Sunday, July 23.
• Caribbean Carnival Day on Saturday, August 12 (featuring boatloads of pirates and colourful Fancy Dress Competitions).
• Ladies’ and Gents’ Evening on Saturday, August 26 (featuring Best Dressed Lady, Best Dressed Gent and Best Dressed Couple competitions).
• Oktoberfest, featuring the Totepool Two Year Old Trophy on Saturday, October 7.

Highlight of the autumn racing season at Redcar is the £175,000 Totepool Two Year Old Trophy which always attracts the UK’s top juvenile sprinters. This year, Redcar has teamed up with the famous Theakston Brewery to add the attraction of a beer festival to the big October 7 fixture. There’s even an oompah band and a Lederhosen fancy dress competition!

General Manager Amy Fair said: “Every year, we look to add to what Redcar has to offer. With the refurbishment and host of new attractions, the 2017 season has lots in store – not just for racing fans but for those looking for a fun-packed day out.”

• Media enquiries should be made to Peter Barron on 07711 958272

Ripon Racecourse is celebrating today after retaining their place amongst the top eleven racecourses in the country as part of the VisitEngland Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme.

The scheme allows VisitEngland to benchmark racecourses against other attractions, ensuring that standards of customer experience remain high in the face of competition from other sporting and leisure venues.

The national tourism boards provide a rating on the racecourse as a quality day out, taking into account efficiency and friendliness of customer service, cleanliness of facilities as well as speed, quality and efficiency of the racecourse operation.

Collaborating with VisitEngland allows racecourses to benchmark against other attractions, ensuring that standards of customer experience remain high in the face of such competition.

The top eleven in England and Wales for 2016 (listed alphabetically) were: Aintree, Ascot, Cheltenham, Chester, Doncaster, Haydock Park, Newbury, Ripon, Sedgefield, Wetherby and York. 

For the RCA Excellence Accolades, there are six categories covering all aspects of the racecourse experience, with Ripon’s ‘Club Dining Room Restaurant’ being the only racecourse to secure an Accolade for a Quality Café/Restaurant. 

You can read the full RCA press release here 

Sir Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said:

“Horse racing is part of the lifeblood of Yorkshire – with more racecourses than any other region of the UK, nowhere is as passionate about horse racing as Yorkshire.  “The county is synonymous with the sport of the kings so it comes as no surprise that four of our nine top class courses have been named in the top 11 in the country. “I’d like to congratulate those at Ripon for their hard work in making Yorkshire one of the best places in the country to watch top class horse racing.”

RCA Chief Executive Stephen Atkin said:

“Our partnership with both tourism boards gives added assurance to customers whenever they visit a racecourse. The results show that racecourses large and small can all compete on the same level when it comes to quality and that is one of the unique attractions of British racing.”

Managing Director at Ripon Racecourse, James Hutchinson, said:

“We are thrilled to have retained both our status within the top 11 and the excellence accolade for our Club Dining. For our restaurant to have to have been to be singled out and voted the best in the country by the likes of VisitEngland is incredible.”

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.”

 What do 65,000 racegoers, 10,000 Hospitality guests, 4,000 pairs of complimentary flip flops, 5,000 jugs of Pimms and 6,000 bottles of Champagne mean to the South Yorkshire market town of Doncaster?

It must be the legendary St Leger Festival – the highlight of the racing calendar and home to the world’s oldest Classic – as well as fantastic occasion as Doncaster enjoys ‘race week’.

 “The St Leger Festival is always a fantastic occasion for Doncaster and enjoyed not just by the townsfolk but by racegoers from across the county and beyond,” said Abby Chandler Marketing Manager Doncaster Racecourse. “The town is hugely popular for day visitors with many flocking to enjoy its iconic racing scene. But, as the new Hilton hotel next to the racecourse commences construction we are delighted that more race goers will have somewhere close by to stay for longer in 2018 and enjoy other elements of the town and St Leger Festival.”

 Chris Dungworth, Investment and Tourism Team Manager for Visit Doncaster added; “We work closely with the Racecourse team to ensure the whole town can enjoy the St Leger Festival in a variety of ways. It is a week long festival that brings so much to the Doncaster economy, really is the highlight of our calendar and such a historic event that the people of Doncaster are very proud of.” 

Wednesday 13th will see Leger Legends Day take place, whilst the finest fillies in the region flock to the course on Thursday for Ladies Day. Friday is Gentleman’s Day, where male visitors are encouraged to dust down their finest attire in the hope of being crowned ‘Best Dressed Gent’ and St Leger Day on Saturday usually gets sold out first as race goers flock to witness one of the highlights of the racing calendar, the St Leger Stakes. 

“There is a fantastic atmosphere in the town in the days leading up to the St. Leger Festival and during it with special events and live music scheduled, as well as the highlight of the fashion calendar the Best Dressed Lady event,” said Abby. 

Abby concluded: “Doncaster is incredibly proud of its racing heritage and this has passed from generation to generation.  In fact, many locals will tell you about the closure of the town’s factories and businesses due to race week and how the local community would flock to the racecourse to enjoy a day out at the races.”

 This year’s festival takes place from 13^th – 16^th September with tickets on sale now. Early Bird Offers will be available for a period of time and include 10% discount for Grandstand Groups, tickets for Saturday in the family enclosure reduced to £10 and a special £10 discount and £5 drinks voucher for each day in the Grandstand (excluding Saturday). 

A number of special packages, including hospitality, are also available if booked in advance.  For further information and to buy tickets visit http://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/fixtures/?mn=09&yr=2017

It’s been over 5 months since there was last racing at Pontefract, but the 2017 season is almost upon us and the West Yorkshire track kick off their 16 day campaign on Tuesday 11^th April. The total prize money of £1.13 million on offer is the highest ever provided at the West Yorkshire track and it promises to be another season of top class racing and fantastic entertainment.

At the annual Press Luncheon held on Wednesday 1^st March, Norman Gundill outlined exciting plans for the year ahead.  Following the success of The Art Of Racing Raceday last year, the event won the “All About the Horse” category at the Annual RCA Showcase Awards in November whilst the Rugby League Evening was one of four shortlisted in the “Events” category. Both will be back in 2017 – indeed there’ll be two Art of Racing Racedays due to the demand from people wanting to take part!

Pontefract will also have two Friday Evening Music Night Meetings.  80’s Night on Friday 26^th May will feature Bananarama while Cheryl, Mike and Jay, formerly of Bucks Fizz, will be back to perform after racing on Red Shirt Night on Friday 21^st July which will also include a Beer Festival.

Ladies Day is on Wednesday 9^th August.  The first prize for the Best Dressed Lady this year will be a week’s holiday for 2 courtesy of Riu Resorts and Hotels in Sri Lanka.  Second prize will be a weekend at the new Riu hotel in Dublin.

In keeping with the strong family tradition at the track, there are also 3 Family Sundays in 2017, each with over £100,000 worth of prize money. The much loved Flat Cap and Whippet Family Day is on 25^th June, the Go Racing in Yorkshire Festival Family Day is on 30^th July and the Inaugural Sunday Service Family Day is on 20^th August . This race meeting sees the Racecourse zoned into different areas – the Jockey Zone, the Industry Zone, the Horse Zone, the Newcomer Zone, the Tipster Zone and the Kids Zone!

The EBF Highfield Farm Flying Fillies Stakes on this day will be the richest race to be run at Pontefract in 2017 with prize money of £55,000. The race fulfils the BHA’s aim of improving black type races for fillies and mares and the Racecourse are hoping to one day run it as a Group 3.

On the track

The quality of the racing promises to be as good as ever with record prize money and 5 Listed Races offering a combined total of £220,000 in prize money.

In 2016, Loving Things (Luca Cumani / Martin Lane) won the totepool Pontefract Castle Stakes in June off a rating of 95. She ended her season rated 108 following a close 3^rd in the Group 3 Lancashire Oaks at Haydock and a Group 3 win at Saint-Cloud.

In 2003, James Fanshawe sent out the admirable Macadamia to win the Pipalong Stakes at Pontefract before going on to win the Royal Hunt Cup and the Group 2 Falmouth Stakes. In 2016, Macadamia’s daughter, Spirit Raiser, ridden by Freddie Tylicki was sent off favourite to emulate her mother and made no mistake in doing so!

Convey (Sir Michael Stoute / Ryan Moore) was considered to be one of the most frustrating horses in training. He’s not short on talent but doesn’t always bring it to the track. In taking the Sky Bet Pomfret Stakes in scintillating style he becoming the highest rated horse to win at Pontefract in 2016 with a rating of 111. Having been gelded over the Winter, he started his 2017 campaign with a taking victory in the Group 3 Winter Derby at Lingfield.

Mehronissa (Ed Vaughan / Freddie Tylicki) was a taking winner of the Highfield Farm Flying Fillies Stakes. She went on to finish a close 4^th in the Group 1 Sprint Cup behind Quiet Reflection before being sent to America for the Breeders Cup.

Godolphin won the EBF totesport.com Silver Tankard Stakes with D’bai (Charlie Appleby / William Buick) who had previously finished an excellent 3^rd in the Group 2 Champagne Stakes at Doncaster. He’s still engaged in both the English and the Irish Derby as well as the QIPCO 2000 Guineas.

They weren’t the only equine stars seen at Ponte in 2017. Maleficent Queen and Yalta both won at Pontefract before ending their seasons in Group 1 Company while Khairaat remained unbeaten for the rest of the season after winning his Maiden impressively at the track. Godolphin’s Memorial Day  kept up the good record of Godolphin in the Simon Scrope Dalby Screw Driver Handicap. He was their 3^rd winner of the race in the last 4 years, winning easily by 7 lengths. He ended his season in Group 3 company at Newbury.

Promotions and admission

Admission prices to the Premier and Grandstand & Paddock Enclosures have both increased by £1 but the price of the Silver & Picnic Enclosures has been fixed for another year. However, many racegoers have already taken advantage of the huge 50% off early bird booking discount which ran throughout December until the 16^th January. 25% discounts ran from then until the end of February.

With the cost of a joint Annual Badge working out at just over £8 per person per day for the whole season, the excellent Loyalty Card scheme and the FREE Postcode Lottery promotion all in operation this season, there are plenty of bargains to be had.

Racegoers will also be able to win some fantastic prizes in the Wall of Fame promotion. Anyone who visited the track in 2016 could appear on the new mosaic artwork which graces the Grandstand & Paddock Bar.

Brian Ellison will host the Pontefract Annual Badge Holders visit in 2017. A group of 50 will be taken to the yard before returning for the meeting on the 11^th July, hopefully armed with a few winners!

Racecourse Changes

The Parade Ring has been rebuilt over the Winter.  The new, modern Paddock has been built in the same footstep as the old one but the slope has been reduced and new Fornells fencing and Quattro surfacing have been laid. At a cost of just under £½ million, the new Parade Ring also incorporates more extensive terracing, better viewing for race goers and much improved facilities for horses and stable staff.

The Course have also continued the programme of refurbishing their existing facilities.  This winter they have started work on Phase 1 of the Dalby Stand with the refurbishment of the Main Entrance Foyer and Staircase.

With just over 4 weeks to the start of the racing year at Pontefract these are exciting times for the Racecourse who look forward to welcoming punters, new and old, back for the 2016 season.

Full details of all the Pontefract race meetings to be held this year can be found at their website on www.pontefract-races.co.uk.

Doncaster Racecourse, home to world class racing and summer venue to global music stars, is delighted to announce that DJ Mark Ronson will be performing after racing at the Construction Index Race Day on Saturday 1^st July 2017.

 Ronson, five-time-Grammy-award winning artist and producer, who has worked with huge names in the industry will showcase his inimitable talent to the crowds who are expected to flock to the event. 

“Mark Ronson is a hugely popular musical talent who is guaranteed to create a fantastic party atmosphere for our race goers and we are thrilled to welcome such a renowned name to our venue,” said Abby Chandler Marketing Manager Doncaster Racecourse. “He has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry across the last two decades and we are sure that it will be an evening packed of iconic hits that everyone knows.”

 Ronson has always been a major player in the music scene across the world but perhaps is best known for his work with legends such as Amy Winehouse, Adele and his own release the memorable ‘Uptown Funk’ with Bruno Mars.

 “Our ‘Sun Bets’ Music Live nights are always a real highlight of our summer season and are the perfect event for race goers and music lovers alike often with one discovering a new found love of the other!” said Abby. “Our evening racing is a really enjoyable occasion for racing aficionados and also family and friends taking advantage of the long summer nights to spend quality time together.”

 Tickets are now available and are priced from just £28. Details and timings will be released closer to the event.

 Further details can be found by visiting http://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/fixtures/?mn=07&yr=2017

 With only a matter of days until the first school holiday of the year, thoughts of parents, guardians, grandparents and carers are sure to turn towards keeping the children entertained.

So if you are looking to give the children a day out to remember this half term, why not seize the opportunity to introduce them to the sport of horse racing. It’s a hugely popular pastime in Yorkshire with nine courses in the county, including Doncaster –  the setting for a fantastic family fun day on Wednesday 22^nd February.

“Our family fun days are always very popular and are a superb opportunity for a very enjoyable day out for young and old alike,” said Abby Chandler Marketing Manager Doncaster Racecourse. “Grandstand ticket are just £10 for the opportunity to experience a race card packed with quality racing and lots of activities for children to enjoy both on the course and inside our family friendly facilities.”

During the day there will be a range of free activities including a selection of fairground rides, face painters, a colouring station and children’s disco which provides fun, interactive entertainment with prizes to be won!

“This event is also supported by ‘Great British Racing’ who are actively encouraging younger generations to discover every element of horse racing from choosing it as a career to enjoying it as a spectator sport perhaps even owning a race horse one day,” said Abby. “Just a handful of meetings remain of the 2016/17 National Hunt season at Doncaster so this fixture allows everyone to enjoy the thrill of ‘the jumps’.”

Gates open at 12noon and the first race is scheduled for 1.40pm. The final race is at 4.55pm. All children under 18 receive free entry to the course when accompanied with a paying adult.

For further information and to buy tickets visit http://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/fixture/betbright-raceday-2/

The Group 1 Juddmonte International, already Britain’s highest rated race, according to the average three year rating by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, will become the richest race ever run at York, with £1,000,000 on offer this August.

Connections of horses seeking to follow such superstars as Frankel or Sea The Stars into the Winner’s Enclosure on the opening day, Wednesday 23 August, will be the beneficiaries of a £100,000 rise in prize money.

The 2016 duel between Postponed, Europe’s highest rated older horse, and Highland Reel, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Turf hero, emphasised the global standing of this contest, so generously backed by Juddmonte Farms for more than a quarter of a century.

The Darley Yorkshire Oaks, recently ranked as Europe’s highest rated contest for fillies and mares, and the Coolmore Nunthorpe, the best five furlong sprint in the world, will both see increases to reach their richest ever renewals at £350,000.

Completing the feature race set in August is Saturday’s Betfred Ebor, with Europe’s richest flat handicap of 2016, increased again to £285,000.

Speaking about the injection of funds, York Racecourse Chairman Lord Grimthorpe said, “Attracting the best horses to run in competitive races on the Knavesmire is what we are all about; so I am pleased that the unstinting support from long standing sponsors has allowed us to increase prize money for our feature races again this year. The Juddmonte International will reach a notable landmark demonstrating the generous support of Prince Khalid for a race that I know he cherishes.”

York Racecourse, one of the world’s leading flat racecourses, plays host to c. 350,000 racegoers and 1,300 runners across 18 racedays from May to October.  This progressive, independent racecourse seeks to deliver the best in prize money, facilities and raceday experience for racegoers, stable staff and horses.  York has 180 well-appointed stables in four peaceful quadrangles alongside top quality staff accommodation on the back stretch.

York Racecourse now seeks an appropriately experienced individual to joins its award winning team as Stables Manager for race weeks.  This is an appointment for a respected horseman to take the lead in managing all aspects of the stables operation at York before, during and after racedays.

Reporting to Anthea Morshead, the successful candidate will be able to lead a small, dedicated stables team in delivering a first-class experience for horses and their staff, with an eye for presentation and detail.  You will be good with both people and horses and an ambassador for York Racecourse.  You will also ensure the smooth and efficient running of the stables operation and be a hard worker, as well as a team leader.

Experience of raceday procedures and modern equine management will be essential, as well as a willingness to be hands-on and welcoming to visitors.  Approximately 50 days of work during the summer based around racedays, with bed and board for race weeks.

To apply please email CV and covering letter to Anthea Morshead at:

Email anthea.morshead@yorkracecourse.co.uk;

or write to:

York Racecourse

York

YO23 1EX

York Racecourse is delighted to announce that Dubai based Al Basti Equiworld will support the Group Two Gimcrack Stakes, in a three year enhancement of its existing backing for the leading venue.

The brand is already globally recognised as the leading provider of a wide range of equine products and this latest support will further raise that profile as the Gimcrack is one of the most famous races run on the Knavesmire, dating back to 1846.

Last season, the contest was the richest Group Two race for juvenile colts and the first running under its new partner’s name will see prize money boosted to a record level of £225,000; when it will be the pattern race highlight of Saturday 26 August, the final day of the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival.

Racing connections at York are already familiar with Al Basti Equiworld as the brand has backed the new Owners’ Welcome Building since it opened in 2015 and will now extend that exclusive support to the main Owners and Trainers Restaurant, as well as the Winning Connections Building.

Founder of the business, Malih Al Basti, is particularly keen to recognise the work done by both jockeys and stable staff; so an innovative part of the new agreement will see it partnering with the racecourse as it provides appropriate food for the jockeys and a complimentary meal for stable staff with a runner.

Speaking about the agreement, York Racecourse Chairman, Lord Grimthorpe said, “The Gimcrack is a race that I hold particularly dear, so it is very exciting news that Malih and the rest of the team at Al Basti Equiworld share my enthusiasm for this famous contest.”

Summing up the partnership, Malih Al Basti said, “York Racecourse works hard to support horsemen and I share their commitment to Owners, Trainers, Jockeys and Stable Staff so I was keen to back their efforts. The Gimcrack is one of those races that echoes around the racing world and I am proud that it will now carry our name.”

 A leading event management and corporate hospitality company which supports some of the biggest sporting venues in the UK has pledged it allegiance to Doncaster Racecourse with a race meeting sponsorship package.

 Eventmasters, will host the National Hunt meeting on Thursday 9^th February, as the jump season enjoys its last few meetings before the ‘Flat is Back’ with the hugely popular Lincoln race day on Saturday 1^st April.

 “Sponsorship is such an important aspect of our business strategy and having Eventmasters, a top corporate hospitality company, supporting racing in this way is absolutely fantastic and we look forward to working with them during the 2017 season,” said Abby Chandler Marketing Manager Doncaster Racecourse. “One element of the sponsorship deal includes naming one of the fences for the remainder of the season which supports the strong association they have with both flat and jump racing across the UK.”

 Eventmaster has previously enjoyed racing success at Doncaster Racecourse with the likes of former Champion Hurdle winner Rock On Ruby, (Eventmasters Corporate Hospitality Novices’ Chase 2014) and Grade Two Dovecote Novice Hurdle winner Winter Escape (Eventmasters.co.uk Novices’ Hurdle (DIV I) 2016), taking the winner’s cup at its sponsored races in recent seasons. 

“We have a rich heritage with racecourses across the UK and are delighted to engage with Doncaster in a new and prosperous way this year,” said Mark Sheasby Marketing Director Eventmasters. “We shall look forward to supporting them at their iconic St Leger festival in September in addition to sponsorship at other racecourses including York and Warwick.”

 Eventmaster is also proud to own Eventmaster Racing which currently has horses in training with Ian Williams, Nicky Henderson and Stan Moore. Previous trainer associations include David Arbuthnot, Jamie Osborne and Nigel Twiston-Davies. Denise Sheasby, Managing Director, is also a race horse owner and was part owner of the 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup Winner Imperial Commander.

 Gates open at 11.30 for the Eventmaster meeting on Thursday 9^th February. Further information can be found and tickets booked by visiting http://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/

Beverley Racecourse today announced Flemingate as its new partner for Ladies’ Day for the next three years, in an exciting move for one of Yorkshire’s social events of the summer. 

Flemingate’s opening in 2015 has already had a big impact on Beverley as a retail and leisure destination, with its high-quality fashion, beauty and homeware brands supported by a range of restaurants and cafes.

 Beverley Racecourse’s Ladies’ Day annually attracts over 11,000 people, many of whom frequent the region’s hotels, shops, restaurants and spas before enjoying a summer afternoon of racing on the Westwood. The event has had a particularly glamorous feel in recent years, with a high-end fashion show, a best-dressed competition, backed by Laurent-Perrier, and a partnership with local artisan water company Blue Keld to encourage racegoers to stay well hydrated throughout the day.

 Plans for the 2017 event on August 16 will include a new format for the ‘Most Stylish Lady’ competition, allowing all Ladies’ Day attendees the chance to enter and strut their stuff on the Flemingate catwalk, as well as a pamper marquee for racegoers to stay looking their best. There will also be a number of events running at Flemingate in the summer months leading up to Ladies’ Day, allowing visitors to get themselves perfectly attired and race-ready.

 Beverley Racecourse chief executive Sally Iggulden said: “We are absolutely delighted to be bringing the Ladies’ Day focus back to Beverley. This new partnership only serves to highlight the incredible shopping, fashion and visitor destination that Beverley has become with the addition of Flemingate. 

 “We’ve got some really exciting new plans for the day up our sleeve that we look forward to sharing in the coming months that will really bring Flemingate to the heart of the action on Ladies’ Day.”

 Flemingate centre manager Graham Tait added: “We’re thrilled to be supporting Ladies’ Day at Beverley Racecourse this year. It’s a hugely popular event, with visitors coming from far and wide, and we’re working closely with the racecourse team to make the day even more exciting and glamorous this year. 

“This partnership continues the work Flemingate has been doing to cement its relationship with the town by supporting key events and festivals. Ladies’ Day is an undoubted social highlight of the year and hugely important for trade and tourism in the town. We’re looking forward to working with Sally’s team to make the day at the racecourse and in the town even more special in 2017.”

In a year, which produced many top-class performances by Yorkshire-trained horses, Quiet Reflection wins the accolade of ‘Yorkshire Horse of the Year’ at the 2016 ‘Go Racing in Yorkshire’ Annual Awards Lunch held at York racecourse.

The ‘Yorkshire Horse of the Year’ Award is judged by a panel of racing journalists and aficionados, is presented to the connections of the horse which has made an outstanding contribution to the sport of racing in the county.

The Karl Burke trained filly, owned by the Ontoawinner Syndicate, Strecker and Burke, was ridden by Dougie Costello,  she posted four wins from six in 2016.

SKY BET TROPHIES FOR YORKSHIRE’S BEST ON FLAT AND OVER JUMPS

The Sky Bet Trophies for the leading trainer and jockey on the Yorkshire racecourses during the 2016 Flat season went to Richard Fahey and PJ McDonald with 80 and 47 winners respectively on the county’s tracks this year. Malton-based Fahey is the top trainer on the Yorkshire racecourses. Yet again this year no other trainer could get close to him, Mark Johnston was in second place with 49 winners. PJ takes the title with an impressive year in Yorkshire, also winning the leading rider at the GRIY Summer Festival. Both titles were hard fought, with Paul Mulrennan chasing him right to the wire for the Yorkshire title and Franny Norton forcing a final day showdown at the Summer Festival.

The Sky Bet Trophies presented to the top trainer and jockey on the trio of Yorkshire racecourses which staged Jump racing during the 2015/16 campaign was won by trainer Alan King and jockey Danny Cook. Both were won by a nose with Alan clinching victory with his first ever winner at Catterick and Danny winning on countback after tying with two others at the top.

ROWAN SCOTT IS THE YORKSHIRE FUTURE STAR 

Rowan Scott steamed home to win the Go Racing In Yorkshire Future Stars Apprentice Series. Based with Yorkshire trainer Anne Duffield, Scott has had his best ever season.

 TOM O’RYAN HONOURED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

For all the highs in Yorkshire racing this year there was one significant low with the loss of Tom O’Ryan. Tom passed away after a short battle with cancer in August. Tom’s dedication and constant contribution to racing in Yorkshire, from his exceptional journalism to his personable and knowledgeable coaching, was honoured with a lifetime achievement award. He is and always will be sadly missed.

Music sensation, Jess Glynne, is to play York Racecourse on Music Showcase Evening, Friday 28 July.

The only evening meeting of the season will see six fantastic races followed by a live concert from the artist who first shot into the public consciousness as the vocalist on Clean Bandit’s Grammy Award winning and #1 hit ‘Rather Be’;

Jess Glynne has since become one of the biggest UK breakthrough acts of recent years. Her number-one charting debut album, ‘I Cry When I Laugh’, has turned double platinum in the UK, making it the highest selling debut album of the past year. Jess is also one of only two British female solo artists to have five consecutive UK number one singles. 2016 was a further massive year for Jess, with a sold-out UK arena tour under her belt plus she was nominated for British Breakthrough Act, British Female Solo Artist and British Single for ‘Hold My Hand’ at this year’s prestigious Brit Awards.
Looking forward to her visit, Jess said; ‘It’s going to be great fun playing York Racecourse on 28th July. I love outdoor shows and can’t wait to share the summer evening with my fans!’

To book visit yorkracecourse.co.uk; admission to the main Grandstand and Paddock enclosure, starts at just £24 per person for a group of six.* Accompanied under 18s are admitted free of charge and as well as free car parking, there are no booking fees.

On the racecourse itself, The European Breeders’ Fund Lyric Fillies Stakes will be the centerpiece of a six race card on this Friday evening, with a first racetime of 6pm.

It promises to be a fun filled July for racing and music fans as there are four other racedays scheduled for this popular month; which gets under way with a brand new date for the York Calendar, Saturday 1 July, when Olly Murs will be the headline act. A fortnight later the traditional highlight of the 58th John Smith’s Cup Meeting (Friday 14 and Saturday 15 July) will entertain the crowds.

Just thirteen hours after Jess Glynne leaves the Knavesmire stage, the gates will open for for Music Showcase Saturday. The act for the last of York’s now three music and racing events on 29 July remains a closely guarded secret; so keep checking the course’s website www.yorkracecourse.co.uk for further announcements.

James Brennan, Head of Marketing and Sponsorship said, “Everyone at the course is really excited that Jess Glynne will be performing here; the 2017 music line up already looks fantastic. Add in the spectacle of the racing itself and we hope these will prove summer days to savour.”

The tickets for Jess Glynne officially go on sale at 9am on Wednesday 30 November and music and racing fans alike can take advantage of some attractive deals by visiting www.yorkracecourse.co.uk or calling 01904 620911.

Delighted to be back performing at York Racecourse, Olly Murs, has been announced as the first headline act for what will be three Music and Racing events in 2017.

Olly will star on Saturday 1 July, a brand new raceday in the Knavesmire Calendar, as he plays after the sporting action.

Since Olly shot to fame on ‘X Factor’ in 2009, he has crafted four multi-platinum albums, produced four number One singles, whilst clocking up total record sales exceeding 10 million.

His latest album, ’24 HRS’ sees him working with an array of producers and was recorded in both London and L.A. – Olly has never sounded so good.

Looking forward to his visit, Olly said ‘I’m really looking forward to playing York Racecourse next summer, it’ll be one of the first chances I’ll get to play tracks from 24 HRS in the sunshine so will be a special show to share with my fans. I love a day out at the races too so can’t wait to get in the crowd during the day to place a cheeky bet…’

To book visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk<http://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk>; admission to the main Grandstand and Paddock enclosure, starts at just £24 per person for a group of six.* Accompanied under 18s are admitted free of charge and as well as free car parking, there are no booking fees.

On the racecourse itself, the racing action will see seven thoroughbred contests with combined prize money of £150,000.

It promises to be a fun filled July for racing and music fans as there are four other racedays scheduled for this popular month; the traditional highlight of the 58th John Smith’s Cup Meeting (Friday 14 and Saturday 15 July) will be followed by the Music Showcase Weekend itself at the end of the month.

The music acts for the only Friday evening of York’s year, 28 July and for Music Showcase Saturday on 29 July remain a closely guarded secret; so keep checking the course’s website www.yorkracecourse.co.uk<http://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk> for further announcements.

James Brennan, Head of Marketing and Sponsorship said, “It is great news that Olly Murs, a performer who wowed the crowds on his last visit here in 2010 will be performing for us, it will herald a month for music and racing fans to remember.”

The first of the combined racing and music extravaganzas officially goes on sale at 9am on Monday 28 November and music and racing fans alike can take advantage of some attractive deals by visiting www.yorkracecourse<http://www.yorkracecourse/>.co.uk or calling 01904 620911.

The 2017 Season at Pontefract Races may not start until Tuesday 11^th April, but tickets go on sale on 1^st December with the Racecourse offering punters their best ever deals for those who book their tickets early.

Racegoers will get a massive 50% off the normal price of Premier Enclosure badges and Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure tickets when booking their tickets between 1^st December and 16^th January. The huge saving applies to ALL race meetings in 2017 with the exception of the popular 80s Night which has a slightly different pricing scale.

80s Night is fast becoming one of the most established race meetings in the Pontefract Racing Calendar and the popular event will be bigger and better than ever before in 2017. On Friday Evening 26^th May, the Racecourse will welcome one of the biggest British acts of the 80s. Bananarama are celebrating their 35^th Anniversary next year and their achievements speak for themselves. They made two Band Aid appearances and have an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most successful female band worldwide with the most charting singles!

They had a string of international hits with four hitting the US Billboard Top 10, including a No 1 with Venus. To date, they have had 32 Top 40 UK hits, released 10 albums and sold in excess of 30 million records. They became hot property across the world with hits such as ‘I Heard a Rumour’, ‘Robert De Niro’s Waiting’ and ‘Love in the First Degree’ and on Friday Eve 26^th May, they’ll become hot property in Pontefract as they play the 2017 80s Night!

Following on from the success of the first music night at Pontefract in 2016, BOTH Friday Evening race meetings in 2017 will be music nights. The Racecourse will welcome back Cheryl, Mike and Jay, formerly of Bucks Fizz, to play at the Red Shirt Night and Beer Festival on Friday 21^st July. The band had 11 top 20 singles during the 1980s including ‘If You Can’t Stand The Heat’, ‘New Beginning’ and ‘Now Those Days Are Gone’. They had three massive number ones – ‘Land of Make Believe’, ‘Making Your Mind Up’ and ‘My Camera Never Lies’ – the first two of which made it in to the top 50 best selling singles of the decade in the UK! They sold in excess of 15 million records, spending 219 weeks in the UK charts alone!

The Friday Night Music Night Series promises to promote Pontefract Races to a much wider audience and with the number of available tickets limited, Racegoers are encouraged to secure their place early.

Tickets go on sale at www.pontefract-races.co.uk from 9am on Thursday 1^st December.

Contact:           Richard Hammill (Assistant Manager/Clerk of the Course) 01977 781307

  Arena Racing Company (“ARC”) is delighted to announce Tim Banfield has been appointed Executive Director of Doncaster Racecourse.

 Tim takes over from Kieran Gallagher who becomes ARC’s Catering and Events Director.  Kieran will oversee the food and beverages served to customers across ARC racecourses as well as the music acts booked to perform each year. 

Tim joins ARC from the ACC Liverpool Group where he was Commercial Director for the last five years having joined the company as General Manager to open the Echo Arena in 2008.  Before that Tim has worked at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre and the NEC Birmingham.

 Tim said: “I am really pleased to join ARC and lead the team at Doncaster Racecourse. As a sports fan it is exciting to be working in horseracing which is a great sport and a fantastic day out. Doncaster Racecourse has a wonderful history and heritage and I am really looking forward to continuing to grow and develop the business in the years ahead.” 

Tim joins at an exciting time for Doncaster Racecourse with the start of the National Hunt Season.  As an avid sports fan Tim, along with other visitors, will be able to enjoy seven featured races for the Ice Cream Direct Race Day which opens the 2016/2017Jumps season this Friday, 25^th November.    

 ARC Director of Operations Mark Spincer said: “We are delighted to welcome Tim to the team. With his years of experience I think he has the skills and qualities to lead the team at Doncaster, one of our flagship racecourses.  It’s also great news that Kieran Gallagher will remain a central part of the operations team and utilise his skills in overseeing our catering offering to customers across our racecourses.”

The festive season is always a good excuse for an indulgent treat or two, and a top Doncaster restaurant has created a Christmas menu that is sure to delight the most discerning food lovers.

 The Old Weighing Room Restaurant and Bar set in the grounds of Doncaster Racecourse will offer the special menu and other festive delights during December including Christmas Day Lunch and New Year’s Eve Dinner.

“The Old Weighing Room Restaurant is a lovely setting to enjoy festive celebrations with friends, family and work colleagues – indeed anyone who loves to dine in style,” said Abby Chandler Marketing Manager Doncaster Racecourse. “And, with a choice of menus, opening times and sittings everyone can enjoy our sumptuous festive dining options, whether it’s to to take a well-earned break from all that shopping or to party the night away with friends!”

Throughout December, diners can sample the delights from our seasonal menu which includes winter favourites such as honey roast parsnip soup or wild mushroom and chestnut arancini to start, Soanes and Sons supreme of chicken or pork and rabbit crumble for the mains, and deliciously festive eggnog crème brulee or cranberry and orange cheesecake for desert. And, if you don’t fancy trussing up a turkey and peeling sprouts this year why not join us for an indulgent Christmas Day Lunch. The table is yours from 12 noon until 6pm and guests will enjoy Champagne on arrival, a six course menu, with hot drinks and petit fours to finish all for just £85.00 per person.

“After all the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, decorating the tree and opening presents, its time to relax  and let us take care of your New Year’s Eve celebrations at our gala New Year’s Eve dinner,” said Abby. “We’ll be starting the evening at 7pm with a glass of Champagne, moving on to four fantastic courses including canapés, more Champagne and petit fours. The party continues after dinner with an eruption of fireworks at midnight – a fitting way to celebrate New Year at Doncaster’s top fine dining restaurant.”

For those organising Christmas parties this year we can also offer the venue for private hire at just £39 per person which includes a winter cocktail on arrival, three course meal and hot drinks.

The Old Weighing Room is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 6pm until late and on Sunday from 12noon until 6pm. The restaurant will be closed on Sunday 1 January and reopen as usual from Saturday 7 January, 2017 onwards.

To check availability, view our menus or book your table visit  http://theoldweighingroom.co.uk/ or call 01302 304 217.

Beverley Racecourse celebrated a “fantastic result” after the track was crowned a winner at the Racecourse Association Showcase & Awards 2016.

The East Yorkshire venue fended off strong opposition from Ascot, Kempton Park, Ripon and York to win the #TopSpot category at the RCA’s annual awards ceremony at Doncaster Racecourse on Thursday (November 17).

Beverley Racecourse impressed an independent judging panel for the #TopSpot award, which rewarded “creative racecourse schemes to engage their guests”, with their innovative staging of the Donkey Derby, held at the Very British Raceday meeting on May 28.

The Donkey Derby has become an internet sensation, having been viewed over two million times on Facebook, with over 5.7m people reached worldwide.

Beverley Racecourse chief executive Sally Iggulden said: “We are naturally thrilled to have received the Showcase award against some wonderfully innovative racecourses.

“This is a really fantastic result for our small team, especially as the other nominations were so impressive.

“The Donkey Derby was a fun and inventive way to kickstart our Very British Raceday meeting and was definitely one of the highlights on the Westwood last season.

“The response on social media frankly caught us all by surprise, but it was lovely to see so many visitors, from all corners of the globe, pay a visit to our Facebook page.

“Hopefully next year’s Donkey Derby on Saturday, June 10, will be just as popular – and just as much fun.”

Beverley Racecourse was also nominated for the ‘All About The Horse’ award, which was won by Yorkshire neighbours Pontefract, for their attempts to bring together horseracing and cycling in ‘Racing Le Tour’ on April 29

The #TopSpot triumph was Beverley Racecourse’s fourth victory at the RCA Showcase & Awards, which is now in its seventh year and celebrates excellence and innovation amongst British racecourses in improving the customer experience

Beverley Racecourse could have double cause for celebration after having been named finalists in two categories at the Racecourse Association Showcase & Awards 2016.

The East Yorkshire venue was nominated in both the #TopSpot and the All About The Horse categories at the RCA’s annual awards ceremony held at Doncaster Racecourse on Thursday, November 17.

Beverley Racecourse impressed an independent judging panel for the #TopSpot award – rewarding creative racecourse schemes to engage their guests – following the track’s fun and innovative staging of the Donkey Derby, held at the Very British Raceday meeting on May 28.

The Donkey Derby has become an internet sensation, having been viewed two million times on Facebook, with nearly 5.7m people reached worldwide.

Beverley Racecourse have also been shortlisted for the All About The Horse award for the track’s attempts to bring together horseracing and cycling in ‘Racing Le Tour’ on April 29.

With the Tour de Yorkshire having started on the road directly adjacent to Beverley Racecourse, the course was recognised by judges for using this unique opportunity to help promote horses and horseracing to a new audience.

Eight retrained racehorses – their riders in yellow silks – cantered on the course for around four furlongs in unison with the peloton as it charged out of Beverley to signal the beginning of race.

Beverley chief executive Sally Iggulden said: “The RCA Showcase & Awards are stronger than ever this year, so we are deeply proud to have been named finalists in two categories.

“This will be Beverley’s fifth consecutive appearance at the ceremony, which is something we are also very pleased about.

“We perhaps lack the artillery of some of the bigger tracks across the land, so it’s really exciting to have two live chances in such esteemed company.”

Racecourse Association Chairman Maggie Carver added: “I am delighted for the team at Beverley.

“It’s an amazing achievement to be named as a finalist and inspiring to see such a wide range of racecourses on the lists.”

It is the final meeting of the British flat season at Doncaster Racecourse this weekend and to celebrate, former Snooker Champion, Joe Johnson will be challenging race goers to a pool challenge!

The November Handicap which takes place on Saturday 5^th November is renowned in the racing calendar for being the finale to the exciting British Flat Season and boasts seven races which include the feature race the Betfred November Handicap which last year was won by Litigant under George Baker from a 22 strong field.

Abby Chandler, Marketing Manager at Doncaster Racecourse said: “The November Handicap is always a great end to the flat season and sees some great races.  We’ve also got some extra entertainment for visitors this year!

“Joe Johnson will be here celebrating the 30^th anniversary of becoming an overnight celebrity when he beat Steve Davies 18-2 to become Snooker World Champion as a 150 -1 outsider!  He is also setting a challenge to race goers and the winner will receive a fantastic prize of tickets to the 2017 World Snooker Championships at the Crucible in Sheffield.”

Following the last race of the November Handicap the entertainment continues in the Exhibition Hall.  Visitors are invited to party with The Flashbacks whose repertoire spans six decades of popular music and promises to be a performance that sets the evening alight.

For more information about racing and events at Doncaster Racecourse or to buy tickets, visit www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk or call 01302 304200.

Following the news that advance tickets for Beverley Races 2017 go on sale on Monday (October 31), we reveal 10 exciting theme days that will wow the Westwood:

 1) LADIES FIRST (Wednesday, August 16)Ladies’ Day at Beverley has become the social event of the year. A heady fusion of style and spirit, this is the afternoon that gets everyone talking. And with an all-new line-up for 2017, there’s a lot to look forward to.

 2) WEEKEND WONDERS (Saturday July 7- Sunday, July 8)Party on the pasture to the killer tunes of the New York Brass Band on Friday evening. All roads then lead towards the Big Saturday Raceday, a blockbuster afternoon of racing that has gained “colt” status.

 3) RHYTHM IS A DANCER (Monday, July 24)Carnival Night is a breathless fiesta of sport and samba, as Beverley Racecourse turns up the heat – both on and off the track.

 4) THE KIDS R ALL RIGHT (Wednesday, May 31)  Young Guns Day is much more than enrapturing the kids on half term as star juvenile horses take aim at the Hilary Needler Trophy and the Brian Yeardley Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy.

 5) BAD ASSES (Saturday, June 10)  Footage of last year’s Donkey Derby became an internet phenomenon and will once again provide a quirky contrast to the patriotic party that is fondly known as A Very British Raceday.

 6) ALL-ACTION HEROES (Monday, May 1) The Great May Day Adventure lives up to its billing as Beverley invites racegoers of all ages to take part in a wide range of hands-on activities and games courtesy of the British Army.

 7) HUMP DAY (Thursday, August 17)  Don’t desert Beverley as the RB Save the Children Camel Derby provides an exotic hors d’oeuvres before the thoroughbreds demand their racecourse back.

 8) BEE GEE-GEES (Tuesday, June 20) The decade of love, peace and massive hair comes to Beverley as the racecourse bumps and boogies in homage to the 70s. Every 1’s a Winner on the Westwood – you sexy things.

9) SEND IN THE CLOWNS (Tuesday, August 1)  Roll up, roll up, step right this way, boys and girls, as the circus gallops into town for a fun-filled, action-packed afternoon for all the family.

 10) BLAZING SADDLES (Saturday, September 2)  The sharpest sprinters in the land will be fired up for the biggest race of the season, the totepool Beverley Bullet, as the track salutes the sheer majesty of the thoroughbred.

“Here two young Danish Souldiers lye.

The one in quarrell chanc’d to die;

The others Head, by their own Law,

With Sword was sever’d at one Blow.”

Daniel Straker was viciously killed by fellow Danish soldier Johannes Frederick Bellow following a bloody sword fight in the streets of Beverley in December 1689.

When his dismembered torso fell to the ground, Straker was believed to have been clutching a blood-soaked handkerchief which was bequeathed to him by his beloved wife, Ana, who died some years earlier.

Bellow survived the skirmish and was promptly executed. But as Straker’s severed limbs were removed from the carnage, his grasp became limp and the handkerchief he cherished so dearly disappeared forever.

Until now. Unconfirmed reports of Daniel Straker, in his grieving pursuit of Ana’s handkerchief, have become commonplace, yet without foundation. But this extraordinary footage https://twitter.com/Beverley_Races/status/792822293181427713 taken at Beverley Racecourse on Sunday night conclusively proves beyond all reasonable doubt that Straker’s 327-year journey is over – and that ghosts definitely exist.

A Beverley Racecourse spokesperson, who asked not be named for fear of vengeance from beyond the grave, said her “eyes bled with blind fear” and that she “will never be the same again”.

The spokesperson said: “I had to work late on Sunday for the big launch of next season’s tickets going on sale – available to buy from today, either online or by phone – when I was alerted from outside by a despicable, wailing sound.

“Because of my loyalty to Beverley Racecourse, and also because I was on double-time pay, I decided to investigate.

“Nothing, not even my health-and-safety-in-the-workplace training, could have prepared me for the grisly goings-on that were about to unfold.

“Promising early ticket sales will help heal wounds of essentially being possessed by a handkerchief, but I still intend to write a strongly-worded email to my Human Resources team leader as the infiltration of my person by an evil spirit was definitely not written into my contract.”

Pontefract Racecourse has been listed amongst the Finalists for two prestigious awards at the Racecourse Association’s annual Showcase & Awards event.

Nominated in the ‘Events’ and ‘All About The Horse’ categories, Pontefract Racecourse impressed the independent judging panel sufficiently to become one of the finalists in each category and will be hoping to be crowned winners at the award ceremony at Doncaster Racecourse on November 17.

The ‘Events’ Award celebrates superb events that provide memorable days out and attract new customers to racecourses. The ‘All About The Horse’ Award celebrates initiatives that enhance racegoers knowledge of and engagement with horses and horseracing. Submissions demonstrated how racecourses had done this using bespoke campaigns.

Racecourses were asked to demonstrate a defined strategy and excellence in execution in their submissions, along with a clear link to the racecourse brand and encouragement of return visits.

The 2016 Rugby League Evening has been shortlisted in the ‘Events’ category. Rugby League fans from across Yorkshire flocked to the course as season ticket holders for Castleford Tigers, Featherstone Rovers, Huddersfield Giants and Wakefield Wildcats took advantage of discounted tickets and fantastic Meet & Greet packages. The inaugural Art of Racing Raceday has been shortlisted in the ‘All About The Horse’ category as racegoers learnt about all sides of horse racing – from commentating to what happens at the start, from tipping to how the Best Turned Out Horse is chosen.

Celebrating excellence and innovation on British Racecourses, the RCA Showcase & Awards feature a daytime seminar with a variety of speakers from racing as well as other sports and leisure industries, before the awards ceremony in the evening.

The seventh edition of the RCA Showcase & Awards is supported by Moet Hennessey, and is as competitive as ever with racecourse submissions increasing by 10% to 77. There are ten main awards in total, covering all aspects of racecourse operation, with the ultimate goal of celebrating and rewarding initiatives which enhance the customer experience.

Pontefract Racecourse Manager, Norman Gundill , said:

“These nominations are just reward for the innovative skills and hard work of our promotions and marketing team lead by our Assistant Manager, Richard Hammill, and demonstrate the forward thinking and customer friendly approach that we think is so essential to keep us at the forefront of the local sporting and recreational life of the area.”

Racecourse Association Chairman, Maggie Carver, said: “The RCA Showcase & Awards is one of the highlights of the year for racecourses and we have seen the number and standard of submissions increase yet again making 2016 another difficult one for our judging panel.

“It is an amazing achievement to be named as a Finalist and inspiring to see such a wide range of racecourses on the lists.

“I am delighted for the team at Pontefract Racecourse and it is testament to the hard work they put in all year round. We are now looking forward to finding out who all the winners are at Doncaster on 17^th November.”

Doncaster Racecourse is gearing up for the penultimate meeting of the British Flat Racing season and an important date in the Best Dressed Lady calendar – the crowning of the overall 2016 Best Dressed winner.

The popular Racing Post Trophy meeting gets underway on Friday 21 October, with the final Group 1 event of the British Flat Racing season taking place Saturday 22nd October and showcasing the future champions of British flat racing.

“Our Racing Post Trophy weekend is always a big hit with racegoers and attracts some of the UK’s top up-and-coming jockeys and racehorse,” said Abby Chandler Marketing Manager Doncaster Racecourse. “Some of the future champions of British Horse Racing battle it out for the coveted Group 1 Racing Post Trophy and, in the past, we have seen winners, such as Kingston Hill, go on to claim significant titles like the St. Leger Stakes the following year. It is fair to say that everyone will be focused on popular jockey Andrea Atzeni who has won The Racing Post Trophy for the last three years bringing Kingston Hill, Elm Park and Marcel home – will he be able to make it a fourth?”

Racing Post Trophy Day will also see the crowning of the ‘Go Racing in Yorkshire Best Dressed Lady’. The competition will bring together nine winner’s from the county’s ‘Best Dressed Lady’ competition held between May and September, including Doncaster’s very own Best Dressed Lady, Maria Gledhill from Rossington. The ladies will battle it out in the style stakes for the chance to claim the covered title and a prize package which includes the chance to become the face of Go Racing in Yorkshire’s 2017 marketing campaign.

Following the last race on Saturday, visitors are invited into the Exhibition Hall to party with the PYT’s – a male and female fronted six-piece band with a repertoire including rock, pop, fun, soul, RnB and disco.

For more information about racing and events at Doncaster Racecourse or to buy tickets, visit www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk or call 01302 304200.

After a great Summer of racing, the 2016 season comes to a close at Pontefract on Monday 17th October. The final meeting ends what has been a fantastic year at the West Yorkshire track with some memorable racing. And the final raceday is no different with a top class Listed 2 year old race on the card.
The 24th running of the Listed totepool EBF Silver Tankard Stakes has a rich roll of honour with past winners including Comic Strip, who won the 2004 renewal for Sir Mark Prescott before being sold to race in Hong Kong and becoming one of the most successful horses in their history. With £35,000 on offer in 2016, this year’s renewal will hopefully produce a really top class horse for the 2017 season.
The main supporting race is the Phil Bull Trophy Conditions Stakes. The race has a rich history of producing high class stayers – last year’s contest was taken by Hughie Morrison’s Nearly Caught who recently won a Group 2 at Deauville and, last time out, was 3rd in the Group 1 Prix Du Cadran on ‘Arc’ day! This race also marks the final leg of the 2016 Pontefract Stayers’ Championship. There are still 3 horses in with a chance of winning – previous winner, Riptide, heads the way from La Fritillaire and Madam Lilibet.
Bryan Smart’s Alpha Delphini has been a revelation in 2016. He signed off his 2015 campaign in our final race of the season last year, finishing just in behind Mercers Row and Bowson Fred (who has also had a cracking time of things in 2016!). Will we see some more Ponte handicappers step up to make their mark in 2017?
There are still a few places available on the totepool Punters Package on Monday. For just £40, punters will be able to secure a place in the VIP totepool Suite in the Dalby Stand boxes with hot buffet, guest speaker and use of the private viewing balconies! To book, go online to www.pontefract-races.co.uk or give us a call on 01977 781307.
The Racecourse continues to run the Yorkshire Postcode Lottery. The scheme gives racegoers from Yorkshire the chance to come racing in the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure for just £2. The last meeting of the season is again part of the promotion, and punters with postcodes from Bradford will be eligible for cheap entry on the last day.
There’ll also be a chance to buy some early Christmas presents too as the Injured Jockeys Fund will have their stand on course. You’ll also be able to purchase your 2017 Annual Badge at the 2016 price!
The action gets underway for the final time in 2016 at 2.10pm with gates opening at midday.

Viewers from across the world tuned in to watch Wick Powell, trained by David Barron of Thirsk, win the £175,000 Totepool Two Year Old Trophy race at Redcar Racecourse, when the feature race on Saturday 1st October was broadcast live on Channel 4 Racing and Racing UK (Sky 432).
The Teesside racecourse welcomed over 3,600 racegoers from across the region to its annual Totepool Two Year Old Trophy Day, with the quality racing attracting racehorses from across the UK and Ireland.
The £40,000 listed Totescoop6 EBF Stallions Guisborough Stakes was won by the 5/2 favourite Latharnch, owned by Godolphin and trained in Newmarket by Charlie Appleby.
Alongside the two big races on the day, there were 5 other races including the Market Cross Jewellers Handicap Stakes and the Pinnacle Straight Mile Series final – a series of 8 qualifying races during the season with the £20,000 Grand Final race on Saturday, and won for the second year running by Father Bertie trained by Tim Easterby at Malton.
Redcar Racecourse’s General Manager Amy Fair, said: “The Totepool Two Year Old Trophy Day is always a fantastic raceday for everyone involved and I’m pleased to say that this year has been another outstanding success.

“It’s great to see the feature race of the day, the Totepool Two Year Old Trophy be won by a locally trained horse in Wick Powell owned by Nicola Barron and trained by David Barron at Thirsk.

“Overall, it was a brilliant day and although it was our last Premier meeting of the season, we have three more race meetings left to enjoy and we’re already looking forward to what promises to be another exciting year at Redcar in 2017.”

One attendee on the day, Christine Brown, was celebrating her birthday with her family and as a special honour, was asked to present the winning trophy of the second race on the card, The Racing UK in glorious HD Selling Stakes.
She said: “I have had a fabulous day. Everything has been perfect and we will remember this for the rest of our lives.”
Racegoers also enjoyed Star Wars themed entertainment, as Page2Stage brought popular characters to the raceday, including Princess Leia, Jedi Knights, Darth Vader and Stormtroopers.

While Saturday was Redcar’s last Premier meeting of the season, there are three more regular meetings to come before this year’s events close, on Friday 14th October, Monday 24th October, and Tuesday 1st November.

For the next race meeting at Redcar Racecourse on Friday 14th there are seven races on the card with the first race scheduled to start at 2.10pm. The admission gates will open to the public at 12 noon and admission prices start from just £4 per adult with free admission for accompanied children aged 17 and under.

Parties of 10 or more can also save over 20% when they book their Grandstand or Course Enclosure admission tickets in advance.

For more information, visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/.

RICHARD Fahey heads into the season-ending October meeting on Friday and Saturday with a healthy three-winner lead in the race to land the ‘Charles Clinkard Top Trainer at York’ award.

But the man from Musley Bank near Malton said: “We’ll need another couple of winners to just seal it.”

Fahey has enjoyed another great season at York, having sent out no fewer than eight winners on the course.

It has left him in prime position to reclaim the Knavesmire’s top trainer title, which he won for no less than seven consecutive seasons up to 2012.

Fahey said: “It would be great. It was getting a bit embarrassing there at one stage – a bit of competition did me no harm!

“Everybody wants a winner (at York), so it’s an achievement to be leading trainer there. North, South, East and West try and get winners there. But anyway, we still have to put it to bed yet.”

The chasing group, on five winners, are the three powerful stables of Sir Michael Stoute, William Haggas and Kevin Ryan.

As a demonstration of his desire to regain the title, at the initial entry stage for both of York’s cards, Fahey has chances in thirteen of the fourteen remaining contests, reflecting a whopping thirty-two horses entry. Hambleton based Kevin Ryan has an equivalent sixteen entries, while Skipton-born Haggas has ten and the Master of Freemason Lodge just the five.

Fahey said: “I know deep down William would love to win it. His horses are flying at the moment, so I’m sure he’ll have a big team coming up. I’m sure we’ll need another couple of winners to just seal it.”

Despite having a significant team of horses bound for the Knavesmire, Fahey is not 100 per cent sure how many will get balloted out. Even so, he expects to be represented in both of Saturday’s features – the Listed coral.co.uk Rockingham Stakes and the £100,000 Coral Sprint Trophy.

Fahey has three in that Listed race for juveniles – which he won last year with Donjuan Triumphant – and four in the feature sprint.

He said: “Rosebride was second in the Group 3 at Ayr (the Firth of Clyde Stakes) – she’ll probably run in the Rockingham. Mayfair Lady is in the sprint but I’m not sure what will get in – Mayfair Lady should, as she’s 100-plus.” The three year old filly who carries the Steel family colours, also has course and distance winning form from the June Meeting.

Whatever happens over the two days, Fahey is entitled to look back with pride at his string’s success at York in 2016. Starting at the Dante Festival, Vona supplied him with a victory in the Listed Langleys Solicitors EBF Marygate. The winners have kept flowing throughout the summer, including those of Mr Lupton in the very valuable 888Sport Charity Sprint and Queen Kindly in the Group 2 Sky Bet Lowther Stakes at the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival.

“Not too bad,” is Fahey’s understated assessment. “We always want more, greed is good!

“There were some good winners there this year but any winner at York is good. To get a couple of winners at the Ebor meeting was great – The Wagon Wheel won the nursery as well. Any winner at that meeting is great. ”

In the Living North-sponsored race to finish as York’s top jockey, Italian aces Andrea Atzeni and Frankie Dettori are tied on seven winners apiece.

Friday’s seven-race card gets underway at 1.45pm. The most valuable race that afternoon is the £50,000 stanjames.com Handicap. Saturday’s racing begins at 2pm with the £100,000 Coral Sprint Trophy sure to be a race to savour.

For Tickets PLEASE CALL 01904 620911 x225
Or visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk

The last chance to enjoy racing action at York in 2016 comes on Friday and Saturday (7 and 8 October). With record prize money of over £415,000 retained, it is the most valuable October finale ever held on the Knavesmire.

Since 2014, the prize money for these two days has increased by more than 25%, with all races seeing a boost in that time.

The feature race of the Saturday meeting is the now £100,000 Coral Sprint Trophy, an ultra-competitive sprint handicap, the nineteenth race of the York season to have a six figure purse.

The Listed Coral Rockingham Stakes, which showcased smart sprinter Donjuan Triumphant for the Richard Fahey yard last season, again offers £50,000.

Channel 4 cameras will be at the track for both days, covering two races on Friday, including the £50,000 feature handicap for three year old staying horses over a mile and three quarters supported by Stan James. Only in its second year, this race is intended to provide an autumn opportunity for the highly rated stayers who may well have competed in the Betfred Melrose Stakes at the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival.

Friday will see the fifth staging of ‘Countryside Raceday’ with its biggest ever Countryside Market; while Saturday will be accompanied by the sound of the Corps of Drums in support of the Coldstream Guards Cup, a middle-distance handicap that will bring the curtain down on the season.

Looking to combine the delights of the rural life with the excitement of a raceday, the ‘Countryside Raceday’ on Friday will mean seven races being complemented by rural activity and products; including a sheepdog display and a chance to get up close to some birds of prey. For those wishing to start their Christmas shopping early, there is a Countryside Market of local produce and crafts.

Friday’s card begins at 1.45pm and blends competitive handicaps with contests to develop the two year olds as well as honing the talents of apprentice jockeys. Regular race sponsors on this day include TSG, the IT provider that supports the racecourse team, who are using the occasion to remember Paul Beioley, the IT specialist who was the bridge to the racecourse and sadly recently passed away. Regulars at York and visitors to the city will recognise The Parsonage Country House Hotel & Cloisters Spa at Escrick who return in support of a race on this day. The European Breeders’ Fund continue their backing of York with support of the contest for maiden two-year-olds. Completing a day of returning sponsors are Racing UK and bookmaker Stan James – the latter backing a second handicap over a mile.

Continuing the theme of working with charities that saw the track host the record breaking Macmillan Charity Raceday in June, the focus in October moves to the good causes backed by The Lord Mayor of York. York based accountants, JWPCreers, have supported a race to raise awareness of these charities.

Saturday’s quality seven race programme begins at 2pm with the first of six races backed by Coral, a brand that first supported this day back in 1979.

The meeting will also see the conclusion of the season long contests to be top jockey and trainer at York. In the Living North-sponsored jockeys’ race, the Juddmonte International winning rider, Andrea Atzeni, sits tied with Betfred Dante winner, Frankie Dettori, on seven winners apiece.

The leaderboard of the Charles Clinkard Top Trainer at York is headed by Richard Fahey, with the Malton yard firm favourites to land an eighth Knavesmire title, as they are three clear of the chasing pack, with eight victories.

As well as the sound of fife and drum, racegoers will be able to enjoy the jazz of the Tom Roberts Band on Friday, whilst Saturday offers the foot stompin’ fun of Murphy’s Marbles.

New Beginnings, a worthy cause that supports retired racehorses, will bring Harry, a thoroughbred that raced at York in the nineties, as well as his pal, Meg the pony, for racegoers to meet on Saturday.

Four large screens will cover both racing on the Knavesmire and the major contests from Newmarket. The Punters’ Panel will offer tips before racing on each day. The wider sporting world will not be overlooked as selected televisions on stands side will be dedicated to show England playing Malta in World Cup Qualifying football.

Redcar Racecourse is preparing to take centre stage as thousands of people are expected to attend the highly anticipated Totepool Two Year Old Trophy Day, on Saturday 1st October.

With prize money of £175,000, the Listed Totepool Two Year Old Trophy is one of the most valuable juvenile races in Europe and one of the highlights of Redcar’s season. The race was first run in 1989 and proved an instant success with owners and trainers.

2014 saw a top-class performance from Henry Candy’s Limato. Following success in an Ascot Group 3 and a Doncaster Group 2 last season, this season Limato won the Group 1 Darley July Cup at Newmarket and was second to Mecca’s Angel in the Group 1 Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York in August.

The high class action is not just limited to the feature race as the card is supported by the listed Totescoop6 EBF Stallions Guisborough Stakes. With prize money of £40,000, many of the top stables will be gunning for this prize. Saeed Bin Surror has won the race three times for Godolphin in recent years, whilst the likes of Clive Brittain, Paul Cole, William Haggas, Richard Fahey, Mick Channon, Brian Ellison, and Mark Johnston have all won it in recent seasons.

Completing the trio of top class races is the final of the Pinnacle Cup Straight Mile Series, a series of eight qualifying races run throughout the season with the final being run on Saturday 1st October.

The racecourse’s final Premier meeting of the racing season will be broadcast on Channel 4 Racing and Racing UK, so viewers from across the UK and Ireland can tune in to what is set to be the highlight of the Autumn racing season.

Redcar Racecourse’s general manager, Amy Fair, expressed her excitement for the raceday and said: “The Totepool Two Year Old Trophy Day is our biggest race meeting of the year and it’s always a fantastic raceday.

“The event sees families and friends come together to enjoy not only some top quality racing but also take part in the great entertainment we have for the children.”

Racegoers will also have the chance to enjoy Star Wars themed entertainment, as Page2Stage is bringing popular characters to the raceday, including Princess Leia, Jedi Knights, Darth Vader and Stormtroopers.

In the run up to the big day, Redcar Racecourse is also celebrating its final Premier meeting of the season by giving one lucky racegoer the chance to win a VIP day for four people by taking part in its prize draw on social media.

The winner and their three friends will receive a day out to remember with VIP admission badges and racecards with hospitality including a three course meal with a bottle of wine and table for the evening in the Voltigeur Restaurant.

Admission prices on the day start from £5 per adult with free admission for accompanied children aged 17 and under. The admission gates will open at 12 noon, there will be seven races with the first race scheduled to start at 2.10pm.

Parties of 10 or more can also save over 20% when they book their Grandstand or Course Enclosure admission tickets in advance.

For more information, visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/ and to enter the VIP competition, visit https://www.facebook.com/RedcarRacing/

Facebook & Twitter: @Redcarracing
Instagram: @RedcarRacecourse

As the flat season continues to wind down, Pontefract stage their penultimate meeting of the season on Monday 3rd October. The 15th race meeting of the year at the West Yorkshire venue is bound to be well supported as trainers get one last run in to their charges before the National Hunt season takes over.
It’s a fascinating card with the feature being ‘The Tradeway Shipping Peter Kirkham Retiring Handicap’ over 1 mile. The £15,000 prize money is bound to attract some interesting types. The 2015 race saw Godolphin’s ‘Pallister’ take the prize. Godolphin sent a strong team for the meeting last year with 5 of their charges being sent off favourite. However, Pallister was the only winner for the ‘boys in blue’ with some noticeable fancied runners turned over – in the opening Racing UK Maiden, their 2-9 favourite ‘Change The Game’ was trying to win the race for the owner for the 4th year in a row but could not hold off Ann Duffield’s 50-1 winner ‘Heaven Scent’!
Whilst it is not one of the more valuable races on the card, The Bluff Cove Handicap will certainly be one of the most fiercely contested as it makes up the penultimate leg of the Stayers Championship at the course in 2016. The ‘Championship’ looks like going to the wire with former winner, Riptide, holding the lead. With recent course winner Medina Sidonia also reportedly aiming for the race, it looks like being an exciting climax to the series.
The Racing UK Nursery was a fiercely competitive race last year. Mick Channon’s ‘Kassia’ took the prize in 2015 – she has won 3 times already this season including the inaugural running of the richest ever handicap staged at Pontefract earlier this season.
In conjunction with Racing UK, Pontefract are offering all subscribers to the channel discounted entry to the Park Suite Restaurant (subject to availability). Anyone wishing to take advantage of this offer should call the Racecourse Office with their Racing UK membership details.
The Racecourse continues to run the Yorkshire Postcode Lottery. The scheme gives racegoers from Yorkshire the chance to come racing in the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure for just £2. The last two meetings of the season are both part of the promotion, and punters with postcodes from Huddersfield and Bradford will be eligible for cheap entry at forthcoming meetings with Huddersfield postcodes the lucky ones on the 3rd October. The action gets underway at 2.00pm with gates opening at midday.

Jockey Ben Curtis expressed deep pride at having scooped the leading jockeys’ award at Beverley this season.
The former Irish champion apprentice rider secured 10 winners from just 42 rides during a fruitful campaign on the Westwood.
Curtis said: “I’m delighted to be top rider at Beverley – it means a lot to me.
“Beverley is a great track and it’s always very challenging to ride there.
“But I’m very lucky to work for trainers who often specifically target races at the course, and always have their horses fit and well.
“There are a lot of great jockeys in the north who are always in action at Beverley, so I’m really happy to have had such a good season there.”
Now based in Thirsk, the 27-year-old has developed a fine alliance with Malton trainer Brian Ellison, for whom he has this year ridden 25 domestic winners to date.
Three of those British victories came at Beverley aboard the Keith Brown-owned Orewa, who has been one of the stars of the season at the East Yorkshire circuit.
The two-year-old son of Helmet was sent to the Curragh earlier this month and duly won over 108,000 euro in prize-money by taking first place in the Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Sale Stakes.
Curtis added: “Orewa had a few issues, but he’s very, very talented and has been trained brilliantly by Brian.
“We gave him a nice little break to have a wind and gelding operation, and that seems to have worked wonders as he was fantastic out in Ireland.
“It was also great for Keith to have three winners at Beverley as he only lives five minutes away from the track.
“Hopefully there’s a lot more to come from Orewa.”
The jockey is currently sidelined with a dislocated wrist and a bad gash to his right palm – an injury which required 44 stitches – after he was unseated from a horse at Thirsk on September 3.
Curtis is, however, closing in on a return to action, and could even make a comeback as early as next week.
He said: “I’ve a scar that goes three inches up to my wrist, but it’s healing up nicely.
“It got infected once I first left hospital so I had to go back in for another operation.
“But there is a bit of light at the end of the tunnel now and hopefully I can come back next week.
“I’ll see how the movement is, but, with a bit of luck, I could be back in competitive action next Wednesday.”
David O’Meara was crowned leading trainer at Beverley after a last-day victory for Mon Beau Visage edged the Upper Helmsley handler narrowly in front of nearest pursuer Richard Fahey.
(Please credit RFM Equine if using the attached image of Ben Curtis winning at Beverley aboard the Brian Ellison-trained Orewa, owned by Keith Brown)

TEN STARS OF THE BEVERLEY SEASON
PRINCE OF LIR – won the Brian Yeardley Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy on May 28. Subsequently claimed gold in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot.
OREWA – unbeaten in three starts at Beverley. Showed great potential when victorious in a big sales race on Irish Champions Weekend at the Curragh.
ST MICHEL – hosed up by seven lengths in the 131st Year of the Watt Memorial Handicap on July 17. Later to finish third in the Doncaster Cup.
GARCIA – excelled in the Queen’s Own Yeomanry Handicap on April 21. Put that experience to good use with a head triumph in the Silver Bowl at Haydock.
GRIZZEL – Game Hilary Needler Trophy winner on May 28 and has subsequently held her own in Pattern-race company.
THE LAST LION – Runner-up in the Brian Yeardley and the Norfolk Stakes. Now a Listed and Group Three scorer. Last seen finishing second in the Flying Childers at Doncaster.
CASPIAN PRINCE – superb front-running display in the Eddie And Violet Smith Conditions Stakes on September 20. Twice a winner of the Epsom “Dash”. Rated 107.
CLEM FANDANGO – Hilary Needler runner-up who finished third in both the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Weatherbys Super Sprint at Newbury. Easy winner of a Listed race at Ayr on September 16.
ALPHA DELPHINI – dramatic winner of the Listed Beverley Bullet and only just denied by Cotai Glory in a five-furlong Group Three at Newbury on September 17.
LINE OF REASON – won a valuable conditions stakes on June 14 and, in doing so, smashed the five-furlong course record with a one-length defeat of Red Pike.

Hay Chewed attempts to claim a significant double in the Eddie And Violet Smith Conditions Stakes as a brilliant season at Beverley comes to an end on Tuesday (September 20).
Trained in Newmarket by Conrad Allen, the five-year-old mare struck for the first time in over two years at Leicester a fortnight ago when she won a competitive conditions stakes by one length.
The daughter of Camacho, who missed the entire 2015 campaign due to injury, now tries to repeat the dose in a cracking renewal of the £14,000 five-furlong sprint at 3.10pm.
Hay Chewed, a Listed winner at Ayr in June 2014, will have the assistance of title-chasing jockey Silvestre de Sousa and breaks from stall four in the 12-runner dash.
Allen said: “She’s been very, very unlucky this year as she’s never really had her conditions.
“She’s a very quick horse, and though it looks a hot race at Beverley she would have a live chance.
“Silvestre was going to go to Lingfield, but it’s obviously great news he rides her as he liked her a lot when she won at Leicester.
“She’s got a little bit to do at the weights, but if she runs to her best she can win.
“Last year she suffered a fracture which kept her off the track all year so it’s been lovely to see that she still has the appetite for racing.
“It’s a very competitive race with good prize-money on offer, but she’s in great form.”
Lightscameraction, trained by Gay Kelleway, heads the weights in the Eddie And Violet Smith Conditions Stakes.
The four-year-old gelding’s finest hour came at Lingfield in February, when he showed lots of pace to account for Take Cover by a neck in the Listed Hever Stakes.
Fellow Newmarket raider Mirza finished second in the Beverley Bullet two years ago and represents Rae Guest.
The locally-owned Tangerine Trees, a half-brother to last month’s Bullet hero Alpha Delphini, won this race in 2010 and has been declared by new trainer Mick Appleby.
Line Of Reason broke Beverley’s five-furlong track record earlier in the year with a one-length defeat of the Sir Alex Ferguson-owned Red Pike in June.
The pair renew rivalry tomorrow, while Son Of Africa and Caspian Prince – a respective seventh and 10th in the Bullet last month – are also in the hunt for the £14,000 prize.
Eastern Impact, the highest-rated horse in the field, Double Up and the three-year-old Ornate – second to Hay Chewed at Leicester – add strength in depth, with the field completed by Ziggy Lee.
Beverley’s eight-race, seasonal closer begins at 2.10pm, with the going on Monday morning described as good, good to firm in places.
Cloud and sunshine have been forecast for the finale, with temperatures set to reach a high of 17C.

As the flat season continues to wind down, Pontefract stage their second September meeting on Thursday 22nd.
The highlight of the card is the Simon Scrope Dalby Screw-Driver Handicap – a Class 2 Handicap over 1m2f worth £20,000 to the winner. ‘Screw-Driver’ was the racing pin up in the early 19th century, winning at least 2 ‘Cup’ races. These ‘Cups’ consisted of four heats over 2 miles on the same day with the winner being the horse with the best aggregate score over the 8 miles! This impressive feat makes Screw-Driver just about the first Pontefract course specialist on record! In 2015, the famous ‘Golden Horn’ colours of Anthony Oppenheimer were carried to victory by ‘This Is The Day’ from Charlie Fellowes Newmarket base who held off the local challenge of Tim Easterby’s Silvery Moon in a thrilling finish.
All races from Pontefract are shown live on Racing UK, and the channel lends their name to 4 races on the card. The chief supporting race, the The Racing UK HD on Sky 432 Handicap, sees the 6f sprinters burning up the track. Course specialist, Johnny Cavagin, won the race last year. He’s already added to his course tally in 2016 – will he be back on the scoresheet again?
The EBF Frier Wood Maiden is often a decent pointer to a stamina laden 2yo and Karl Burke’s ‘Percy Street’ took the honours last year. He was initially trained with the Epsom Derby in mind this season and while he’s not proved up to that class, he’s won a decent handicap at Newmarket and then run creditably at Listed level.
The fillies’ nursery at the start of the card is often a competitive and informative affair and Sir Mark Prescott’s Rioca took the prize last year. It’s definitely a race to keep an eye on with the future in mind as the 2015 renewal has thrown up numerous winners this season.
The Racecourse has been running the Yorkshire Postcode Lottery throughout the season once again. The scheme gives racegoers from Yorkshire the chance to come racing in the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure for just £2. The remaining 3 meetings of the season are all part of the promotion, and punters with postcodes from Halifax, Huddersfield and Bradford will all be eligible for cheap entry at forthcoming meetings with Halifax postcodes the lucky ones on the 22nd September. The action gets underway at 2.20pm with gates opening at midday.

Autumn may be drawing ever closer but there are still 4 race meetings left to enjoy at Pontefract Racecourse before the season finishes. With 2 meetings in September and 2 in October, there’s plenty of fantastic racing ahead.
The first September meeting on the 15th throws the sprinting fillies in to the spotlight with the first running of the EBF Breeders’ Series Fillies Handicap – a £30,000 Handicap over 6f. The race is the final opportunity for speedy fillies to qualify for the final of the series to be held at Newmarket on the 1st October and is bound to attract some high quality horses aiming to take home the big prize in October!
The Pontefract Stayer’s Championship is also reaching its climax with any numbers of horses still in the running to take home the top prize, worth nearly £5,000 to winning connections in 2016. Course favourite and current leader in the Championship, Riptide, is bang on course to take in the final 3 legs of the Championship to try and cement his lead. He’ll need to be at the top of his game as other course favourites, Madam Lilibet and Tuscan Gold are not far behind him!
On this day last year, Dark Ocean and Entity both won for the second time at Pontefract in the same season – will there be some course specialists stepping forward to claim another victory this year?
Two of the races on Thursday will showcase future events at the Course – bookings are now being taken for both the VIP Package at the final meeting of the year on 17th October and the fantastic Christmas parties happening in December.
The Racecourse has been running the Yorkshire Postcode Lottery throughout the season once again. The scheme gives racegoers from Yorkshire the chance to come racing in the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure for just £2. The last 4 meetings of the season are all part of the promotion, and punters with postcodes from Hull, Halifax, Huddersfield and Bradford will all be eligible for cheap entry at forthcoming meetings with Hull postcodes the lucky ones on the 15th September. The action gets underway at 2.20pm with gates opening at midday.

The countdown to the biggest charity raceday in the country begins again on Sunday, when entries open to become one of the twelve riders in the Best Western Hotels & Macmillan Ride of their Lives, on Saturday 17 June 2017.

It offers a chance for twelve members of the public to enjoy the “ride of their lives” as they participate in a nine furlong race around the famous Knavesmire. Each will pledge at least £3,000 to Macmillan Cancer Support, though this year’s participant’s contributed more than £170,000 to a cumulative total that over the last 46 years has raised over £7,000,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support and local charities.

The race has become a popular part of a day that heads towards its 47th year and is the biggest single fund raising event in the Macmillan calendar.

Riders from the class of ’16 – who included a hairdresser and a nurse – can take a real pride in having contributed a record amount to Macmillan. The honour of raising the most as an individual falls to Ruth Carr, who posted nearly £38,000. As recognition of their fund raising achievement, the sponsors of the race, Best Western Hotels have given each rider a complimentary break at one of their properties.

The most important aspect of the race itself was that all the partnerships returned safely to the stables. The record books will show that Ruth Carr aboard Dubai Dynamo, a horse she trains herself from her racing yard at Stillington, was led into the Winner’s Enclosure.

As part of the Press Family Raceday on Sunday 4 September, the riders will be presented with a memento of their big day in June; as leading racing photographer Mick Atkins has created a special photo book that charts their training as well as their historic ride around the Knavesmire.

Robyn Mountain Wade, Macmillan Special Events Manager, said: “Macmillan Charity Raceday is the biggest single fundraising event in our calendar and the Ride of their Lives is an incredible finale. The months of training and fundraising which all the riders put themselves through is inspirational. Their hard work makes a real difference – money raised helps fund Macmillan services, which are there to support people affected by cancer. We’re looking forward to the 2017 event, and we’re delighted to have the continued, generous support of Best Western Hotels and York Racecourse.”

Given the nature of riding a thoroughbred in front of a large crowd, the 2017 contestants are likely to already have riding experience but rest assured that anyone interested will be given intensive tuition so they have the chance to reach the required safety standard to make the start line. As this is a significant commitment it explains the early start for the search for competitors.

Once the field has been announced in December this year you will be able to help them fund raise in lots of ways, by visiting their donation pages on Just Giving or by attending the raceday on Saturday 17 June 2017.

You have to get up pretty early to put one over on wily veteran trainer Mick Easterby, but his granddaughter Jacqueline Coward is hoping to do just that when they go head-to-head for the first time in the UKinsuranceNET Hambleton Cup on Ladies Day at Thirsk on Saturday.
First season trainer Jacqueline runs Tapis Libre, a horse she inherited from her grandad this summer, while Mick will be represented by Tamayuz Magic in the £10,000 contest, a race he last won with Sporting Gesture in 2005.

Tapis Libre, who was beaten only four lengths when fifth behind Scrutinise in last season’s Hambleton Cup, made a winning start for his new trainer with an impressive success in the Ladies Derby at Epsom in July and though eight-years-old still has plenty of dash.

“How exciting to be taking on my grandfather, I want to beat him!” said Jacqueline, “he has been a great help to me, but we do have some lively banter so it will be great. This is the first time we have both run a horse in the same race!”

Tamayuz Magic, who won at Thirsk in May and has only once finished out of the frame in six visits to the North Yorkshire track, is at his best when there is cut in the ground so is likely to have conditions to suit.

“He’s been declared and we shall definitely run if the ground doesn’t firm up” said Mick’s son and assistant David Easterby, “and Jacqueline having a runner does make it that bit more interesting by creating a bit of family rivalry!”

Not that the family interest ends just there as Mick’s nephew Tim will also have a runner in the Cup with Icefall representing his Great Habton yard.

The Hambleton Cup represents a first venture into race sponsorship for the Darlington-based UKinsuranceNET, an online insurance company. Managing Director Steve Bradley is a long-standing owner who has had horses with Richard Fahey and Jane Chapple-Hyam among others.

“I have had quite a few winners, so have experienced the thrill of being a winning owner and now I shall see what it is like from the other side of the fence by sponsoring a race. We shall have a great day as we are using it to reward our hard-working staff with a day at the races!” he said.

Ladies Day is always one of the highlights of Thirsk’s season and with prizes for the Best Dressed Lady, Best Dressed Gentleman and Best Hat to be won, it promises to be a great mix of high fashion and top quality racing.

There is an eight race card starting at 2.20pm with entrance to the Premier Enclosure costing £27, while it’s £16 to go in the Paddock. Price reductions are available on line at www.thirskracecourse.net and children under 18 get in free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Car and coach parking is free, a big screen will show the action and there are play areas for the children. Gates open at 11am.

YORK’S only Sunday card of the season takes place this weekend with over £100,000 in prize money on offer.

The feature is the £40,000 Betfred Garrowby Stakes staged over six furlongs. The initial 24-strong entry for this Listed contest includes some smart types notably last year’s Cheveley Park Stakes scorer Lumiere and the Group 2-winning duo of Muthmir and Buratino.

Danzeno is a regular in top sprints and the Mick Appleby-trained five-year-old is set for another run at the Knavesmire on Sunday. Last seen when competing in the Coolmore Nunthorpe over a furlong shorter at York, the son of Denounce is more at home over Sunday’s trip and has some smart form in the book.

Among his best efforts were a close third behind Magical Memory and Suedois over Sunday’s course and distance in the Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes back in May and his third in Group 1 company in the Champions Sprint on British Champions Day last October.

Appleby, who trains at Danethorpe near Newark, said: “Danzeno has come out of the race well.

“He missed the break in the Nunthorpe and it all happened a bit quick for him over five (furlongs).

“Six should suit him better and the plan is to run on Sunday. He should have a good chance – his run at York in the spring is strong form and he seems very well.”

Racegoers attending York’s Family Sunday can also look forward to four competitive handicaps and two intriguing maidens for juveniles.

The Hanson Springs Stakes, a handicap over six furlongs at 4:40pm, is likely to see a number of progressive three-year-olds face the starter.

The William Haggas-trained Gravity Flow could bid for a four-timer, having won all three of her races so far in 2016; while East Street Revue, winner of the nation’s most valuable Apprentice race, a Betfred backed handicap at the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival, may take his chance as well.

The up-and-coming jockeys of the future take centre-stage in the Racecourse Challenge for Cystic Fibrosis Apprentice Stakes at 5:10. Leading apprentices Tom Marquand, Megan Nicholls and Clifford Lee are all engaged in what looks a fiercely competitive event for the grade.

The mile and a half contest is part of the ‘Go Racing in Yorkshire’ Future Stars Apprentice Series which culminates in a Final at Doncaster in November. Coming into this race, Clifford Lee will bid to peg back the current leader, Yorkshire-based rider, Rowan Scott (36 points).

The seven-race card gets underway at 2:10pm with the Judith Memorial EBF Stallions Maiden over seven furlongs.

Press shot 1 caption: Best Dressed Couple competition winners Jarred and Gina Thomas

Thousands of racegoers from across the region turned out over the bank holiday weekend to experience Teesside’s social highlight of the racing calendar.

Over 3,500 people attended Redcar Racecourse’s Ladies’ & Gents’ Evening on Saturday 27th August, which included best dressed competitions, a fun casino, photo booth, and live entertainment from local band The Persuaders.

Special guest of the evening, Sarah Gething Miss Teesside 2016/17, was a member of the judging panel for the ‘Best Dressed’ competitions. She was joined by Dawn Welsh and Nicola Foy from Market Cross Jewellers, Calvin Conradie and Paul Smith from Bakers Tailoring, and Emma Maude and Amber Hall from Hays Travel Redcar.

Sarah said: “Redcar Racecourse is an absolutely fantastic venue and it’s has been a brilliant opportunity for me to get stuck in and get involved with such a great sporting event.”

The ‘Best Dressed’ competitions were the highlight of the evening and racecourse spotters mingled with the crowds to find the finalists of the ladies, gents and couple categories.

Seventeen-year-old Zachary Greenan, from Middlesbrough, took away the prize for the ‘Best Dressed Gent’, bagging himself a £400 men’s suit, shirt and tie from Bakers Tailoring and a Hugo Boss pen from Market Cross Jewellers.

The overwhelmed teenager said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to have won this amazing prize. This is my first time at Redcar Racecourse, but it certainly won’t be my last as I’ve had a brilliant day.”

Anya Allison won the ‘Best Dressed Lady’ category, winning herself a bespoke fascinator and matching bag from Lynne Young Chic Hats, a Lola and Grace collerette necklace from Market Cross Jewellers, and a cut and blow dry voucher and gift bag from Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty.

Anya, who is from Stockton-on-Tees was delighted and said: “We’ve had a fabulous day here and this has made the day extra special for me.”

The ‘Best Dressed Couple’ competition was won by newlyweds Jarred and Gina Thomas, who impressed the judges with their flawless outfits.

The couple from Redcar were in shock after discovering their prizes included his & hers Armani watches and £100 gift vouchers from Market Cross Jewellers, £100 travel vouchers from Hays Travel, Redcar, and a couple’s photoshoot including 10 images and A4 print from Eastwood Photography.

Jarred said: “I’m ecstatic! This has really made our day. I’m wearing my wedding suit which must have given us some luck because there was stiff competition.”

Redcar Racecourse’s general manager, Amy Fair said: “We had a wonderful evening and I’m so pleased to see so many people dressed up and enjoying themselves.

“The best dressed competitions have always been incredibly popular with our racegoers and this year proved to be no different, so I would like to say a special thank you to the sponsors for making it such a special occasion.”

The last Premier meeting of the season for 2016 will be the Totepool Two Year Old Trophy Day on October 1st.

Hospitality options are available from the Dine & View package in the Crow’s Nest Restaurant, which includes admission, a racecard, food and drink.

For more information about the Teesside racecourse, visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/.

Facebook & Twitter: @Redcarracing

There’s fun for all at the annual Press Family Sunday at York Races this weekend (Sunday September 4), including a seven-race thoroughbred card worth over £100,000; featuring the fifth running of the Betfred Garrowby Stakes, a Listed race for sprinters. Plus, the first visit of children’s favourite, Paddington, to the Knavesmire.

The only Sunday of the season sees the return of the Conditions Series Finals as young riders take part in the Charles Owen Pony Racing Series.

It is a full day out for both the novice and regular racegoer and those under 18 years of age will be admitted free of charge into all enclosures, though the under 16s will need to be accompanied. Continuing from the previous years is the popular offer of a single admission combining both the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure with the Course Enclosure for just £12. This will enable racegoers bringing a traditional picnic into the Course Enclosure to enjoy their lunch and then take advantage of the special ‘picnic hamper cloakroom’ and then cross over the track to see the horses close up in the Parade Ring and sample the facilities on the stands side.

Also, for this special family meeting, the County Stand dress code is relaxed, with smart casual being the advice.

The action on the track begins at 1-00 p.m. with a couple of races, the respective finals in the Conditions category of the 2016 Charles Owen Pony Racing Series, showcasing the talents of the next generation of riders.

Racing under rules starts at 2-10 p.m. with The Judith Marshall Memorial Stakes – a maiden contest for two-year-olds. Sprinters take part in the afternoon’s feature race, The Betfred Garrowby Stakes, this is the fifth running of this Listed race which alone offers prize money of £40,000. It will be run over six furlongs, the same distance as The Hanson Springs Stakes –a handicap contest for three-year-old sprinters. Stayers have their opportunity in The Fred Nowell Memorial Stakes (a handicap contest over two miles). The sporting action includes a chance for those in their first season on the track in The Coopers Marquees Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Stakes for two-year-olds and for the experienced and so familiar handicappers in The Barkers Garage Stakes – a race over one mile and a quarter.

The upcoming jockeys are again in the spotlight when they compete in The Racecourse Challenge for Cystic Fibrosis Apprentice Stakes. This race is part of the ‘Go Racing in Yorkshire’ Future Stars Apprentice Series – now in its fourth year – which culminates in a Final at Doncaster in November. Coming into this race, Yorkshire-based rider, Rowan Scott (36 points) has a clear lead from Clifford Lee and Adam McNamara.

The Racing Interactive Zone will offer the chance to ride a virtual racehorse, to try on racing silks, question our experts and enter a colouring competition. Meanwhile, Harry the racehorse is a retired star of the track waiting to meet racegoers.

For those of all ages, the funfair is back for this meeting. Bouncy castles are also located around the course, along with a wide array of entertainments for the family. There’s also the ever popular face painting.

‘Tommo’ – well-known broadcaster, Derek Thompson will share his knowledge of the sport. Listen out for his racing guide and be ready to say hello and see yourself on the big screens as he roams the stands.

Three-course Sunday lunches are being served from noon or you might want to enjoy a fresh sandwich on one of the many lawns; whatever your culinary choice, a great afternoon awaits.

Alpha Delphini followed in the esteemed hoofprints of half-brother Tangerine Trees by winning a thrilling renewal of the £50,000 totescoop6 Beverley Bullet.
The locally-owned Tangerine Trees landed the big Listed dash in 2011 before going on to secure Group One glory in the Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp for the Bryan Smart team.
Like his former stablemate, Alpha Delphini was bred, and is partly-owned, by Beverley resident Marie Matthews.
Alpha Delphini, too, looks a horse with an extremely bright future after he claimed a quality renewal of the race by a neck under Connor Beasley.
The 13-2 chance was a shade too quick for runner-up Willytheconqueror, while 2-1 favourite Muthmir was just a short-head away in third place.
Alpha Delphini has now won three races on the bounce and will be stepped up into Pattern class for his next start.
Smart said: “He’s a proper, proper horse – we always had faith in him.
“When they called the photo-finish I wasn’t so sure he’d won, but he didn’t get going until the last half a furlong and won by a neck in the end.
“He’s a bit like Tangerine Trees as he doesn’t win by far and he’s from a late-developing family.
“We’ll try and find a Group Three for him and then that will probably be that for the season.
“I didn’t enter him for the Abbaye but that will definitely be an option next season.
“We’ll probably start him off at Newmarket next season and follow the same path as Tangerine Trees.
“There’s a lot more to come from this horse.”
Beverley chief executive Sally Iggulden said: “That was one of the most exciting renewals of the Bullet in its history.
“Alpha Delphini looks a Group winner in-waiting and will hopefully add credence to our big race, which seems to get better ever year.
“With the improving Willytheconqueror second and the very talented Muthmir in third, the form looks really strong.

High fashion and top class racing go hand in hand when the annual Ladies Day takes centre-stage for Thirsk’s penultimate meeting of the season on Saturday September 3.
What is always one of the most popular days of the season at the North Yorkshire course will feature a dazzling array of colour and elegance coupled with some outstanding action on the track featuring the UKinsuranceNET Hambleton Cup.
And it is not just the ladies who stand to win as Barkers of Northallerton are sponsoring both the Best Dressed Lady and Best Dressed Gentleman competitions with £500 worth of fashion vouchers for each winner, £200 vouchers for the runners up and £100 for the third in each competition.
In the Best Hat competition there is a £350 voucher for a Bespoke Jenny Roberts hat to be won with £100 for the runner-up and £75 for the third.
And the best dressed lady will go through to represent Thirsk in the Go Racing In Yorkshire Best Dressed Lady final at Doncaster in October with the chance to win a luxury spa weekend at the Best Western Mount Pleasant Hotel, Bawtry, a £500 fashion voucher for Yasmine of Bawtry and a vintage diamond ring courtesy of loveVintagediamonds.com.
On track, the Hambleton Cup represents a first sortie into race sponsorship for UKinsuranceNET, one of the country’s leading online insurance websites.
Entrance to the Premier Enclosure costs £27, while it’s £16 to go in the Paddock. Price reductions are available on line at www.thirskracecourse.net. Children under 18 get in free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Car and coach parking is free, a big screen will show the action and there are play areas for the children. Gates open at 11am.

Line Of Reason will attempt to make it third-time lucky in the totescoop6 Beverley Bullet (3.10) on Saturday.
Trained in Westow, North Yorkshire, by Paul Midgley, the six-year-old gelding has competed in the last two renewals of the £50,000 sprint over five furlongs.
Third behind Pearl Secret in 2014, the son of Kheleyf was narrowly denied 12 months ago when he missed out by a neck to Maarek, who renews rivalry on Beverley’s richest raceday of the summer.
Line Of Reason has been highly tried this season, and even broke the five-furlong track record on June 16 with a length-and-a-quarter defeat of Red Pike.
Midgley said: “He’s in great form and hopefully it stays dry between now and the Bullet.
“We obviously know he enjoys running at Beverley – he broke the track record earlier in the year – and we’ve got him just where we want him to be.
“He’s never really had the rub of the green this season, for one reason or another.
“He was very unlucky in the King George at Goodwood, when he got caught for room.
“He would definitely have finished in the money that day, rather than finishing down the field.
“Muthmir is the big danger, I think, but as long as conditions are in his favour and he turns up in good form, our horse should take all the beating.”
Beverley sustained 14 millimetres of rainfall on Thursday night, with the going on Friday morning described as good, good to soft in places.
Dry weather has been forecast until after Saturday’s eight-race card, which begins at 2pm and forms the first leg of Beverley’s August Bank Holiday double-header.

TOTESCOOP6 BEVERLEY BULLET
Sky Bet bet: 11-4 Muthmir, 11-2 Line Of Reason, 13-2 Mr Lupton, Maarek, 15-2 Kingsgate Native, 8-1 Willytheconqueror, 12-1 Final Venture, Caspian Prince, 14-1 Alpha Delphini, Son Of Africa.
TOTESCOOP6 BEVERLEY BULLET – THE LAST 10 WINNERS
2006 Baltic King Kevin Darley/Hughie Morrison
2007 Hellvelyn Ted Durcan/Bryan Smart
2008 Look Busy Slade O’Hara/Alan Berry
2009 Exceptional Art Franny Norton/David Nicholls
2010 Mister Hughie Sam Hitchcott/Mick Channon
2011 Tangerine Trees Tom Eaves/Bryan Smart
2012 Borderlescott Frederik Tylicki/Robin Bastiman
2013 Stepper Point Martin Dwyer/William Muir
2014 Pearl Secret Jamie Spencer/David Barron
2015 Maarek Jamie Spencer/Evanna McCutcheon

Muthmir could bring an exciting dimension to the totescoop6 Beverley Bullet on Saturday, August 27.
Trainer William Haggas is giving the £50,000 Listed sprint at Beverley serious consideration for his high-class sprinter, who was a late non-runner in the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York last Friday.
The Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned six-year-old had previously finished sixth in defence of his Qatar King George Stakes crown at Goodwood on July 29.
Haggas has earmarked a potentially lucrative autumnal campaign for Muthmir, with assignments in Ireland and France on the table, but thoughts could firstly turn to the Bullet on Beverley’s richest raceday of the season.
The Newmarket handler said: “The Beverley Bullet is a possibility for Muthmir.
“The rain that came at York on Friday was most unhelpful, but he’s in fine form and has done well since Goodwood.
“He’s not really had a great deal of luck this year, but we need to get him out soon.
“He’s in the Flying Five (Curragh) and the Abbaye (Chantilly) and I’d like to run him in both, but a lot of that depends upon how the ground is.
“He’s in fine form and is good to go – he just needs to race.”
Muthmir is currently trading as the 4-1 favourite for the Beverley Bullet, which attracted 23 possible runners at the entry stage.
The going at Beverley is currently good to firm ahead of the big race at the weekend, which could see last season’s respective first and second, Maarek and Line Of Reason, renew rivalry.
Rain is forecast on Thursday, but conditions are likely to remain largely dry in the build-up to Bullet day, the first leg of Beverley’s August Bank Holiday double-header.

TOTESCOOP6 BEVERLEY BULLET – THE LAST 10 WINNERS
2006 Baltic King Kevin Darley/Hughie Morrison
2007 Hellvelyn Ted Durcan/Bryan Smart
2008 Look Busy Slade O’Hara/Alan Berry
2009 Exceptional Art Franny Norton/David Nicholls
2010 Mister Hughie Sam Hitchcott/Mick Channon
2011 Tangerine Trees Tom Eaves/Bryan Smart
2012 Borderlescott Frederik Tylicki/Robin Bastiman
2013 Stepper Point Martin Dwyer/William Muir
2014 Pearl Secret Jamie Spencer/David Barron
2015 Maarek Jamie Spencer/Evanna McCutcheon

Alpha Delphini will this Saturday (August 27) attempt to follow in the esteemed hoofprints of half-brother Tangerine Trees by winning the totescoop6 Beverley Bullet.
The locally-owned Tangerine Trees landed the big Listed dash in 2011 before going on to secure Group One glory in the Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp for the Bryan Smart team.
Like his former stablemate, Alpha Delphini was bred, and is partly-owned, by Beverley resident Marie Matthews.
The five-year-old gelding arrives at Beverley for the £50,000 Bullet on top of his game, having won valuable sprint handicaps at York and Ascot in July.
North Yorkshire-based Smart said: “Because of his half-brother and Marie’s connection, it will be some story if he wins.
“He’s in great order and he deserves to have a crack at a race like this.
“He won his maiden at Beverley and stays five furlongs very well, so we know he likes it at the track.
“We’re hoping he’ll run very, very well.”
Smart sees a lot of similar qualities between Alpha Delphini and Tangerine Trees, not least the manner in which they have both achieved victory in their careers.
The Hambleton House trainer, who also won the Bullet with Hellvelyn in 2007, added: “A bit like his half-brother, Alpha Delphini is from a late-developing family so we had to take our time with him.
“Tangerine Trees didn’t really come into his own until he was older, so you’d like to think there’s a bit more to come from Alpha.
“There’s also a big similarity with Tangerine Trees in that they both don’t win by very far – but the fact they are winning at all will do for me!”
The going at Beverley is currently good to firm ahead of the Beverley Bullet, in which last season’s respective first and second, Maarek and Line Of Reason, are poised to renew rivalry.
Group Two-winning sprinter Muthmir, trained in Newmarket by William Haggas, is currently the general ante-post favourite for the showpiece race on Beverley’s richest raceday of the season.
Showers are forecast on Thursday, but conditions are likely to remain largely dry in the build-up to Bullet day, the first leg of Beverley’s August Bank Holiday double-header.
TOTESCOOP6 BEVERLEY BULLET – SATURDAY, AUGUST 27
Sky Bet bet: 9-2 Muthmir, 11-2 Line Of Reason, Mr Lupton, 13-2 Maarek, 7-1 Strath Burn, 8-1 Kingsgate Native, 10-1 Willytheconqueror, 12-1 Final Venture, Caspian Prince, Spirit Quartz, 14-1 Mayfair Lady, 16-1 Alpha Delphini, Mirza, Imtiyaaz, 20-1 bar

With the summer holidays coming to a close, what better way to spend a day with the family than a day at the races for Ripon’s two-day August Bank Holiday meeting. The event which starts on Monday with a family fun day continues on Tuesday for their final evening race meeting of the season.

Very much an established part of August’s Yorkshire racing calendar, the course have a fun filled afternoon of activities planned for children in the Course Enclosure on Monday. With a variety of funfair rides and bouncy castles and a visit from the Riggamoor Mini farm as part of the afternoon’s FREE entertainment.

The Racing Roadshow will also be in the course enclosure for racegoers of all ages to learn about horses, jockeys and racing in general. ‘Racing to Schools’, an organisation dedicated to helping children understand the wonderful world of racing will also be providing an equicisor for you to test your own jockey skills. (see photo)

James Hutchinson, Managing Director and Clerk of the Course said:

“Bank Holidays are traditionally about relaxing and enjoying time with friends and family, there’s no better place to do that than at the races with a picnic and an ice cream in sunny Yorkshire!”

Turning to the racing, the days feature race is Ripon’s only listed race of the season, ‘The Longines Irish Champions Weekend EBF Ripon Champion Two Yrs Old Trophy’ a Class 1 sprint for two-year olds over six furlongs, with a total of £30,000 prize money on offer.

The action continues on Tuesday evening featuring ‘The David Chapman Memorial Handicap’, a race that plays tribute to one of Yorkshire’s finest and well respected trainer who was sadly lost in 2011. David’s granddaughter Ruth Carr is flying the racing flag for the family and is enjoying a very successful season, having also won a race herself in the Macmillan Charity Race at York on the well-loved Dubai Dynamo

The gates on Monday open at 11.30am with the first of seven races starting at 2.10pm, with FREE entry for all accompanied under 18’s. Adult admission is available from £6 per person in the Course Enclosure, or £18 (inc admission for four) perfect for those picnics with the family.

Ripon have a break in the proceedings until their final meeting of the season on Saturday 24th September. The raceday also hosts a BBQ and Beer festival, with special guests and local suppliers Theakstons Ale of Masham and Heck Food of Bedale.
With live music from Leeds acoustic duo Strobe to accompany an afternoon of racing, it’s set to be a fantastic end to what’s been a great season.
You can keep up to date with all the latest news and offers from the course on their social media pages, or by visiting their website www.ripon-races.co.uk
Closing details

Ripon Races are a flat turf racecourse, one of nine racecourses in Yorkshire. They hold 17 race meetings in 2016, from April to September with a variety of evening, weekend and family fun race days.

The race meeting on Monday 1st August starts at 2.15pm with the gates open from 12.15pm and the last of 7 races at 5.15pm.

Tuesday’s evening race meeting on 30th August starts at 5.15pm with the gates open from 3.15pm and the last of 6 races at 7.45pm.

Irish trainer Evanna McCutcheon is poised to give Maarek the chance to claim back-to-back victories in the Listed totescoop6 Beverley Bullet on Saturday (August 27).
The Group One-winning sprinter won the much-sought-after £50,000 dash by a neck under a brilliant Jamie Spencer ride 12 months ago and is set to return to East Yorkshire on Beverley’s richest raceday of the season.
Co Tipperary-based McCutcheon said: “Maarek is also entered at Tipperary on Thursday, but I would say it was more likely he’ll come back to Beverley for the Bullet instead.
“He’s had a nice mini-break, which was always the plan to back off with him as he had a mixed-up winter and ran earlier in the season than he usually does.
“Bar his last start at the Curragh in June, he had been running really well, but things haven’t really gone his way all year.
“He disappointed us the last day when he ran very flat, but he’s really, really well now and I’m very happy with him.
“It will be a competitive race – you wouldn’t expect anything else – but it’s very good prize-money and he obviously won so well last year, so we know he acts at the track.
“He’s fit and fresh and ready to roll.”
Should all run smoothly at the weekend, Maarek is then likely to head to Chantilly for the Group One Prix de l’Abbaye, a race he won in 2013 when staged at its usual home of Longchamp, on October 2.
McCutcheon added: “He ran a really nice race on his last-but-one start at Chantilly, so hopefully we’ll head back to France in good spirits.”
Last season’s Bullet runner-up Line Of Reason, who broke the Beverley five-furlong track record on June 14, could renew rivalry with Maarek for the Paul Midgley team.
Popular veteran Kingsgate Native enjoys life at Beverley and rolled back the years with an uplifting victory at Nottingham earlier this month.
He is one of three possible runners for Newmarket trainer Robert Cowell, who has also confirmed Spirit Quartz and Strath Burn.
Classy sprinter Muthmir (William Haggas) and last-time-out scorer Son Of Africa (Henry Candy) also feature amongst the 23 entries for the Bullet.
Richard Fahey could be double-handed with Mayfair Lady and Mr Lupton, while fellow Yorkshire trainer Bryan Smart, who won the race in 2011 with Tangerine Trees, could saddle the hat-trick-seeking Alpha Delphini.
Others of note in a potentially excellent race include Final Venture (Alan Swinbank), Caspian Prince (David Loughnane), Imtiyaaz (Roger Varian) and Muhadathat (Mark Johnston).
Beverley card on Saturday – the first leg of the track’s Bank Holiday double-header – is due to begin at 2pm, with the official going on Monday described as good to firm.

A wonderful week of racing at York once again delivered fantastic racing action with record prize money attracting over three hundred and thirty runners including the world’s highest rated racehorse, winning the richest race ever staged at York.  Over the four days, the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival 2016 attracted over 84,000 racegoers.

On the opening day, the highest rated horse in the world, Postponed, justified that rating with an impressive victory in the highest rated race in Britain, the £900,000 Group 1 Juddmonte International. Trained by Roger Varian, it was the first of two victories for the yard and four for jockey Andrea Atzeni. That total proved enough for the rider to secure the Ray Gilpin Award as top jockey for the four days, holding off the late challenge from William Buick who recorded a final day treble to tie for second place with Jamie Spencer.

Another good week for trainer Aidan O’Brien saw his colt Idaho win the Group Two Betway Great Voltigeur in good style; before Darley Irish Oaks winner, Seventh Heaven, provided a fourth Darley Yorkshire Oaks title for the County Tipperary yard.

The first running of the Lowther Stakes under the backing of Sky Bet delivered a high profile victory for the Malton yard of Richard Fahey as Queen Kindly took the prize. The daughter of the mighty Frankel overcame her sibling, Fair Eva, in the richest Group Two for juvenile fillies in the land.

The fastest race of the week, the Group One Coolmore Nunthorpe, went to the Michael Dods trained, Mecca’s Angel for the second time, prompting huge cheers from the Knavesmire crowd as they welcomed a northern trained susperstar back into the winners enclosure, under local rider, Paul Mulrennan.

Europe’s richest flat handicap, the Betfred Ebor, went to Heartbreak City who had travelled over the Irish Sea from Tony Martin’s County Meath yard, leading to scenes of great jubilation from his delighted owners. So it proved a memorable day for nineteen year old apprentice rider, Adam McNamara, who is based near to the track in Malton.

A more senior member of the Weighing Room, William Buick claimed three wins in front of the near 28,000 of the final afternoon. Two of them came for team Godolphin, including aboard Blue Point in the Group Two Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Gimcrack.

The week included wins for four different yards from the home County, as Kevin Ryan, Tim Easterby and David O’Meara joined Richard Fahey in taking a share of the record £4.25 million in prize money.

Annual visitors to this meeting enjoyed their first experience of the refurbished Edwardian Weighing Room, the final stage in the £10m redevelopment of the Northern End of the Racecourse.  These arrangements include improved pre-parade ring viewing, a new Weighing Room, Moët Pavilion, Roof Terrace, John Carr Terrace and now a bigger brighter space for racegoers to enjoy in the Edwardian Weighing Room.

Fashion is always an integral part of the occasion and a record number of racegoers went down the Ebor Fashion Lawn catwalk.  The feature prize of a trip to go racing in Dubai – courtesy of Marriott Hotels – was claimed by Georgina Friswell who had travelled from Billericay.

Reflecting on another memorable week, Lord Grimthorpe, Chairman of York Racecourse, said “There was a great atmosphere at the course all week, I’m delighted that the decision to increase the prize money attracted such strong fields that in turn produced thrilling racing. Add in the sense of occasion that the Ebor Fashion Lawn created and spontaneous fun generated by the live music and it all adds up to a great four days.  Racegoers have enjoyed the Yorkshire food which celebrates our use of local ingredients.”

Over the four days, the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival 2016 attracted 84,105 racegoers, with advance bookings having been up across the four days, the decline of 5% is clearly attributed to the poor forecast and wet weather of both Friday and Saturday. The four day format, including a Saturday still comfortably outstrips the attendance of the previous three weekday festival.

Commenting on the meeting, William Derby, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course, said “Ebor 2016 will be remembered for the wonderful equine performances and the human stories linked to them. The racecourse team of over 2,000 staff and partners has put in a huge amount of work and I am grateful to them, the horsemen, our sponsors and racegoers for their tremendous support of the meeting.”

Always a key part of the European racing calendar, the festival includes four races that are part of the QIPCO British Champions Series. The Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival continues to grow in its worldwide appeal, with the whole meeting being shown live in Australia, huge bonuses on offer from the Japan Racing Association for York winners and the three Group One races (Juddmonte International, Darley Yorkshire Oaks and Coolmore Nunthorpe) all included in the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series.   Including the Goffs sales race and supplementary entries, prize money was over £4.25 million, with investment by the racecourse increased by more than £200,000.

As the feature racing Festival of 2016 becomes a fond memory and before it returns on Wednesday 23 August 2017, the sporting crowds can look forward to the next raceday on Sunday 4 September when both the Pony Race Series and Paddington come to the Knavesmire.

Beverley Racecourse hosts a range of events perfect for racegoers and families in late August and September with the best on and off the course. For tickets and price information, visit http://beverley-racecourse.co.uk/

Saturday 27 August : Totepool Beverley Bullet Day
First Race 2pm
Our most prestigious race day of the season showcases with only the fastest horses and top quality racing.
Our feature race today is The Beverley Bullet Stakes. A fast and furious dash up the five furlong course notorious for its stiff uphill finish, some of the classiest sprinters around will be heading to Beverley to battle it out in the thrilling highlight of our richest race day.
As well as the ‘proper’ races, don’t miss the Charles Owen pony racing also taking place today. Many well-known jockeys have come up through the pony racing ranks, so see if you can spot a Frankie Dettori or a Hayley Turner of the future in today’s pony racing.
Gates open at 11.30am with the last race provisionally 5.20pm.

Sunday 28 August : A Sunday Hop
First Race 1.50pm
Our bank holiday family raceday with live music and a beer festival is a great day out for all the family.
Relaxation is the name of the game on this laid back Sunday afternoon. Enjoy a tasty cask ale accompanied by live music in our Wold Top Beer and Beverley Folk Festival, whilst the fun for kids includes funfair rides and side stalls from The Beverley Lions. What better way to spend your bank holiday?
Gates open at 10.30am for the Course Enclosure and 11.30am for everywhere else. Last race provisionally 5.15pm.

Wednesday 14 September : An Afternoon of Racing
First Race 1.50pm
We bring you a full afternoon of racing action at Beverley Racecourse, with our penultimate meeting of 2016.
Gates open at 12 noon. Last race provisionally 5.10pm.

Tuesday 20 September : Season Closer

First Race 2.10pm

Join us for our season finale race day and help us close the racing season at Beverley in true style.

Gates open at 12 noon with the last race provisionally at 5.15pm.

POSTPONED is a star attraction in what looks a vintage renewal of the Juddmonte International at York on Wednesday.
Sheikh Mohammed Obaid’s son of Dubawi is one of six Group 1 winners declared for the richest race ever staged at York, with the original £900,000 prize fund topped up by supplementary entry to exceed £960,000.
Appropriately for what is Britain’s highest rated race, Postponed is the world’s joint highest-rated horse in training with an official mark of 124. Winner of the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes in 2015, Postponed is three from three since joining trainer Roger Varian at the end of last season.
His first two victories of this campaign came in Dubai where he followed up an easy win in Group 2 company with a three-length beating one of Wednesday’s rivals, Dariyan, in the Dubai Sheema Classic.
His next start came at Epsom in the Coronation Cup where he again showed the field a clean pair of heels, winning eased down by four and a half lengths.
Unfortunately, Postponed was ruled out of defending his King George crown through a respiratory infection, but connections are confident that he has bounced back and heads to York in good shape.
Varian said: “We are looking forward to dropping back to ten furlongs and this race has been an objective of ours since the start of the season. He is a colt with terrific turn of foot and a high cruising speed. These attributes and the manner in which that he has been winning over a mile and a half suggest that the drop back in trip shouldn’t be a problem. The nature of the track at York should play to his strengths.
“With five other Group 1 winners in the race, this looks a strong renewal but he seems fully recovered from the setback which ruled him out of the King George. He looks well and his work has been very pleasing.”
Among Postponed’s rivals is Coral Eclipse winner, Hawkbill, who was supplemented at the six-day stage and Prince Of Wales’s Stakes hero, My Dream Boat.
Aidan O’Brien’s powerful Ballydoyle stable has won the race no less than five times in the past and he will be double-handed in his quest for a sixth success. Highland Reel, who won the King George and Queen Elizabeth Stakes this season, will be joined by Sir Isaac Newton, fourth in that contest having previously won the Listed Wolferton Handicap at Royal Ascot.
The aforementioned Dariyan adds some international spice while the Kevin Ryan-trained, The Grey Gatsby, would be a popular first local winner of the showpiece affair. A son of Mastercraftsman, The Grey Gatsby was a winner of the Betfred Dante at York over Wednesday’s course and distance as a three-year-old and has also been placed twice in the last two renewals of this race.
The trophy will be presented by the track’s Royal Patron, HRH The Duke of York.
A field of six are set to head to post for the Group 2 Betway Great Voltigeur Stakes. They include Royal Ascot scorer, Across The Stars and Irish Derby runner-up Idaho.
Day one of the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor festival gets underway at 1:55pm with the Symphony Group Stakes, a £65,000 handicap over five furlongs.
Four days of high-class action culminates on Saturday with the £280,000 Betfred Ebor, Europe’s richest flat handicap.
For Tickets PLEASE CALL 01904 620911 x225

This September, Doncaster Racecourse will be celebrating an extraordinary milestone in the history of horseracing. On Friday 9th September at 3.40pm the racing industry and visitors alike will be poised ready to watch the world’s oldest classic horse race, as this year celebrates the Doncaster Cup’s 250th anniversary.

“This is such a momentous occasion and one that will be celebrated the world over,” said Abby Chandler, Marketing Manager at Doncaster Racecourse. “In order to mark this incredible milestone we have commissioned Christopher Perry, a Sheffield born silversmith to create a striking trophy that depicts the historic importance of this race yet symoblises horse racing in a modern era.”

The gilt gold trophy pays homage to its origin as the Gold Cup. Its grandiose goblet shape is born from a Yorkshire Rose base that encircles the stem and culminates in a smooth gilt gold circular chalice designed by Christopher and his colleague Christopher Knight, the lead designer and manufacturer of the St. Leger Stakes Perpetual Trophy.

“The Doncaster Cup is a fantastic commission for us. Being from Yorkshire and already having worked with Doncaster Racecourse on a previous project we were delighted to be given this important assignment to design a whole new cup in celebration of the races’ 250th anniversary,” said Christopher Perry.

“The design was created with a strong Yorkshire theme in mind, wherever this cup ends up, whether it adorns a trophy cabinet in the Far East or a stable yard in Ireland we want people to instantly recognise where this cup was won and in what great race,” concluded Christopher.

Originally called the Doncaster Gold Cup and run over four miles, the race took place at Cantley Common until moving to Town Moor in 1776. Today the best staying thoroughbreds in Britain and Ireland compete over two and a quarter miles on the Friday of the St Leger Festival.

The most celebrated winner in the modern era is Mark Johnston’s popular chestnut Double Trigger, whose victory in 1995 saw him complete the stayers’ triple crown – the Ascot Gold Cup, the Goodwood Cup and, of course, the Doncaster Cup. Trigger’s three wins are commemorated by a bronze statue adjacent to the racecourse’s main grandstand.

Abby continued: “We are really excited to be celebrating this remarkable milestone in the history of not only Doncaster Racecourse but the world wide racing industry. We are also delighted the town is getting behind the celebration with an exclusive exhibition at the Doncaster Museum which will display artefacts from racing over the past 250 years along with our own exhibition here, collated by Simon Mapletopft, which will pay tribute to the great horses that have graced this historic race, as well as the most successful trainers and jockeys and colourful owners associated with it through the past two and a half centuries.”

The new Doncaster Cup trophy will be officially presented by both Christophers at the Decloration Lunch at the Landmark Hotel in London on Monday 5th September, which is attended by the British Racing Authority, owners and trainers of horses set to run in the iconic race.

The Doncaster Cup race will form part of a full card on Gentlemen’s Day, Friday 9th September – the third day of the iconic St Leger Festival. The first race of seven will take place at 13.55pm. Doors open at 11am.

To book tickets visit http://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/

Betfred Ebor winning rider, Oisin Murphy, is looking forward to a return to the Knavesmire next week, a track which he describes as having been “very lucky” for him in the past.

His week is set to start in Pattern race company as he partners Imperial Aviator in the Group Two Betway Great Voltigeur on Wednesday afternoon. Already a two time winner this season at Leicester and Newbury, the Roger Charlton trained three year old never settled after his voyage to the French Derby. Connections report that the horse is in “good heart” ahead of a tilt at the £160,000 prize. The York race has showcased the talents of thirteen subsequent St Leger victors and Imperial Aviator holds an entry for the final Classic of the year.

Murphy has formed a profitable alliance with Pallasator from Sir Mark Prescott’s yard; the pair landed a Group Three at Sandown in the Spring and look forward to their participation in the Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup on Friday. This staying contest forms the next leg in the British Champions Series and Murphy is quietly relieved that Big Orange is swerving the Knavesmire after his mount found Michael Bell’s charge to be top dog in the Goodwood equivalent. Despite his successes, Pallasator has the reputation of not being the easiest, particularly on the way to the start, but his rider gave an upbeat assessment noting that “he’s becoming a little easier as he gets older and that’s a tribute to the team at home”. A record £200,000 prize is the possible reward for good behavior.

Britain’s richest maiden contest, the £60,000 British Stallion Studs EBF Convivial is another target for Thursday as the jockey reports that there are some “nice unraced ones” at home.

SIR Michael Stoute has revealed a typically strong team for next week’s Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival.

The Newmarket-based trainer will be represented in two of the meeting’s Group 1 contests, by Exosphere and Queen’s Trust.

Exosphere, who won the Jockey Club Stakes in April and was third in another Newmarket Group 2 on his last start, will contest the richest race of the Festival and Britain’s highest rated, the Juddmonte International on Wednesday (17 August).

Queen’s Trust returns to a mile and a half in the Darley Yorkshire Oaks (Thursday, August 18) after running a fine race to finish second to the brilliant Minding over ten furlongs in the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood a fortnight ago.

The Newmarket based knight, also plans to send Royal Ascot hero Across The Stars for the Group 2 Betway Great Voltigeur Stakes on the opening afternoon, although he will have to carry a 3lb penalty for his Berkshire success.

Stoute said: “Exosphere will run in the Juddmonte. We are putting him back to a mile and a quarter and hopefully it will suit him. It’s a tough race but we are going to throw our hat in the ring.

“Also on Wednesday, we’ll have Across The Stars in the Voltigeur. He is in good form. I hate running him with that penalty but it’s a race for him at this stage because I wanted to give him a good break after the King Edward.

“Thursday, we have Queen’s Trust in the Yorkshire Oaks. I was very happy with her run at Goodwood but she showed in the Ribblesdale (Stakes at Royal Ascot) that a mile and a half suits her just as well. We’re going to have a crack.”

Sir Michael also brings to the Knavesmire a selection of progressive three-year-olds.

He said: “On Thursday, we have Abingdon in the Galtres (Listed) and Mustashry in the Clipper Logistics mile handicap.

“I don’t know if Forge is going to go in the City of York (Group 3, over seven furlongs on Friday) or the nine-furlong Strensall Stakes on the Saturday – so he will be double-entered. And on Saturday we have Shraaoh in the Melrose (Stakes Handicap).”

Of that quartet, Mustashry won a competitive Class 2 handicap at Ascot on King George day, while the other three were all narrowly beaten into second.

Forge lost by half a length in a Goodwood Group 3 over a mile, while Shraaoh was short-headed in a mile and a half handicap at the same meeting. Abingdon went down by two lengths in a twelve furlong Listed race last month at Newmarket.

Stoute has enjoyed many a memorable moment at York’s premier event. He has won the Juddmonte International five times and the Darley Yorkshire Oaks an incredible nine times. The Betway Great Voltigeur is another race that has served him well, with no less than seven victories.

He added: “I love York. When I came to England, I went to Malton and got to know the Knavesmire very well. It has been a very successful venue for us over the years. It’s a beautiful racecourse.”

For Tickets PLEASE CALL 01904 620911 x225. Or visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk

ELIDOR and Harlequeen are likely to spearhead the Mick Channon team for York’s Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival next week.

Owned by Jon and Julia Aisbitt, Elidor is set to contest the Betfred Ebor, the showpiece event on Saturday 20 August, with a prize fund of £280,000 this mile and six furlong feature is Europe’s richest flat handicap.

The son of Cape Cross has been a star for the West Ilsley-based trainer, winning the 2013 renewal of the King George V Handicap at Royal Ascot and just last month returning to form with a gutsy win in the £100,000 Summer Handicap at Goodwood.

Elidor has also proven himself at Pattern race level and finished just a length behind subsequent Hardwicke Stakes winner Dartmouth in the Group 3 Ormond Stakes at Chester.

Michael Channon Jnr, son and assistant to trainer Mick, said: “The Ebor is the plan for Elidor and he has been perfect since Goodwood. We haven’t done much with him – just kept him happy and fresh.

“He is has a four pound penalty for his Goodwood win and obviously a fair bit of weight on his back. That said, he is a class horse – he was beaten just a length by Dartmouth in the Ormond Stakes.

“After that run at Chester he ran poorly twice and we gave him a thorough MOT. Nothing came to light and he bounced back at Goodwood. If the same Elidor as that, turns up a York, he’s in with a chance.”

Elidor finished third in the 2014 renewal of the race behind Mutual Regard and is available with the sponsor at a starting price of 14/1.

Channon is also looking to saddle Harlequeen in the £340,000 Darley Yorkshire Oaks, the feature on Ladies Day (Thursday 18 August).

Having finished fourth in the Tattersalls Musidora on the Knavesmire in May, the daughter of Canford Cliffs was placed in both the Investec and Darley Irish Oaks, before a narrow defeat in Group 3 company at Cork.

She seems none the worse for that effort and Channon Jnr is relishing the prospect of stepping her up to the top level again.

He said: “Harlequeen is a very good filly – she could travel with anything and has a very high cruising speed.

“We were disappointed that she couldn’t win at Cork – there is no such thing as an easy Group race but having been placed in both Oaks we were hopeful that she would go there and win.

“She didn’t but she has returned in great shape and is worthy of her place in the line up next week. She has proved that already. She is versatile regarding ground and the track should suit.”

The Channon team are never afraid to shirk a challenge and having runners at the big meetings is what it’s all about for them.

On the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival, Channon Jnr added: “It’s a great meeting – one of the highlight’s of the year and somewhere everyone wants a winner.”

The four-day festival takes place between August 17-20 inclusive.

Aidan O’Brien’s bid for a sixth win in the Juddmonte International next Wednesday could be spearheaded by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner Highland Reel as a “strong possible”, accompanied, as at Ascot, by Sir Isaac Newton.

Speaking ahead of a race that is ranked as the best in Britain and third in the world by the Independent Federation of Horseracing Authorities, the Irish handler described the three time Group One winner Highland Reel as “very possible” for a trip to the Knavesmire.

A decision as to the participation of Epsom Derby second, US Army Ranger, in the £900,000 contest will be made after he has worked later this week.

Offering an update on another possible contender from the powerful Ballydoyle operation, The Gurkha, O’Brien indicated that whilst the horse was in “good shape” he would now be given “a little rest” after his heroics at Goodwood.

Talking about the feature of the opening day, O’Brien concluded, “The Juddmonte (International) is a great race, at a great track, a very fair track, and it is a very prestigious race”

Details of further plans for runners from County Tipperary, over the four days of a Festival that offers more than £4 million in prize money, will emerge as the horses go through their training routines.

TRAINER Willie Mullins has outlined that ante-post favourite, Ivan Grozny, is an intended runner in the Betfred Ebor at York on Saturday 20 August.

The sponsor has the Mullins-trained six-year-old heading the market at 10/1 for Europe’s richest Flat handicap.

Andrea and Graham Wylie’s gelding tuned up for the £280,000 York race in impressive fashion, winning by no less than fourteen lengths at the Galway Festival.

Mullins, who may also send Simenon for the mile and six-furlong race on the Knavesmire, has been pleased with Ivan Grozny since his recent victory and confirmed that he is Ebor-bound.

The Co.Carlow-based master trainer said: “Ivan Grozny is definitely coming and seems in good form after his recent run in Galway.

“I think he was really right for his last run. And if I can hold that form for York, it puts him in with a really good chance.

“I think the track and the trip will suit. I’m not worried about the ground at all, whichever way it comes.”

Nine-year-old Simenon has been in excellent form back over hurdles in the last month. He has won twice in recent times, including a ten length triumph at Cork.

Mullins said: “Simenon has been running well over hurdles. He seems to have found his spark again.

“He has a nice weight, so we will see nearer the day whether he will take part or not.”

His third entry Renneti is rated 90 and is very unlikely to beat the cut for the race.

Mullins has already won a Betfred Ebor, landing the race – first run in 1843 – with Sesanta in 2009. And last year he was just denied a second success in the renowned contest with his charge, Wicklow Brave, finishing runner-up to Litigant.

This year, Wicklow Brave is being aimed at the Group 2 Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup, the two mile stayer’s feature of the third day of the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival. Commenting on the chances of the seven year old who was fourth in the Goodwood Cup, Mullins said, “he ran well enough at Goodwood, so we’ll have a crack at the Lonsdale and see how he goes”.

The trainer expanded on a possible Autumn campaign down under for his stayers saying; “you’ve got to have Melbourne on your mind, if I get a horse qualified to run, then that’s where I’m going.”

And with regard to Wicklow Brave himself, observed; “the Lonsdale is a tough race to win but a first three finish gives us a great chance.”

Mullins added: “we always look forward to going to York. The Ebor is a race on the English calendar with great history and heritage.”

TRAINER Clive Cox has Group 1 stars Profitable and My Dream Boat ready to roll into York for next week’s Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival.

Lambourn-based Cox sent out both colts to big-race glory at Royal Ascot with Profitable landing the King’s Stand Stakes and My Dream Boat victorious in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes.

At York, My Dream Boat could contest the richest ever race on the Knavesmire, the £900,000 Juddmonte International, on the opening day, Wednesday, August 17, while Profitable is lined up for the sprint showpiece, the £340,000 Coolmore Nunthorpe that headlines Friday.

Cox said: “Profitable is in excellent form and I have been very pleased with him. The Nunthorpe is looking like a race to savour and we are very much looking forward to it.

“We decided after Ascot that we would like to give him a run between then and the Nunthorpe. We gave him a break last year and he didn’t thrive on it, so we felt that it was in his best interest to have another run.

“Being a Group 1 winner he would have carried a penalty in the King George at Goodwood over five furlongs so we took our chance in the July Cup over six. He ran with credit (to finish fourth) and you couldn’t say he didn’t stay, but he is more effective over five (furlongs).

“The Nunthorpe is shaping up to be a very hot race – like I said, one to savour – but we are very happy with Profitable.”

Owned by Alan Spence, Profitable is a course and distance winner, which partly explains his being around a 7/2 chance for the five-furlong Group 1, vying for favoritism with last year’s winner, Mecca’s Angel, from the northern yard of Michael Dods.

The Paul and Clare Rooney-owned My Dream Boat is a possible contender for the Juddmonte International, on Wednesday 17 August.

Cox added: “My Dream Boat is also in excellent form. He worked very well on Saturday morning and is under consideration for the Juddmonte International.

“The main factor in determining his participation will be the ground as he wouldn’t want it too fast. But he’s in excellent shape and I have been pleased with him.”

The Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival gets underway on Wednesday, August 17 and runs to Saturday, August, 20 (inclusive).

Over 4,500 people from across the North East donned their best Caribbean outfits and enjoyed Redcar Racecourse’s Caribbean Carnival Day on Saturday 6th August.
Hordes of families enjoyed carnival fun at the annual event which featured seven races, fancy dress competitions, pirates, and musical entertainment from the Paradise Steel Band.
Amy Fair, general manager of Redcar Racecourse, said: “It’s been a fantastic day. We’re really pleased to see such a great turnout for the event.
“Every year the racegoers surpass themselves with their creative outfits and it was wonderful to see so many families together enjoying a wonderful day out.”
Redcar Racecourse’s popular raceday featured fancy dress competitions for adults and children who put on their best pirate and Caribbean costumes.
The children’s fancy dress competition winner, eight-year-old Jamie Black, from Cumbria, won a hamper basket of sweets to take home.
He said: “I feel really lucky to have won the competition and I can’t wait to dig into all these sweets and share them with my family.”
Partners, Kelby Makin and Danielle Joule, from Bolton, won the adult’s fancy dress competition and were delighted to have won.
Danielle said: “It’s been a fantastic day out and winning the fancy dress competition has just made the day even more special for us both.
Redcar Racecourse’s annual event included local acts from performing arts company Page2Stage, who helped to deliver a wonderful fun-filled day for families from across the region with appearances from swash buckling pirates, Jake and Izzy from Neverland and their friends Captain Jack and Elizabeth Swan.

The remainder of the 2016 season at Redcar has two more feature racedays; the Ladies’ & Gents’ evening on Saturday 27th August, and the famous Two Year Old Trophy on Saturday 1st October.
For more information about the Teesside racecourse, visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/.

With record prize money of over £4 million, the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival looks set to attract the very best of thoroughbreds from Britain, Ireland and continental Europe to the Knavesmire for York’s flagship meeting over four spectacular days of racing action from Wednesday 17 to Saturday 20 August. The stellar racing action forms the centrepiece of a meeting brimming with top quality Yorkshire food, the popular Ebor Fashion Lawn and good fellowship. The meeting also represents a chance for racegoers to enjoy the Edwardian Weighing Room, the finishing touch to the £10m Northern End Development project which, over the last two years, has transformed facilities around the parade ring for horses, horsemen and racegoers.

The increase of £260,000 is spread over fifteen races; with the feature contest on each of the days receiving a boost, as well as the prize money threshold for all races rising by a fifth to £60,000. It marks another step in York’s support for its flagship race programme which has seen prize money increase by 50% over the last five years.

Britain’s highest rated race, according to the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, the Group 1 Juddmonte International, will become the richest race ever run at York, with £900,000 on offer to the horse seeking to follow such superstars as Frankel or Sea the Stars into the Winner’s Enclosure on the opening day. Appropriately, the world’s joint highest rated thoroughbred of this season, Postponed, is targeting the prize.

Boosts in prize money of £50,000 to both the £200,000 Group 2 Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Stakes (2m) and recently upgraded £150,000 Sky Bet City of York Stakes (7f) – now the richest Group 3 race run in Britain – support the enhanced Group 1 contests of Thursday and Friday respectively.

The Darley Yorkshire Oaks (Thursday 18) and the Coolmore Nunthorpe (Friday 19) have both seen increases to reach their richest ever renewals at £340,000. County Durham trained, Mecca’s Angel is seeking back to back victories in the sprint race.

Completing the feature race set is Saturday’s Betfred Ebor, as Europe’s richest flat handicap, at £280,000.

From sprinters to stayers, Friday’s Weatherbys Hamilton Insurance Lonsdale Cup over the two miles joins the Group One races as the fourth contest to be part of the British Champions Series, which culminates at the richest day of racing in this country, Qipco British Champions Day on Saturday 15 October. Additionally, winning and placed connections of Thursday’s £85,000 Clipper Logistics Stakes over a mile qualify for the valuable Balmoral Handicap on the championship day hosted for the sport at Ascot. The support of Qipco is prevalent on all four days; with the BCS racemakers in attendance to help guide less experienced visitors around the racecourse and share their knowledge.

Other sporting highlights include the £220,000 Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Gimcrack Stakes which remains Britain’s richest juvenile Group 2 colts’ race and the £200,000 Sky Bet Lowther which is the richest equivalent for fillies. The latter may be the target for a thoroughbred that has all the right genes, as Fair Eva, the impressive daughter of the mighty Frankel holds an entry.

At £60,000 apiece, the Betway Nursery Handicap, the European Breeders’ Fund Convivial, and the Betfred Apprentice Stakes are the richest nursery handicap, maiden and apprentice race respectively in Britain.

On all four days, stand side racegoers will be able to watch and participate in the Ebor Fashion Lawn without the need to book in advance. The eye-catching, flower-clad catwalk, set in the picturesque surroundings in front of the Edwardian Weighing Room, will offer a touch of “modern vintage”. A panel of judges will cast an expert eye over the preparations and attire before them, ready to decide the winner on each day of the “Best Dressed Racegoer”. As well as prizes like £500 gift vouchers for the likes of Hobbs and French Connection, or a bespoke initial ring from Rebus for “Best Hat, Best Dressed Gent, Best Dressed Child and Best Dressed Couple”. The daily winner on Ladies Day (Thursday 18 August) will also be crowned ‘Best Dressed Festival Racegoer’, and will win a short break for two to the Marriott Hotel in Dubai for the Dubai World Cup.

Expect to see a host of world-class jockeys competing for top honours at York – the field at York is currently led by Frankie Dettori, the man closing in on his 3,000th career success. In a fitting tribute to popular racing journalist, Ray Gilpin, who passed away last year, a special prize will be offered by Sky Bet, for the most successful rider over the twenty-five races of the Ebor Festival.

The global nature of the top quality competition is reflected with the three Group Ones all being part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series and the Juddmonte International and Darley Yorkshire Oaks attracting huge bonuses for the winner to go to race in Japan.

There is horsepower of a different nature on display on the Edwardian Weighing Room Lawn as the latest Maserati will be on show courtesy of JCT600.

All races at the Ebor Festival will have speed-tracking equipment attached to runners to allow an instant relay of speed and position information to racegoers on the four giant screens around the course. In addition, the Official Race Times will be displayed as they happen on an Al Basti Equiworld supported digital stopwatch, positioned by the winning post.

Adding a sparkle on Saturday will be the Silver Stars, the parachute display team of the Royal Logistics Corps, who are due to drop in just after lunch, on what it is hoped will be a sunny day.

Broadcast partners Channel 4 Racing, Racing UK, TurfTV and GBI Racing will be covering the action and transmitting the event to over 80 countries around the world. Nick Luck will front the four days of Channel 4 coverage which will include a fascinating “Graham Bell Ski Sunday” style course ride by Group One winning jockey, Paul Mulrennan.

In high summer, the award-winning flowers at York should be at their best and a bespoke arrangement in the welcome lobby of the Ebor Stand will celebrate this festival event.

Away from the track, a brigade of some 80 chefs, backed by a wider raceday team of over two thousand staff, will provide the welcome, services and treats that come with a major sporting event. Seafood will be delivered from the Yorkshire coast every morning including 2,000 crabs, joining Dales lamb and 3,000 homemade beefburgers, Hawes cheeses, 6,000 fresh baked fruit scones and locally made dairy ice cream on the various menus.

Whether it is to show off their fashion or send pictures of the ice sculptures and chocolate fountains in the main restaurants, or simply to capture the feel good factor, racegoers will be able to use the free Wi-Fi service installed at the track by local tech firm, York Data Services.

Those seeking musical entertainment will have their choice, as Yorkshire brass bands perform on the weighing room lawn and Murphy’s Marbles play their own blend of Irish foot stomping, good time tunes. As it has proven popular, up and coming local bands will play on into the evening as racegoers have a chance to enjoy their bottle of Mercier champagne for £33.50.

William Derby, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course, concluded “The Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival is simply the highlight of our year. With the record investment in prize money, the stellar entries, the popular Northern End Development and all the other initiatives and innovations, this year looks set to be a landmark event of top quality racing action as well as a tremendous social and fashion event. I very much hope racegoers, punters and viewers will enjoy the feast on offer.”

Gentlemen’s Day, at the renowned St Leger festival at Doncaster Racecourse, heralds the fiercely fought Doncaster Cup which this year celebrates its 250 year anniversary. And, to commemorate this remarkable event Doncaster Racecourse has secured a guest appearance from a British icon known for his suave, debonair appearance and ostentatious spending to get one up on his friend Del Trotter. The man in question is non other than John Challis who played Boycie in the legendary sitcom Only Fools and Horses.

“Our Gentlemen’s Day was a huge success last year and we are looking forward to welcoming visitors in their droves once again for a superb race card,” said Abby Chandler Marketing Manager Doncaster Racecourse. “We are delighted Boycie will be here to celebrate this extra special day with us and look forward to his charismatic charm captivating visitors.”

The Doncaster Cup was first run in 1766 on Cantley Common. The race, originally known as the Doncaster Gold Cup, is run over 2 miles and 2 furlongs and is one of Britian’s leading events for horses who specialise in long distances – otherwise known as Stayers and is the final leg of the prestigious stayers’ triple crown. Records show that the first horse to win back in 1766 was Charlotte in a race where only five horses ran. The race, which pre-dates the St. Leger Stakes sees the best staying thoroughbreds in Britain and Ireland vying for the coverted winners title.

“We’ve got an extensive variety of ways to be part of the action this Gentlemen’s Day such as an opportunity for our visitors to win a seat on the DFS winning post sofa with Boycie and our very own ‘Rodney’ to watch the renowned Doncaster Cup,” continued Abby. “We’ve also joined forces with the Doncaster Frenchgate centre to offer prizes for the best dressed male. So there’s really no excuse not to don your most outrageous attire and join us for a fun packed day of exceptional racing.”

The town is also getting behind the momentus 250th year anniversary of the world’s oldest horse race by creating a special art and artifacts exhibition at Doncaster Museum, the Doncaster Cup – Going for Gold display will be on show from 28th August – 5th November. The Racecourse will also be paying homage to this remarkable slice of history with its own special display of historic artifacts including the original 1995 Doncaster Cup won by Double Trigger.

Gentlemen’s Day , where ladies are welcomed too, will take place on Friday 9th September – the third day of the iconic St Leger Festival. The first race of seven will take place at 13.55pm. Doors open at 11am.

To book tickets visit http://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/

Ripon’s most valuable and iconic race of the season, The William Hill Great St. Wilfrid Stakes takes pride of place on a top-class card this Saturday, August 13th.

The famous Handicap for sprinters over six furlong will be the talk of the weekend’s action, with owners looking to land some of the £70,000 prize pot on offer for the big race.

It’s the most valuable raceday of the season at Yorkshire’s ‘Garden Racecourse’ with total prize money of £144,000 up for grabs. The meeting also includes fourth running of The William Hill Silver Trophy a £20,000, a ‘consolation’ race for the horses entered, but unable to get into the feature race.

After an improved sponsorship deal with William Hill, the bookmaker also adds its name to two additional races including the well-respected William Hill Ripon Horn Blower Conditions Stakes for two-year olds and a fourth race for three year olds over a mile and a half.

James Hutchinson, Managing Director and Clerk of the Course said:

“It’s one of our highlights of the season and something we build up to over a period with huge excitement. For the past five years the race has been won by Yorkshire trainers and the field is set to be full of talented Yorkshire sprinters once again”.

David Lynn, Head of Sponsorship and Partnerships at William Hill said:

“We are delighted with our enhanced sponsorship of the William Hill Great St. Wilfrid Day. Our increased contribution is a testament to the excellent relationship we enjoy with the team at Ripon racecourse which is both innovative and progressive”.

The successful owner in Saturday’s big race will receive a silver trophy depicting Ripon’s Patron Saint, St. Wilfrid, mounted on horseback along with a healthy first prize fund of over £43,575.

Contested over six furlongs, another competitive renewal is expected including several locally-trained horses; indeed this famous race has been won for the last five years by Yorkshire-trained horses. Last season’s winner, Don’t Touch (trained at Malton by Richard Fahey) followed his win at Ripon a month later by winning the William Hill Ayr Gold Cup and taking home another £112,050 making it a very fruitful few weeks for owners Nicholas Wrigley and Kevin Hart.

Racing on Saturday August 13th starts with the first of seven races at 1.50pm with entry from 11.30am. Racegoers can gain entry from just £6 per person in the ever popular Course Enclosure with FREE entry for accompanied u18’s into all enclosures.

Saturday’s musical entertainment on the bandstand is provided by The Otley Brass Band, together with a selection of rides such as bouncy castles and inflatables for children in the Course Enclosure alongside their permanent play area (weather dependant).

Ripon continue their August racing calendar on Tuesday 16th August with their Alice in Wonderland Day. The dedicated family day includes lots of FREE activities for junior racegoers including a Mad Hatters Tea Party, ‘Into Wonderland’ games with Alice and friends and a fancy dress competition.

There will also be a variety of fun fair rides and a special visit from ‘Meg’ and ‘Harry’ courtesy of New Beginnings, a York based charity dedicated to retraining ex-racehorses for life after racing.

You can keep up to date with all the latest news and offers from the course on their social media pages, or by visiting their website.

Closing details

Ripon Races are a flat turf racecourse, one of nine racecourses in Yorkshire. They hold 17 race meetings in 2016, from April to September with a variety of evening, weekend and family fun race days.

The race meeting on Saturday 13th August starts with the first of seven races at 1.50pm with entry from 11.30am.

As usual at Ripon, accompanied children under 18 years of age are admitted FREE of charge into all enclosures. Tickets can be pre-booked for discounts or adult admission is available on the gates from £6 per person in the Course Enclosure, £16 in the Paddock and £25 for the Club Enclosure.

the British author of the famed children’s fantasy novel, Alice’s’ Adventures in Wonderland.
Carroll is also well-¬known for his obsession with madness and, it seems, it’s rubbing off. With a new Disney sequel adaptation Alice Through the Looking Glass, released in May and a themed ‘Alice in Wonderland Day’ at Ripon Races scheduled for August 16, it seems everybody’s mad about Alice.
Marketing Executive, Erin Boswell of Ripon Races¬ who also run the popular ‘William Hill Great St Wilfrid’ race day on August 13¬ – admits to going slightly loopy with excitement for the ‘Alice in Wonderland Day’ event, which is free to all under 18s and could be said to be getting ‘curiouser and curiouser’ each year.
“The book – Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland -¬ has a special place in the hearts of us here at Ripon Races” said Erin, “and we knew the new Disney film was due out, so we thought it would be brilliant to have an ‘Alice in Wonderland Day’ for the whole family to come along to; it’ll be great fun for all ages.”
As well as enjoying an afternoon of racing, little ones can go crazy with a ‘Mad Hatter’s Tea Party’, tea cup rides, bouncy castles, balloon modelling and face painting. Make sure your kids start prepping for the fancy dress competition for both over and under 6s as there’s the promise of ‘wonderful prizes’ to be announced. Adults need not get ‘down, down, down’ in the dumps though; with prizes for ‘Best Adult Costume’ for over 18s and perhaps a little bet on the gee-¬gees, everybody is catered for.

Lewis Carroll wrote Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland in 1865 and the sequel Through the Looking-¬Glass in 1871, yet the stories have remained firm favourites with readers for over 150 years.
Although there are lots of thoughts on what could constitute hidden meanings behind Carroll’s novels, one popular theory is that the city of Ripon inspired the many quirks of Carroll’s more evocative characters and moments. Sources say the carvings of a rabbit and a griffon in Ripon Cathedral—where Carroll’s father was a Canon— were the inspiration for some of the characters in the novel and the many sink holes in and around the Ripon area could represent the rabbit hole which Alice fell down, in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
As for the obsession with madness? According to the Lewis Carroll Society – a member organisation that encourages research into the life and works of Lewis Carroll— Carroll’s uncle was a ‘Commissioner in Lunacy’ and the author was known to have a keen interest in Victorian Psychiatry.
Whatever the history, Ripon Races is sure to make for you go ‘mad for it’. Tickets for ‘Alice in Wonderland Day’ at Ripon Races racecourse are available here or by following this link.
You can keep up to date with all the latest news and offers from the course on their social media pages, or by visiting their website.

TRAINER Michael Dods is planning to be double-handed for the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes – the sprint showdown at York that his Denton Hall Stables won last summer.

All being well, on Friday 19 August, Mecca’s Angel ,will try to regain the Group 1 crown she claimed twelve months ago on the Knavesmire.

And the intention is for her stable-mate, Easton Angel, to also line up in the 2016 renewal of the five-furlong race, which has increased in value to be worth £340,000.

Mecca’s Angel gave Dods’ team a cherished first Group 1 triumph when she scored in convincing fashion by two lengths from Us raider, Acapulco.

Owner David Metcalfe’s grey mare opened her 2016 campaign with a neck defeat behind the Clive Cox trained, Profitable, in the Temple Stakes before not firing in the testing conditions at Royal Ascot in the King’s Stand.

But she was back to something close to her very best last month when putting up an emphatic display in the Group 2 Sapphire Stakes at The Curragh.

Easton Angel, owned by Al Shaqab Racing and Ritchie Fiddes, has already struck twice this term – including over course and distance in the Listed British Stallion Studs EBF Westow Stakes, interestingly the same race that launched the career of Profitable, who remains a potential opponent in two weeks’ time.

The three-year-old filly, stabled in County Durham, ran well again last week at Goodwood in the Group 2 King George Stakes, finishing fourth of seventeen – beaten only half a length – despite a less than straightforward passage.

“Both Mecca’s Angel and Easton Angel are in good form,” reported Dods a fortnight ahead of his charges’ bid for Coolmore Nunthorpe glory.

“Obviously, with Mecca’s Angel, it would be nice to have a bit of juice in the ground. But they are both well and we’re looking forward to it.”

The trainer outlined how he was pleased to see Mecca’s Angel regain the winning thread in Ireland three weeks ago.

He said: “It was good. We knew that things didn’t go right at Ascot – the ground was very testing, she showed in season. Obviously, it was a big disappointment.

“But we were happy we had her where we wanted for Ireland and luckily she went there and did well.

“If she can turn up (at York) in the same form that she turned up last year then I’ll be very happy.”

Connections will be hoping for some fortune in running for Easton Angel at York after a very creditable but somewhat frustrating effort at Goodwood on 29 July.

Dods added: “It didn’t happen for her. She didn’t jump as well as I’d have liked and certainly didn’t have a lot of luck in running. But that’s what happens in these sprint races.

“She has won at York and I’m sure she’ll put a good performance up. It’s nice to be going there with two such ‘live’ chances but we understand there are a lot of other good horses there. We just need a bit of luck on the day.”

Whatever happens in this year’s renewal, the memory of Mecca’s Angel triumph at York 12 months ago will forever burn bright for those closest to it.

Dods reflected: “To win the Nunthorpe – our first Group 1 success and to do it at York, our local grade 1 track – it meant a lot.

“There were a lot of people there that we knew and it was a good day for everyone, especially all the staff, the owners and Paul Mulrennan.”

The Welcome To Yorkshire Ebor Festival – the highlight of York’s season – begins on Wednesday 17 August and runs to Saturday 20 August. The four-day meeting showcases the stars of horseracing and includes three Group 1 races and the famous Betfred Ebor – Europe’s richest Flat handicap.

YORKSHIRE-based trainer, Kevin Ryan, has pointed the way to York and the Juddmonte International for The Grey Gatsby.

The Frank Gillespie-owned five-year-old is on target to take up his engagement in the richest ever race at York, the £900,000 Group 1 feature on Wednesday 17 August – the opening day of the Welcome To Yorkshire Ebor Festival.

The son of Mastercraftsman has pleased at home since the Princess Of Wales’s Stakes at Newmarket last month when he finished second behind subsequent Goodwood Cup winner, Big Orange.

Ryan’s charge returns to a mile and a quarter at York where connections will be hoping it is third time lucky. He finished second to Australia in 2014 and third behind Arabian Queen and Golden Horn, twelve months ago.

The Grey Gatsby is yet add a follow up success to his terrific victory at the expense of Australia in the 2014 Irish Champion Stakes. In a stellar three-year-old campaign, he also landed the Prix de Jockey Club at Longchamp and the Betfred Dante Stakes, run over the same course and distance as the Juddmonte International.

Ryan, who is based at Hambleton near Thirsk, said: “The Grey Gatsby is on target for the Juddmonte. He’s in good order and we are hoping the weather stays fair and we get some good fast ground.

“He has run well in the last two years and has never run a bad race at York – we are hopeful that he can be competitive again.”

Later in the week, the Coolmore Nunthorpe is on the agenda for both Brando and Goken from the Ryan yard. The former won the Group 3 Coral Charge at Sandown before finishing second behind last year’s Nunthorpe winner, Mecca’s Angel, in a Group 2 at The Curragh. Goken put up a career best when third in the Group 1 King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot and has run respectably on two outings since.

Ryan added: “The plan is to run Brando and Goken…both are in good form.

“Brando is an improving sprinter. He will have to improve again but I’m very happy with him.

“Goken ran very well at Royal Ascot and in the July Cup where he got no run. The ground was a bit quick for him (in the King George Stakes) at Goodwood last week.”

The richest ever renewal of this famous sprint, now with £340,000 in the kitty, takes place on day three of the Welcome To Yorkshire Ebor Festival – Friday 19 August.

Yorkshire trainer, David Griffiths, has confirmed that nine-year-old sprint star, Take Cover, is on course for another tilt at the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York on Friday 19 August.

The evergreen gelding proved that age is no barrier to success last week, when he landed the Group 2 King George Stakes at Goodwood for the second successive season. That afternoon, Take Cover had sixteen rivals behind him and Griffiths reflected that it may well have been his charge’s best ever run.

“I think it probably was, wasn’t it,” he said. “He’s as good as ever, definitely – I think arguably, he’s better than ever.

“The race at Goodwood the other day was obviously a very good one and he turned the tables with a few of them.

“He has come out of the race really well, he likes York and we go there, hopefully, all guns blazing.

“Good ground is fine, on the quick side is better and good-to-firm like it was at Goodwood is ideal. We are just praying for no rain.”

Take Cover is proven over the fast five furlongs of the Knavesmire, winning twice over course and distance in the past – including at Listed level.

On the bare form, he also ran very respectably to finish eighth in the 2014 renewal of the Group 1 Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes. But that performance behind Sole Power was even better if granted an unruly moment in the starting stalls.Griffiths explained:

“When he got beat by Sole Power, just a fraction before the off, he went up over the top of the stalls, whacked his head and still ran very well that day and was only beaten two lengths. We’ve fixed the stalls problem now, touch wood.”

The £340,000 Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes is now £15,000 more valuable than on his last visit but remains the fastest contest of the twenty-five at the Welcome To Yorkshire Ebor Festival. The four days of high quality action start on Wednesday 17 August with York’s richest ever race – the £900,000 Juddmonte International.

Top class racing and fun for all the family will be the two keynotes of Thirsk’s themed Family Day series this month.

The three-day spectacular is spread across the August holiday period and have light sabres at the ready as it ngets under way with a Star Wars-themed Family Day next Tuesday, August 9.

Racegoers will be able to meet their Star Wars Heroes or, for the more adventurous, there is an invitation to come racing dressed as your favourite Star Wars Characters, whether its Hans Solo, Darth Vader or just a storm trooper.

With a children’s play area and inflatable castles, this really is a fun, family day out and children under 18 go free with a full paying adult.

Monday August 15 is James Herriot “All Creatures Great and Small” Family Day, offering action packed racing for the adults, but with plenty of fun to keep the younger racegoer entertained too, including a small petting farm, pony rides and inflatables, all in the Family Enclosure.

And then it will be the turn of Captain Jack Sparrow to provide the off-track entertainment for everyone on Friday August 26 with his swashbuckling shenanigans on Pirate Day.

The kids will love the 25-metre inflatable pirate ship and as always accompanied children under the age of 18 are admitted free-of-charge, making a day at Thirsk races great value for families.

All the children’s entertainment is in the Family Enclosure, which has grandstand viewing, a betting ring, Totepool betting windows and a fantastic children’s playground for the youngsters. Snacks, fast food outlets and bar facilities are available throughout the Family Enclosure

A Park & View ticket admits a car plus up to four adults to a specified trackside area within the Family Enclosure, ideal for car-boot picnics.

Family Enclosure patrons may transfer-up to the Paddock Enclosure on the day for the designated transfer fee.

Colin Tinkler Snr, the patriarch of a famous racing dynasty, will be remembered at Beverley next Thursday (August 11) with a unique race named in his honour.

Tinkler, father of trainers Colin and Nigel and grandfather of Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey Andrew and his brother Nicky, died last October aged 89. He was also married to champion amateur jockey Marie Tinkler.

An enthusiastic owner and a renowned tipster, he is fondly remembered for being the brainchild of Full Circle Thoroughbreds, a pioneering syndicate that allowed racegoers from all walks of life to have shares in horses.

The Colin Tinkler Snr Professional Lady Jockeys Handicap (3.20) at Beverley pays homage to one of the biggest racing personalities on the northern circuit.

The five-furlong handicap – the first ever domestic Flat race reserved just for professional lady riders – will be sponsored by Nigel Tinkler and his wife, Kim. Entries for the race close on Friday, August 5, at 12pm.

Nigel Tinkler said: “It’s going to be a good day, but a sad day for us as a family.

“My father was a great man and also a big supporter of professional lady jockeys, so that’s why we were keen to have a race like this in his memory.

“His work with Full Circle was especially fantastic. Before he started it up, there was only a maximum number of 12 allowed to own a racehorse. My father got Full Circle registered and went to the Jockey Club to essentially change the rules.

“Full Circle had 2,500 members and was a first of its kind as it gave everyone a chance for absolutely anyone to own a racehorse – and to possibly even stand next to the Queen in the paddock.

“My father lived life to the full and loved Beverley, which was always his favourite track. He always used to say you could fill your boots there, so it’s nice to have the race at Beverley for him.”

Beverley chief executive Sally Iggulden said: “We are thrilled Colin’s life will be remembered here at Beverley.

“He was a larger-than-life personality with a wonderful sense of humour, and is much missed in racing.

“We are extremely proud to lend our support to a race – the first of its type – named in his honour.”

The Colin Tinkler Snr Professional Lady Jockeys Handicap is one of seven races next Thursday as Beverley stages a significant double-header of racing that is spearheaded by Journal Ladies’ Day on Wednesday, August 10.
ENDS

Doncaster’s Best Dressed Lady from the St Leger DFS Ladies Day 2015, Kirsty Booth, has enjoyed a year of fun since winning the coverted prize but wasn’t prepared for what might happen on her trip to New York!

Kirsty, 26 from Doncaster, is an assistant manager at a nail bar and skin clinic in Wakefield and was crowned ‘Best Dressed Lady 2015’ for her striking monochrome outfit which was purchased from ‘Unique’, a boutique in Sprotbrough. It was accessorised with a handbag from Karen Millen and the stunning hatinator was made by Kirsty herself – the first one she had ever done!

From all of the amazing prizes she won, the trip to New York was the most memorable. Kirsty said: “I had always dreamt of going to New York and was over the moon that it was included within the prize bundle, but I really wasn’t prepared for what happened when we got there.”

In May this year Kirsty along with her partner, of 12 years, visited the ‘Big Apple’ and it was here Tom dropped to one knee in romantic Central Park and proposed. Kirsty accepted and was whisked off to Tiffany to choose her ring!

“New York is a simply amazing place and made even more special with my marriage proposal,” said Kirsty. “We visited all the sites, ticking all our boxes, and I still can’t believe this was part of the prize I won just for wearing what I felt lovely in at Ladies Day.”

Kirsty is an annual member at Doncaster Racecourse and visits as many times as possible. She will be attending each day of the 2016 Ladbrokes St Leger festival and had the following advice to other ladies who may hope to scoop the winners crown this year.

“I never expected to win and certainly didn’t go with that aim when I selected my outfit, but if I could offer one tip it would be to wear something you love and feel confident in,” said Kirsty. “Winning was a definite bonus but I would have had a great day anyway. I was so lucky to get picked from thousands of ladies who all looked amazing.”

Ladies Day forms part of the classic Ladbrokes St Leger Festival which takes place at Doncaster Racecourse each September. The ultimate in glitz and glamour, it is one of South Yorkshire’s biggest social occasions that will attract an array of fine fillies hoping to secure the DFS Best Dressed Lady crown, with the furniture company supplying the main prize for the competition. The winner of the coveted title will then go on to represent Doncaster Racecourse in the final of Yorkshire’s Best Dressed Lady 2016 – to be held at Doncaster’s very own Racing Post Trophy meeting.

Kirsty concluded; “I’ve loved every minute of using all of many fab prizes and would love to have that opportunity again! But, I know I will enjoy Ladies Day at Doncaster this year no matter what and wish all the other female race goers lots of success in claiming this year’s prize.”

This year’s Ladbrokes St Leger Festival commences on Wednesday 7th September, DFS Ladies Day on Thursday 8th, Gentleman’s Day featuring the Doncaster Cup on Friday 9th and Ladbrokes Leger Day featuring the world’s oldest classic horse race the St Leger stakes on Saturday 10th.

To book tickets and obtain further information call 01302 304200 or visit http://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk

With the summer holidays now in full flow, what better way to spend a day with the family than at Ripon’s annual ‘Children’s’ Day on Monday. The event held this year on the 1st August, not only has FREE entry for all accompanied under 18’s but there are lots of FREE fun and goodies too!

Very much an established part of August’s Yorkshire racing calendar, the course have a fun filled afternoon of activities planned for children in the Course Enclosure. The main highlight; the National Festival Circus, will be performing throughout the afternoon, along with a variety of funfair rides and bouncy castles as part of the afternoon’s FREE entertainment.

The freebies don’t stop there either, each child will be given a FREE ice cream and the racecourse will also be offering (while stocks last!) FREE kids activity packs with race cards and sweets for the youngsters to help them learn all about horse racing.

The Racing Roadshow will also be in the course enclosure for racegoers of all ages to learn about horses, jockeys and racing in general. ‘Racing to Schools’, an organisation dedicated to helping children understand the wonderful world of racing will also be providing an equicisor for you to test your own jockey skills. (see photo)

James Hutchinson, Managing Director and Clerk of the Course said:

“Our annual Children’s Day is the perfect day out for all the family and a great introduction for new racegoers. We have a fantastic afternoon of racing planned and lots of fun as always for the junior racegoers. What better way to start a fantastic month of racing here at Ripon!”

Turning to the racing, the days feature race is ‘The Armstrong Memorial Handicap Stakes’ a race for three-year-olds over six furlongs. This year commemorates the 60th running of the Armstrong Memorial race and is supported by the Armstrong Family, one of the country’s most famous racing dynasties.

The Armstrong family has strong links with racing in Yorkshire, with the late brothers Sam and Gerald Armstrong both well recognised as legendary Yorkshire trainers, Sam having also trained in Newmarket.

Colin Armstrong, son of late trainer Gerald, is an active director of Ripon Race Company and is also the genius behind the much loved local tourist attraction ‘The Forbidden Corner’ at Middleham.

The gates on Monday open at 12.15pm with the first of seven races starting at 2.15pm, with FREE entry for all accompanied under 18’s. Adult admission is available from £6 per person in the Course Enclosure, or £18 (inc admission for four) perfect for those picnics with the family.

Ripon next race for their ‘William Hill Great St Wilfrid’ meeting on Saturday 13th August, it’s their most valuable raceday of the season and is one of the most highly anticipated sprints of the season.

You can keep up to date with all the latest news and offers from the course on their social media pages, or by visiting their website.
Closing details

Ripon Races are a flat turf racecourse, one of nine racecourses in Yorkshire. They hold 17 race meetings in 2016, from April to September with a variety of evening, weekend and family fun race days.

The race meeting on Monday 1st August starts at 2.15pm with the gates open from 12.15pm and the last of 7 races at 5.15pm.

Website: www.ripon-races.co.uk

Caribbean fever has hit Redcar Racecourse as it prepares for its fifth Premier meeting of the racing season.

The racecourse’s annual Caribbean Carnival raceday, which will be held on Saturday 6th August, will include musical entertainment from Paradise Steel Band, Caribbean cocktails, and of course pirates who will entertain the crowds with chants and stories about life on the open sea.

Alongside seven races, racegoers will have a chance of winning some treasure in the racecourse’s fancy dress competitions, open to both adults and children who don their pirate and Caribbean costumes.

Amy Fair, general manager of Redcar Racecourse, said: “This is one of the best Premier meetings for families because there is so much to do and see around the racecourse.

“Everyone who attends always makes a wonderful effort and we can’t wait to see the colourful outfits the racegoers wear this year.”

In celebration of the Premier meeting, the racecourse is offering one lucky person the chance to win a VIP day out for four people on the raceday, by taking part in its prize draw on social media. The winner and their three friends will receive a day out to remember with VIP admission badges and racecards, and hospitality including three course lunch with a bottle of wine and table for the day in the Voltigeur Restaurant.

Local performing arts company, Page2Stage, is working closely with Redcar Racecourse to deliver a fun filled day providing great entertainment, from swash buckling pirates, Jake and Izzy from Neverland and their friends Captain Jack and Elizabeth Swan.

The remainder of the 2016 season at Redcar includes two other Premier meetings; Ladies’ and Gents’ Evening on Saturday 27th August and the famous Two Year Old Trophy on Saturday 1st October.

On Caribbean Carnival Day admission prices on the day start from £5 per adult with free admission for accompanied children aged 17 and under. The admission gates will open at 12 noon and the first race is scheduled to start at 2.15pm.

Parties of 10 or more can also save over 20% when they book their Grandstand or Course Enclosure admission tickets in advance.

For more information, visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/ and to enter the Caribbean Carnival Day VIP competition, visit https://www.facebook.com/RedcarRacing/.

Facebook & Twitter: @Redcarracing

RACING fans are in for a real treat at Thirsk this weekend when the course stages it’s mid-season highlight – the Totepool Summer Cup.

Carrying a first prize of £20,000, the one-mile contest is the centrepiece of the second stage of this weekend’s meeting on Saturday and always attracts a competitive field and looks set to do so again.

In the five years since it was introduced into the Thirsk calendar, the Summer Cup has been won exclusively by Northern trainers, with two victories going to local handler David Barron while last year’s winner was Altharoos for Middleham trainer Sally Hall.

Having finished well down the field in 2014, Altharoos really stepped up to the plate in the hands of recent Royal Ascot-winning jockey Dougie Costello, as the six-year-old gelding defied odds of 25-1 to win by a length and a neck from fellow outsiders Amood (33-1) and Lawyer (28-1).

Altharoos could well be back for a third successive appearance in the race. He went up in the weights for last year’s win and struggled in subsequent races, but the handicapper has relented recently and his run behind Gurkha Friend at Pontefract 10 days ago suggests better times ahead.

With music from Ezee Going and plenty of entertainment for the children in the Family Enclosure, it promises to be a great day for all the family.

Entry to the Premier Enclosure costs£27, but can be secured for £25 if pre-booked online at www.thirskracecourse.net. Paddock admission costs £16 (£15); while under-18s enter free if accompanied by a paying adult.

Gates open at 11am, and the first race is scheduled for 1.50pm.

The sun shone on Gods own county for the full nine days of the Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival. Yorkshire people once again did racing proud and packed the stands throughout the week. The overall attendance figures in excess of 100,000.
The leading trainer of the festival led from the very beginning, what a fabulous nine days Mark Johnston has had. The jockey title was a serious battle between two Yorkshire based riders. PJ McDonald and Franny Norton have swapped places at the top of the leader board throughout the festival. There has been some good humoured banter in the weighing room between the two, but it was PJ McDonald who came out on top with an exceptional day at Pontefract helping him clinch the title.
Another winner worth a mention is David Yates. He completed his cycling challenge of some 430 miles, cycling from course to course throughout the festival. This was in memory of Ray Gilpin, a friend to all in Yorkshire racing, who sadly passed away last year.
Once again the Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival has exceeded all expectations, it continues to grow in attendance and excitement every year

Racing and fashion combine in the annual Pontefract Ladies Day on Wednesday 3rd August and there’s never been a better excuse to buy a new outfit! Courtesy of RIU Hotels and Resorts, Pontefract Racecourse is offering an all inclusive, week long holiday for 2 to the fabulous Le Morne resort in Mauritius. The prize includes return flights from Manchester. With such a fantastic offering, the competition is bound to be fiercely contested!
The Heart Angels will be on the lookout for the Best Dressed Ladies from the minute that the gates open at 12noon and they will allocate numbered cards to 100 lucky finalists before the judging gets under way at 1pm. This year, the judging panel will consist of Emma from the Heart Breakfast Show along with the National Business Manager for RIU, Maria Battersby.
The Racecourse is urging anyone wishing to be considered for the Best Dressed Lady competition to please make sure that they arrive early on the day so that they do not miss out. There’s an added incentive to arrive early as the first 500 ladies through the Premier Enclosure will get a free glass of bubbly and a buttonhole.
There’s also some fantastic action on the track too. The feature race is the £15,000 tiesplanet.com – Ladies Love Guys In Ties Handicap. Aside from being one of the best named races on the racing calendar, it’s also a high class handicap for 3 year olds. Last year, the finish was fought out by Michael Dods’ highly regarded Hernandoshideaway, and Penhill, who has since been snapped up by the unstoppable Willie Mullins for a National Hunt campaign.
Local bookmakers Jayne and Steve Robinson sponsor the supporting 1 mile handicap and they’ll be hoping for a repeat of 2015 when outside Guaracha scored something of a shock victory for the Clive Brittain team.
There’s a real variety of races on the card as the EBF and the Friends of Francis Hamilton team up to sponsor the £8,000 6f Maiden for 2 year olds. Tim Easterby’s Still On Top took the race last year and went on to be placed in the big two year old trophy race at Redcar. With the ‘Plus 10’ promotion making this race worth £18,000, there’s bound to be a useful juvenile or two lurking amongst the runners.
Motorpoint have recently opened a new branch off junction 32 and they sponsor the opening race on the card for Gentleman Amateur Riders to advertise their new showroom. The race kicks off Ladies Day and the winner is bound to be greeted to a huge cheer!
With the school holidays now in full swing, there is plenty going on for the kids too with the special Mad Hatters Tea Party. It’s the 151st anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland this year and to celebrate, the Racecourse will be hosting a giant street party in the Silver Enclosure. Mums and Dads looking for things to do can book their children in to the party for just £10. With a range of activities and garden games run by a qualified crèche, you can be safe in the knowledge that the little ones will be entertained, well fed and well looked after! Full details can be found on the Racecourse website at www.pontefract-races.co.uk .
With the Park Suite Restaurant, Marquee and Hospitality Boxes already fully booked on Ladies Day, racegoers are encouraged to book their tickets and badges early to avoid disappointment. With a small number of ‘Premier Packages’ still available, there’s still the chance to upgrade your Ladies Day out! To book, or to view full details of the day, please visit the course website (www.pontefract-races.co.uk ) or give the office a call on 01977 781307. Racing gets underway at 2.10pm and the gates open at 12noon!

TRAINER Dean Ivory may well bring Royal Hunt Cup runner-up, Librisa Breeze, to York this Saturday for the seven furlong handicap , that forms part of £235,000 card, supported by Sky Bet.

Radlett-based Ivory is searching for a bit of juice in the ground for the talented grey gelding.

Librisa Breeze is entered back at Ascot on the same day in a valuable handicap but with scorching temperatures hitting the south of England, Ivory is very aware that there is the possibility of thundery showers for York on Wednesday and maybe Friday.

He also has Kadrizzi in the same seven-furlong race – worth £25,000 – the Read Richard Fahey´s Column At sportinglife.com Stakes; currently this horse is a 40/1 chance for the Qatar Stewards’ Cup the following week.

The yard has also entered Golden Amber in the six-furlong Sky Bet Dash, the £50,000 sprint feature of the afternoon.

All of his charges would benefit from some ease in the ground.

Ivory said: “We won’t be going to Ascot if we’ve got firm ground, which it looks like we’ve got. Therefore, we’ll have to run where the ground is.

“Librisa Breeze, Golden Amber and Kadrizzi like a bit of cut in the ground. We’ll talk to the owners who’ll make the decisions but it looks like we’re coming to York.”

Ivory isn’t overly concerned about the prospect of dropping to seven furlongs with Librisa Breeze, he said:

“We’ve got to go where the ground is. If we’ve got the ground, you’ve got to take your chance a bit over seven. Seven or a mile – either or wouldn’t worry him. He’s better over a mile but nevertheless he’s a horse that’s very versatile.

“He is a horse that you can switch off and ask him to travel whenever you want in the race. There will be more pace on over seven and he will sit there proud and I’m sure he has got the turn of foot to finish strong at seven.”

York’s two-day Music Showcase Weekend starts on Friday evening (6pm) with the Listed British Stallion Studs EBF Lyric Fillies´ Stakes as the showpiece. Kaiser Chiefs will perform on the Knavesmire after racing on Friday.

Saturday’s seven race-card begins at 1.55pm. The feature race is the Group 2 Sky Bet York Stakes, worth £100,000. The Corrs take to the stage at the conclusion of the action on the track.

CONNECTIONS of Time Test believe this Saturday’s £100,000 Sky Bet York Stakes represents a good chance for the four-year-old colt to record a second Group 2 triumph.

The homebred from owner Prince Khalid Abdullah’s Juddmonte Farms is one of a small but select field for the feature race which shares a distance with the Juddmonte International itself, the extended mile-and-a-quarter trip at York.

Time Test is enjoying another fine season, winning the Group 3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown in May before finishing third in the Group 1 Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown three weeks ago.

The latest assignment for trainer Roger Charlton’s charge will see him take on four rivals – all of whom are rated between 110 and 116. Time Test is rated 121 and so looks set to go off a short-priced or even odds-on favourite.

But Lord Grimthorpe, racing manager at Juddmonte Farms, said: “It’s like everything, you must show respect to the opposition. This is obviously a valuable Group 2 and we need to be putting our best foot forward.”

Time Test, who won his previous Group 2 – the Joel Stakes – at a mile – has shown his versatility as regards trip, not least with his very creditable run over 10 furlongs at Sandown last time. That effort came on ground softer than ideal and he was only beaten two and a quarter lengths by Hawkbill.

Lord Grimthorpe added: “It was a very good run, all things considered. He came out of the race really well…Roger seems very pleased with him.

“He needs to be able to prove himself at Group 1 level when he can but certainly this looks like a good opportunity for him. I’m sure he will be seen to best effect on good or fast ground.”

Stable-mate Countermeasure, who was an excellent fourth in the Eclipse, will also run for the same connections.

Lord Grimthorpe said: “Countermeasure is in there just to ensure a sensible pace. Of course, he also ran very well in the Eclipse.”

Among the opposition is Mahsoob, winner of the Group 3 Earl of Sefton Stakes at Newmarket in April. Yorkshire-based trainer David O’Meara sends Mondialiste, a winner in Pattern company at York, courtesy of the Strensall Stakes,; he subsequently took a Grade 1 at Woodbine.

The field is completed by the Ralph Beckett-trained Air Pilot, successful in a Group 3 in France on his last start.

The £50,000 Sky Bet Dash is sure to be a stunning spectacle as sixteen speedsters cover six furlongs on the Knavesmire. Tanzeel won the race a year ago and is back again for more on Saturday. Opposition is provided by a clutch of in-from horses including the O’Meara-trained Intisab who has won two of his last three starts.

The first race on Saturday is at 1.55pm though York’s Music Showcase weekend commences tomorrow with the course’s only evening fixture of the season. Kaiser Chiefs are on stage after racing on Friday, while The Corrs will perform on Saturday.

For Tickets PLEASE CALL 01904 620911 x225

York’s two-day Music Showcase weekend on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon (July 22 & 23), supported by Sky Bet, combines Pattern race quality action on the track and live performances on the music stage, so it is no surprise that each event can claim to be the best attended meeting of its type, in the country.

Kaiser Chiefs are set to play on the evening of Friday 22 July, returning to their home county, having delivered a memorable, high energy show on their previous visit to the Knavesmire, three years ago.

After racing on Saturday 23 July, The Corrs, who are delighted to be back performing together, will be the headline act. The family quartet are famous for their enchanting mix of traditional Celtic music with a pop rock twist that has led to number one singles such as Breathless, plus more than 30 million album sales.

The only evening fixture of the season at York gets underway at 6.00 pm on Friday with gates opening at 4pm.

The highlight of a valuable six race card is the eighth running of a Listed race for fillies and mares, the British Stallion Studs EBF Lyric Stakes offering a total prize fund of £40,000 and one of nineteen contests on the Knavesmire this year supported by The European Breeders’ Fund. Last year’s race was won by French Dressing, another smart sort from the yard of John Gosden.

Also featured on Friday evening is a handicap contest over five and a half furlongs that demonstrates Sky Bet’s commitment to The Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival, as this meeting is part of the initiative that links the eight flat courses in the county, over nine days of fantastic sport.

Apprentice jockeys are in the spotlight in the opening race, The Think as One Stakes, with two-year-olds being the rationale for The Best One Maiden Stakes; whilst a competitive handicap takes the name of buildings support firm, Novus.

Saturday’s quality seven-race programme means the prize money for the two days will exceed £325,000. The action starts at 1-55 p.m. with the entire card sponsored by Sky Bet – an Authorised Betting Partner to the sport and also one of the leading horseracing, gaming and sports betting companies in the U.K.

The principal race on Saturday is the eleventh running of The Sky Bet York Stakes, a £100,000 Group 2 contest, run over the extended one mile and a quarter, won last year by Tulius, giving Phillip Makin another big Saturday winner as he secured his first Top Jockey title on the Knavesmire. According to recent history Saturday’s victor could reappear in the best race in Great Britain and the richest race of York’s season, the £900,000 Juddmonte International on Wednesday 17 August.

Also featured on Saturday’s strong card is the fastest race of the two days, the Sky Bet Dash. This £50,000 sprint is over six furlongs. Last year’s winner was Tanzeel, who is part of a crop of quality sprinters trained by Charlie Hills.

Former racehorses now in the care of ‘New Beginnings’, a Yorkshire-based charity, are in attendance on Saturday, enabling racegoers to see them at close hand.

Several giant screens will enable racegoers to enjoy even more of the action from both the track and the stage on both days, as well as following the action from the other big Saturday race meeting at Ascot and Test Match cricket from Old Trafford.

Away from the main stage, there will be music from both New York Brass and The Y Street Band. The popular totepool ‘Punter’s Panel’ takes place prior to racing helping racegoers to identify possible winners.

For the best in racing and live music York is the perfect venue.

Tony Coyle saddles four runners in the Jaimie Kerr Memorial Handicap at Beverley on Monday on what will be an emotional evening for the Malton trainer.
The five-furlong sprint is named in memory of Coyle’s former assistant and partner, Jaimie, who died last year, aged 38.
Coyle’s Long Row Stables team will be represented in the race by Maureb, Flicka’s Boy, Thatcherite and Taffetta.
Flicka’s Boy and Thatcherite will be running in the silks of Jaimie Kerr’s father, Brian.
Norton-based Coyle said: “It will be a tough night for me, but it’s nice to remember Jaimie, who was an unbelievable person.
“Beverley was her favourite track and there’s a busload of 40 going over from Weaverthorpe, where Jaimie was from.
“It’s lovely that we can remember Jaimie by having a race named in her memory.
“The race will be named after Jaimie for the next three years and we’ve got four runners in it on Monday to see if we can win it.
“I’ve also sorted cups for all the winning connections, but I’ll be trying to keep a low profile on the night as it will be difficult for me.
“She did absolutely everything for our yard and is badly missed every day.”
Beverley chief executive Sally Iggulden best remembers Jaimie Kerr for her love of horses and her dedication to the sport.
She said: “We are delighted to be able to celebrate the life of Jaimie at Beverley.
“She simply adored her horses, and they adored her – she presented them immaculately and her pride was clear for everyone to see.”
Beverley’s seven-race card is due to begin at 5.35pm, with the Jaimie Kerr Memorial Handicap due off at 6.35pm.
Rio Rio Carnival Night on the Westwood forms part of the Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival – a week-long celebration in which live action is staged at eight of the nine courses in the region.
The going at the track is currently good to firm. A dry evening with sunny spells has been forecast, with temperatures set to reach 23C.

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

Star trainer Mark Johnston is hoping to become top trainer for a second successive season at this year’s Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival, which gets under way at Ripon this Saturday (July 16).

“Being the leading trainer at the Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival is great, though it is not something you can specifically target. However, I am planning to have lot of runners over the nine days and hope enough of them will win to give me the title again” he said.

Johnston, along with his son Charlie, who is his assistant trainer, was hosting the media at his state-of-the-art yard in Middleham to launch the 2016 Festival on Monday and plans to set the tone for his challenge with a possible six runners on the opening day.

That first day salvo is likely to include Notarised, winner of the Old Newton Cup at Haydock Park in 2015 and who is at last getting some respite from the handicapper after 12 months of toiling on a mark of over 100.

Notarised, who was part of the third lot whose work was watched by the press corps, has been dropped to a mark of 98, just 2lbs more than his Old Newton Cup winning rating.

Johnston’s horses have been in great form of late and he has recently passed the century mark for the year, putting him well on course to reach his season’s target – a very precise 247 winners, which would be a personal best by some margin.

“That was the target at the start of the year, but I have lost a few horses lately and some of the Godolphin horses are due to leave shortly to be prepared for Dubai, but I am still hopeful of getting there” he said.

The Summer Festival, now in its 10^th year, brings together all nine Yorkshire courses with meetings on consecutive days and while the racing for the centrepiece, the aim is to provide fun for all the family.

Having taken part for the first time in 2015, Wetherby is not part of the Festival this year while a new grandstand is being built, but will be back in the fold for next year.

The Festival moves from Ripon to Redcar, on to Beverley then to Catterick, Doncaster, Thirsk, York and finally Pontefract on July 24, when the leading trainer will receive a weekend break at the luxury Goldsborough Hall along with the Byerley Turk Trophy, named after one of racing’s three founding sires, who is buried in the Hall’s grounds.

Duing this year’s Summer Festival, leading journalist David Yates of the Daily Mirror will be cycling from course to course, a distance of nearly 450 miles, to raise funds for Jack Berry House in memory of his press room colleague Ray Gilpin, who died last year.

David would welcome anyone wanting to ride along during his eight days in the saddle, but to support him visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/goracing.

Johnston said: “It’s a great effort by David and I am hoping to join him when he rides from York to Pontefract”.

Ripon host the opening meeting of the 2016 ‘Go Racing in Yorkshire Racing Summer Festival’ this Saturday 16TH July, as Yorkshire gears up for the biggest event of the summer.

The Festival now in its 9th year – which aims to showcase the best of what Yorkshire racing has to offer, concludes at Pontefract on Sunday week, with a day’s racing at each of the Yorkshire Racecourses omitting Wetherby who are currently undertaking building renovations.

With the schools now broken up for the summer, what better way to celebrate and join in the festivities with a family day at the races. With adult entry from just £6 and FREE entry for all accompanied under 18’s, why not pack the picnic and the whole family together for a great summers day out.

‘Festival Freddie’ the Go Racing in Yorkshire mascot will be making an appearance and available for photos with the children from when the gates open at 11.30am. Local artist Darren Bird will also be on course, making a start on his unique piece of art depicting all nine Yorkshire Racecourses, the piece will then be auctioned at the ‘Leger Legends Dinner’ at Doncaster in September.

James Hutchinson, Managing Director and Clerk of the Course said:

“The festival is one of our highlights and busiest days of the season. It’s great that all the Yorkshire courses unite once a year to showcase what Yorkshire has to offer and we are very proud to get the festivities started here at Ripon ”

Emma White, General Manager of Go Racing in Yorkshire said:

“The Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival is set to be the best yet. Apart from 8 days of top class racing each course has different spectacular entertainment to offer. And we always kick off in style at Ripon; the atmosphere is always electric at the garden course with a fabulous festival feel!”

Racing at Ripon on Saturday features a seven race card worth a whopping £75,000 in prize money, with the principal race ‘The Ripon Bell-Ringer Handicap Stakes’ a contest over a mile and a half offering £25,000 in prize money. The day also features The F.B. Taylor 50th Anniversary Cup, celebrating 50 years in business for the Ripon based cable contractors. The late Barry Taylor, founder of F.B. Taylor was a regular Ripon racegoer and annual badgeholder at the Yorkshire course for many years.

Musical entertainment on Saturday is provided by The Otley Brass band, while Ripon’s permanent giant screen will enable racegoers to see even more of the action along with their extra screen located in their Paddock BBQ area. There are bouncy castles and inflatable rides for the children (weather permitting) in the Course Enclosure, along with the Ripon’s two permanent playgrounds.

You can keep up to date with all the latest news and offers from the course on their social media pages, or by visiting their website.

Gloucestershire trainer David Bridgwater savoured one of the proudest moments of his career at Beverley last year and returns to East Yorkshire on Tuesday to relive the moment.
Twelve months ago, Bridgwater was on hand to watch his 17-year-old daughter, Poppy, claim a first victory on a racecourse when Engai won the Dorothy Laird Memorial Trophy.
Now the Bridgwaters and Engai will attempt to repeat the dose in the mile-and-a-quarter handicap for lady riders at 6.05pm – the concluding event on a fine eight-race card on the Westwood.
David Bridgwater said: “The old boy had a fall over hurdles about three years ago and scraped his eye.
“After that he wouldn’t jump a hurdle or a fence again, and the owners at the time very kindly gave him to me for Poppy to ride on the Flat.
“She obviously had her first winner at Beverley last season. That was a wonderful feeling and something I’ll never forget.
“It was brilliant, and exactly what racing is all about.”
Engai won an eight-and-a-half-furlong handicap at Wolverhampton in March in the hands of George Downing, after which he finished second at Lingfield in June.
He then warmed up for this assignment with a fourth-placed finish over this trip at Nottingham on July 2.
Bridgwater added: “He’s done fantastically well since he went on the Flat and ran a stormer at Nottingham on ground that was too soft for him.
“Beverley clearly suits him and he runs here off the same mark when he won a year ago.
“He’s a lovely horse, and I’m hoping he’ll be in the first four again.”
Racing at Beverley is due to begin at 2.20pm, with the feature race being the £10,000 131st Year of the Watt Memorial Handicap (4.00) over two miles.
A centrepiece on Beverley’s fixture list, the race has existed since a local dignitary, William Watt, bequeathed a fund to the racecourse.
His father, Squire Richard Watt, who was based at nearby Bishop Burton, trained four St Leger winners in the early part of the 19th century – Altisidora (1813), Barefoot (1823), Memnon (1825) and Rockingham (1833).
The going at Beverley is currently good, with the forecast for raceday largely bright with sunny intervals, and highs of around 18C.

IT was one of the most dramatic climaxes to a big race that has been seen this season. Seamour burst clear approaching the final furlong of last month’s John Smith’s Northumberland Plate at Newcastle and looked set to give locally-born trainer Brian Ellison a victory to remember. But in the closing strides, jockey Ben Curtis and his five-year-old mount were collared by the late charge of Antiquarium who landed the heritage handicap.

A fortnight later and Seamour will bid to go one better at York, contesting the John Smith’s Silver Cup – a £40,000 Listed race staged over a mile and three-quarters, two furlongs less than at Newcastle.

Ellison said: “He came out of the race very well. We were going to wait for the Ebor (at York on Saturday 20 August) but he is so well in himself we’ve decided to run this weekend.

“We just thought, to wait two months for the Ebor is a long time. So we will take this on board as long as it’s not on the firm side.”

Looking back at the John Smith’s Northumberland Plate, Ellison concedes it’s one that got away.

He added: “He should have won. He didn’t have much cover, sat on the outside. He probably kicked too early but if we’d have won you would have said it was a great ride. So it’s catch-22 isn’t it? He won’t be kicking early on Saturday, put it that way!”

But Ellison wasn’t overly downbeat about the result, saying: “I just came away knowing that I’ve got another good horse. The way he travelled, the way he picked up and everything. I was just pleased with the way he ran.”

Seamour, a gelding owned by P J Martin, will face eleven rivals on the Knavesmire – including Curbyourenthusiasm, who was second in the Group 2 Betway Yorkshire Cup over course and distance in May.

Ellison also brings flashy chestnut and people’s favourite Top Notch Tonto to York on Saturday. A Listed winner on the course just over a year ago, he will be joined by stable-mate Balty Boys in the £200,000 John Smith’s Cup – the richest middle-distance handicap in Britain.

The Norton-based trainer said: “It’s a hot race, isn’t it? Balty Boys and Tonto are both in good form.”

York’s two-day fixtures starts tomorrow at 1.50pm. Saturday will see the 57th running of the John Smith’s Cup, continuing the longest commercial sponsorship of a Flat race in the country.

TRAINER William Haggas is hoping that Besharah can regain the winning thread when tomorrow she returns to York – the scene of her finest hour.

This time the target is the Group 3 188BET Summer Stakes which offers £60,000 in prize money.

The now three-year-old filly sped to success in the Group 2 Sky Bet Lowther Stakes as part of a wonderful week enjoyed by the Haggas team at the 2015 Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival.

Besharah has since run with credit in Group 1 company – including when fourth in the French 1,000 Guineas – but has not added to her wins’ tally.

Last time saw her contest the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot where she finished tenth of fourteen after a less than straightforward passage.

But Friday will see her drop back in trip to six furlongs with connections aiming for more black type through a second course and distance triumph on the Knavesmire.

Haggas, a Newmarket-based Yorkshireman, said: “We’ve been training her for the mile races and we think it’s worth a shot back at six furlongs. There are very few races over this trip for fillies-only.

“Obviously, I’ve been trying to slow her down all spring – now I’m asking her to sprint again, so she might be a bit rusty.

“But I think she is in good form. We’re only putting the cheek-pieces on just to sharpen her up a bit.

“She is penalty-free in this race and has won on the track. This is the best chance she has had for a bit.”

Besharah was just one of five winners that Haggas’ Somerville Lodge team enjoyed at last year’s Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival. Unsurprisingly, it’s a meeting he looks back on with great fondness.

He said: “It just happened right for us last year – the horses fitted into the races, which was terrific. It won’t happen like that again probably.

“But we had good chances in lots of races. What we considered to be our best chance actually got beat!”

Skipton-born Haggas is always keen to have runners at York – a course where he has enjoyed plenty of success over the years. Indeed, only David O’Meara had more winners on the Knavesmire in 2015. There were eight victories in 2012 – the same again a year later. And from his last 147 runners at the course, no fewer than 31 have triumphed.

Haggas said: “I love York. They look after us very well. They put up proper prize money and deserve all the support they get.”

There is a total prize fund of £200,000 – £50,000 more than twelve months ago – on offer for Saturday’s John Smith’s Cup. Haggas, who won the race in 2011 with Green Destiny, sends Our Channel for the 57th running of the mile and a quarter contest, which is now the richest middle distance handicap in Britain. Apprentice Georgia Cox will ride, hoping to emulate the likes of Paul Hanagan and Adam Kirby who won this race with a claim.

He said: “Our Channel will get in and he runs. He hasn’t run for a bit. He won a nice handicap for Georgia when she rode him at Kempton – then he won a Listed race (also at Kempton). There are very few races you can run this sort of horse in where he has got a reasonable chance – and I think he has got an outside each-way chance.”

Friday’s seven-race card starts at 1.50pm. Saturday’s racing commences at 1.55pm.

NEWMARKET trainer James Fanshawe will be keeping a close eye on the weather ahead of this Saturday’s John Smith’s Cup at York. Fanshawe is responsible for the current 10/1 joint-favourite Arthenus, a son of Dutch Art.
Arthenus, now four, had a productive three-year-old campaign, which culminated in a gutsy success over subsequent Royal Hunt Cup runner-up, Librisa Breeze, in a nine-furlong handicap over the Knavesmire last October. He failed to land a blow on his first two starts of this campaign, but returned with a career best to finish fourth in the Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot last month.
The ground was officially soft at Ascot and Fanshawe is hoping there is some ease underfoot on Saturday. He said: “The plan is to run on Saturday. I am just hoping that the ground doesn’t dry out too much as he very much likes to get his toe in. It doesn’t have to be soft like it was at Ascot, just a little bit of ease.
“He ran a really good race in the Wolferton and has come out of the race well. He seems in good form and is the right type for a race like this.
“He has a bit of class which you need for these big handicaps. He’s well, I’m happy with him and now we need a bit of luck with the draw and the ground.”
Arthenus is one of fifty-one who stood their ground for the richest ever running of the John Smith’s Cup. The 57th renewal of the mile and a quarter contest had its prize fund boosted by £50,000 this season, making it the richest middle-distance handicap in Britain.
Britain’s best-selling ale is responsible for sponsoring the entire seven-race card, which also features two Listed races. It is the longest continuous commercial sponsorship of a flat race in the country.
The winner of the John Smith’s Cup often goes on to make their mark in Group races, with recent winners including Canadian Group 1 winner Wigmore Hall (2010) and dual Group 3-scorer Green Destiny (2011). The 2014 winner Farraaj went on to be placed in the Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes in Australia.
Saturday’s racing at York starts at 1.55pm, though the two-day meeting gets underway twenty-four hours earlier with another excellent afternoon of action. The seven-race card on Friday includes the 188Bet Summer Stakes – a six-furlong Group 3 for fillies and mares.

Racegoers from across the North East are being encouraged to show their support for the armed forces at Redcar Racecourse’s Help for Heroes Family Fun Day this month.

The raceday, on Sunday 17th July, will see families from across the region come together to show their support for both Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion.

Thousands of people are expected to attend the annual event, which is also the second day of the Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival.

Help for Heroes and The Royal British Legion will be fundraising at the meeting and members of the armed forces attending on the day, will have the opportunity to present winning connections with their prizes.

Alongside the horse races on the day there will be a parade along the final furlong of the racecourse by the Royal British Legion standard bearers, which will culminate in a two-minute silence to remember all those who have served in the forces.

Eric Howden, BEM, who was mentioned in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List last month and was awarded the British Empire Medal, will be leading the parade.

Eric, who is a member of the Royal Army Ordinance Corps, having served in Germany and Singapore, said: “I have been leading the parade for many years now and every year myself and the service personnel always receive a wonderful, warm reception, which we really appreciate.

“People come from all around the North East to attend this special raceday and it’s a lovely feeling to see so many turn out to show their respect for the veterans.”

Accompanied by the Cleveland Army Cadet Force marching band, the parade will also include members of the Armed Forces Bikers, 2394 Squadron Air Training Corps, Cleveland Army Cadets, and Sea Cadets from the Training Ship Zetland. Current and former armed service personnel are welcome to join in the parade which will take place immediately after the third race at 3.05pm.

Any serving or former military personnel wearing their medals with an MOD90 card or HM Armed Forces Veteran badge, will get free entry into the racecourse on the day, in recognition of their service.

Amy Fair, general manager of Redcar Racecourse said: “We are really looking forward to our Help for Heroes Family Fun Day, because not only is it always a fantastic day out for all the family, but it’s a proud day for us to be supporting such good causes.”

In celebration of the annual meeting, the racecourse is giving one lucky racegoer the chance to win a VIP day for four people by taking part in its prize draw on social media. The winner and their three friends will receive a day out to remember with VIP admission badges and racecards, and hospitality including three course lunch with a bottle of wine and table for the day in the Voltigeur Restaurant.

The remainder of the season for 2016 is jam-packed with other Premier meetings including the Caribbean Carnival Day on Saturday 6th August, Ladies’ and Gents’ Evening on Saturday 27th August, and the Two Year Old Trophy Day on Saturday 1st October.

Admission prices on the day start from £5 per adult with free admission for accompanied children aged 17 and under. The admission gates will open at 12 noon and the first race is scheduled to start at 2.00pm.

Parties of 10 or more can also save over 20% when they book their Grandstand or Course Enclosure admission tickets in advance.

There are many hospitality options from the Dine & View package in the Crow’s Nest Restaurant to racegoers’ packages including admission, a racecard, food and drink.

The Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival is a weeklong racing extravaganza with racing at eight Yorkshire racecourses during the week, starting at Ripon on Saturday 16th July and culminating at Pontefract on Sunday 24th July.

For more information, visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/ and to enter the VIP prize draw visit https://www.facebook.com/RedcarRacing/.

For more information on Help for Heroes, visit http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/ and to discover more about the Royal British Legion, visit http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/ and for information on Go Racing In Yorkshire, visit http://www.felixfund.org.uk/.

The richest ever running of the famous John Smith’s Cup will see £200,000 on offer for the 57th staging of this famous handicap on Saturday 9 July. The £50,000 boost in prize money makes the John Smith’s Cup the richest middle distance handicap in Britain.

Named after Britain’s best-selling ale, it is the centrepiece of a seven-race programme, that includes two Listed races, as well as being the longest continuous commercial sponsorship of a flat race in the country. An arrangement that will now reach at least the Diamond Jubilee of the contest, as the racecourse recently announced a new three year deal with Heineken.

The opening day of the early July Meeting on the Knavesmire is Friday, with the Group Three 188Bet Summer Stakes both offering a black type opportunity to the fastest filly down the six furlong course as well as signalling a new sponsor partner to the track. The online brand are Authorised Betting Partners of the racing industry and also back a competitive middle distance handicap, later in the afternoon.

One of the most prestigious and competitive middle-distance heritage handicap contests, as well as Britain’s richest, Saturday’s renewal of The John Smith’s Cup is contested over the extended one mile and a quarter. The winning owner can look forward to receiving the specially-commissioned Wedgewood challenge trophy.

Fougalle was the first winner of this famous race back in 1960, and since then there have been many dramatic moments, with the race becoming a major betting heat of the summer. In 2015, the Rod Millman trained, Master Carpenter, was part of a fabulous afternoon for Thirsk-based jockey, Phillip Makin who won four out of the seven contests, providing a 4,799/1 return to his followers at the bookies.

Always one of the big days of the year, this event has become a showcase for ‘Yorkshire’s Finest’, and sees John Smith’s treasuring its Yorkshire roots with a full Yorkshire menu of locally-sourced and home-made food. In addition, there will be a number of cask ales available at the racecourse, thanks to collaboration with fellow Yorkshire brewers, Theakston’s.

Racing on Saturday also features a pair of Listed races; the first for stayers. The John Smith’s Silver Cup, an established contest over one mile and three-quarters. An hour or so later and sprinters will be to the fore in the John Smith’s City Walls Stakes – a contest over five furlongs, the shortest trip in UK racing. Won last year by locally trained, Out Do, the David O’Meara speedball now holds an entry to return to York in August in the Group One Coolmore Nunthorpe. Both Listed races offer prize money of £40,000.

The highlight on Friday, The 188Bet Summer Stakes, is a Group Three sprint contest over six furlongs for fillies and mares, continues to offer a purse of £60,000. Last year’s race was won by New Providence for Newmarket trainer, Hugo Palmer.

Friday is the annual charity day in support of GroceryAid, the national charity which exists to provide financial aid for those people who have served in the grocery industry. The northern branch of the charity is once again responsible for Friday’s fund-raising activities, which also involves their support for The GroceryAid Chairman’s Charity Cup.
Local businesses are prominent on Friday as the third generation of the Raylor family celebrate their role in the business life of the city; the Raylor Centre itself is home to a wide range of enterprises.
The afternoon gets underway with an interesting maiden contest over the unusual distance of five and a half furlongs; Coopers Marquees support this contest as well as being responsible for the wide range of marquees on site at York including the palatial one used by the sponsor’s guests on Saturday. It is also one of nineteen races on the Knavesmire that also benefit from the backing of the European Breeders’ Fund, making reference to the Irish Trustees on this occasion.
Acturis return to York, putting their name to a handicap contest over seven furlongs where apprentices will be the pilots.

Catering for broad musical tastes, Friday offers a choice of the Chris Brown Quartet or Murphy’s Marbles brand of foot-stomping Irish tunes. More of the latter on day two as the party atmosphere of Saturday also hosts a Caribbean Band with The Monotones performing their melodic set of popular covers to the bandstand as the last race crosses the line.

A number of giant screens will enable racegoers to enjoy even more of the action on both days, along with racing from Newmarket’s July Meeting. The tennis action from Wimbledon will be shown on televisions around the track. The popular punter’s panel held prior to racing on the winners’ podium will preview the card on both days.

TRAINER Andrew Balding has the talented Elbereth in fine fettle for the 57th running of the John Smith’s Cup at York.

The now £200,000 race is the highlight on this Saturday’s action on the Knavesmire and looks sure to be another high-quality renewal. A £50,000 boost in prize money makes the mile-and-a-quarter race the richest middle-distance handicap in Britain.

Elbereth, a daughter of Mount Nelson, comes into the race in good heart having taken the Listed Nottinghamshire Oaks in early June. Owned and bred by David Taylor, Elbereth is no stranger to big-handicap success with a neck victory over stalwart Fire Fighting in a valuable contest at Epsom’s Investec Derby Festival in 2015.She has been a model of consistency and connections are looking forward to letting her take her chance at York.

Balding said: “Elbereth has been in good form since winning at Nottingham and this has been her target since.

“It seems realistic to have a go at this as she is a Listed winner who is still off a reasonable handicap mark and I think she is capable of being competitive.

“The track should suit and as long as it doesn’t rain too much, Saturday is the plan.”

The current market leader is the James Fanshawe-trained Arthenus who was last seen finishing fourth in the Wolferton Handicap at Royal Ascot.

The in-form Godolphin team also look to hold a strong hand with four representatives headed by Carry On Deryck. The son of Halling was a winner at Meydan back in February and ran well when last seen in the Royal Hunt Cup.

Named after Britain’s best-selling ale, the John Smith’s Cup is the longest continuous commercial sponsorship of a Flat race in the country.

Also on Saturday are two cracking Listed contests. The John Smith’s Silver Cup, run over the Betfred Ebor trip of a mile and three-quarters, may see Betway Yorkshire Cup winner and local favourite Clever Cookie lock horns again with the runner-up Curbyourenthusiasm, while the one-two from the John Smith’s Northumberland Plate – Antiquariam and Seamour – also feature among the twenty-one strong entry.

The sprinters take centre stage in the John Smith’s City Walls Stakes where a number of old favourites could line up. Commonwealth Cup runner-up Kachy takes the eye but this rising sprint star will have to be at his best to beat the likes of Muthmir, Pretend and ‘Wokingham’ winner, Outback Traveller.

Saturday’s racing at York starts at 1.55pm though the two-day meeting gets underway a day earlier with another afternoon of Pattern class action, including the 188BET Summer Stakes – a six-furlong Group 3 for fillies and mares.

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Jack Berry and Red Shirt Night have a place firmly in the history of Pontefract Racecourse. As a trainer, Jack Berry was renowned for wearing his Red Shirt as his lucky symbol. He was easy to spot when cheering home the likes of Mind Games and Paris House, two of his very best horses. Since retiring, he’s been the driving force behind Jack Berry House – a state of the art rehabilitation centre for injured and retired jockeys in Malton. Now in its 24th year, some racegoers will also don a red shirt but it’s certainly not a requirement! The charity race night is one of the most popular fixtures at the West Yorkshire track, and marks the last of the three evening fixtures during the 2016 season.

The race meeting also incorporates a Beer Festival, with local breweries Hamelsworde Brewery, Pennine Breweries, Ossett Brewery and the Bier Huis all showcasing their wares. The beer festival will be held throughout the evening in the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure and racegoers in both this area and the Premier Enclosure will be able to access the trademark best selling ales.

After racing, the Beer Festival will continue for around an hour as local 80s tribute band Alibi take to the stage to entertain racegoers who will hopefully be enjoying some Summer sunshine!

If you’re not partaking in the Beer Festival and you’re bringing the car, then the Racecourse’s Designated Driver promotion continues at this meeting. Pick up a voucher when you park the car and you’ll be able to claim your two free soft drinks courtesy of Harrogate Spring Water. Vouchers are redeemable from designated locations around the course.

There’s an exciting racing programme as well with 6 races kicking off at 6.30pm.The feature race is the £15,000 Betfred Supports Jack Berry House Handicap – a 5 furlong sprint which will take around just a minute to win it! Trainer Paul Midgley has won this race for the last 4 years – whatever he sends for the race this year round should definitely make your shortlist!

There’s a varied supporting card with the Countrywide Freight Maiden Auction Stakes opening proceedings. This is the race where you’re likely to spot the odd star of the future. Three years ago, Treaty of Paris won this before going on to beat The Grey Gatsby at York! Last year, Bing Bang Bong was an eyecatching third before just getting touched off in the Group 3 Acomb Stakes at York!

The phrase ‘horses for courses’ was never more true than at this meeting in 2015! A couple of course specialists stepped into the spotlight as both Be Lucky and Entity maintained their 100% course records. Will we some returning favourites back at the West Yorkshire track?

It’s the last evening meeting of the Summer at Pontefract and it’s always a popular event – make sure you take advantage of the advanced booking rates available through the Racecourse’s website at www.pontefract-races.co.uk.

Singeur attempts to go one place better than last year in the big race at Beverley on Saturday, the £12,000 Coachman Caravans Quality Handicap.
The likeable nine-year-old succumbed by just a length to Avon Breeze in the five-furlong dash 12 months ago and is back for another go on ‘The Big Saturday Raceday’.
Wetherby-based trainer Rebecca Bastiman said: “He just got chinned on the stands’ side last year, which was a bit unlucky.
“The ground was good that day, and hopefully if it’s something similar I’d be quite hopeful he’d have a bit of a chance.
“Singeur not really had much luck this year, but he’s never really had his ground and it was too soft for him at York on his last start.
“He’s in good form, though, and is on a good mark these days. He also did a nice piece of work (on Thursday morning).
“I think he’s still got the heart and the appetite for the battle.”
Bastiman also saddles John Caesar in the C.G.I. Handicap over eight and a half furlongs.
The five-year-old gelding has not yet won on turf but he turned in an encouraging display at Beverley on June 14, when second to Hydrant over a mile and a quarter.
Bastiman said: “John Caesar knows Beverley well but we could do with him winning on grass sooner rather than later.
“He ran a nice race last time over a mile and two (furlongs) but I think the step back in trip will definitely suit him better.
“He doesn’t win often, but he’s quite consistent and he clearly enjoys running up that hill at Beverley.”
The second leg of Beverley’s big double-header is due to start at 1.50pm, with the going on Friday morning described as good, good to soft in places, after three millimetres of rainfall on Thursday evening.
Always the biggest Saturday of the year at the popular East Yorkshire venue, gates open 11.30am, with the last of seven races at 5.50pm.

As the first stage of entries for the Group 2 races at the 2016 Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival are published, the track has confirmed a record investment in prize money of over £4million for the four day centrepiece of the Knavesmire season (Wednesday 17 August to Saturday 20 August).

The increase of £260,000 is spread over fifteen races; with the feature contest on each of the days receiving a boost, as well as the prize money threshold for all races rising by a fifth to £60,000. It marks another step in York’s support for its flagship race programme which has seen prize money increase by 50% over the last five years.

Britain’s highest rated race, according to the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, the Group 1 Juddmonte International, will become the richest race ever run at York, with £900,000 on offer to the horse seeking to follow such superstars as Frankel or Sea the Stars into the Winner’s Enclosure on the opening day.

Boosts in prize money of £50,000 to both the £200,000 Group 2 Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Stakes (2m) and recently upgraded £150,000 Sky Bet City of York Stakes (7f) – now the richest Group 3 race run in Britain – support the enhanced Group 1 contests of Thursday and Friday respectively.

The Darley Yorkshire Oaks (Thursday 18) and the Coolmore Nunthorpe (Friday 19) have both seen increases to reach their richest ever renewals at £340,000. Completing the feature race set is Saturday’s Betfred Ebor, as Europe’s richest flat handicap, at £280,000.

Other highlights include the £220,000 Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Gimcrack Stakes which remains Britain’s richest juvenile Group 2 colts race and the £200,000 Sky Bet Lowther which is the richest equivalent for fillies.

At £60,000 apiece, each of the Betway Nursery Handicap, the European Breeders’ Fund Convivial, and the Betfred Apprentice Stakes are the richest nursery handicap, maiden and apprentice race respectively in Britain.

First stage entries for the £160,000 Betway Great Voltigeur number forty-nine which represents a five year high and nine ahead of the initial number of last year, which culminated in a pulsating finish between Storm the Stars and Bondi Beach, a duo that went on to be joint favourites for the St Leger.

York is proud to stage nineteen races with the backing of the European Breeders’ Fund including three at this feature Festival.

Red-hot North Yorkshire trainer Jedd O’Keeffe is bullish about the chances of further success on the first leg of Beverley’s double-header on Friday evening.
The Middleham Moor handler has his string in top form, and bids to enhances the figures by saddling Sovereign Bounty in the £8,000 Aunt Bessie’s Handicap over seven and a half furlongs.
Despite having failed to land a blow over a mile at Carlisle just over a week ago, O’Keeffe is heartened by Sovereign Bounty’s course-winning form on the Westwood.
He also felt there there extenuating circumstances behind his last visit to a racecourse.
O’Keeffe said: “He likes Beverley and this is obviously a nice prize to go for.
“He finished third there and won there last year, so that counts in his favour.
“He’s in good form and I wouldn’t be concerned about his handicap mark.
“We’d also be confident he’ll do better than at Carlisle last time. He was a touch disappointing there as he never really got into a rhythm as it was a stop-start sort of a race.
“Hopefully he’ll get a good, strong pace and get some early cover at Beverley.
“If he does, I think he’d have a pretty good chance – he just needs that all-important bit of luck.”
Sovereign Bounty is one of 10 declared runners for the Aunt Bessie’s Handicap – one of six races on Beverley’s ‘Party on the Pasture’ night, which begins at 6.15pm.
Last-time-out scorers Shouranour, Victoire De Lyphar, Lawyer and Viscount Barfield are also in contention in a strong-looking renewal, while Relight My Fire aims to win the race for a second time.
O’Keeffe could also be represented by Whitkirk on ‘The Big Saturday Raceday’ at Beverley on Saturday afternoon.
The three-year-old gelding hacked up at Hamilton on Tuesday and could make a swift return to action in the Eltherington Handicap over seven and a half furlongs.
O’Keeffe said: “He won well at Hamilton – really well – but I assume the handicapper will have his say now.
“He’d run at Beverley off a penalty, though, so that would be appealing, but we don’t want any more rain for him.
“He’s tall, long and lean and doesn’t take a lot of hard work at home to learn his job.
“Even so, he’s surprised me how well he’s done, so hopefully there’s more to come if he does run at Beverley.”
The official going at Beverley on Wednesday morning was good after 11 millimetres of rainfall on Tuesday night.
A prolonged dry from Thursday onwards has been forecast, with temperatures at the weekend set to reach a maximum high of 17C.

Ripon Races are gearing up for a busy few months and the action starts on Monday 4th July with their ‘Blues Brothers Evening’, what better way to dust off that Monday Blues and start your week on a high!

With musical entertainment on Ripon’s bandstand a regular feature at their summer race meetings, Ripon are turning up the gears and welcoming back of the UK’s finest Blues Brothers tribute bands ‘The Jailhouse Blues Brothers’.

The duo will be performing all the hits between races, before performing after racing at around 9.15pm. The course are also staging a variation on the popular ‘Best Dressed Competition’ and are encouraging racegoers to get in the spirit and come dressed as their favourite character from the film. With some great prizes for the top three, including Ripon Races tickets, Lightwater Valley passes and more to be announced!

James Hutchinson, Managing Director and Clerk of the Course said:

“We introduced our Blues Brothers evening last year and it was a roaring success, it was great to see everyone getting dressed up and in the spirit of the evening. The band really are fantastic and it brings a real element of fun to the evening’

There will also be six races on the track with the feature race of the evening, ‘The Wilmot-Smith Memorial Handicap Stakes’ attracting Class 3 runners over a mile and a quarter with a prize fund of £12,000.

Ripon are gearing up for their biggest crowd of the season on Saturday 16th July when they open the ‘Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival’, a celebration of Yorkshire racing over 9 days of action in our county.

You can keep up to date with all the latest news and offers from the course on their social media pages, or by visiting their website.

WETHERBY CHIEF EXECUTIVE DEMOLISHES OLD MEMBERS’ STAND!

Wetherby Racecourse Chief Executive & Clerk of the Course, Jonjo Sanderson, hasn’t ‘lost it’ he’s just giving a helping hand to create a new stand as part of the £3.2 million redevelopment project which will establish Wetherby Racecourse as one of the premier sporting, leisure and business facilities in Yorkshire.

The demolition of the Old Members’ Stand is taking place to make way for the new, modern grandstand, Wetherby’s Chief Executive & Clerk of the Course, Jonjo Sanderson, said “We are delighted that we have been able to commence work on this exciting new grandstand. Undoubtedly, it is going to be a great addition to the existing Racecourse facilities. It is the beginning of another new chapter in the long history of Wetherby Racecourse being located at this site, which first saw racing here in 1891. This major investment will allow us to provide a modern, state of the art facility to rival most other venues in this part of the county, which, as well as creating an exceptional experience for our regular racegoers, will also create a wonderful facility for non-raceday events including conferences, exhibitions, banquets and weddings.”

Amongst the facilities being created in the new building is a spacious public bar on the ground floor with a new betting shop, two public bar counters and more refreshment outlets. The first floor will provide an exclusive facility for Owners and Trainers with balcony viewing of both the parade ring to the south and the final furlong and winning post to the north, as well as extensive panoramic views of the whole course.

The second floor will be a premium facility for Premier Enclosure racegoers, providing unrivalled viewing of the whole racecourse, as well as overlooking the finishing line, and it is hoped will be one of the best public sporting facilities within the region. A new stewards’ room will also be accommodated on this floor.

The top floor will provide essential accommodation for race meeting integrity services including the judge, the photo-finish facility, the side-on television camera positions and the racecourse commentator.

Throughout the redevelopment works the racecourse will continue to stage its usual racing programme so it will be ‘business as usual’.

After a competitive tender process, Lindum has been appointed as the main construction contractor. With a permanent base in York, as well as offices in Lincoln and Peterborough, Lindum has extensive experience and proven track record within the leisure industry and, in particular, has recently successfully completed a major redevelopment project at another premier racecourse. Jonathan Sizer, Managing Director for Lindum’s York division, said “We are delighted to have been awarded this prestigious job and look forward to helping to create this fantastic new facility at Wetherby Racecourse. We understand the importance of balancing the construction requirements with that of a busy, and very popular, racecourse. We will be working hard to ensure minimal disruption throughout the redevelopment works as the race programme continues as usual.”

The inaugural ‘Art of Racing’ Raceday takes place at Pontefract on the 5th July. It promises to be a brilliant day for both racing fanatics and those going racing for the first time. The race meeting will celebrate everything we know and love about The Sport of Kings!

For those who think they know a bit about racing, the Racecourse are looking for 7 guest tipsters to preview one race each on the day. These form experts will then visit the course on the day to share their knowledge to other racegoers before their race runs! Pontefract are also looking for those with a keen eye for the horses to join them to pick out the Best Turned Out Horse in each race as well. If you’d like to be considered, please contact the Racecourse on 01977 781307 or email info@pontefract-races.co.uk.
There will also be a beginners commentary booth for people to have a go at commentating on a race ‘behind the scenes’ – everyone taking part will be able to take home a recording of their commentary!

With bus trips to see the equine stars down at the start, as well as a mechanical horse for budding jockeys to try out and some fantastic racing including a £40,000 Listed Race, it’s going to be a fun packed day with plenty going on!
The feature on the track is the Weatherbys GSB Pipalong Stakes – named after one of the best northern sprinting fillies in recent years. The race always produces a decent filly or mare as it’s the last opportunity for the fairer sex to gain Listed ‘black type’ over this trip. Indeed, the role call of former winners includes the likes of Chorist, Red Bloom and Gifted Girl who all went on to compete at the highest level. Last year’s winner, Nakuti, went on to win a Group 3 at Sandown and has since been sold to race in America where she’s been campaigned in Grade 1 company so far this season.
The meeting kicks off with The Dianne Nursery handicap for 2 year olds. It’s one of the first handicaps for 2 year olds to be run this season and it can often be won by a bigger price runner as the handicapper gets to grip with his ratings for the young horses. Show Stealer lived up to her name when taking this race last season and is unbeaten so far this season.
The Pontefract Sports & Education Foundation hold a charity event throughout this day and three of the races on the card are sponsored by their supporters. Hilco, Pontefract Squash & Leisure Club and CareHomeClaims are all fervent supporters of the foundation who aim to promote the advancement of education and sport amongst the underprivileged and disadvantaged in the Pontefract and District area.
There’s a varied supporting card including the 32nd running of the £15,000 King Richard III Stakes Handicap. The race commemorates the granting of a Royal Charter to the Borough of Pontefract in 1484 and the successful owner will receive a perpetual challenge trophy provided by Pontefract Civic Society. Bryan Smart’s speedy ‘Nameitwhatyoulike’ took the honours last year and will hopefully be back for a repeat bid!
The Racecourse Postcode Lottery gives the opportunity for anyone based in the Leeds area to come racing for just £2. By registering a utility bill with the Racecourse, residents with an ‘LS’ postcode can get a ticket to the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure at the heavily discounted rate.

Thousands of glamourous ladies from across the North East attended Redcar Racecourse’s spectacular Ladies’ Day Premier meeting last weekend.  The sun came out on Saturday 18^th June and greeted over 5,500 people from across the region who came together to enjoy the social highlight of the racing calendar.

Alongside the eight races, chic racegoers also took part in the racecourse’s popular Ladies’ Day competitions: Best Dressed Lady and Best Hat.

Julie Moore was crowned Best Dressed Lady, wining an array of designer prizes which included a Gucci necklace and bracelet, and a £150 gift voucher all from Market Cross Jewellers.

Julie, from Redcar, wore a Ted Baker winning outfit and was overwhelmed to win the top prize.  She said: “This is absolutely amazing! I wasn’t expecting to win at all and this has just made a fantastic day even more fabulous.”

Julie has been invited to represent Redcar in the Go Racing In Yorkshire Grand Final at Doncaster Racecourse on Saturday 22^nd October.

In second place for Best Dressed Lady was Faye Horsley, also from Redcar, who bought her outfit from Dollywood Boutique in Marton. Victoria Mansfield, from Middlesbrough, came in third place with her ASOS dress. Both ladies enjoyed fabulous prizes from Market Cross Jewellers and Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty.

Best Hat competition winner, Stella McQuillan, was awarded a bespoke fascinator from Chic Hats, a makeover photoshoot for two from Eastwood Photography, and a gel nails voucher from Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty.

Stella, from Redcar, who showcased her winning hat from Chic Hats, said: “I’m over the moon! It’s been a fantastic day. Thank you so much for all these lovely prizes.

“I had my heart set on wearing a big hat and Lynne Young from Chic Hats was amazing and created this wonderful hat just for me.”

In second place for Best Hat was Jessica Hughes, from Stockton, whose spectacular hat was from Hatties, and in third place was Lydia Craven, from Redcar, whose hat was also from Chic Hats.

Redcar Racecourse’s General Manager, Amy Fair, said: “Ladies’ Day is always a fabulous meeting for both the racecourse and the racegoers, and we’re pleased to be once again celebrating another successful race day.

“The ladies looked magnificent in their outfits and there were some really competitive races so overall it was a wonderful day for all the family.”

The racecourse teamed up with Teesside Hospice to showcase a ‘Dress For Less’ fashion show. All of the outfits have been sourced through the Teesside Hospice shops, including the Saltburn Vintage shop, brand boutique in Yarm, and £1 shop in Redcar, proving you can dress for less.

Local performing arts company, Page2Stage, provided marvellous entertainment for all the family with appearances from princesses Snow White, Cinderella, and Rapunzel.

There are four Premier meetings left in Redcar Racecourse’s 2016 calendar with the next being the Help for Heroes Family Fun Day on Sunday July 17^th.

Hospitality options are available from the Dine & View package in the Crow’s Nest Restaurant, which includes admission, a racecard, food and drink.

For more information about the Teesside racecourse, visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/.F acebook & Twitter: @Redcarracing

Go Racing In Yorkshire is very excited to announce that the talented and popular artist Darren Bird will be joining the Summer Festival which runs from the 16th – 24th July! Darren will attend two meetings of the festival, Ripon on the 16th July and Pontefract on the 24th July. Darren will be creating an exceptional and unique piece which will depict the nine Yorkshire racecourses. He will work on a giant piece of Perspex drawing the outline at Ripon and painting in the colour and finishing touches at Pontefract. All attending will be able to watch the master at work!
This ‘one off’ will then be put up for auction and all proceeds will go to the Injured Jockeys Fund which is the supported charity of the Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival 2016.

Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival
Ripon 16th July
Redcar 17th July
Beverley 18th July (evening)
Catterick 20th July
Doncaster 21st July (evening)
Thirsk 22nd July
York 22nd July (evening, music from the Kaiser Chiefs)
York 23rd July (music from The Corrs)
Pontefract 24th July

As most of the British Flat racing fans flocked to Royal Ascot last week, on Thursday Ripon staged their own ‘Royal Ascot of the North Ladies’ Day’ with local lady Michelle Metcalfe being crowned ‘Ripon’s Best Dressed Lady 2016′.
One of the highlights on Ripon Races season, Ladies’ Day is certainly up there with one of the Harrogate District’s social events of the summer and this year was no different as over 3500 people turned out for Thursday afternoons race meeting.

The day had a slight sporting distraction and it wasn’t the normal fanfare and glamour of Royal Ascot, who also host their Ladies’ Day the same day. With Roy Hodgson’s England team taking on Wales in the Euro 2016 group clash at 2pm, it was clear that a lot of Ripon’s loyal racegoers would be elsewhere cheering on the England. But the racecourse embraced the game and the Racecourse even had their own dedicated screen to show all the live action from the game, after all England is very patriotic about its football team. Although it did look like a lot of women did lose track of their ‘fellas’ for roughly around ninety minutes!

The day was a real mixture of sporting action and glamour, as over three hundred guests enjoyed the Racecourse’s VIP Hospitality Marquee and all other hospitality packages were sold out weeks before. The guests in the marquee enjoyed live music from duo ‘Frankly Jazz’ and were entertained before racing by magician to the stars ‘Paul Lytton’. They were then served a three course luncheon before afternoon tea after a buzz fizz reception on arrival.

On the track, Middleham trainer Mark Johnston started off the preceding’s with a winner under Franny Norton aboard ‘White Tower’ before completing a winning trainer/jockey double in the feature race of the day ‘ The Ladies Day Handicap’ with ‘Sailerais Mass’.

One of the main highlights on the track was the 30th running of ’The Beaumont Robinson Ladies’ Derby’, Ripon’s only race of the season for lady amateur riders. Beaumont Robinson, financial advisors based at Shipley, Bradford celebrated thirty years of sponsorship of the race with their annual staff outing. The race was won by Micky Hammond’s ‘Pertuis’ who also won the race back in 2014, winning lady rider Catherine Walton who works for Hammond based at Middleham, was thrilled to have won one of the main races in the racing calendar for lady riders.
As always, one of the main events of Ladies’ Day is the ‘Best Dressed’ and ‘Best Hat’ competitions. Over fifty ladies took part in the annual competition’s which were this year judged by, local Stray FM radio DJ Will Smith and Milliner Jenny Roberts. The team had the difficult job of selection their final ten, before selecting the winner of the ‘Best Hat’ before the final three was whittled down to one lucky lady.

Daphne Corbin took the crown of ‘Ripon’s Best Hat’ with the stunning navy headpiece and in return received a private ‘Millinery Taster Course’ for herself and 3 friends at the studio of Harrogate Milliner Jenny Robert, where they will design and create a headpiece of their very own and be introduced to the spectacular world of making hats.

In the ‘Best Dressed’ competition final it was local racegoer Michelle Metcalfe from Norwood, Harrogate who was crowned as ‘Ripon’s Best Dressed Lady 2016’ taking home the grand prize of £1500. Michelle who was wearing a stunning dress by Eliza Wyke who is a dressmaker in Harrogate, shoes were from the bridal boutique in Harrogate and she had them and her handbag dyed to match her hat. Her gloves were from Catherine Smith Vintage.
Michelle will now go on to represent Ripon at the Yorkshire ‘Best Dressed Competition’ in October . The prizes for the overall winner includes a luxury two night break in a Spa Suite with treatments included at the Best Western Premier Mount Pleasant Hotel, Doncaster, an exquisite diamond ring, with a value of £2,500 courtesy of loveVintagediamonds.com and a £500 voucher for leading designer boutique Yasmine of Bawtry & Epworth.

Just a few days after Midsummers Day, the Midsummer Tea Party comes to Pontefract Races on Monday 27th June.
The Farmer Copleys marquee will be serving afternoon tea throughout the afternoon. Overlooking the Parade Ring, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a gorgeous afternoon tea whilst watching the equine stars strut their stuff. Walk in space to the marquee will be available but limited. If you’re interested in booking an Afternoon Tea for just £6.95 per person, please visit the Racecourse website at www.pontefract-races.co.uk for full information.
On the track the European Breeders Fund sponsor the 2 most valuable races on the card – the Fillies Handicap and the Spindrifter Conditions Stakes. The latter always produces a speedy youngster – the race was won in 2015 by Richard Hannon’s ‘Age of Empire’. The race honours Spindrifter, who won an incredible 13 races as a two year old in 1980 – three of which were at Pontefract!
The EBF Alan Mercer 60th Birthday Fillies Handicap over 6f gives the fairer sex a chance to battle it out – her rivals didn’t see which way she went when Gran Canaria Queen made all the running and ran out a very impressive winner last year.
The popular Lifetime in Racing Series host a 5f Sprint in honour of Rose Beattie. With a rich history in the sport, Rose is now semi retired having been a travelling manager with Mark Johnston since 2002. We look forward to welcoming her and her family to Pontefract and will be watching out for the Johnston runners in the race!!
Tony Perkins sponsors a couple of races on the card – a Classified Race in honour of his late grandfather Wilfred Underwood and a handicap for Lady Amateur riders celebrating the life of his aunt, Audrey Martin. The 6f Classified race gives lightly raced horses who have won just one race the chance to battle it out before stepping forward into Handicap or Listed company. Paint The Star took the race in 2015, giving Richard Hannon a double on the card!
The Conway Family will again be remembering Wayne for the 9th consecutive year. He loved his racing at Pontefract and would have loved having a race in his honour. He’d have also made a couple of pounds had he followed last year’s victor, Ingleby Hollow, who has only been out of the first 3 once since taking this race.
The Racecourse Postcode Lottery gives the opportunity for anyone based in the Doncaster area to come racing for just £2. By registering a utility bill with the Racecourse, residents with a ‘DN’ postcode can get a ticket to the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure at the heavily discounted rate.
The Racecourse will once again be offering discounted tickets to those who book in advance – see www.pontefract-races.co.uk for more information.

Proud owner Peter Swann was overcome by a “wave of emotion” after Prince Of Lir secured a memorable Royal Ascot victory that was warmly received by officials of Beverley racecourse.
The two-year-old son of Zodiac, trained in Newmarket by Robert Cowell, dazzled in the Group Two Norfolk Stakes over six furlongs with a half-length success over The Last Lion.
It was, too, a significant result for Beverley racecourse as Prince Of Lir also defeated the same rival on his debut in the Brian Yeardley Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy on the Westwood in May.
Prince Of Lir carries the Cool Silk Partnership silks of Swann, who is chairman of Scunthorpe United Football Club, and his mother-in-law, Barbara Wilkinson.
Swann said: “The whole family was at Ascot on the day and it was an absolutely fantastic experience.
“We’ve been waiting 18 years for something like this. You never know how you are going to react to a Royal Ascot winner, but the wave of emotion was almost too much.
“It was also exciting as I think the horse won in spite of the ground. We think he’d probably have won even easier if the ground had been a little better.
“Robert was a bit worried about running him at Beverley because of the competition in the field, but we made the decision to go and it worked out really well.
“The Beverley race was ideal for us as it came at the right time with Royal Ascot in mind.”
Plans are now fluid for Prince Of Lir, who will be given a well-deserved break before his owners and Cowell formulate a gameplan.
Swann said: “He’ll probably have an entry in the Molecomb at Goodwood but I think that will be too quick for him.
“There’s also the Nunthorpe at York to think about and we might also look abroad, but there’s no rush – and absolutely no pressure on us.
“We turned down an offer of three-quarters of a million pound for the horse, but it’s not about the money.
“If we’d have missed out on a Royal Ascot winner we’d have been absolutely gutted.
“We bought him as a Norfolk horse, so we are just absolutely over the moon that the plan has come off.”
The five-furlong Brian Yeardley – a £25,000 conditions stakes over five furlongs – has in recent years gone from strength to strength and was won last year by First Selection, who finished second in the French Derby in May.
Beverley chief executive Sally Iggulden was thrilled to see the Brian Yeardley form franked so convincingly at the Royal meeting.
She said: “Prince Of Lir looks a horse of great substance who is surely going to enjoy many more halcyon days on the racecourse.
“The Last Lion is also a very exciting juvenile, so it was fantastic that Beverley formlines were brought into focus on the grandest stage of Flat racing in the world.
“We have worked very hard to try to attract the very best horses to Beverley, with the Brian Yeardley, the Hilary Needler and, of course, the Beverley Bullet firmly established on the racing calendar.
“The Hilary Needler and the Brian Yeardley also provide trainers and owners with a perfect stepping-stone from which Royal Ascot dreams can happily be realised.”
Beverley’s next meeting of what has already been a terrific campaign is on Tuesday, June 21.
The seven-race card is due to begin at 2pm, with the feature race being the Jamie Gordon The Big 40 Handicap (3.30) over a mile and a quarter.
King Of The Celts won the race 12 months ago for trainer Tim Easterby and owner Dadie Oughtred, who is a long-standing director of Beverley racecourse.
ENDS

York racegoers have supported a record breaking Macmillan Charity Raceday, helping to raise at least £450,000 on its 46th staging; taking the cumulative total since 1971 to past £7 million.

Nearly 27,000 people flocked to the Knavesmire for a day of racing and fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support. The event is the biggest single fundraising event in the Macmillan calendar. This strong support and the backing of race sponsors, box holders and hospitality guests, means that the funding to the good causes from York Racecourse itself, set the charitable total rising.

Following a card of seven races with experienced jockeys, it was the turn of ten members of the public to race. The amateur riders have trained for months to prepare for the Best Western Hotels & Macmillan Ride of their Lives. The riders, eight of which are from Yorkshire, all raised money for Macmillan to take part, smashing last year’s fundraising record total of donations in the process. The class of 2016 raised approaching £150,000, with further promises expected to take them through that threshold.

In a race with no losers, the first past the post was Ruth Carr aboard Dubai Dynamo, a horse she trains herself from her racing yard at Stillington, near York. Before the turn of the millennium Ruth, 39, was well known on the Lady Amateur circuit but by her admission it was a huge challenge to get herself back fit enough to ride the Knavesmire. To the great credit of Ruth and her supporters, they have already contributed approaching £35,000 and further donations to the justgiving pages of Ruth and the other nine riders will swell this total.

The day also included charity auctions, with lots including exclusive holidays and sporting memorabilia, while 23,000 raffle tickets were sold over the two days for a range of prizes including £500 cash. More than 100 Macmillan volunteers helped collect donations from generous racegoers.

Lynda Thomas, Chief Executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “Thank you to everyone who has supported Macmillan Charity Raceday and made it such a success. This is the biggest single fundraising event in our calendar, so plays a big part in funding Macmillan services, which are there to ensure that people get the best quality care and support throughout their cancer journey.”

Rob Payne, chief executive of Best Western Hotels, the first time sponsors of both the Macmillan Ride of their Lives and the Listed Ganton Stakes said: “The record breaking Ride of their Lives participants were the highlight of an inspirational day at York Racecourse. Best Western Hotels were proud to sponsor the race and to help raise important funds for Macmillan Cancer Support both on the day and through the fundraising efforts of our own staff. ”

James Brennan, Head of Marketing at York, summed up the day, saying “Yet again, the commitment of the amateur riders to both their riding and fund raising has been amazing; matched only by the generosity of York’s racegoers. They saw some high quality action on the track and can go home knowing they were part of something special today as they broke all fundraising records.”

Macmillan Charity Raceday is a fundraising collaboration between York Racecourse and Macmillan Cancer Support. The event has been held annually since 1971, and has now raised more than £7 million in total for Macmillan and other charitable causes.

Supporters have already ringed Saturday 17 June 2017 in their diaries, as the likely date for the 47th staging of this popular event.

As the jockeys take to their saddles to ride at Royal Ascot (or Ripon!) this week, most will be lucky enough to have ridden their fair share of winners in their careers. But as most jockeys and sportsmen/women alike will remember, nothing beats your first competitive win whatever sport they compete in.

It will certainly be a mixture of emotions for the apprentice jockeys due to ride at Ripon Races on Wednesday evening, as they are all in fact chasing their first ever winner in the ONLY race in British racing open only to jockeys who have yet to ride a winner.

The race is the all down to the work of North Yorkshire racing welfare legend Raye Wilkinson, who has been working in racing for a remarkable 50 years this summer.
Wilkinson was previously a social worker in Catterick Garrison, but a chance meeting with Middleham trainer Ernie Weymes in 1966 led to his involvement in racing. He instantly fell in love with horse racing and has never looked back. By October of that year Wilkinson was a full-time worker for the Stable Lads Welfare Trust, and the office in Middleham was opened.
Raye has since moved on but still works in Middleham for Mark Johnston Racing as their dedicated welfare officer. He continues to support up and coming jockeys by creating the very unique race for Apprentice riders which takes place at Ripon on Wednesday evening, 15th June.
“If anything, I’ve left my mark by creating a welfare service, in 1978 I looked at racing from a stable lads’ point of view, and realised there was very little welfare cover for them,”
“I am so passionate about helping those working in racing from the ground up and this race is what that is all about, recognising those wonderful moments in a young jockeys career, however long that may be” said Wilkinson
The race which is the first race on Wednesday evenings card at Ripon, is this year named in recognition of Sam Brown. Sam was a great friend of Raye and was one of the driving forces behind Raye’s love affair with racing.
Raye’s hard work has also been well recognised within the industry, having won the ‘Go Racing in Yorkshire ‘Lifetime achievement award’ back in 2010 and most recently being one three finalists for the Rory Macdonald Community award at the annual Godolphin Stable and Stud Awards in January.
Wilkinson who has organised the race for six years now, will never forget the day Oisin Murphy won the race back in 2013. Frustratingly Murphy who has since gone onto become one of the nation’s top flat jockeys, had a winner just three days before the race at Salisbury but conditions of the race meant that as the declaration dates had passed he still qualified to ride in the race.
Raye often refers to a fitting quote by Charles Trigg who rode an impressive 843 winners after his first ever winner in Newbury in 1905, and is best known for winning the Epsom Oaks aboard Rosedrop in 1910.
“Nobody but an apprentice who has done it will ever know what it means to ride his first winner. No words can explain it. You walk on air. You do not care what happens. You have done it. You have ridden a winner, and nothing can ever take that away from you” Charles Trigg, (1881 – 1945)
We look forward to seeing some more future stars start their careers with a first win in the saddle, what is sure is that it will be a day to remember for one happy jockey.
Closing details

Ripon Races are a flat turf racecourse, one of nine racecourses in Yorkshire. They hold 17 race meetings in 2016, from April to September with a variety of evening, weekend and family fun race days.

The race meeting on Wednesday 15th June starts with the first of six races at 6.30pm with entry from 4.30pm. The course will have live music on the bandstand from ‘The Tom Roberts Jazz Band’ and the course will also be showing the Romania v Switzerland game on their dedicated football screen.

As usual at Ripon, accompanied children under 18 years of age are admitted FREE of charge into all enclosures. Tickets can be pre-booked for discounts or adult admission is available on the gates from £6 per person in the Course Enclosure, £14 in the Paddock and £22 for the Club Enclosure.

The first Family Day of the season at Pontefract falls on Fathers Day – Sunday 19th June. A hugely popular event, it’s the annual totepool Flat Cap & Whippet Family Day.
There’s an action packed day ahead with activities getting underway when the gates open at 11.30am. Whippets from the Yorkshire Pedigree Whippet Racing Club will take to the Racecourse between 12.30pm and 1.30pm as they set the scene for their equine counterparts later in the afternoon. With around 30 whippets racing over a series of races, it’s going to be a fast and furious way to start proceedings!
Whippets and horses are not the only races taking place – a team of ferrets will also be stepping in to the spotlight with racing in the Picnic Enclosure throughout the afternoon!
It’s worth dusting off that old flat cap from the back of the wardrobe as well. The first 500 people wearing a flat cap will win a spot prize of either a tote voucher, a drinks voucher or a racecard!
As has become tradition on Sundays at Pontefract, there’s lots going on for young racegoers in the Picnic Enclosure. With kids rides, a circus, face painting and free activity books and racecards, there’s plenty to keep the little ones occupied while mums and dads enjoy some top class racing. Eagle eyed kids need to look out for the lucky Golden Horseshoe too – there’s a hamper of sweets to be won for the first person to find it!
If you’ve ever wondered what happens down at the start of the races – in the calm before the race explodes in to action – then you’ll be able to pick up our free minibus which will take you down to the starting stalls and bring you back after the race.
There are also free Pony rides as well – plenty to keep even the most active little ones occupied!
On the track, totepool sponsor all 7 races with the highlight being the £40,000 Listed totepool Pontefract Castle Stakes. Farmed in recent years by Tom Dascombe’s high class Brown Panther, John Gosden broke the stranglehold when his Freedom’s Light took the honours in 2014. Last year, Luca Cumani’s subsequent Group race winner, Connecticut turned the race in to a procession.
The 2016 Pontefract Stayers Championship is shaping up to be a really competitive affair and Round 4 is the totepoolliveinfo.com Pontefract Cup. American Life holds a slender lead so far – only just ahead of Madam Lilibet, Almost Gemini and Monday’s impressive winner Bulas Belle. It’s all up for grabs!
Being Father’s Day, Pontefract are also offering a number of special Packages to make Dad’s day extra special. The Father’s Day Paddock Package (£40) and The VIP Premier Father’s Day Package (£100) both offer fantastic value for families of 2 adults and 2 under 18s. Family Tickets (£22) are also available in advance for 2 adults and their children. If you’d like to take advantage of any of these special advance packages, please view the course website (www.pontefract-races.co.uk ) or give them a call on 01977 781307. Racing gets underway at 2.10pm and the gates open at 11.30am!

THE famous blue and white silks of Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum will be carried by a duo of intriguing runners in the Listed Best Western Hotels Ganton Stakes, the black type highlight at York tomorrow.

Muwaary and Mutakayyef are two classy performers with high-class form in the book, although both are on the comeback trail following injuries.

The John Gosden-trained Muwaary hasn’t been seen on a racetrack for 698 days but he was held in high regard as a three-year-old and his connections were keen to persevere with him.

On form it is easy to see why as the son of the Juddmonte stallion, Oasis Dream, registered some smart efforts in 2014, most notably a close fourth in the Group 1 French 2000 Guineas and when runner-up in the Group 3 Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Mutakayyef, trained by William Haggas, also has a number of creditable efforts to his name, including a neck second behind subsequent Grade 1 winner Mondialiste in the Betfred Strensall Stakes, over course and distance last August.

Richard Hills, assistant racing manager to Sheikh Hamdan, said: “Both horses are on the comeback following injuries. Muwaary has been off the track a long time but he is a very good horse – he was placed in a Classic and he finished second in the Jersey.

“Mutakayyef ran a fantastic race in the Strensall last season and is also a useful horse. Both horses are fit enough to do themselves justice and are ready to run. It will be good to get them both on the track and then we can build their seasons from here. We are hopeful rather than confident.”

That Classic history is perhaps what tempted Paul Hanagan to don the first cap on Muwaary; helpfully Pat Cosgrave was in the plate for that placed effort by Mutakayyef at the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival.

An eleven-strong field head to post for this £40,000 event run over a mile. Other interesting contenders include last year’s winner for Brian Ellison, the ever popular, Top Notch Tonto and recent course winner, Jallota from the Charlie Hills stable.

Sheikh Hamdan also has two declared for the £100,000 888sport Charity Sprint, a six-furlong handicap for progressive three-year-old speedsters, as demonstrated by last year’s first and third being Twilight Son and Magical Memory.

Retained rider Paul Hanagan will get the leg-up aboard Elronaq, a son of Invincible Spirit who finished third in the Group 3 July Stakes last season.He has yet to hit those heights since, but connections were pleased with his latest fourth at Chelmsford and hope he can reproduce his best on Saturday.

Sheikh Hamdan’s other runner, Alqubbah, is also declared in the feature on Friday’s York card, the EBF Breeders’ Series Fillies Stakes and her participation is ground dependent.

Hills added: “Elronaq ran very well at Chelmsford and has the ability to run well in a race like this. Alqubbah is a nice filly. She is due to run on Friday but needs the rain to come so we have the option of Saturday if it doesn’t come in time.”

Once again this looks fiercely competitive with 20 sprinters set to face the starter. The betting is headed by the Richard Guest-trained Udontdodou, winner of his last two starts.

A total of £6.7million has already been raised for good causes in the 46 years of the Macmillan Charity Day and just by attending Britain’s biggest charity raceday, spectators will be doing their bit to boost that total.

The seven-race card gets underway at 1:50pm.

Newarket handler saddles two runners on Friday
TRAINER Ed Vaughan has two good chances of tasting success on the Knavesmire this Friday courtesy of Mehronissa and Interconnection.
The former tackles the feature race on the seven-race card – the £30,000 EBF Breeders Series Fillies Handicap, over six furlongs (4.20pm). Mehronissa looks to have strong credentials on paper having won in good style on her seasonal debut at Haydock last month. The daughter of Iffraaj, a winner on the Knavesmire when both the Royal Ascot and St Leger Meetings paid a visit some ten years ago, has two wins of her own at Newmarket and another at Windsor. Vaughan is optimistic that there is more improvement to come from her.
He said: “Mehronissa is entitled to have come on for her first run of the year and goes there in good form. She likes to get her toe in but is fine on good ground.
“She has a nice progressive profile and I think she is still improving. She is off 93 now and I hope that she can continue to progress with the main aim being to get some black type. A race like the Chipchase at Newcastle may be on the agenda if all goes to plan on Friday.”
Mehronissa carries the colours of Dubai-based owner Salem Rashid, who also owns Vaughan’s other representative, Interconnection.
The son of Mount Nelson will tackle the 888sport.com Handicap over an extended mile and a quarter at 2:35pm.
He is one of 12 runners heading to post in search of the majority of the £20,000 prize pot and he, too, has strong claims based on his smooth win at Newmarket a month ago.
Vaughan added: “Interconnection is another who wouldn’t want the ground rattling fast but he is well and we are looking forward to running.
“He has run well at York before and is suited by the long straight and galloping track. The form of his Newmarket win was boosted when Sylvester Kirk’s horse (Gold Prince) was second at Epsom and he looks to have a chance.”
Friday’s seven-race card also features an intriguing five-furlong novice race for juveniles, which gets the day underway at 2:00pm.
The second day of York’s June Meeting takes place on Saturday. Britain’s biggest charity raceday kicks off with the historic Queen Mother’s Cup at 1:50pm with the highlight, the £100,000 888sport Charity Sprint, scheduled for 3:35pm.

Top Notch Tonto among Listed race entry

TRAINER Rae Guest is hoping Show Stealer can live up to her name this Saturday when she’ll contest the £100,000 888sport Charity Sprint, on the second day of York’s June Meeting.

The three-year-old filly produced a sizzling seasonal reappearance at Newmarket where she sped to success in a nice handicap over the same trip as this weekend, six furlongs.

Newmarket-based Guest pointed the way to York immediately after that triumph. Sure enough, Show Stealer is one of the leading contenders for the richest race of the weekend on the Knavesmire. She is one of 37 entries for the valuable contest, so it is little surprise that no fewer than nine of them were victorious on their last start.

Guest said: “I was very pleased with Show Stealer’s run at Newmarket. It was her first of the year and we hadn’t been getting her ready because she likes firm ground. Lucky enough, it was firm ground that day which suited her and she has come on for that run.

“We have been targeting this race from that day – as long as it doesn’t rain we are very hopeful.

“She doesn’t take much getting ready – she is not a very big filly, has always been very clean winded and very easy to deal with. Whatever you want to do with her, she does.”

Guest also has Show Stealer entered in the feature of Friday at York, the EBF Breeders’ Series Fillies Handicap. But he acknowledged that entry was “a fall back” in case she didn’t beat the cut for Saturday’s big prize.

However, Show Stealer will comfortably make the 20-strong line-up for the 888sport Charity Sprint with thirteen rated higher than her on official figures. Indeed, Guest believes that in the future his charge can aspire to contesting Group races.

“I think so,” he confirmed. “She is 92 now. If she does well on Saturday, she’ll probably go looking for some ‘black type’ afterwards.”

It would be no surprise at all if the race produces a high-class performance. In the past, it has been won by star sprinters such Cadeaux Genereux, Sheikh Albadou and just last year Twilight Son and Magical Memory were at the fore of affairs.

The black type highlight of Saturday – Britain’s biggest charity raceday – is the Best Western Hotels Ganton Stakes. This Listed contest over a mile has attracted a 20-strong entry, including the popular Top Notch Tonto who won it last year for local handler, Brian Ellison.

The two-day ‘June Meeting’ begins on Friday afternoon. Both days offer seven races under rules and gates open at 11.15am.
For Tickets PLEASE CALL 01904 620911 x225
Or visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk

As the nation gears up for a week of action at Royal Ascot, Ripon Races are getting into the spirit with their very own ‘Royal Ascot of the North’ at Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse.

The North Yorkshire racecourse host two-days of action including their annual Ladies’ Day on the same day as the Berkshire course.

The North Yorkshire course, otherwise known as ‘Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse’ is set to host their annual two-day Ladies’ Day meeting, with an evening of racing on Wednesday 15th, before they host their Ladies’ Day on Thursday 16th June on the same day as the Berkshire course.

As well as the fantastic action on the track, the Racecourse are getting behind the England Football Team as they play Wales as part of their Euro 2016 group matches. The Racecourse have a dedicated ‘Football zone’ with a big screen showing all the action and build up from the game that kicks off at 2pm.

One of the main highlights of the days off the day is the traditional ‘Best Hat and Best Dressed Competition’, with some absolutely stunning prizes up for grabs. The lucky lady crowned ‘Ripon’s Best Dressed Lady’ will take home a cheque for £1500 and will represent Ripon at Yorkshire’s Grand Final held at Doncaster in October, where she will then have the chance to win the overall prize of a luxury spa weekend, £500 of Fashion Vouchers & Diamond Jewellery worth £2500

Exclusively for the winner of our ‘Best Hat’ competition, one lucky lady will receive a private ‘Millinery Taster Course’ for herself and 3 friends courtesy of Milliner Jenny Roberts.

Turning to the racing, Thursday’s Ladies Day’ theme is also replicated on the track, with one of the highlights of the seven-race programme being The Ladies Derby – a Handicap contest for lady amateur riders – sponsored for the 30th year by Beaumont Robinson – independent financial advisers of Shipley.

Wednesday evening meeting features six races including the ‘Sam Brown Apprentice Handicap Stakes’. This is the only race in British Racing which is only open to Apprentice Jockeys who have never ridden a winner.
James Hutchinson, Managing Director and Clerk of the Course said:

“Ladies’ Day is such a wonderful day, the competitions are great fun and it’s wonderful to see everyone getting dressed up and in the spirit of ‘Royal Ascot’. We will also be showing the England team against Wales Euro game and hope lots of people can join us for a great fun filled day!”

Whether you want to strut your stuff at the bookies, sip champagne on the summer lawns or simply resurrect that beautiful hat and shoes combo from the wedding you went to last year, Ladies Day provides a great excuse to let your hair down and enjoy a day not to be missed.

You can keep up to date with all the latest news and offers from the course on their social media pages, or by visiting their website.

Building on 46 years of popularity with racing fans and with approaching £7 million already raised for good causes, Macmillan Charity Day at York Racecourse this Saturday (June 11) promises to be an afternoon of quality racing that again helps those in most need.

Saturday’s principal race is the 888sport Charity Sprint, one of Britain’s richest sprint handicaps for three-year-olds, which offers prize money of £100,000. The roll of honour in this race over six furlongs includes top sprinters such as Cadeaux Genereux and Sheikh Albadou.

For only the fifth time, the day will end with Best Western Hotels & Macmillan Ride of Their Lives, a chance for ten supporters to participate in a nine furlong race around the famous Knavesmire. Each has pledged at least £2,500 to the charity and you can help them beat last year’s contribution of over £110,000 by visiting their donation pages on Just Giving. The riders, which include a hair salon owner and a nurse, have put their normal lives on hold to take part in this unique charity challenge; Steve Charlton from Bishop Auckland is the oldest competitor at 61 with Siobhan Carey representing both the South (Buckinghamshire) and the younger generations, being nearly three decades his junior.

The charity auction so generously supported over the years is now available to view online in advance of the raceday. This means everyone can place a bid for the many stunning lots. A once in a lifetime trip to Coolmore Stud and Ballydoyle Racing Stables, a weekend break in a Best Western Hotel every month for a year, or a Roxburghe Hall golf break are all amongst the travel items. An array of fine dining experience, a Porsche experience at Silverstone or the chance to either brew your own recipe of beer or be on the set of Soccer AM during filming, are some of the more unusual opportunities. Visit the yorkracecourse.co.uk news section for more information on how to make your bid.

Since 2012, a Listed race has featured on the Saturday racing programme supported alongside the Charity Race by York-based , Best Western Hotels. The Ganton Stakes over one mile offers prize money of £40,000 and provides another reason to attend the day, just by attending, racegoers will increase the money raised for charity.

Racing on Saturday begins at 1.50pm, with the 28th running of The Queen Mother’s Cup, the richest race for lady amateur riders in Britain and a contest won by The Princess Royal in 1988. It offers an opportunity for the successful rider to toast her success in her own weight of G.H. Mumm champagne.

Gaming brand, Betstars, make their debut at York to support a valuable handicap over nine furlongs. The high standard continues on this Charity Day with The Reg Griffin Appreciation EBF Stallions Maiden Stakes – a contest for two-year-olds named in honour of the founder of this Charity Day in 1971. The Ice Co° back a competitive handicap for the fourth year that denotes their support of Macmillan, a link that was cemented when company director, Polly Marr, rode in the Macmillan Charity Race of 2013. The traditional seventh race of the card is once again, The Charles Henry Memorial Stakes.

Macmillan Charity Day is part of a two-day meeting with racing on the Friday beginning with a contest in memory of popular Yorkshire Trainer, Mel Brittain.

Amongst the nineteen contests at York to benefit from the backing of the European Breeders’ Fund is the feature of the afternoon, a fillies handicap over six furlongs, that offers £30,000 in prize money and so cements the policy of every card on the Knavesmire being worth at least £100,000.

Also a sponsor on the opening day, 888sport see their own name against a valuable handicap contest over the extended ten furlongs. The SKF Rous Selling Stakes has now been supported for a dozen years by engineering company, SKF (UK) Ltd. Then Goffs UK will bring the excitement of the Sales Ring to the Winner’s Enclosure with an auction straight after the race. The Jigsaw Sports Branding Stakes, a handicap contest over seven furlongs demonstrates the help given to the track by its sign and branding contractor. The Rush hair opens June 18th Stakes, is the longest race of the day and cleverly highlights the imminent arrival of a new salon to the city. On a card full of variety, the concluding race is a handicap contest for apprentice jockeys taking the name of long standing supporter, ripleycollection.com.

The totepool-supported ‘Punters’ Panel’ takes place prior to racing on both days from the winner’s podium as a preview to the action on each day, while giant screens will provide racegoers with an even closer view of proceedings on the track.

As part of a series of initiatives to get closer to the sport, groups of racegoers will be able to enjoy accompanied, complimentary trips to the round course starts. On Saturday, they will also have the chance to meet a retired racehorse, Harry, courtesy of equine charity, New Beginnings

The two day meeting offers a further chance for racegoers to explore the extensive refurbishment of the Edwardian Weighing Room – the final element of the three year £10m Northern End Development. The work over the winter has sought to retain and celebrate the history and heritage of the 1907 building which was home to jockeys, stewards and officials for over 100 years. In its new life as a County Stand racegoer facility, it is lighter, brighter and has more useable space. Freshly made sandwiches, picnic platters and other goodies can be washed down with a cup of tea or the track’s new range of locally brewed craft ales. True to York’s reputation, a bottle of champagne will be available from £30.

A busy weekend for sport will see racegoers able to follow action from the opening game for Wales in the Euro 2016 tournament (England kick off at 8pm on Saturday so the racecourse will have closed), as well as the Third cricket test from Lords and the first rugby union test from Australia, on selected televisions.

Musical accompaniment to the action will take the form of three different bands; Murphies Marbles performing their brand of foot stompin’ Irish fun in the Knavesmire Courtyard whilst the equally upbeat New York Brass sound off on the Edwardian Weighing Room Lawn. Proceedings will be brought to a close on Saturday by the Monotones who have a huge repertoire of popular classics.

lucky North East racegoer spent a VIP day at Redcar Racecourse’s Zetland Gold Cup Premier meeting on Bank Holiday Monday, 30th May.

Elizabeth Garstang, from Hartlepool, was treated to a VIP day worth over £500 when she was randomly selected as the Golden Ticket winner after pre-booking her Zetland Gold Cup race day tickets.

The luxurious prize included having ‘The Congratulations Golden Ticket Winner Elizabeth Garstang Selling Stakes’ race named in her honour, VIP admission badges for four people, and a three course meal in the Voltigeur Restaurant.

Elizabeth, who was given the opportunity to present the trophy to the winner of her race with her family, said: “We’ve had a fantastic day! The Golden Ticket prize has made our family day out even more special and memorable.

“After having a fantastic trip to Redcar Racecourse last year, we were really keen to book tickets again and we are certainly going to come back and experience the other Premier meetings because it really is a great family day out.”

Elizabeth’s son, Joe aged 10, said that presenting the prize to the winner of the race was very exciting.

He added: “Myself and my brother have had a fantastic day and we just love the Golden Ticket and the prizes that came with it.”

The Golden Ticket prize draw was held in celebration of the historical Zetland Gold Cup, a race which has run annually since the end of the Second World War. On the day, the £25,000 Racing UK Zetland Gold Cup race was won by Revolutionist trained by Middleham trainer Mark Johnston, who also trained the winner of the race last year.

Over 4,500 people attended the Premier meeting and enjoyed entertainment from Page2Stage, with popular characters from Disney’s Frozen, including Elsa, Anna and Olaf, as well as appearances from Captain America and Spiderman.

Redcar Racecourse’s general manager, Amy Fair said: “We’re pleased to say we’ve had another wonderful Zetland Gold Cup Premier meeting”.

“It’s always a pleasure to share this special race day steeped in history with so many people, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment put on by Page2Stage.”

The next Premier meeting to be held at Redcar Racecourse will be Ladies’ Day, on Saturday 18thJune.

For more information about the Teesside racecourse, visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/.

Ten runners have been declared for the Royal Cavalry of Oman Premier Handicap (0-85 PA) to be run at Doncaster on Friday 3 June, which at 2 miles is the longest UK Arabian race run this year. Due off at 5.40pm it opens the card for the Weston Park Cancer Charity Race Evening.
The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) was thrilled to announce last month that the Royal Cavalry of Oman has more than doubled its’ sponsorship of Purebred Arabian racing in the UK for the 2016 season, which includes two full fixtures at Chelmsford City Racecourse on 1 July and 25 September.
Of the five single races on Thoroughbred cards, the most prestigious is The Royal Cavalry of Oman Clarendon Stakes (Group 2 PA) run over 5f at Newbury, won for the last five years by trainer Julian Smart who had previously been the Cavalry’s retained trainer.
The Royal Cavalry have been involved with Arabian racing in the UK for over ten years, however this is the first time their sponsorship has been extended to include the ARO Season Finale, which is at Chelmsford City on 25 September. This will now be merged with the Royal Cavalry of Oman’s annual race day and it is sure to provide a memorable end to the UK Arabian racing season.
ARO Racing Manager, Amanda Smith said: “In the final ten declarations we have a good mix of seasoned handicappers and unexposed horses, and Doncaster’s historic track is sure to provide a stiff test. The Arabian horse was bred specifically for soundness and stamina over long distances and those qualities were exactly what breeders looked for when creating the Thoroughbred racehorse using these oriental bloodlines.

“The Arabian Racing Organisation is very proud to be associated with The Royal Cavalry of Oman and its’ race sponsorship is vital to ARO. We are incredibly grateful for their ongoing support from the grass-roots to the highest level in the UK.”

Clem Fandango will evoke fond memories of one of the greatest Hilary Needler Trophy winners of all time when she runs at Beverley on Saturday.
The two-year-old daughter of Elzaam is trained in Carluke, South Lanarkshire, by Keith Dalgleish, who in 2003 steered the great Attraction to a facile success in the esteemed five-furlong dash on the Westwood.
Beverley provided the springboard for an astounding career that saw her win five Group Ones, including the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket and the Irish equivalent at the Curragh.
Dalgleish said: “Attraction was a great horse and she won very easily at Beverley – it was obviously a day to remember.”
The jockey-turned-trainer now attempts to return to Beverley winner’s enclosure with Clem Fandango, who is one of 19 possible runners in the £25,000 Hilary Needler Trophy.
Owned by Middleham Park Racing, she shaped promisingly when second on her debut over course and distance in April.
Clem Fandango was then sent to Catterick for a five-furlong maiden on May 3 and excelled with a four-and-a-half-length victory under Phillip Makin.
Dalgleish said: “She’s a very nice horse and will run at Beverley on Saturday, with Phil riding again.
“The ground will be fine for her, I think, and she ran very well there on her debut behind a good horse (Seafront).
“We’ve been very happy with her since Catterick and this is her preferred track, so we’ll give it a go.
“She’d obviously have to run well at the weekend, but Royal Ascot would be considered if she did so.”
Twin feature on ‘A Very British Raceday’ at the attractive East Yorkshire circuit is the £25,000 Brian Yeardley Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy, won 12 months ago by French Derby runner-up First Selection.
Beverley’s seven-race card is due to start at 1.50pm, with the ground currently good to firm.
The week-long forecast is for largely dry weather from Thursday onwards, with the turf watered accordingly to preserve conditions.

Trainer Jo Hughes could have Royal Ascot in mind if Erica Bing shines in the £25,000 Hilary Needler Trophy at Beverley on Saturday.
The daughter of Captain Gerrard made a deep impression at Bath earlier this month, when successful in a five-and-a-half-furlong maiden, and could now step up in class for the historic conditions stakes on the Westwood.
Lambourn-based Hughes said: “She’s not very big, but, boy, she is a heck of a tough little horse, as she showed on her last start.
“She also holds an entry at Bath on Friday, but her joint-owner, who bred her, is keen to go to Beverley.
“A lot will depend on the weather so we are weighing up our options at this stage.
“I hadn’t really thought of her as a Royal Ascot horse but you just never know.
“She would have to improve, but if she kept progressing from her second run to her third, we’d obviously have to give Ascot some thought.”
Nineteen fillies have been confirmed for the prestigious five-furlong sprint, won last year by Easton Angel, who subsequently finished second in the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Mark Johnston saddled the most famous Hilary Needler heroine in recent history when the great Attraction claimed the race in 2003 before easily winning the Queen Mary two weeks later.
The Middleham handler has this year confirmed five horses – Boater, Camargue, Chupalla, Kilmah and Sea Of Snow.
Richard Hannon could be triple-handed with Grizzel, Lexington Sky and Tiggaliscious – as might Richard Fahey, who has given a Hilary Needler entry to Kocollada, Samran Says and Spin Doctor.
Others of note include course-and-distance winner Seafront (James Tate), runaway Catterick scorer Clem Fandango (Keith Dalgleish) and the David O’Meara-trained Coolfitch, who was seventh in the Listed Marygate Fillies’ Stakes at York.
Windsor winner Jule In The Crown (Mick Channon), Princess Holly (Robert Cowell), Indigo Beat (Ann Duffield) and Our Greta (Mick Appleby) complete the list.
Twin feature on ‘A Very British Raceday’ at the attractive East Yorkshire circuit is the £25,000 Brian Yeardley Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy, won 12 months ago by French Derby runner-up First Selection.
The informative five-furlong dash has attracted 17 young colts at the confirmation stage, including the Johnston-trained trio of Mailshot, Repton and The Last Lion, winner of the Brocklesby Stakes at Doncaster on his debut.
Beverley’s seven-race card is due to start at 1.50pm, with the ground currently good to firm.
The week-long forecast is for largely dry weather, with the turf watered accordingly to preserve conditions.

We’re lucky enough to have some fantastic sporting action right on our doorstep in West Yorkshire with Rugby League and Horseracing being two of the biggest spectator sports in both the region and nationally. On Monday 6th June – our inaugural Rugby League Evening – some of our fantastic Rugby League teams (Castleford Tigers, Featherstone Rovers, Huddersfield Giants and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats) will be taking over Pontefract Races for one night only!
There are some fantastic offers about too – season ticket holders with any of the clubs will be able to come along on the night and pay just £5 to get in to the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure – just don’t forget to bring your season ticket along with you!
Those wanting to make a night of it can meet their teams’ heroes with the VIP Package. For just £40, fans will have the opportunity to meet, greet and mingle with their favourite players in the luxury of the private VIP Rugby League Hospitality Box. With private viewing balconies overlooking the Parade Ring and Winning Post, as well as a fantastic hot buffet and a table for the evening, it’s a fantastic opportunity to really make it a night to remember.
The feature on the track is the Mr Wolf Sprint Handicap. This £15,000 race over 6f remembers one of the all-time Ponte greats. Runners in this race have a huge mountain to climb to emulate the great Mr Wolf – he ran at Pontefract an incredible 36 times throughout his career, winning here on 8 occasions. He ran is last race at the course back in July 2012 but will be back on the night to parade before racing starts. The race itself is always a fiercely competitive event and usually throws up a sprinter to keep on the right side of – last year the race went to Tom Dascombe’s speedy ‘Dawn’s Early Light’ who went on to finish last season chasing home the super smart ‘The Tin Man’!
At the other end of the scale, The Tony Bethell Memorial forms the 3rd round of the 2016 Stayers Championship. American Life and Madam Lilibet lead the current race for the title but last year’s winner – the evergreen Tuscan Gold – is just a few points behind them. There’ll no doubt be a few familiar names lining up and another grandstand finish is on the cards!
The Racecourse’s ‘Postcode Lottery’ promotion gives those with a WF postcode the chance to pick up a ticket for just £2. There are 100 £2 tickets available and they’re selling fast. Register a utility bill with the Racecourse in order to claim your ticket – be quick though, there aren’t many left and racegoers are advised to check the website for availability!

Wick Powell’s recent home-work convinced Yorkshire trainer David Barron to go for gold in the Brian Yeardley Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy at Beverley on Saturday.
The young of Sakhee’s Secret made quite a splash when successful on his debut at Southwell last month, and now takes a steep rise in grade for the £25,000 highlight on the Westwood.
Barron, who won the coveted five-furlong sprint two years ago with Midterm Break, reports Wick Powell in fine fettle for his big day in East Yorkshire.
The Thirsk handler said: “He’s been quite a nice horse all the way through and he did it nicely on the sand at Southwell.
“He’s had a touch of sore shins since then, so we’ve had to give him a bit of time, but I’ve been very happy with how he’s been working for the last couple of weeks.
“He’s in a novice auction race at Redcar on Monday, but he’d have to give weight away in that and we thought we’d rather go for something like this where he can run off reasonably level weights.
“It’s a very nice prize to win.”
Wick Powell will be ridden by Graham Gibbons and breaks from stall three in the Brian Yeardley Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy (2.25).
Won last year by French Derby runner-up First Selection, Barron’s inmate will take on six rivals at Beverley.
Mark Johnston is double-handed with The Last Lion, winner of the Brocklesby Conditions Stakes at Doncaster, and Mailshot, fourth at Newbury in a strong six-furlong race on May 14.
Richard Fahey has given Pontefract scorer Springwood the chance to shine, while Richard Hannon has whittled his squad down to Logi, third on his sole start at York’s Dante meeting.
Ann Duffield will be represented by Rainbow Mist, who won on debut at Thirsk before finishing third over six furlongs at Ripon.
Prince Of Lir, an unraced son of Kodiac, completes the line-up for the Robert Cowell team.
Beverley’s well-attended ‘A Very British Raceday’ starts at 1.50pm – the first of seven races on a card which also features the historic Hilary Needler Trophy.
The going on Thursday morning was described as good to firm, good in places, after 14 millimetres of rainfall on Wednesday.

Ann Duffield will be thrilled to have a runner in the historic Hilary Needler Trophy when Indigo Beat lines up at Beverley on Saturday.
The two-year-old daughter of Tamayuz is one of eight fillies declared for the £25,000 dash over five furlongs and has been handed stall seven in the hands of PJ McDonald.
Duffield is measured about the chances of Indigo Beat winning what is a hot renewal, but her representative nonetheless shaped encouragingly on her debut at Thirsk on May 14, when fourth behind Kocollada over five furlongs.
The Constable Burton handler feels the juvenile has physically developed in the last fortnight, but is just happy she is in contention for a race of this magnitude.
She said: “Indigo Beat ran well enough first time out and we think she’s improved a bit since, but obviously she’ll need to have improved an awful lot to be troubling one or two of these.
“I’m not saying she’s good enough to win it, and we’re probably tilting at windmills, but it’s nice to have a runner in a race like the Hilary Needler.”
Eight horses, six of whom possess winning form, have been declared for the Hilary Needler, with Grizzell (Richard Hannon) and Spin Doctor (Richard Fahey) bringing unbeaten records into the race.
Boater was only beaten a length in the Listed Marygate Fillies’ Stakes at York’s Dante meeting and has been declared by Mark Johnston, who last won the race with the mighty Attraction in 2003.
The David O’Meara-trained Coolfitch, who was seventh in the Marygate, Erica Bing (Jo Hughes), Clem Fandango (Keith Dalgleish) and Our Greta (Mick Appleby) complete the line-up.
Beverley’s well-attended ‘A Very British Raceday’ starts at 1.50pm – the first of seven races on a card which also features the Brian Yeardley Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy, won last season by French Derby runner-up First Selection.

With the flat turf racing season now in full swing, it’s all action at Ripon Races this June and it all starts with two days of ‘half-term racing’ on Wednesday evening & Thursday afternoon at Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse.

Horse Racing is the fastest growing social sporting activity and what better way than to enjoy a summers evening than with the whole family, especially as at Ripon all accompanied under 18’s get in for FREE.

Wednesday evening’s feature race is ‘The Directors Cup’ a contest for horses aged 4 y-o and upwards over six furlongs. The evening card features six races in total, with the first at 6.30pm giving punters plenty of time to get down after work. There is also live music on the evening from Leeds acoustic duo ‘Strobe’ who will be performing an array of much loved classics on the bandstand.

Thursday’s feature race is ‘The Weatherbys VAT Services Handicap Stakes’, a contest for horses aged 4 y-o and upwards over a mile. The race was won last year by the Jedd O’ Keefe trained ‘Instant Attraction’. The horse has since come second in a couple of high profile handicap’s and the race should produce yet another horse to follow for the future.

The racing continues in two weeks’ time as the nation gears up for Royal Ascot, and the North Yorkshire course is set to host their annual two-day Ladies’ Day meeting on 15th & 16th June. In fact, they even host their Ladies Day on the very same day as Royal Ascot making it the ‘Royal Ascot of the North’.

As usual at Ripon, accompanied children under 18 years of age are admitted FREE of charge into all enclosures. Tickets can be pre-booked for discounts or adult admission is available on the gates from £6 per person in the Course Enclosure, £14 in the Paddock and £22 for the Club Enclosure.

James Hutchinson, Managing Director and Clerk of the Course said:

“Evening racing at this time of year is a fantastic way to get together with friends or family. We’re looking forward to having Strobe with us for some live music; it really does set the scene for an enjoyable evening”

You can keep up to date with all the latest news and offers from the course on their social media pages, or by visiting their website.

Closing details

Ripon Races are a flat turf racecourse, one of nine racecourses in Yorkshire. They hold 17 race meetings in 2016, from April to September with a variety of evening, weekend and family fun race days.

The race meeting on Wednesday 1st June starts with the first of six races at 6.30pm with entry from 4.30pm, there is live music after racing from acoustic due ‘Strobe’.

Thursday’s afternoon racing starts with the first of seven races at 2.20pm with entry from 12.20pm.

This bank holiday Monday, Redcar Racecourse is going Willy Wonka for its Zetland Gold Cup.

One lucky winner will receive the Golden Ticket and race to VIP status on Monday, 30th May with three of their friends.

A race will be named in honour of the fortunate Golden Ticket holder and they will have the rare opportunity to present the trophy to the winning connections.

As well as this, they will all receive VIP admission and race cards, a three course meal a bottle of wine in the Voltigeur Restaurant, plus a luxury gift, all complimentary from Redcar Racecourse.

So how do you win this great prize? Anyone who pre-books tickets for the Zetland Gold Cup raceday by 4pm on Wednesday 25th May will automatically be entered into the draw to win the Golden Ticket, whether they book in person, on line or by phone.

The prize draw is in celebration of the historical Zetland Gold Cup, a one and a quarter mile Heritage Handicap race which has been going since the end of the Second World War. It attracts high profile trainers; in 2009 the race was won by Kingdom of Fife, a horse owned by Her Majesty The Queen.

Amy Fair, general manager at Redcar Racecourse said: “We’re really looking forward to The Zetland Gold Cup. I can’t wait to meet the Golden Ticket winner and give them a day to remember!”

The North East-based racecourse has also teamed up with local entertainment company Page2Stage, who will be providing a fun filled day for all the family, with popular characters from Disney’s Frozen, including Elsa, Anna and Olaf, as well as appearances from Captain America and Spiderman.

People can buy their tickets over the phone on 01642 484068 during office hours or by visiting www.redcarracing.co.uk. Grandstand admission tickets are £15 and Course Enclosure admission tickets are £5 each, which can also be purchased on the day.

Redcar Racecourse is the cheapest paid admission racecourse in the country, with its prices starting from £5 per adult with free admission for accompanied children aged 17 and under. On Zetland Gold Cup Day the admission gates will open at 11am with the first race scheduled to start at 12.45pm.

Parties of 10 or more can also save over 20% when they book their Grandstand or Course Enclosure admission tickets in advance.

There are also many hospitality options from the Dine & View package in the Crow’s Nest Restaurant, which includes admission, a racecard, food and drink.

For your chance to win the Golden Ticket competition pre-book your Zetland Gold Cup tickets over the phone on 01642 484068 or by visiting www.redcarracing.co.uk/race-meetings/monday-30th-may-zetland-gold-cup-day-bh.

The next Premier meeting after the Zetland Gold Cup will be Ladies’ Day on Saturday 18th June.

For more information visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/.

Facebook & Twitter: @Redcarracing

The month of June in the racing world is heralded by the arrival of the fourth British classic, the Derby, and then it’s all eyes on to September with the fifth and final classic of the year, the Ladbrokes St. Leger.

Doncaster’s Derby Day on Saturday 4th June pays homage to the Epsom Downs classic and is equally notable in the racing and social calendar. A packed race card at Doncaster and big screens around the course allow enthusiasts the excitement of watching the Epsom Derby live too. And, to keep the party mood going, after racing iconic 80’s band, Level 42, will take to the stage to delight racing and music fans alike.

“Derby Day at Doncaster is always a great event in our calendar and the privilege of watching the biggest race in the Investec Epsom Festival allows racing enthusiasts to watch some of the best horses and riders compete in this classic race whilst enjoying a packed seven race card live here at Doncaster Racecourse,” said Abby Chandler Marketing Manager Doncaster Racecourse.

Furthermore, racegoers will have the chance to meet Richard Dunn one of only four British fighters, and the only Yorkshire man, to grace the ring with the legendary Muhammed Ali. Richard will be available for racegoers to meet and chat to about his fantastic battle with the great Ali 40 years ago.

And, as jockeys and horses call time on another Doncaster meeting, the 80’s band Level 42 famous for hits such as Lessons in Love and Running in the Family, will evoke a party atmosphere for race goers to enjoy.

“We are delighted to welcome such a popular band which has stood the test of time and continues its wide appeal across the generations,” said Abby. “This is just one in a series of ‘Music Live’ events which we have scheduled for the 2016 season and will see some of the biggest names in music perform to the Doncaster crowd.”

Gates open at 12 noon with the first race at 13.55pm. The Investec Epsom Derby will be screened live at 4.30pm and with famous names such as Nijinsky, Seabird, Shergar and 2015 hero Golden Horn all claiming the accolade of Derby winner in the past, all eyes will be on the winning post to see who is crowned 2016 winner.

The final Doncaster race will take place at 17.40pm. Level 42 will commence their performance shortly after.

To book tickets and obtain further information visit http://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/fixture/ladbrokes-derby-day-music-live/

This bank holiday Monday, Redcar Racecourse is going Willy Wonka for its Zetland Gold Cup.

One lucky winner will receive the Golden Ticket and race to VIP status on Monday, 30th May with three of their friends.

A race will be named in honour of the fortunate Golden Ticket holder and they will have the rare opportunity to present the trophy to the winning connections.

As well as this, they will all receive VIP admission and race cards, a three course meal a bottle of wine in the Voltigeur Restaurant, plus a luxury gift, all complimentary from Redcar Racecourse.

So how do you win this great prize? Anyone who pre-books tickets for the Zetland Gold Cup raceday by 4pm on Wednesday 25th May will automatically be entered into the draw to win the Golden Ticket, whether they book in person, on line or by phone.

The prize draw is in celebration of the historical Zetland Gold Cup, a one and a quarter mile Heritage Handicap race which has been going since the end of the Second World War. It attracts high profile trainers; in 2009 the race was won by Kingdom of Fife, a horse owned by Her Majesty The Queen.

Amy Fair, general manager at Redcar Racecourse said: “We’re really looking forward to The Zetland Gold Cup. I can’t wait to meet the Golden Ticket winner and give them a day to remember!”

The North East-based racecourse has also teamed up with local entertainment company Page2Stage, who will be providing a fun filled day for all the family, with popular characters from Disney’s Frozen, including Elsa, Anna and Olaf, as well as appearances from Captain America and Spiderman.

People can buy their tickets over the phone on 01642 484068 during office hours or by visiting www.redcarracing.co.uk. Grandstand admission tickets are £15 and Course Enclosure admission tickets are £5 each, which can also be purchased on the day.

Redcar Racecourse is the cheapest paid admission racecourse in the country, with its prices starting from £5 per adult with free admission for accompanied children aged 17 and under. On Zetland Gold Cup Day the admission gates will open at 11am with the first race scheduled to start at 12.45pm.

Parties of 10 or more can also save over 20% when they book their Grandstand or Course Enclosure admission tickets in advance.

There are also many hospitality options from the Dine & View package in the Crow’s Nest Restaurant, which includes admission, a racecard, food and drink.

For your chance to win the Golden Ticket competition pre-book your Zetland Gold Cup tickets over the phone on 01642 484068 or by visiting www.redcarracing.co.uk/race-meetings/monday-30th-may-zetland-gold-cup-day-bh.

The next Premier meeting after the Zetland Gold Cup will be Ladies’ Day on Saturday 18th June.

For more information visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/.

QUEST For More – last seen in the Melbourne Cup – has been declared for the Listed weddingmates.co.uk Grand Cup at York this Saturday.

The Roger Charlton-trained six-year-old ran a belter in the famous Australian race, finishing ninth of 24 – beaten just four lengths.

Charlton, who trains at historic Beckhampton, has indicated that York’s mile and six-furlong Listed contest will be the ideal starting point for his charge, who also holds an entry for next month’s Gold Cup at Royal Ascot. Jamie Spencer will ride Quest For More for the first time on the Knavesmire.

Charlton said: “We’re looking forward to getting him back on track. Our horses have been a bit slow to come to hand and he is unsuited to soft ground, so I guess his training was a little bit behind where it should have been.

“The York race has come at a perfect time. The flat track, like Newcastle and Doncaster etc, suits him well – fast ground, if possible.

“He seems in good form, but I would expect him to just come on a bit for his first race, although he ran very well first time out last year (beaten a head at Newmarket).

“The plan is to run in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot if everything is okay after York.”

Quest For More was a major improver last season, going from an official rating of 90 to his current mark of 109. He won the John Smith’s Northumberland Plate, finished a neck second to Big Orange in the Group 2 Goodwood Cup and then signed off for the season ‘down under’.

Charlton said: “This time last year, we viewed him as a horse that was fairly high in the handicap and who, like most handicappers, every now and again hopefully was going to win his race. But he excelled and was so close in the Goodwood Cup.”

Charlton believes a trip to the Melbourne Cup is “tough for a horse” but says a 2016 return is “a possibility” for Quest For More, who did himself proud last November.

He reflected: “I was very pleased with him. He had a fairly outside draw and got himself into a good position. They perhaps, from his point of view, went too slowly and then they sprinted up the straight. He got swamped a little bit – a bit short of room – and he was running on at the end and was only beaten four lengths. It was a good trip.”

The £50,000 Titanbet.co.uk Spring Sprint is sure to be a fiercely competitive contest with sixteen declared thoroughbreds chasing the richest prize of a day with nearly £170,000 on offer.

There are four course and distance winners for the five-furlong race including Bogart who will be making his 19th appearance at York.

The seven-race card starts at 2.05pm with the seven-furlong Titanbet.co.uk Handicap in which another Knavemsire regular – Hoof It – will line up.

For Tickets PLEASE CALL 01904 620911 x225

York is back in action with the first Saturday of its seventeen day season (May 21).

As with every afternoon at York, the total prize money is into six figures, on this occasion nearly £170,000 for the seven race card.

This is the first opportunity for weekend racegoers to explore the extensive refurbishment of the Edwardian Weighing Room – the final element of the three year, £10m Northern End Development. The work over the winter has sought to retain and celebrate the heritage of the 1907 building which was home to jockeys, stewards and officials for over 100 years. In its new life as a County Stand racegoer facility, it is lighter, brighter and has more useable space. Freshly made sandwiches, picnic platters and other goodies can be washed down with a cup of tea or the track’s new range of locally brewed craft ales. True to York’s reputation, a bottle of champagne will be available from £30.

The first of six Saturday afternoon fixtures this season on the Knavesmire, the day welcomes new sponsors to York, the footwear accessory brand, weddingmates.co.uk who support the Listed Grand Cup. Returning to the day is online betting company, Titanbet.co.uk. who back a top drawer contest for sprinters, The Titanbet.co.uk Sprint, which alone has prize money of £50,000; the richest of a pair of valuable contests that carry their name.

The Yorkshire Regiment, return to put their name to a contest for maiden two-year-olds and away from the track, the Regimental Band will entertain racegoers. It is also part a racing scheme known as Plus 10 and Bobis, meaning that there is a bonus of £10,000, awarded to the winning connections if the horses are qualified.

Another maiden sponsor on the day is Federation of British Bloodstock Agents who back a competitive handicap in mid-afternoon.

The Infinity Tyres Breeders Backing Racing EBF Fillies Stakes is one of 19 races at York to also benefit from the generous support of The European Breeders’ Fund

Gentleman amateur riders have their opportunity in the final race of the afternoon, a handicap contest over seven furlongs, sponsored once again by York-based John Wright Electrical Services Ltd., who have worked on the facilities at the racecourse.

Racegoers will have the chance to get close to a racehorse as Yorkshire based equine charity; New Beginnings are bringing Harry, (a thoroughbred who raced here in 1994 using his professional name of Golden Hello) as well as his friend Meg the pony.

The relaxed atmosphere of the first weekend fixture is further enhanced with live musical entertainment provided by the Band of the Yorkshire Regiment on the Weighing Room Lawn and the Y Street Band under the Knavesmire Stand. The upbeat style of the Monotones provides the soundtrack to the late afternoon.

The totepool ‘Punters Panel’ will preview the action before racing from the winners’ enclosure, while a trio of giant screens will provide racegoers with an even closer view of proceedings on the track. Those wishing to get yet closer, can sign up for the free trips to the start on the round course.

Racegoers will be able to follow both Test Match cricket and the FA Cup Final on selected televisions around the course.

Those who want to find out more about this raceday and the season ahead can visit York’s website on www.yorkracecourse.co.uk

Continuing this month’s May Madness at Ripon Races, they are set to finish off in style this Thursday with an evening of racing and live music from ‘The Madhouse Brothers’; a collective act featuring classic ska, funk and all out madness!

The duo are not only performing in-between races, they will be playing at 9pm after racing to finish off what is set to be a fantastic evening of action both on and off the track.

Turning to the racing, the feature race of the evening is ‘The RiponBET Our Profits Stay in Racing Handicap Stakes’ a contest for 3 y-o over a mile. The card features six races in total, with the first at 6.15pm giving punters plenty of time to get to start their weekend early and enjoy the party.

The meeting is new to Ripon’s racing calendar for 2016 and is the second of six evening meetings this season at Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse. Things are really starting to hot up at Ripon as in a few weeks’ time the North Yorkshire course is set to host their annual two-day Ladies’ Day meeting on 15th & 16th June, the same week as Royal Ascot.

As usual at Ripon, accompanied children under 18 years of age are admitted free of charge into all enclosures. Tickets can be pre-booked for discounts or adult admission is available on the gates from £6 per person in the Course Enclosure, £14 in the Paddock and £22 for the Club Enclosure.

James Hutchinson, Managing Director and Clerk of the Course said:

“Evening racing at this time of year is a fantastic way to get together with friends or family. We have started to introduce a new string of great live music acts after racing and have been looking forward to the Madhouse Brothers joining us for what is set to be a real party! ”

OFFER – The racecourse are also offering £5 off entry through a SMS ticketing campaign, simply text RIPON MAY to 60777 to get £5 off either Club or Paddock admission.

You can keep up to date with all the latest news and offers from the course on their social media pages, or by visiting their website.

Closing details

Ripon Races are a flat turf racecourse, one of nine racecourses in Yorkshire. They hold 17 race meetings in 2016, from April to September with a variety of evening, weekend and family fun race days.

The race meeting on Thursday 19th May starts at 6.15pm with the gates open from 4.15pm and the last of 6 races at 8.55pm before live music from 9pm after racing by the Madhouse Brothers.

Website: www.ripon-races.co.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ripon.racecourse/

Twitter: @riponraces

For further information contact:

The Go Racing In Yorkshire team had a fabulous day doing a photo shoot to show off the amazing prizes this year’s best dressed Lady race-goer will enjoy!
Emma White, General Manager of Go Racing In Yorkshire said ‘What a brilliant day showcasing all of these amazing prizes, my favourite part of the day had to be at The Northern Racing College with the stunning ex race horse Vicentio. When he looked at the beautiful diamond ring I don’t think he was thinking it was his kind of Carat but it’s certainly mine!’

Throughout the summer the county’s nine wonderful racecourses stage their own unique Best Dressed Lady competition in which frocks, frills and fascinators share centre stage with high class equine action out on the course.

Parade rings and specially erected fashion marques become the focal point for the fashionistas, whose stylish outfits are scrutinised by sharp eyed judges before the prizes are awarded. Each individual course winner then goes forward to the Go Racing In Yorkshire final, held at Doncaster on Saturday October 22nd, when the overall winner for 2016 will be crowned.

The first Ladies’ Day of the year takes place at Wetherby’s evening meeting on Tuesday May 24th.

The prizes for the overall winner includes a luxury two night break in a Spa Suite with treatments included at the Best Western Premier Mount Pleasant Hotel, Doncaster, an exquisite diamond ring, with a value of £2,500 courtesy of loveVintagediamonds.com and a £500 voucher for leading designer boutique Yasmine of Bawtry & Epworth.

The winning lady also becomes the face of Go Racing in Yorkshire for 2017, which promotes racing at all the Yorkshire courses.

John Sexton, Chairman of Go Racing in Yorkshire adds: ‘The ladies of Yorkshire never let us down, ensuring the racecourses are awash with colour, glamour and laughter. I look forward to seeing them out in force again throughout the summer and may the best lady win.’

If you think you have what it takes to be the next ‘Best Dressed Lady Racegoer in Yorkshire’, or simply want a memorable day out, then what are you waiting for?

For more information visit: www.goracing.co.uk.

LADIES’ DAY DATES 2016
Thurs 24 May (Eve) – Wetherby
Thurs 16 June – Ripon
Sat 18 June – Redcar
Wed 3 August Pontefract
Wed 10 August – Beverley
Fri 12 August (Eve)- Catterick
Thurs 18 August – York,
Sat 3 Sept – Thirsk
Thurs 8 Sept – Doncaster

The Grand Final will be held at Doncaster on Sat 22 October 2016

Evening meetings are always extremely popular at Pontefract and the first of three this season is 80s Night on Friday Evening 27th May. With Cheryl, Mike and Jay, formerly of 80s Legends Bucks Fizz playing straight after racing, it promises to be the best 80s Night yet!
Bucks Fizz were one of the top selling British groups of the 1980s – they had 11 top 20 singles during the 1980s including ‘If You Can’t Stand The Heat’, ‘New Beginning’ and ‘Now Those Days Are Gone’. They had three massive number ones – Land of Make Believe, Making Your Mind Up and My Camera Never Lies – the first two of which made it in to the top 50 best selling singles of the decade in the UK! They sold in excess of 15 million records, spending 219 weeks in the UK charts alone!
The band will forever be associated with the Eurovision Song Contest. It is 35 years since their ‘Making Your Mind Up’ won the 1981 Contest thanks to the famous skirt ripping dance routine! The single went on to be number 1 in nine countries across the world.
On the track, the highlight is the 6 furlong £20,000 EBF Youngsters Conditions Stakes. With an impressive list of previous runners (including multiple Group winner Caspar Netscher), it always attracts some precocious juveniles looking to stake their claim for Royal Ascot glory the following month.
Constant Security Services provide the uniformed officers on duty on racedays at Pontefract and they sponsor 2 races on the card. Nakeeta, recently narrowly touched off in the Chester Cup, made his seasonal debut in the 1m 4f handicap last year but gave best to Modernism for the all conquering Richard Fahey yard.
Local computer and network specialists Alamo Business Systems sponsor the Fillies Handicap on the card for the 5th year. Always a competitive affair, the in form Godolphin team supplied the winner last year as Bittern scorched up the Ponte turf.
Solutions 4 Cleaning sponsor the opening race on the card – a 1m handicap which usually produces a big field and a notoriously tricky puzzle for punters to solve! There’ll undoubtedly be a huge roar from the crowds as the horses head in to the home straight.
The final race on the card is a Maiden race for 3 year olds, run in memory of Ron McNally who was a keen racegoer who sadly lost his battle with cancer last November. His friends and family will be out in force to raise a glass in his honour and cheer home a winner. My Call gave the Godolphin ‘Boys in Blue’ a double by powering to an easy victory in this race last year and has proven herself a very smart filly.
It’s going to be a fantastic night of great racing, laughter, music and 80s nostalgia and many racegoers will be taking advantage of the fact that the dress code is relaxed on this night when they pick out their best fancy dress outfit and hope to pick up one of the spot prizes provided by tiesplanet.com!
There are just a few of the 4000 discounted tickets still available. The Premier Enclosure badges are currently just £15 while the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure tickets are £10 – both prices include the concert after racing. Entrance tickets bought on the night will be full price (£23 and £15 respectively) so make sure you get your tickets before the night! Advance tickets can be purchased via the racecourse website at www.pontefract-races.co.uk or over the phone on 01977 781307.

NIVEN HOPING FOR RAIN FOR EIGHT-YEAR-OLD STABLE STAR

NORTH Yorkshire-based trainer Peter Niven has reported Clever Cookie to be in “good nick” ahead of Friday’s Betway Yorkshire Cup at York.

The mile-and-six-furlong Group 2, part of the British Champions Series, has attracted six classy stayers.

Clever Cookie has already shown smart form this season, finishing second on two occasions – including in the Group 3 Sagaro Stakes at Ascot two weeks ago, when he went down by a mere neck.

Niven, who trains at Clovafield Stables near Malton, is keen to bring him back to the Knavesmire where he has twice enjoyed course and distance success. But he is also keen to see some ease in the ground to guarantee Clever Cookie’s participation.

Niven said: “He is good – he seems to be progressing along nicely. But I was praying for these showers to happen.

“He is in good nick. The run at Ascot was brilliant – I thought he ran a great race. He loves it round York – he has won three times there. If he gets a strong gallop over a mile and a six, he has every chance.”

Clever Cookie is rated 113 – 5lb below the top-rated horse in the race, Second Step. The Luca Cumani-trained five-year-old already has a Group 1 prize to his name, having landed the Grosser Preis von Berlin last August.

Flying Officer is another intriguing runner in the race. Now six, he ran up a hat-trick last season, culminating with victory on British Champions Day in the Group 2 Long Distance Cup. Champion trainer John Gosden’s charge was third – half a length back from Clever Cookie – on his seasonal bow at Ascot.

Nemoralia brings American Grade 1 form into the longer of Friday’s brace of Listed races – the Longines Irish Champions Weekend Fillies’ Stakes, run over a mile.

Trainer Jeremy Noseda’s representative, rated 112, finished third at the Breeders’ Cup – and second in the Grade 1 Frizette Stakes. She is one of nine fillies set for the £45,000 contest on the Knavesmire.

Noseda said: “I am happy with Nemoralia. Her preparations have gone well. She had a racecourse gallop at Newmarket last Tuesday and I was pleased with her. She handled cut in the ground in America but I think fast ground is ideal for her.”

York’s season-opening Dante Festival continues until Friday 13 May.

WITHHOLD, an eye-catching fourth on his racecourse debut at Haydock last month, can enhance a family tradition by taking the starring role in the Justgiving.com/Marcia-Sanderson For Macmillan Maiden Stakes on Irish Day at Thirsk tomorrow (May 14).
Khalid Abdulla’s colt, trained by Charles Hills, will be out to go one better than his half-brother Three Peaks, who was representing the same team when running a cracking race to chase home red-hot favourite Famous Kid over a mile at Thirsk just two years ago.
Withhold is the only runner Hills is sending to the meeting, though the same could be said for Newmarket trainers David Simcock, who saddles Goldmember and Rae Guest, who runs Hongkong Adventure in the race.
Goldmember has finished down the field twice in competitive events at Newbury and Newmarket and better can be expected from him, while Hongkong Adventure switches to the Turf for the first time after two placed efforts on the all-weather at Lingfield and Wolverhampton.
Feature race is the £20,000 Constant Security Services Handicap over five furlongs which offers the in-form Tumblewind a chance to follow up her impressive win over course and distance three weeks ago. Richard Whitaker’s mare has won twice from five visits to Thirsk and been third on another occasion.
Irish Day is always a popular occasion at Thirsk and among the many attractions will be the Irish band Murphy’s Marbels, who will be performing in the James Herriot Hall in the Paddock Enclosure, which will be fitted out appropriately
For the youngsters there is plenty of entertainment too, with bouncy castles and a children’s play area in the family enclosure, while there will be a chance to follow the action on the big screens in the Paddock Enclosure and trackside.
Entry to the Premier Enclosure costs £25, and it’s £16 to go in the Paddock on the day while, as always at Thirsk, admission for children under the age of 18 is free, as long as they are accompanied by a paying adult and car parking is also free.

Racing gets under way with the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden Stakes at 1.45pm while the gates will be open from noon.

[ENDS]

NIVEN HOPING FOR RAIN FOR EIGHT-YEAR-OLD STABLE STAR

NORTH Yorkshire-based trainer Peter Niven has reported Clever Cookie to be in “good nick” ahead of Friday’s Betway Yorkshire Cup at York.

The mile-and-six-furlong Group 2, part of the British Champions Series, has attracted six classy stayers.

Clever Cookie has already shown smart form this season, finishing second on two occasions  – including in the Group 3 Sagaro Stakes at Ascot two weeks ago, when he went down by a mere neck.

Niven, who trains at Clovafield Stables near Malton, is keen to bring him back to the Knavesmire where he has twice enjoyed course and distance success. But he is also keen to see some ease in the ground to guarantee Clever Cookie’s participation.

Niven said: “He is good – he seems to be progressing along nicely. But I was praying for these showers to happen.

“He is in good nick. The run at Ascot was brilliant – I thought he ran a great race. He loves it round York – he has won three times there. If he gets a strong gallop over a mile and a six, he has every chance.”

Clever Cookie is rated 113 – 5lb below the top-rated horse in the race, Second Step. The Luca Cumani-trained five-year-old already has a Group 1 prize to his name, having landed the Grosser Preis von Berlin last August.

Flying Officer is another intriguing runner in the race. Now six, he ran up a hat-trick last season, culminating with victory on British Champions Day in the Group 2 Long Distance Cup. Champion trainer John Gosden’s charge was third – half a length back from Clever Cookie – on his seasonal bow at Ascot.

Nemoralia brings American Grade 1 form into the longer of Friday’s brace of Listed races – the Longines Irish Champions Weekend Fillies’ Stakes, run over a mile.

Trainer Jeremy Noseda’s representative, rated 112, finished third at the Breeders’ Cup – and second in the Grade 1 Frizette Stakes. She is one of nine fillies set for the £45,000 contest on the Knavesmire.

Noseda said: “I am happy with Nemoralia. Her preparations have gone well. She had a racecourse gallop at Newmarket last Tuesday and I was pleased with her. She handled cut in the ground in America but I think fast ground is ideal for her.”

York’s season-opening Dante Festival continues until Friday 13 May.

YORK has been a happy hunting ground for trainer Roger Varian in recent seasons and he is hoping for fresh glories on Thursday when he saddles two runners in the feature races.

The China Horse Club-owned Choreographer will be the Newmarket handler’s representative in the £160,000 Betfred Dante Stakes, the Group 2 race renowned as the leading trial for the Investec Derby at Epsom.

A son of Sea The Stars, Choreographer won on his debut seventeen days ago at Windsor, where he travelled strongly before showing an impressive turn of foot to win by two lengths.

That effort and his subsequent work at home have prompted connections to let him take his chance at Group 2 level on Thursday.

Varian said: “I have been very happy with Choreographer since his debut win at Windsor. I was impressed with his performance that day and he is entitled to have come on plenty for it.

“It is obviously a big step up from a maiden to the Dante but he is an exciting colt who we have always thought a lot of. He has shown plenty at home and we feel he deserves to take his chance in this race.”

The Betfred Dante Stakes looks a race to savour with plenty of big guns standing their ground at declaration stage. Among the twelve strong field are current Derby favourite Midterm and Racing Post Trophy-runner up, Foundation.

Trainer Aidan O’Brien has declared Listed winner, Black Sea; as well as Deauville, a Group 2 winner as a two-year-old, who will be making his seasonal bow.

Varian took the Betfred Middleton Stakes two years ago with the classy mare Ambivalent and he has high hopes for the Sheikh Mohammed Obaid-owned Lady Of Dubai in the £110,000 Group 2.

The daughter of Dubawi, now four, brings a high-drawer record from last season – most notably her third place behind Qualify and Legatissimo in the Investec Oaks at Epsom.

Varian added: “Lady Of Dubai is a high-class filly. She had smart form when she came to us and I have been very pleased with how she has trained this spring.

“The Middleton Stakes has been her planned starting point for some time and her preparation has gone smoothly. I think the trip and track at York should be ideal and we are expecting a good run from her.”

A field of eight talented fillies will face the starter including Journey, a dual Listed winner who was Group-1 placed last season and Koora, winner of the Group 3 St Simon Stakes last October when last seen in action.

York’s season-opening Dante Festival runs from Wednesday 11 May to Friday 13 May inclusive.

DANZENO will try to take advantage of a 5lb weight advantage when he renews acquaintances with Twilight Son in what is set to be a thrilling Group 2, the Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes at York on Wednesday.

The pair last locked horns in October at Ascot in the Group 1 QIPCO British Champions Sprint, won by star speedster Muhaarar. On that occasion Twilight Son was second, a length and a half ahead of Danzeno in third place.

But trainer Mick Appleby has today given an upbeat bulletin about Danzeno ahead of the five-year-old lining up in a field of twelve chasing the record prize money pot of the £120,000, down the six furlongs.

Appleby said: “He should go well. He is in good order and has grown and filled out again from last year. I expect him to run a big race.

“Looking at the race, I think we’re the one to beat in it, to be honest. As long as it stays on the quick side of good, it would be perfect for him.”

Appleby is hoping that Danzeno, a Group 3 winner to date, can make further progress in 2016.

He added: “I’ve always said he’s going to be better when he’s five and six. So I think it might be his best couple of years now.

“I’ve always thought that he’s a Group 1 horse – I’ve been quite optimistic that he could go and land one this year.”

Twilight Son, at 117, is the top-rated horse in the Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes. Henry Candy’s charge is a proven star, having landed the Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock last September, after a course and distance success in June. But the trainer feels the four-year-old may sharpen up for this first run of the campaign.

Candy said: “He has done very, very well through the winter – probably too well. He might need his first run and giving 5lb to some of these, I would think might prove too much for him. But he is in need of a run and loves York, so it’s a great place to start.

“He doesn’t show a lot in his work, he is quite lazy. But I think once he has got a race under his belt and he’s back on level terms and not giving weight away, hopefully we will have some fun. He is one who does like to get his toe in a little bit, so I would prefer a bit of give in the ground.”

Both Danzeno and Twilight Son will be making their respective seasonal bows, but one who has shown fine form in 2016 is Magical Memory – winner of the Group 3 Abernant Stakes at Newmarket. The progressive four-year-old is likely to be sent off favourite in what is sure to be a fascinating clash of classy sprinters.

York’s season-opening Dante Festival runs from Wednesday 11 May to Friday 13 May inclusive.

Following on from the success of last week’s landmark FREE FRIDAY meeting, Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse hold their first Family Day of their season this Sunday, with their annual ‘Traditional Family Fun Day’.

Complementing Ripon’s family friendly Racecourse status, the day focuses on entertainment for the family with their Traditional Family day. There will be a wide variety of FREE attractions suitable for all ages (adults included), with Punch & Judy from Professional Dan Slater, Magic shows, Face painting & Balloon Modelling, Coconut Shy and lots of other fairground rides alongside a classic brass band live on the bandstand. All of the Childrens entertainment will be located in the Course Enclosure; ensuring youngsters have a fun-packed day alongside enjoying the horse racing.

As usual at Ripon, accompanied children under 18 years of age are admitted free of charge into all enclosures. Adult admission is available from £6 per person in the Course Enclosure, or £18 (inc admission for four adults) to drive the car into the Course Enclosure – perfect for those picnics with the family.

James Hutchinson, Managing Director and Clerk of the Course said:

“Family fun days are a big part of our racing calendar and our Traditional Family Fun Day is great way to introduce the next generation of racegoers to racing at Ripon. With a coconut shy and Punch n Judy shows to name just a few of the FREE attractions for the kids, it really is the ultimate family day out”

Turning to the racing, the day features’ The M.C.H. Hutchinson Memorial E.B.F ‘Breeders Series’ Fillies’ Handicap Stakes’ a £20,000 Handicap contest for fillies and mares over the sprint distance of six furlongs, held in memory of the late Mr Michael Hutchinson who was the Managing Director and Company Secretary of the Ripon Race Company Ltd between Jan 1997 and August 2007. The afternoons feature race ‘The Ripon, Yorkshire’s ‘Garden Racecourse’ Handicap Stakes over one mile offers prize money of £22,000.

The race was won last year by Ruth Carr’s ‘Dubai Dynamo’, a regular runner at Ripon. Ruth who trains at Sillington near York is also granddaughter of legendary Yorkshire trainer David Chapman; Ruth is also hosting a fundraising hospitality event on the day as part of her fundraising to riding in the Macmillan Charity Race at York.

There are still places available for the VIP package that includes a exclusive stable visit in the morning, before taking your place in a private room with a three course meal and an opportunity to present the trophy to the winning connections of her sponsored race and select the ‘Best Turned Out’.

Tickets are limited so contact Ruth on 07721 926772 or ruth@ruthcarrracing.co.uk ASAP.

The gates on Sunday open at 12.00pm with the first of seven rates starting at 2.00pm, with live music on the bandstand from the Reeth Brass Band.

There are not many sports that allow families the option to bring their own picnic and provide free kids entrainment, so come and see what all the fuss is about and see what Yorkshire racing has to offer.

You can keep up to date with all the latest news and offers from the course on their social media pages, or by visiting their website.

Closing details

Ripon Races are a flat turf racecourse, one of nine racecourses in Yorkshire. They hold 17 race meetings in 2016, from April to September with a variety of evening, weekend and family fun race days.

The race meeting on Sunday 15th May starts at 2.00pm with the gates open from 12.00pm and the last of 7 races at 5.15pm.

Website: www.ripon-races.co.uk

Redcar Racecourse is celebrating the success of Middlesbrough Football Club in achieving promotion to the Premier League with a race named in the club’s honour on Monday 16th May. The Congratulations on Promotion Middlesbrough F.C. #UTB Novice Median Auction Stakes is the opening race on Monday 16th May, a raceday which features 7 races.
Redcar Racecourse’s general manager, Amy Fair, said: “This really is a fantastic achievement by Middlesbrough Football Club and we’ve named the first race in recognition of their success this season. We’re massive Boro fans and promotion to the Premier League will make a great difference to this area. #UTB”
The feature race is the RacingUK.com/daypass Handicap Stakes, a £10,000 Handicap contest over 5 furlongs. Monday’s card also includes a qualifying race in this season’s Pinnacle Cup Straight Mile Series, sponsored for the second year by Wynyard based Pinnacle Racing – a handicap series which culminates in a final on totepool Two-Year-Old Trophy Day on Saturday, 1st October.
There’s also a special racecard competition throughout the Pinnacle Cup Straight Mile Series, with the winner (drawn on Pinnacle Cup Straight-Mile Series Final day in October) receiving a share of racehorse syndication.
Details for Monday 16th May:
• Gates open to the public at 12 noon.
• First race 1.50pm
• Last race 5.05pm
• 7 races on the card

General admission on Monday 16th May:
• Grandstand £12; Course Enclosure £4
• Accompanied children aged 17 and under always admitted free of charge.
• Seniors and students £9 Grandstand and £3 Course Enclosure
Parties of 10 or more can also save over 20% when they book their Grandstand or Course Enclosure admission tickets in advance. There are many hospitality options from the Dine & View package in the Crow’s Nest Restaurant to racegoers’ packages including admission, a racecard, food and drink.
For more information visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/

CANDY’S ‘SON’ MAY NEED SEASONAL BOW

DANZENO will try to take advantage of a 5lb weight advantage when he renews acquaintances with Twilight Son in what is set to be a thrilling Group 2, the Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes at York on Wednesday.

The pair last locked horns in October at Ascot in the Group 1 QIPCO British Champions Sprint, won by star speedster Muhaarar. On that occasion Twilight Son was second, a length and a half ahead of Danzeno in third place.

But trainer Mick Appleby has today given an upbeat bulletin about Danzeno ahead of the five-year-old lining up in a field of twelve chasing the record prize money pot of the £120,000, down the six furlongs.

Appleby said: “He should go well. He is in good order and has grown and filled out again from last year. I expect him to run a big race.

“Looking at the race, I think we’re the one to beat in it, to be honest.  As long as it stays on the quick side of good, it would be perfect for him.”

Appleby is hoping that Danzeno, a Group 3 winner to date, can make further progress in 2016.

He added: “I’ve always said he’s going to be better when he’s five and six. So I think it might be his best couple of years now.

“I’ve always thought that he’s a Group 1 horse – I’ve been quite optimistic that he could go and land one this year.”

Twilight Son, at 117, is the top-rated horse in the Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes. Henry Candy’s charge is a proven star, having landed the Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock last September, after a course and distance success in June. But the trainer feels the four-year-old may sharpen up for this first run of the campaign.

Candy said: “He has done very, very well through the winter – probably too well. He might need his first run and giving 5lb to some of these, I would think might prove too much for him. But he is in need of a run and loves York, so it’s a great place to start.

“He doesn’t show a lot in his work, he is quite lazy. But I think once he has got a race under his belt and he’s back on level terms and not giving weight away, hopefully we will have some fun. He is one who does like to get his toe in a little bit, so I would prefer a bit of give in the ground.”

Both Danzeno and Twilight Son will be making their respective seasonal bows, but one who has shown fine form in 2016 is Magical Memory – winner of the Group 3 Abernant Stakes at Newmarket. The progressive four-year-old is likely to be sent off favourite in what is sure to be a fascinating clash of classy sprinters.

York’s season-opening Dante Festival runs from Wednesday 11 May to Friday 13 May inclusive.

THERE WILL be no need for a four-leaf clover to enjoy the luck of the Irish at Thirsk on Saturday (May 14) when a touch of the Blarney comes to the North Yorkshire track.
The Irish are famous for having fun and that will be the keynote for racegoers on Irish Day at Thirsk to match some top class action on the track.
Feature race is the Constant Security-backed sprint handicap over five furlongs for four-year-olds and upwards. With £20,000 in prize money, a competitive field looks assured.
There is a strong supporting card too backed by Irish Stallion Farms EBF, BDS Yorkshire, Wharton Construction and the Family of the late Marion Gibson Brown.
The Irish theme continues in the James Herriot Hall in the Paddock Enclosure where the Irish band Murphy’s Marbels will be performing as a bit of Dublin comes to North Yorkshire.
For the youngsters there is plenty of entertainment too, with bouncy castles and a children’s play area in the family enclosure, while there will be a chance to follow the action on the big screens in the Paddock Enclosure and trackside.
Entry to the Premier Enclosure costs £25, and it’s £16 to go in the Paddock on the day with discounts for pre-booking, while, as always at Thirsk, admission for children under the age of 18 is free, as long as they are accompanied by a paying adult and car parking is also free.

Racing is scheduled to start at 1.55pm and the gates will open at noon.

First-season trainer Owen Burrows hopes success for Fawaareq at Beverley on Tuesday can act as a springboard towards even greater gains later in the week.
Sir Michael Stoute’s former assistant this year took over at Kingwood House Stables, in Lambourn, and has already saddled Massaat into second place in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.
Burrows is braced for another big afternoon at York on Thursday when fellow Investec Derby aspirant Muntazah competes in the Betfred Dante Stakes.
Before that, though, Burrows will have his first Beverley runner when the Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned Fawaareq lines up in the High Definition Racing UK Maiden Stakes (4.00).
The trainer told www.beverley-racecourse.co.uk: “He’s not been unlucky, as such, but he’s run some very solid races already.
“I was very pleased with him at Newmarket during Craven week when he finished second in a good maiden on his comeback.
“This is a small step up in trip but I’m not at all worried about that and the ground should be ideal for him.
“Beverley’s a nice course and hopefully he can open his account on Tuesday.”
Fawaareq, the mount of Paul Hanagan, is one of seven declared runners in the seven-and-a-half-furlong maiden, with Doncaster runner-up Heir To A Throne (Kevin Ryan) and Irish recruit Haraz (David O’Meara) big dangers.
Burrows said: “It’s not easy-pickings, by any stretch of the imagination, as there are two horses in there on good marks.
“I’ve not yet saddled a winner on turf, though, so hopefully we can do it at Beverley.
“It’s going to be a very big week and hopefully we can achieve the results we want.”
The Lambourn handler reports Muntazah in top trim for his Dante date.
A convincing Leicester maiden scorer in September, the Dubawi colt further advertised his qualities when only beaten three lengths by Foundation in the Royal Lodge at Newmarket.
Burrows said: “He’s in good form and is ready to start.
“We’ve been waiting to run him on this sort of ground as he loves it fast.
“He’s out of Dubawi and the dam (Rumoush) finished third in the Oaks so I’d very surprised if he doesn’t stay.
“It’s going to be a good race, and we’ll know a lot more about him afterwards as to where we go with him this summer.”
Guineas runner-up Massaat will not run in the Irish equivalent at the Curragh on May 21 and will instead be kept on ice for the premier Classic at Epsom on June 4.
Burrows added: “He has come out of the Guineas really well and cantered first lot (on Monday morning).
“He’s fresh and fit but he won’t go to Ireland. Sheikh Hamdan would like to run him in the Derby so it’s fingers crossed we get there in one piece.”
Beverley’s seven-race card – the only domestic Flat fixture on Tuesday afternoon – is due to start at 2pm, with the £10,000 James “Doug” Norris Is 60 Today Handicap (3.30) the feature.
The official going on Monday morning was described as good to firm, with watering taking place to preserve conditions.

MIDTERM headed up the eighteen horses at Friday’s confirmation stage for next Thursday’s £160,000 Betfred Dante Stakes at York – and connections are looking forward to their impeccably-bred colt lining up in the “definitive Derby trial”.

Owned and homebred by Prince Khalid Abdulla, his dam is the six-time Group One-winning Juddmonte Farms mare, Midday. The impressive colt has won both of his career starts to date.

Trained by Sir Michael Stoute, the son of leading stallion Galileo, was victorious on his debut in a Newbury maiden last October before winning on his seasonal bow in a Group 3 at Sandown last month. He showed a good attitude in knuckling down to land the Classic Trial by a length and a half from Algometer.

It was a win that strengthened his position at the head of the market for the Investec Derby and he is currently a 3/1 chance with Betfred. But before a date at Epsom, Midterm must face the challenge of the Group 2 Betfred Dante Stakes.

The race’s reputation as the pre-eminent Derby trial was boosted again only 12 months ago when Golden Horn led home stable-mate Jack Hobbs – a result that was repeated in the Blue Riband in Surrey, making the champion the tenth winner of the Knavesmire/Epsom double.

Lord Grimthorpe, racing manager at Juddmonte Farms, said: “We were very pleased with Midterm’s reappearance in the Classic Trial at Sandown.

“He has always been a hard horse to gauge because he does very little in his homework but wakes up at the racecourse. Obviously, this is another big step for him and we are looking forward to the race.

“He will need to come on and improve. It is going to be a good test for him.

“I’ve always considered it the definitive Derby trial. You only have to look back to last year to see how true that is with Golden Horn and Jack Hobbs. But you can go back a lot further – there is a list of illustrious winners of the Dante.”

Midterm’s two wins to date have come when the going has been on the slow side and he may face a quicker surface next week after drying conditions this week. But Lord Grimthorpe feels that the colt will prove just as effective on fast ground.

He said: “He has done well with a bit of cut in the ground. He has got a very good, smooth action so I would think he would suit fast going as well.”

Workforce, for the same connections as Midterm, finished second in the 2010 Betfred Dante Stakes before going onto glory in the Derby.

Arabian Queen is the star name in the Betfred Middleton Stakes, which will also take place on the Knavesmire next Thursday. The 2015 Juddmonte International Stakes winner is amongst ten fillies and mares to remain in the Group 2 race at the latest confirmation stage.

York’s season-opening Dante Festival runs from Wednesday 11 May to Friday 13 May inclusive.

CONNECTIONS of So Mi Dar are looking forward to competing in the £100,000 Tattersalls Musidora Stakes at York on day one of the Dante Festival, Wednesday 11 May.

The John Gosden-trained filly, who runs in the colours of her owner/ breeder Lord Lloyd-Webber, is unbeaten in two starts and overcame the colts in tidy fashion in the Epsom Derby Trial last time out. That effort earned her quotes of around 6/1 for the Investec Oaks and teed up a trip to the Knavesmire for this notable Group 3, run over the extended mile and a quarter.

So Mi Dar is certainly bred to do the job. She is by none other than Dubawi and her dam, Dar Re Mi, struck three times at Group 1 level, including in the Darley Yorkshire Oaks – and finished third in the equivalent race back in May 2008.

The Lloyd-Webber pale pink silks were carried to victory in the 2012 renewal of the Tattersalls Musidora by The Fugue who was also trained by Gosden and it is the Newmarket-handler who has been responsible for three of the last six winners.

Simon Marsh, general manager of Watership Down Stud, representing Lord Lloyd-Webber, said: “We were very happy with her performance at Epsom where she beat the colts in the Derby Trial.
“We ran her there due to a lack of fillies’ conditions races and handicaps and we wanted to give her another run before going into Stakes company.
“The Musidora Stakes was the obvious next step. Her mother was third in the race and went on to be a multiple Group 1 winner.
“She will need to step up again but she is a filly we have always liked and we hope that she can run very well on Wednesday.”

Last year’s winner Star Of Seville went on to take the French Oaks and this time around the race has attracted another high-class entry of seventeen fillies. Trainer Aidan O’Brien has five entries including Pretty Perfect, a Galileo filly who was an easy winner of the Listed Salsabil Stakes at Navan on her seasonal reappearance.

A total of fifteen sprinters have stood their ground in the day’s sprint feature, the £120,000 Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes. Recent Newmarket Group 3 winner Magical Memory heads the market with Group 1 winner Twilight Son due to make his seasonal bow having won over course and distance last June.

Other intriguing entries in the Group 2 are Jungle Cat, who finished a close second in the Palace House Stakes at Newmarket last Saturday and Mattmu, trained in Yorkshire by Tim Easterby, and who finished a good third behind Mecca’s Angel in the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes last August.

York’s season-opening Dante Festival runs from Wednesday, May 11 to Friday 13 May inclusive.

TOP NORTHERN jockey Paul Mulrennan, the leading rider at Thirsk over the past five seasons, looks set to be celebrating again when the Pennine Brewery Beer and Cider Festival is held at North Yorkshire course tomorrow evening (May 7).
Mulrennan has a full book of rides on the seven-race card, but his best of the night could be Card High, his mount in the featured Elwick Stud Handicap.
The jockey boasts an impressive record on the Wilf Storey-trained six-year-old, having ridden him just three times and been a winner twice – at Newcastle and Catterick last season.
“Paul gets on very well with Card High, who has come out of his first race of the season at Catterick very well and I hope he will run another good race at Thirsk” said Storey.
But he added a note of caution, saying: “The problem these days is finding races for him. He has been a good servant to the yard over the last few years, but has risen in the weights and is now on a career high of 78, so it is not easy”.
The Elwick Stud is owned by Geoff Turnbull, who is not only a great supporter of racing at Thirsk, but also a massive supporter of the ABF, the soldiers’ charity, which will also benefit from fund-raising during the evening and has a race named its honour.
Another of the main supporting races is the Dick Peacock Sprint Handicap, which commemorates the great Middleham trainer and this looks to provide John Quinn’s Indian Pursuit with a great chance of stepping up on his seasonal debut sixth at Ripon last month.
Indian Pursuit gained in his only win so far at Catterick, on the one occasion that he was ridden by Philip Makin, who is back in the plate tomorrow.
His run in heavy ground at Ripon was very promising as conditions were particularly testing and though race winner Bossipop is in the field again tomorrow, Indian Pursuit has a 7lbs pull in the weights and can reverse the form.
This will be the first time that the Beer Festival has come to Thirsk and will be held in the Paddock Enclosure and therefore accessible to all racegoers with Paddock or Premier admission, but will not be accessible from the Family Enclosure.
Pennine Brewing Company is an 18-barrel micro-brewery based at Well Hall Farm at Well, near Masham not too far from Thirsk and they will have 16 different beers and ciders to try.
With live music from Yorkshire’s own Ezee Goin, who provide an eclectic mix of goodtimes boogie, blues and rock and covers of the classic hits from the 60’s and 70’s as well as fun for all the kids in the Family Enclosure, it promises to be a great evening for all the family.
Gates open at 3pm with a happy hour between 3pm and 4pm when there will be 50p off a Festival pint with the first race, the Pennine Brewing Craft Beer and Cider Festival Selling Stakes, due off at 5.35pm.
Entry to the Premier Enclosure costs £22, and it’s £15 to go in the Paddock with admission for children under the age of 18 free when accompanied by a paying adult.

[ENDS]

Action for the 2016 season at York Racecourse gets underway with the three day Dante Festival starting on Wednesday 11 May. With a record investment of over £1m in prize money, as well the opening of the refurbished Edwardian Weighing Room to racegoers, excitement is building for the 17 raceday season ahead on the Knavesmire.

Prize money over the three days of the Dante Festival has risen for the fifth year in succession, increasing by £45,000 this year to £1,120,000, with a Group Two on each day receiving a boost of £10,000 per race.

Wednesday’s £100,000 Tattersalls Musidora is one of eighteen races across the York season to offer a six figure sum to connections. A feature race for three year old fillies, the Musidora has proved to be a leading form indicator for the Investec Oaks with six champion fillies that have gone on to achieve Classic glory. Last year’s winner, Star of Seville, went on to land the French Oaks so becoming one of four classic winners that showcased their talents on the Knavesmire in May 2015. Typically, fillies from the Musidora return as older horses to contest the now £120,000 Group 2 Betfred Middleton Stakes on the Thursday of the Festival.

The Betfred Dante, the race that gives the Festival its name by honouring the last Yorkshire trained winner of the Derby back in 1945, is staged on Thursday. This Group Two contest, offering a prize fund of £160,000, was the highest rated three year old Group 2 in Britain in 2015 with the first two home, Golden Horn and Jack Hobbs, going on from York to land the English and Irish Derbys, respectively.

Last year also witnessed the inaugural running of a new Listed race – the British Stallion Studs EBF Westow Stakes for three year old sprinters – this year it will offer enhanced prize money of £45,000 to those seeking to follow the Clive Cox trained, Profitable.

Friday’s principal race is The Betway Yorkshire Cup, now with £160,000 on offer to the leading stayers over one mile and three-quarters, a valuable and highly-rated Group Two ‘Cup’ race. Friday’s renewal is part of the Qipco British Champions Series, the first of five York contests that are part of this special series of the top races in Britain.

Over the three days, racegoers will have the chance to explore the extensive refurbishment of the Edwardian Weighing Room – the final element of the three year £10m Northern End Development. The work over the winter has sought to retain and celebrate the history and heritage of the 1907 building which was home to jockeys, stewards and officials for over 100 years. In its new life as a County Stand racegoer facility, it is lighter, brighter and has more useable space. Freshly made sandwiches, picnic platters and other goodies can be washed down with a cup of tea or the track’s new range of locally brewed craft ales. True to York’s reputation, a bottle of champagne will be available from £30.

It has been announced that HRH The Duke of York, Patron of York Racecourse, will visit Knavesmire on Wednesday 11th May. Prince Andrew, who became Patron in 2015, will present the trophy to the winner of the Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes.

The opening race sees on-line bookmaker, 888sport, return to support a valuable middle-distance handicap contest over one mile and a quarter. Infinity Tyres continue to back York – this time by supporting a valuable handicap race over six furlongs. Conundrum Human Resources return to the venue where they provide professional services, to put their name to a competitive-looking handicap contest for three-year-olds, over seven furlongs. Novice two-year-olds take their opportunity in a contest under the European Breeders’ Fund banner, one of nineteen contests over the season to receive the generous backing of the EBF.

The Stratford Place Stud, owned by popular music impresario, Chris Wright CBE, once again supports a contest for maiden two-year-olds, the Stratford Place Stud Breeds Group Winners EBF Stakes.

A couple of Listed races for fillies are prominent on the final day and each has benefited from a boost in prize money to £45,000; two-year-olds take part in The Langleys Solicitors LLP EBF Marygate Stakes, while three-year-olds are catered for in The Longines Irish Champions Weekend Stakes, a contest over one mile supported by Horse Racing Ireland. The Betway Jorvik Stakes is a £50,000 handicap over one mile and a half. Three-year-old sprinters have their opportunity in The Ralph Raper Memorial Stakes, a handicap race over five furlongs. Fillies and mares face the starter in the EBF Stallions Breeding Winners Frank Whittle Partnership Fillies’ Stakes, backed by the firm who advised the racecourse team on the popular Northern End Development Project. Completing the twenty-one race programme is the 7IM supports Cystic Fibrosis Care Stakes, a handicap that promotes the link between the charity and the financial services firm; with £15,000 in prize money being a healthy reward as the minimum return of the week.

David O’Meara, who has relocated to his new base near York at Warthill, is seeking a hat-trick of leading trainer titles at York this season with competition again looking set to be fierce for the Charles Clinkard backed Top Trainer Trophy. Phillip Makin will be wanting to retain his leading rider title on the Knavesmire in the Living North Magazine Top Jockey Trophy.

New this season, York are pleased to be offering complimentary guided minibus trips to the start for racegoers; these will be taken by former professional flat jockey, John Murray, as another example of initiatives to further explain the sport and get racegoers closer to the action.
The giant screens at York will join the 100 plus LCD flat screen televisions in showing high definition (HD) pictures of the action; a benefit that is recently available to viewers of Racing UK for all twenty-one races.
The first day of the season will help raise funds for the Injured Jockeys Fund as another former rider, Charlie Ward, joins Anthony and Matthew Fison on a 550 mile bicycle ride between the charity’s two recuperation centres, Jack Berry House in Malton and Oaksey House in Lambourn. York is the first port of call for the trio who are seeking to give something back after Angela Fison received the support of the IJF following a fall.
The Totepool ‘Punters’ Panel’ will preview the action each day from the winners’ enclosure under the guidance of former Racing Journalist of the Year, Tom O’Ryan, who joins the York team this season.

Further details about the Dante Festival and the season ahead, please visit York’s website on www.yorkracecourse.co.uk

The perfect combination of high quality racing and top quality beers comes to Thirsk this Saturday evening (May 7) with a seven race card providing the focal point to the Pennine Brewery Beer Festival.
This will be the first time that the Beer Festival has come to Thirsk and will be held in the Paddock Enclosure and therefore accessible to all racegoers with Paddock or Premier admission, but will not be accessible from the Family Enclosure.
Pennine Brewing Company is an 18-barrel micro-brewery based at Well Hall Farm at Well, near Masham and not too far from Thirsk and will have 16 different beers and ciders to try – so patrons are advised to make sure they have a designated driver for the day!
As well as sampling some of the quality beers and ciders that have made Pennine Brewery products in demand at outlets nationwide, there will be top quality racing featuring the £8,000 GT Group Handicap over 12 furlongs.
The main supporting races are the six furlong Dick Peacock Sprint Handicap, commemorating one of the great post-war Middleham trainers and the five furlong ABF The Soldiers Charity Fillies Handicap.
With live music from Yorkshire’s own Ezee Goin, who provide an eclectic mix of goodtimes boogie, blues and rock and covers of the classic hits from the 60’s and 70’s as well as fun for all the kids in the Family Enclosure, it promises to be a great evening to suit all the family.
Gates open at 3pm with a happy hour between 3pm and 4pm when there will be 50p off a Festival pint with the first race, the Pennine Brewing Craft Beer and Cider Festival Selling Stakes due off at 5.35pm.
Entry to the Premier Enclosure costs £22, and it’s £15 to go in the Paddock with admission for children under the age of 18 free when accompanied by a paying adult.

There’s plenty of exciting sporting action coming up over the next few weeks but surely nothing is more thrilling than Ripon’s FREE FRIDAY NIGHT RACING on Friday, 6th May.

Yorkshire’s multiple award winning racecourse is gearing up for a landmark FREE evening of racing as they invite racegoers old and new and of all ages and regions to enjoy their first FREE entry race meeting.

They are literarily opening their Paddock and Course turnstile gates to the public for free with no hidden terms or catches! Ripon want to embrace the nation’s love for the sport and override the often stereotypical view that racing is for an elite group or isn’t suitable for families. Ripon very much fly’s the flag as a family friendly venue with free admission for accompanied u18’s all year round.

James Hutchinson, Managing Director and Clerk of the Course said:

“Racing can be anything you want it to be! A relaxed picnic day with family or friends, a special day out to celebrate an occasion or come with tenner in your back pocket for a few races. It really is a great day out and can be whatever you make it to be a great experience for all to enjoy”

“Whether you’re a seasoned racegoer or have never been, we’re encouraging everyone to come and join the party”

If the FREE entry isn’t enough of a reason to go along, you can pre-register on their website to be in with a chance of winning free entry to the rest of the season too.

The gates on Friday open at 3.55pm with the first of seven rates starting at 5.55pm – the free entry also gives first time racegoers the opportunity come along after a long week of work and start the weekend early! FREE entry will be available all evening, with live music on the bandstand for those who will be arriving late after work.

Ripon who are only three meetings into their summer racing season, are not new to unique and whacky initiatives. They are well known for their big crowd Saturday’s and family fun days alongside offering some of Yorkshire’s most competitive flat turf racing.

They hold their ‘Traditional Family Day’ later in the month on Sunday, 15th May when they offer FREE admission and children’s entertainment for accompanied u18’s to encourage families to enjoy the second highest attended sport for families in the UK.

There are not many sports that allow families the option to bring their own picnic, offer free entry and provide additional kids entrainment for under 18’s.

So come and see what all the fuss is about and see what Yorkshire racing has to offer.

You can keep up to date with all the latest news and offers from the course on their social media pages, or by visiting their website.

Endearing Yorkshire veteran Dubai Dynamo will make his 150th racecourse appearance in the feature event at Beverley on Bank Holiday Monday.
Trained by Ruth Carr in Stillington, near York, the 11-year-old gelding will be joined by stablemate Abushamah in the £10,000 Beverley Annual Badgeholders Handicap at 4.05pm.
Dubai Dynamo, who has earned over £350,000 in a distinguished career, dramatically won this eight-and-a-half-furlong prize by a neck in 2014 and will again by ridden by PJ McDonald.
The gelded son of Kyllachy has had a bit of a lean spell since he struck at Ripon last August, but Carr has reason for cautious optimism ahead of just his third outing on the Westwood.
She told www.beverley-races.co.uk: “He’s such an honest horse and, touch-wood, he is very sound.
“He’s got a great attitude and enjoys lots of time out in the paddock rather than on the gallops all the time.
“The handicapper has given him a bit of a chance as he started the year on a high mark, having done so well last season.
“He goes well at Beverley, as he showed when he won this race a few years ago, and PJ knows him better than anybody.
“It’s a very nice race to win and hopefully the old boy can do us proud.”
Five-year-old Abushamah, the mount of James Sullivan, is a relative whipper-snapper compared to Dubai Dynamo and was bought from out of Irish trainer Kevin Prendergast’s yard last August.
The gelded son of Nayef turned in an encouraging performance at Redcar on April 11, when second in a heavy-ground handicap over a mile, with Carr expectant of further consolidation at Beverley.
She said: “We’re still finding out a bit about him, to be honest.
“He’s a very big horse – as big a horse as we’ve got – so it will be interesting to see how he handles running at Beverley.
“If he takes to the track I’d expect him to run well.”
A strong 12-runner field has been declared for the Beverley Annual Badgeholders Handicap, with last year’s winner Rousayan in the frame for David O’Meara.
Beverley regulars Border Bandit (Tracy Waggott) and Hulcolt (Ivan Furtado) are also in the line-up, while the James Given-trained Sands Chorus and David Loughnane’s Muntadab are in good form.
May Day Raceday at the picturesque East Yorkshire circuit is due to begin at 1.45pm with the Maypole Dancers Maiden Fillies’ Stakes over a mile and a half.
Beverley racegoers will now be treated to eight races after the seven-and-a-half-furlong handicap was divided, with the finale, the White Rabbit Apprentice Handicap, due off at 5.50pm.

THIRSK HUNT CUP TAKES CENTRE STAGE

HOT ON the heels of a fantastic return of Sunday racing to Thirsk, the pretty North Yorkshire course is gearing up for one of the big days in the calendar the Thirsk Hunt Cup, highlight of a brilliant day’s racing at the track this Saturday (April 30).
The course is still buzzing after staging what was only the second Sunday fixture in its history last weekend, so the atmosphere will be perfect for what is always one of the best day’s racing at Thirsk.

Northern trainers have dominated the Hunt Cup over recent years although one notable exception was Farhh, a 5-4 winner for Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor in 2012 before going on to take on Frankel in some of the top group one races that season, including finishing second to the great horse in both the Juddmonte Internation at York and the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood.

Farrh developed into a top group one performer and in 2013 win both the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury and the Champion Stakes at Ascot in his only two outings.

The action is schedule to get underway with the first race at 1.55pm, although the gates will open at 11am.

Although there will be plenty of gripping action on the course, there will be plenty to keep the youngsters amused in the family enclosure and, as always, it will be free admission for children accompanied by a paying adult

Racegoers will be able to follow the action on the big screen opposite the Paddock.

CAPTAIN Dunne, one of the most popular sprint handicappers in the North, is poised to return to the scene of two of his most recent triumphs on Sunday.
Tim Easterby’s evergreen 11-year-old is entered in Thirsk’s feature Watch Racing UK in HD Handicap over five furlongs, one of seven contests in the racecourse’s first Sunday meeting for over 10 years.

Captain Dunne usually comes to hand early and did so last season when he won his first to races, both of them at Thirsk last May, winning at 25-1 and again at 16-1 both times in the hands of Rachel Richardson, who made it three wins when Captain Dunne scored at Catterick in July.

The veteran has been a great servant to his Great Habton trainer and has run 89 races, winning 12 of them and reaching the frame on a further 25 occasions.

“Captain Dunne has been working well and is very likely to go to Thirsk on Sunday. He is also in at Doncaster on Friday, but I am favouring Thirsk at the moment” said Easterby.

There will be six supporting races on the Thirsk card which gets under way at 2.20pm. Gates open at 11am.

With it being a Family Sunday Fun Day, the emphasis off the track is providing fun for the children, who get in free when accompanied by a paying adult. The Family Enclosure will feature a range of activities including pony rides, a Punch and Judy show, bouncy castles and a playground.

There will be a big screen on which to follow the racing, while musical entertainment will be provided by the Playlist..

MAGICAL Memory could next be seen on the opening day of the York season in the Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes on Wednesday 11 May.

The Charles Hills-trained sprint star began his four-year-old campaign with a fine win in the Abernant Stakes at Newmarket last week.

It was a performance that suggested the striking grey, owned by Kennet Valley Racing, could be a leading light among the speedsters.

The victory, by a neck, maintained his progressive profile after a fine 2015 season in which he clinched the Stewards’ Cup at Glorious Goodwood en route to finishing third in the Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock.

Now the son of Zebedee has been pencilled in for a tilt at the £120,000 Group Two sprint highlight of the three day Dante Festival.

Sam Hoskins, racing manager for Kennet Valley Racing, said: “Charlie has been really happy with how Magical Memory has come out of his win at Newmarket. I personally was very impressed with his performance that day.

“I thought that, although on paper it looked a race that was there for the taking, we knew he would need the run and could be vulnerable to something fitter first time out, especially on easy ground.

“But it wasn’t the case and he was definitely value for more than the winning margin and was vastly superior. He showed a very impressive turn of foot to put the race to bed.

“He has done very well from three to four and looks a stronger model this year. We gave him an extended winter break having had our last run at Haydock in early September. This meant he had a good long break and he really did well for it.

“Winning at Newmarket was a great start to the year and we are hopeful he can build on that at York before heading to Royal Ascot for the Diamond Jubilee Stakes.

“At this stage we would like to run in the Duke Of York although if conditions weren’t in his favour he has another entry in the Greenlands Stakes at The Curragh on Irish 2000 Guineas day (May 21). The flat six furlongs on hopefully fast-ish ground at York should really suit and he is a strong traveller which is essential at York where they always go a good gallop in sprints.

“We have been beaten three times by Twilight Son but we are getting 5lb from him and with that in our favour, I could see him running him very close.

“York is a terrific racecourse to take syndicates like Kennet Valley to. The racing is top class and the hospitality from the track is second to none.”

York’s season-opening Dante Festival runs from Wednesday, May 11 to Friday, May 13 inclusive.

Sir Michael Stoute will attempt to maintain his blistering start to the season by sending two runners to Beverley on Thursday.
The Newmarket handler has his string in especially good form for this time of the year and launches a dual assault on the seven-race card in East Yorkshire.
Arab Poet is one of five declared runners for the £11,500 Queen’s Own Yeomanry Handicap (2.50) over seven and a half furlongs, while stablemate Shabbah takes the plunge in the mile-and-a-quarter Tour De Yorkshire Starts Here Next Friday Handicap (3.50).
The former, a son of Poet’s Voice, will be making his handicap debut after having broken his maiden at the fourth attempt with a two-and-a-quarter-length success at Lingfield in October.
Bruce Raymond, racing manager for owner Saeed Suhail, told www.beverley-racecourse.co.uk: “He’s a progressive sort of horse and we think he will run very well.
“He was second to Massaat at Leicester last September and that one finished second in the Dewhurst so the form is there for all to see.
“He’s working well and though he will get further in time, we think we can get away with running him over this trip.
“It also helps that Sir Michael’s horses have been running very well.”
Raymond is also racing manager for Abdullah Saeed Al Naboodah, in whose silks Shabbah runs.
The three-year-old Sea The Stars colt takes a big step up in distance after having been campaigned over seven and eight furlongs during a winless juvenile campaign in 2015.
Raymond said: “He obviously didn’t show a great deal last season but he’s been working well and will look a lovely horse in the paddock.
“The step up in trip will help and any Sir Michael Stoute horse rated 64 has a chance.”
Ryan Moore rides the two Stoute horses and also gets the leg-up on the James Tate-trained Seafront, an encouraging sixth on her debut at Newmarket last week, in the five-furlong Beverley Minster Fillies’ Novice Auction Stakes (1.50).
Raymond, who is also responsible for owner Saeed Manana’s string, said of the young daughter of Foxwedge: “She was a bit dozy in the paddock last week, but she came out of that race with plenty of credit.
“We think she could be all right.”
Racing at Beverley – the only domestic Flat card of the day – is due to begin at 1.50pm on an afternoon in which the popular Westwood circuit celebrates the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II.
To honour the occasion, Hull Det. A (Yorkshire) Squadron of the Queen’s Own Yeomanry will be visiting the course for a reinstating of the Yeomanry race which was held many years ago.
The going at Beverley on Tuesday morning was officially described as soft, though a prolonged drying spell has been forecast in the build-up to the second meeting of the season at the award-winning course.

Ripon’s second meeting of the season takes place on Saturday (April 23) as does their anticipated St George’s Day Celebrations.

To get into the festivities, the Racecourse are offering all those named ‘George’ (or near enough) FREE entry (with valid I.D) into the Paddock Enclosure and are encouraging racegoers to dress in typical St Georges Day fashion to celebrate a good old English day at the races. There are some extra festivities booked, with face painters at the ready and a few other surprises waiting in the wings.

Added to that, this St George’s Day marks a very special centenary event as exactly 100 years ago this coming weekend, a film was made on Ripon Racecourse that recorded the people of Ripon, along with the troops stationed here at the time, holding a day of sporting fun on the Racecourse, shortly before the regiments were to leave for Flanders. The Racecourse has been working with Yorkshire Film Archive to organise a special screening as a ‘once in a century’ opportunity to commemorate those troops who fought and gave their lives in the First World War. *See additional press release attached*

The seven-race programme – set to begin at 1-50 p.m. – offers significant prize money of £130,000 with the racing highlight of the afternoon being The Download The Free Attheraces App Handicap Stakes (a £35,000 contest for stayers over two miles).

The winner of last season’s feature race, the Ed Dunlop trained ‘Trip To Paris’ went onto hit racing headlines around the globe. He went onto win the ‘Betway Chester Cup’ before being supplemented for the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot and dusting off some of the best horses in the land. He won in Caulfield, Australia before completing a stunning season finishing sixth in the Melbourne Cup.

The card also features two £25,000 races – The Visit attheraces.com/punchestown Handicap Stakes for sprinters over six furlongs and The RiponBET Our Profit Stay in Racing Handicap Stakes over one mile and a half.

James Hutchinson, Managing Director and Clerk of the Course said: “As a traditional Racecourse it only felt right to get behind the national celebrations for St Georges Day. We have some fantastic things lined up for the crowd to get into the festivities and with an attractive card of racing. it’s sure to be a day to remember. ”

“As well as the racing, the chance to honour and remember troops who were stationed in Ripon one hundred years ago, before heading off to fight at The Somme is such an important moment – and it is astonishing that we can actually see the Racecourse stands in the film, and that our race-goers on Saturday will be standing in exactly the same spot where those troops stood, one hundred years ago”

Race-goers will be able to follow all of the action on the course’s new permanent giant screen, along with the main races from the final meeting of the Jumps season from Sandown Park, including the bet365 Gold Cup Chase.

As always at Ripon, there is musical entertainment from the bandstand provided by the Wetherby & District Silver Band, and a selection of inflatables for young race-goers in the Course Enclosure (weather permitting) along with playgrounds in Course and Paddock Enclosures.

You can keep up to date with all the latest news and offers from the course on their social media pages, or by visiting their website

Wednesday 27th April is a day when Pontefract traditionally looks to the future stars of racing – it’s the 27th Annual Northern Racing College Charity Day!
The entire race meeting is unique in the fact that the body of the card sees races sponsored by William Hill, totepool, Betfred, Ladbrokes and Coral. All these bookmakers traditionally set aside their commercial rivalry on this day in order to encourage the grass roots and future of the sport.
The Northern Racing College, based just outside Doncaster, was set up in 1984 and provides a range of courses at all levels for people who are looking at the horseracing industry as a future career. It also offers those currently in the business the chance to develop their qualifications and skills.
The racing on the day also casts an eye to future stars. The opening 2yo Maiden, jointly sponsored by the EBF and William Hill is historically an informative event. Won a few years ago by the subsequent successful globetrotter, Peniaphobia, last year’s winner, Sixth Sense, went on to win at Listed level and was a regular in Group races.
The 3yo totepool Maiden also has a rich history – John Gosden’s Royal Ascot winner ‘Remote’ made his debut in this and the same trainer’s ‘Fallen For A Star’ was runner up to ‘Glan Y Gors’ in the event last year.
We’ll be on the lookout for another superstar to hit the Ponte turf this year.
Again, looking ahead to the stars of tomorrow, the card concludes with the 3rd Round of the Go Racing In Yorkshire Future Stars Apprentice Handicap. The 2015 series was won by Josh Doyle who is attached to the hugely successful David O’Meara yard. The duo teamed up to be runners up in this race last year behind Mick Easterby’s Iggy.
The £15,000 Ladbrokes Fillies’ Handicap is the feature race on the card and Luca Cumani’s ‘Pleasant Valley’ was a hugely impressive winner last year. On a strong supporting card, the Betfred Handicap over 6f also saw the first Ponte victory for Trinity Star who doubled up later in the season season.
The Racecourse Postcode Lottery gives the opportunity for anyone based in Sheffield to come racing for just £2. By registering a utility bill with the Racecourse, residents can get a ticket to the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure at the heavily discounted rate.
The Racecourse will once again be offering discounted tickets to those who book in advance – see www.pontefract-races.co.uk for more information.

SUNDAY racing returns to Thirsk for the first time in more than a decade when the course stages a Family Sunday Fun Day next weekend.
It will be only the second time in its history that a Sunday meeting will have been held at the popular North Yorkshire racecourse and to mark the event, it is being supported by Racing UK.

Britain’s foremost racing channel is giving the chance for members of the Racing UK club to purchase two tickets for the price of one. All subscribers to Racing UK have until this Friday to contact the racecourse and take up the offer.

The action gets underway with the first race at 2.20pm, although the gates will open at 11am.

As fun for all the family is the order of the day, there will be lots to keep the younger racegoers happy with pony rides, a Punch and Judy show, bouncy castles and a playground for the children in the family enclosure.

There will also be live music will be provided by The Playlist, while racegoers will be able to follow the action on the big screen opposite the Paddock.

Entry to the Premier Enclosure costs £22, and it’s £15 to go in the Paddock with children under 18 getting in free if accompanied by a paying adult.

Prominent owner Keith Brown feels he could have found “the next Top Notch Tonto” ahead of Orewa’s debut at Beverley’s first meeting of the season on Wednesday.

The two-year-old son of Helmet cost Brown 18,000 euro at Tattersalls Ireland last September and is one of eight declarations for the five-furlong Welcome Back To Beverley Novice Auction Stakes (2.35).

Brown’s silks are best known for Top Notch Tonto, the 2013 QEII runner-up who broke his maiden at the second attempt on the Westwood.

His owner, who hails from Swanland, East Yorkshire, is also expecting big things from the Brian Ellison-trained Orewa.

Brown said: “He’s the most expensive horse I’ve ever bought, but he’s such a well-bred, lovely colt.

“All Helmet colts were making around £50k to £75k but this one came out at around 1.45pm, and by that time everyone was knocking back food and drink and I was the only left in the sales hall, so I think we’ve got a bargain.

“He’s got quite a high action so I hope we don’t get too much more rain, but Beverley is obviously my local track and this looks a good race for him.

“From what we’ve seen so far, I’m hoping he could be our next Top Notch Tonto.

“He’s been working really well and is a smashing-looking horse.”

Top Notch Tonto, meanwhile, is reported in top form as the distinctive-looking six-year-old gears up for a return to the track in the bet365 Gordon Richards Stakes at Sandown on April 22.

Brown told www.beverley-racecourse.co.uk: “Tonto was really unlucky last year.

“He obviously won at York, but three other times he was beaten by such a short margin.

“We’ll start him out in the mile-and-a-quarter race at Sandown and then hopefully kick on from there.

“He’s as good as ever — Brian is thrilled with him — and I”m hoping for a big year with him.”

Beverley’s seven-race card on Wednesday is due to begin at 2pm, with the official going on Tuesday morning described as good to soft.

Feature race is the £11,500 NL Van Truck And Car Hire Handicap (3.10), won last year by 100-rated sprinter Pipers Note.

Beverley racecourse has invested over £800,000 on refurbishments in the close season, while chief executive Sally Iggulden pledged that no class five race all year will be contested for less than £6,000 in prize-money.

Horses laden with stamina are no bad thing at the best of times at Pontefract, but never more so than at the second meeting of the season at the West Yorkshire track on Monday 18th April. The Pontefract Marathon Handicap – over a testing 2m 5½ furlongs – is the longest flat handicap race run in the country and forms the second leg of the 2016 Stayers Championship in which Almost Gemini holds an early lead having revelled in the gruelling conditions at the track in the opening meeting of the year last Tuesday. Course favourites Riptide and Tuscan Gold are both likely to be back in action to settle old scores having been nip and tuck in the 2015 championship.
At the other end of the spectrum, the sprinters compete for the richest race on the card, the £20,000 Riu Palace Meloneras Handicap. Out Do took the prize for the David O’Meara yard last year before going on to Listed glory at York later in the season. RIU Hotels and Resorts, who sponsor this race, are once again generously donating an all inclusive weeks holiday for 2 people to the winner of the Best Dressed Lady Competition at the Pontefract Ladies Day on Wednesday 3rd August. This year, the lucky winners will be heading to Mauritius.
The race itself is often a pointer to a big handicap winner later in the year: 2015 Ayr Bronze Cup winner Go Far took his chance in this race last year while 2014 Ayr Gold Cup winner Louis The Pious made his reappearance in this race in 2014 and 2013 Wokingham winner York Glory won the race 3 seasons ago. It’s definitely a race to keep an eye on for the future!
Two year olds step forward for the first time at Pontefract this season in the Douglas Barraclough 80th Birthday Novice Stakes. Richard Fahey and Black Magic took the contest last year and the leading trainer from Ponte in 2015 will no doubt field a strong contingent in a bid to follow up.
Mary Hibbert will also be celebrating her 80th birthday at Pontefract on Monday and sponsors the 6f Maiden for 3yos. In what was a highly information race in 2015 as Tom Dascombe’s smart ‘Dawn’s Early Light’ was just touched off by the Richard Fahey trained Beardwood. Both of these horses will hold claims in top races this season and the race will hopefully reveal some promising horses to follow in 2016.
Those living in York can pick up a ticket for £2 for this meeting if they register for the Racecourse Postcode Lottery scheme before the day – all postcodes throughout Yorkshire will be able to get tickets to specific meetings throughout the year.

Maarek’s late-summer goal is likely to be the defence of his crown in the totepoool Beverley Bullet as racing returns on the Westwood this Wednesday.
The Group One-winning sprinter claimed the £50,000 Listed race in thrilling fashion last season and is already in contention for a significant double in Beverley’s keynote event on August 27.
County Tipperary trainer Evanna McCutcheon said: “We had a great day last year and we were really well looked after, so there’s absolutely no reason why we wouldn’t think about the Beverley Bullet again.
“Beverley’s a lovely course and even though he possibly didn’t handle the track, he got there in the end, which was great to see.
“It’s a nice prize at the right time so the Bullet is definitely on the list.”
Maarek made a pleasing return to action at Doncaster on April 2 when he finished third in the Cammidge Trophy.
And before his big day at Beverley, the gelded son of Pivotal is again likely to be sent across the Irish Sea in pursuit of more prize-money.
McCutcheon added: “We were very happy with him at Doncaster as he’s an impossible work-horse and we wouldn’t know where we stood with him, fitness wise.
“We’ll have a look at Newmarket but the ground might not be right for him, so there’s also the Naas race (Woodlands Stakes) as an option.
“He’s also entered at York (Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes), so we’ll think about that as well.
“He’ll have lots of options again, but, as always, it will depend on where the ground is best for him.
“He’s still a very good horse when things fall right — as he showed in the Beverley Bullet last year.”
Having spent over £800,000 in refurbishments, Beverley racecourse is set fair for its seven-race season opener on Wednesday, with the meeting due to begin at 2pm.
Feature race is the £11,500 N L Van Truck And Car Hire Handicap over five furlongs, which attracted 23 entries at the confirmation stage.
Even in spite of significant racecourse improvements, a commitment to prize-money remains a core value on the Westwood.
Beverley chief executive Sally Iggulden said: “Prize-money continues to be a main feature for us, and no class five race will be run for less than a £6,000 total prize fund, as we recognise the importance of this level in our sport.
“We push ahead with our quality races, and aim to increase the competitiveness of racing on the Westwood.
“An investment of over £800,000 since Christmas has seen a full refurbishment of the Attraction Restaurant, which is now comfortably amongst the best in the country, as well as upgrades to the Racecourse Lodge, car-parks and stableyard.
“It’s been all systems go this winter to make for an even better venue and sporting spectacle for our racegoers.”

The first meeting of 2016 at Ripon – Yorkshire’s ‘Garden Racecourse’- takes place on Thursday (April 14), when racing is scheduled to begin at 2-00 p.m with a contest for two-year-olds supported by both The Nag’s Head at Pickhill and The European Breeders Fund.

Ripon’s season on the Flat this summer consists of 17 days’ racing and Thursday’s programme features The Ripon ‘Cock O’ The North’ Handicap Stakes (a contest over one mile for three-year-olds) that refers to the Northern Flat Jockeys’ Championship.

The title was won last season by Tim Easterby’s retained Jockey David Allan, who was also leading Jockey at the track. Malton-based Richard Fahey was the top trainer last season at the course after an outstanding season, both competitions are based on a points system based on winners along with second and third places.

The PPR Foundation Handicap Stakes, a race for sprinters over six furlongs refers to the fund-raising efforts on Thursday of The PPR Foundation Brain Tumour Research Project, a national charity based in Harrogate. The Peter Roberts Memorial Handicap (six furlongs) is also sponsored in support of PPR Foundation. The Go Racing in Yorkshire Future Stars Series, now in its fourth year is a series of races for young riders on the flat throughout Yorkshire. Previous winners Gary Mahon, Megan Carberry and Josh Doyle have both gone onto have blossoming careers.

Race-goers will be able to follow all of the action on the course’s permanent giant screen, along with coverage of Newmarket’s Craven Meeting.

Ripon next race on Saturday 23rd April for their St George’s Day Celebrations, including FREE entry for racegoers named George. For more information please visit their website.

With the British turf flat racing season now underway, the recently crowned ‘Best Small Racecourse in the North’ is set to open their gates for the opening day of their 2016 season and a jam packed summer of action.
It’s not necessarily been a quiet winter at ‘Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse’, with substantial investments taking place around the course including a brand new 40msq LED big screen and a large resurfacing project to the front of the Club and Paddock Stands.
With 17 race meetings ahead in 2016, the Racecourse has a variety of evening, Saturday and family fun day fixtures up until September.
Ripon’s racing season starts next Thursday, 14th April with an afternoon of racing before their St Georges Day Celebrations on Saturday 23rd April. As part of their celebrations, the Racecourse are offering all those named ‘George’ (or near enough) FREE entry in the Paddock Enclosure and are encouraging racegoers to dress in typical St Georges Day fashion to celebrate a good old English day out at the races.
As part of an initiative to encourage first time racegoers, Ripon are also hosting a new FREE Friday evening fixture on 6th May – giving those new to racing an opportunity to see what racing is all about!
The course has been celebrating off the track after recently being named as ‘Best Small Racecourse in Northern England’ by the Racegoers Club, just one of three accolades given to the course in recent weeks.
The North Yorkshire course was listed in the top 12 UK racecourses as part of the Visit England Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme, the national tourism boards provide a rating that takes into account efficiency and friendliness of customer service as well as cleanliness of facilities. Ripon’s Club Dining Room was also one of three UK courses given a special award for its dining experience as part of a new RCA Excellence Accolade scheme based on Racegoers experience.
James Hutchinson, Managing Director and Clerk of the Course said: “The recent accolades are a real boost, especially with such a small team here at Ripon. We are all excited about the up and coming season with some great new initiatives lined up. We want to encourage those who have never been racing to come along and see for themselves.
You can keep up to date with all the latest news and offers from the course on their social media pages, or by visiting their website.

TOP-CLASS action is in prospect when Thirsk racecourse stages its opening meeting of the 2016 season on Saturday, April 16.

In the first of 17 meetings at the North Yorkshire track this year, a high-quality batch of middle-distance performers are expected to line up for the feature race on the card, the Eileen House 80th Birthday Handicap, over a mile and a half, for four-year-olds and upwards, which carries prize money of £22,000.

The main supporting race is the seven-furlong Michael Foster Conditions Stakes, commemorating the long-serving director and former chairman of Thirsk.

A Class 3 event carrying prize money of £15,000, the race usually attracts quality entries from several of the top Northern and Southern stables and was won last year by the Richard Fahey-trained Heaven’s Guest, who went on to win a valuable handicap at Ascot as well as finishing fourth in the listed Sky Bet City of York Stakes at York.

Racegoers will also be able to follow all the action on the big screen opposite the stands and Paddock.

As well as some thrilling racing on the track, there will be plenty of entertainment off it with music from Gary Grace, “The New King Of Swing”, while there will be plenty to keep the younger racegoers occupied with bouncy castles and a playground in the Family Enclosure.

Entry to the Premier Enclosure costs £25 (£24 if booked online), while Paddock admission can be obtained for £16 (£15 online). There are also reductions for group bookings. For more information go to www.thirskracecourse.net

Gates open at 11am ahead of the first race at 1.50pm.

Redcar’s second meeting of the season takes place on Monday (April 11), when the seven-race programme gets underway at 2-00 p.m.

The feature race is the Racing UK profits returned to racing Handicap Stakes, a £10,000 Handicap contest over one mile.

Monday’s card also includes a qualifying race in this season’s Pinnacle Cup Straight Mile Series, sponsored for the second year by Wynyard based Pinnacle Racing – a handicap series which culminates in a Final on totepool Two-Year-Old Trophy Day on Saturday, 1st October.

There’s also a special racecard competition throughout the Pinnacle Cup Straight Mile Series, with the winner (drawn on Pinnacle Cup Straight-Mile Series Final day in October) receiving a share of racehorse syndication.

Last year’s winner of the Pinnacle Cup Straight-Mile Championship Final was Father Bertie, trained near Malton Tim Easterby and ridden by David Allan.
Details for Monday 11th April:
• Gates open to the public at 12 noon.
• First race 2.00pm *
• Last race 5.00pm *
• 7 races on the card
•
General admission on Monday 11th April:
• Grandtand £12; Course Enclosure £4
• Accompanied children aged 17 and under always admitted free of charge.
• Seniors and students £9 Grandstand and £3 Course Enclosure
Parties of 10 or more can also save over 20% when they book their Grandstand or Course Enclosure admission tickets in advance.
There are many hospitality options from the Dine & View package in the Crow’s Nest Restaurant to racegoers’ packages including admission, a racecard, food and drink.
For more information visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/
Facebook & Twitter: @Redcarracing

The 2016 season looks set to arrive in style at Beverley Racecourse as the popular East Yorkshire track welcomes troops from the Queen’s Own Yeomanry to honour the monarch’s 90th birthday.
The Queen, who visited Beverley Racecourse in 2002, celebrates her 90th birthday on the 21st April, with her official birthday celebrations due to be held in June. To mark the occasion and honour one of racing’s greatest supporters, Beverley Racecourse, who are holding their second race meeting of the new season on this date, will be enlisting the help of the Queen’s Own Yeomanry.
The QOY, a Reservist Light Cavalry Reconnaissance Unit, known more specifically as A Squadron QOY or ‘Yorkshire Cavalry’, has recently returned to re-open its Hull Detachment in Halifax Barracks. After a ten year absence they hope to persuade local people to take up the unique challenge of being part of the Army Reserves. The unit enjoys close ties with the Royal Family and a historic past with Beverley Racecourse, with an annual Yeomanry race held on course until around 1950.
On the 21st April, the unit will bring three of their armoured vehicles for racegoers to get their hands on, along with serving members of the unit who will drill on the course before the specially named Queen’s Own Yeomanry Stakes gets underway at 3pm. Two riders in the traditional mounted uniform of the 1950s will escort the runners down to the start.
Before the race there will also be a sing-along of the National Anthem, led by local mezzo soprano Lucy Stabler, a graduate of Birmingham Conservatoire and an up-and-coming star.
Sally Iggulden, Chief Executive of Beverley Racecourse said:
” We are delighted to mark the 90th birthday of Her Majesty the Queen by welcoming the Queen’s Own Yeomanry to our raceday here at Beverley. The Queen is entwined in the fabric of British horseracing, and with the recent relocation of the Queen’s Own Yeomanry back to Hull, it seemed a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the occasion. Many a Royal owned racehorse has graced the Westwood, and the Queen herself visited in 2002 as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations.”
The QOY’s Recruiting Officer, Captain Timothy Miller, said:
“The Queens own Yeomanry are honoured to be invited to Beverley Racecourse to be a part of their Queen’s Birthday Celebrations. The Regiment has a strong Royal connection, not only in our title but with Prince Charles currently as our Royal Regimental Colonel. We are extremely proud of their history not only with the East Riding Yeomanry but with Beverley itself. Many of our soldiers in the past have originated from Beverley; with the re-opening of our Hull Detachment we hope to re-establish that bond with the local community.”
Tickets for the meeting start at £5 a person and will also be available to buy on the day. Beverley Racecourse’s 2016 season starts on the 13th April and runs throughout the summer, with some fabulous theme days. Early May sees the popular May Day Family Raceday, with lambs to bottle feed, face painting and a fun, friendly afternoon of racing, whilst June sees the glamorous new Laurent-Perrier Evening of the Horse with a daredevil equestrian stunt show, a polo challenge and a 6 race card.

Redcar Racecourse celebrates a cracking Easter event

Tuesday 29th March, 2016

The country’s flat turf racing season got underway as thousands of families from across the region turned out on Easter Monday for Redcar Racecourse’s first Premier meeting of the 2016 season, despite gloomy bank holiday weather.

Thousands of people flocked to the racecourse, which is the only one in the North East to appear in the top 12 racecourses in England, Wales and Scotland in The Racecourse Association’s recent Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme 2015.

Spectators were treated to eight races throughout the day and racegoers also took part in the Easter Bonnet parade, featuring Madeline Hatter and her friends Alice, the Queen of Hearts, and the white rabbit, as well as an Easter treasure hunt.

The front cover of the official racecard featured the art work of Lily-Jo Beel, aged 7 and from Redcar, who won the ‘egg-cellent’ colouring in competition.

As well as enjoying the full VIP hospitality treatment on the day, Lily-Jo presented the winning trophies to two races named in her honour, The Lily-Jo Beel Designed Today’s Racecard Cover Handicap Stakes, to the winning horses Royal Holiday and Sugar Lump.

Lily-Jo, who loved her day at the races, said: “I’m happy I won the competition as it’s been a really fun day and exciting to present to the winners of these two races.”

Redcar Racecourse’s general manager, Amy Fair said the day was a great success despite the weather and was thrilled to see the racing season get off to such a great start.

She said: “Easter Monday was our first meeting of the season following our refurbishment, and it was marvellous to see so many racegoers enjoying their day at the races and really getting into the bank holiday spirit.”

The annual event, included local acts from performing arts company Page2Stage who delivered a wonderful fun-filled day for families from across the region. The Easter egg hunt was a tremendous success with some fantastic efforts in the Easter bonnet parade too.

This is the first of seven exciting Premier meetings for Redcar Racecourse over the 2016 racing season.

The next Premier meeting at Redcar Racecourse is the Zetland Gold Cup Day on May 30th, the bank holiday Monday at the end of May.

There are many hospitality options from the Dine & View package in the Crow’s Nest Restaurant to racegoers’ packages including admission, a racecard, food and drink.

For more information about the Teesside racecourse, visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/.

Facebook & Twitter: @Redcarracing

2016 premier meetings:
 Bank holiday Monday 30 May – Zetland Gold Cup day;
 Saturday 18 June – Ladies’ Day;
 Sunday 17 July – Helps For Heroes Family Fun Day;
 Saturday 6 August – Caribbean Carnival day;
 Saturday 27 August – Ladies’ and Gents’ Evening;
 Saturday 1 October – Seasonal climax with the £175,000 Tote Two Year Old Trophy, the Listed Guisborough Stakes and the final of the Pinnacle Racing Straight Mile Championship Series.

BIG GUNS SET SIGHTS ON YORK’S RENOWNED DERBY TRIAL

FOUNDATION and Midterm, who are Betfred’s 12/1 market leaders for the Investec Derby, are both among an impressive eighty-eight strong entry for the Betfred Dante Stakes, to be run at York on Thursday 12 May.

The £160,000 Group 2 – recognised by many as the premier Derby trial – has attracted 19 more entries than at the same stage 12 months ago. The 2015 renewal saw Golden Horn and Jack Hobbs finish first and second – just as they did the following month at Epsom.

That pair were saddled by John Gosden and the Newmarket-based trainer is represented by no fewer than 10 colts at the initial entry stage this season.

One of those is Foundation, who was a high-class two-year-old. He landed the Group 2 Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket before finishing a luckless third in the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy. Foundation already has a clutch of big-race entries for the season ahead and Gosden said: “He is coming along fine.”

Sir Michael Stoute is no stranger to success in the Dante Stakes – he has so far sent out six horses to win the mile and quarter race. Stoute has given the entry to four horses this time around, including Midterm.

The beautifully bred son of Galileo, out of multiple Group 1-winning mare Midday, caught the eye when scoring on his debut at Newbury last October. Stoute indicated that no plans have been set in stone for him yet but said: “I am happy with the colt.”

Trainer Aidan O’Brien’s Ballydoyle powerhouse is responsible for no less than twenty-one of the entries. Godolphin are also strongly represented, by fourteen horses.

Trainer Hugo Palmer, has nominated two from his growing operation – Mengli Khan and Galileo Gold. The latter, who proved himself very good when winning the Group 2 Vintage Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, is set to have a Guineas as his main spring target – but stable-mate Mengli Khan may contest the Dante. Palmer is expecting his charge to bounce back this season from a below-par effort in the Racing Post Trophy.

He said: “Mengli Khan was disappointing at Doncaster but the ground was too soft for him. He has done really well over the winter. He is a full-brother to Very Special who is now a multiple Group winner in Dubai. I think a mile and a quarter will be at least his trip, so the Dante is a possibility.

“Galileo Gold’s season is to start in a Guineas. Because he wants a little more give in the ground than he is possibly likely to get here in Newmarket, the plan, really for quite a long time, has been the French Guineas.”

Trainer Marco Botti has entered Mr Khalid, a Nottingham maiden winner by a wide-margin. This unexposed son of Pour Moi may be asked to prove himself worthy of a Dante spot with a handicap outing at Newmarket’s Craven meeting in a fortnight’s time.

Botti said: “He has done tremendously well over the winter. Physically, he’s a different horse to last year – much stronger and he has grown.

“I hope to maybe start him in the mile and a quarter handicap at the Craven meeting to see if he could be a potential Group horse. Whether he is up to that level, we will take it step by step and find out.”

York’s season-opening Dante Festival runs from Wednesday, May 11 to Friday, May 13 inclusively.

BETFRED MIDDLETON STAKES ON THE AGENDA

TWO-TIME Group 1 winner Covert Love could start off her 2016 campaign in the Group 2 Betfred Middleton Stakes at York – ahead of taking on the colts.

Trainer Hugo Palmer has outlined an exciting plan for the Darley Irish Oaks heroine that includes Thursday May 12’s mile-and-a-quarter race on the Knavesmire.

Covert Love was one of the stars of last season, also winning over course and distance in late May, then the Group Prix de l’Opera and finishing a neck second to Pleascach in the Darley Yorkshire Oaks at York. Her only two reverses from seven races in 2015 came when there was some ease in the ground.

The likelihood is the four-year-old Azamour filly will be kept to quicker surfaces this term with top targets such as the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, Eclipse Stakes and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes under consideration.

The Breeders’ Cup in November could also on be the agenda for Palmer’s stable star, who is one of twenty-six entries for the £120,000 Betfred Middleton Stakes.
Newmarket-based Palmer said: “Covert Love is in great form. She looks fantastic – she’s much bigger and stronger than she was last year.

“She’s got an entry in the Middleton. She runs well at York. Granted a decent racing surface, I would have thought we’d be turning up at the Middleton – she won’t run before.

“I’d like, at some point, to have a go at the colts. If we don’t run in the Middleton that means we’d be taking on the colts first time…we might have to go to the Prince of Wales’s first time, the Eclipse or even the King George.”

Palmer added: “I’d like her to go to Santa Anita for the Breeders’ Cup. She is a Group 1 winner over 10 and 12 furlongs – the world’s her oyster.”

Palmer is also aware of the quality of this season’s older fillies and mares’ division, which includes Arabian Queen – winner of the 2015 Juddmonte International Stakes at York last August.

She has a Betfred Middleton Stakes entry as does Euro Charline who ran brilliantly to finish second in the $6million Group 1 Dubai Turf at Meydan on Saturday. Trainer Marco Botti’s five-year-old charge also has options in Hong Kong and a Lockinge Stakes entry.

Botti said: “I need to discuss with Team Valor (owners of Euro Charline) which route we will go. Ideally, I would like to stick with a mile but a mile and a quarter on a flat track like York might be an option. She came back from Dubai on Monday. She battled on and it was a great run.”

York’s season-opening Dante Festival runs from Wednesday, May 11 to Friday, May 13 inclusively.

BETWAY YORKSHIRE CUP ATTRACTS STRONG FIELD

TRAINER Charlie Hills looks to have a strong hand for the Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes, which will be staged on the opening day of York’s 2016 season –Wednesday 11 May

The £120,000 Group 2 contest has attracted an exciting initial entry of forty- eight, including three from Hills’ powerful stable at Lambourn.

Hills enjoyed a stellar year in the sprint division last year – thanks in the main to four-time Group 1 and York winner, Muhaarar. The Oasis Dream colt has since been retired to stud, but Hills still looks to have a clutch of speedsters to contend in the key races once again.

Strath Burn and Magical Memory – second and third in the Group 1 Haydock Sprint Cup – and Listed winner Cotai Glory all look capable of making their mark among the fastest sprinters of 2016.

Hills said: “We are looking to go straight to the Duke of York with Strath Burn. He is well. Magical Memory is coming along and I think we shall look to run him somewhere before York.

“I have also entered Cotai Glory in the Duke of York. We are also looking at running him somewhere before and we shall know more then.

“We are some way off but I am happy with how they have all wintered.”

Haydock Sprint Cup hero Twilight Son could renew acquaintances with Strath Burn and Magical Memory at York over six furlongs. Another intriguing entry is the John Gosden-trained three-year-old Shalaa, who won the Group 1 Prix Morny and Middle Park Stakes last season.

Two other notables to mention are the 2015 Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes heroine Mecca’s Angel and Bobby’s Kitten, who was a Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner in 2014. The latter named had his first start for trainer Dermot Weld on Monday when he won a Listed race at Cork by eight and a half lengths!

The highlight on day three of the Dante Festival, Friday 13 May, is the £160,000 Betway Yorkshire Cup. The Group 2 contest, run over the Ebor handicap trip of a mile and three-quarters, has been won in recent years by the likes of Red Cadeaux (2012) and Gospel Choir (2014).

The latter is among this year’s twenty-eight strong entry, which also features emphatic Group 1 Irish St Leger winner, Order of St George and Kingfisher, who chased home Trip To Paris in last year’s Gold Cup at Royal Ascot. Both colts represent trainer Aidan O’Brien who has yet to saddle a winner of this prestigious prize.

Top Yorkshire-based handler, Richard Fahey, saddled Glen’s Diamond to win the Betway Yorkshire Cup three years ago and he has made an entry for the Dr Marwan Koukash-owned Suegioo. The 2014 Chester Cup hero put up a solid effort to be fourth in the Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan last weekend.

York’s season-opening Dante Festival runs from Wednesday, 11 May to Friday 13 May 13.

• RCA Announces results of 2015 Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme
• Accredited by Visit England and Visit Scotland
• 16 racecourses awarded RCA Excellence Accolades
• All racecourses accredited as ‘good’ or better
Go Racing In Yorkshire is very proud to announce that 5 of the Yorkshire race courses are in the top 12 of the Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme 2015.
Now in its seventh year, the scheme allows every racecourse to be assessed and rated by VisitEngland and VisitScotland against other attractions in Britain.
The top twelve in England and Wales for 2015 (listed alphabetically) were:
Ascot, Bangor-on-Dee, Beverley, Carlisle, Chester, Doncaster, Goodwood, Haydock Park, Newbury, Redcar, Ripon, York
The national tourism boards provide a rating that takes into account efficiency and friendliness of customer service as well as cleanliness of facilities. Once again all racecourses scored the minimum rating required to be classed as ‘good’. Collaborating with VisitEngland and VisitScotland allows racecourses to benchmark against other attractions, ensuring that standards of customer experience remain high in the face of such competition.
The RCA Excellence Accolades aim to reward those who achieve exceptionally high marks in specific areas of their assessment. There are six categories in total covering all aspects of the racecourse experience. Beverley’s Terrace and Cleverly’s Bar and Goodwood’s 1812 Bar secured an Accolade for bar area. In the Quality Café/Restaurant section Kempton Park’s Panoramic Restaurant and Ripon’s Club Dining Room were deemed Accolade worthy.
The 2015 Accolade Awards are as follows:
Fast Food Outlet – Musselburgh, York
Bar Area – Beverley, Goodwood
Lovely Loos – Ayr, Chelmsford City, Doncaster, Musselburgh, Hamilton Park
Visitor Information & Signage – Ascot, Bangor-on-Dee, Chester, Huntingdon, Uttoxeter
Quality Café/Restaurant – Kempton Park, Ripon, Musselburgh
Staff Customer Service – Newbury
RCA Chief Executive, Stephen Atkin, said: “Once again our racecourses have demonstrated that they stand up well when compared to other attractions across Britain. We are very proud of the service and value for money that all of our racecourses offer and this is backed up by the results from VisitEngland and VisitScotland.
“Our partnership with both tourism boards allows us to offer customers a guarantee of quality whenever they visit a racecourse. The results show that racecourses large and small can all compete on the same level when it comes to quality and that is one of the unique attractions of British racing.”
Pam Foden, Head of Industry Development at VisitEngland said: “Our racecourses are incredibly popular, both for visitors at home and from abroad. The Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme is an excellent way for racegoers to feel confident that a day at the races will be a quality experience that meets, and in many cases exceeds, expectations.
The RCA Excellence Accolades reflect the high standards of quality found at racecourses across the country, recognising the wonderful ways that racecourses are going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure racegoers enjoy their day out.”
Emma White, General Manager of Go Racing In Yorkshire, said:
‘This is a huge achievement for so many of the Yorkshire tracks to be recognised for their endless efforts to provide a top class experience.’
ENDS
For more information please contact Will Aitkenhead – will.aitkenhead@racecourseassociation.co.uk or 01344 873536

Notes to editors
The RCA is the trade body representing 58 of Britain’s racecourses.
Criteria for RCA Excellence Accolades:
• Fast Food Outlet – achieve 90% or higher in ‘Retail & Concessions’ (full section), Staff (Retail & Concessions only) and a 5 rating for ‘Retail & Concessions Cleanliness’

Ripon Racecourse has today received a national RCA Excellence Accolade for its Club Dining Room.
It also takes its place for the first time amongst the top dozen racecourses in the country, according to the VisitEngland assessment scheme.
The national tourism boards provide a rating that takes into account efficiency and friendliness of customer service as well as cleanliness of facilities. All racecourses scored the minimum rating required to be classed as ‘good’. Collaborating with VisitEngland allows racecourses to benchmark against other attractions, ensuring that standards of customer experience remain high in the face of such competition.
For the RCA Excellence Accolades, there are six categories covering all aspects of the racecourse experience, with Ripon securing an Accolade for its Club Dining Room Restaurant in their Club Stand. Ripon stand alongside Musselburgh and Kempton who have also received the award out of 59 Racecourses in the UK.
RCA Chief Executive, Stephen Atkin, said:
“Once again our racecourses have demonstrated that they stand up well when compared to other attractions across Britain. We are very proud of the service and value for money that all of our racecourses offer and this is backed up by the results from VisitEngland and VisitScotland.”
“Our partnership with the tourism board, it allows us to offer customers a guarantee of quality whenever they visit a racecourse. The results show that racecourses large and small can all compete on the same level when it comes to quality and that is one of the unique attractions of British racing.”
Pam Foden, Head of Industry Development at VisitEngland said:
“Our racecourses are incredibly popular, both for visitors at home and from abroad. The Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme is an excellent way for racegoers to feel confident that a day at the races will be a quality experience that meets, and in many cases exceeds, expectations.
The RCA Excellence Accolades reflect the high standards of quality found at racecourses across the country, recognising the wonderful ways that racecourses are going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure racegoers enjoy their day out.”
Managing Director at Ripon Racecourse, James Hutchinson, said:
“We are delighted to be recognised in this way. It is a great tribute to all of our staff and racecourse partners who have worked very hard to achieve this result. It gives us another target to work towards during the forthcoming season

Doncaster Racecourse has been named as one of the top UK racing venues in a national awards scheme.

Every year the Racecourse Association (RCA) publishes a list of the top racecourses in England, Wales and Scotland via its Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme, which is run in partnership with tourism bodies VisitEngland and VisitScotland.

Now in its seventh year, the scheme allows every UK racecourse to be assessed and rated against other tourism attractions.

The RCA has published its latest findings for 2015, with Doncaster listed in the top 12 UK racecourses and awarded the coveted RCA Excellence Accolade. The Town Moor venue also received a five-star rating for the cleanliness of its lavatories and was commended in the “Lovely Loos” section of the awards.

Kieran Gallagher, executive director at Doncaster Racecourse, said: “We are thrilled to receive this national recognition, which reflects the outstanding work of our valued employees. We strive to offer top-class customer service to the thousands of racegoers who pass through our turnstiles each year.”

The national tourism boards provide a rating that takes into account efficiency and friendliness of customer service as well as cleanliness of facilities at each of the racecourses. By working with VisitEngland and VisitScotland, racecourses can benchmark against other attractions to ensure that they are meeting high standards of customer service.

The RCA Excellence Accolades aim to reward those who achieve exceptionally high marks in specific areas of their assessment. There are six categories in total covering all aspects of the racecourse experience.

Stephen Atkin, RCA chief executive, said: “Once again our racecourses have demonstrated that they stand up well when compared to other attractions across Britain. We are very proud of the service and value for money that all of our racecourses offer and this is backed up by the results from VisitEngland and VisitScotland.

“Our partnership with both tourism boards allows us to offer customers a guarantee of quality whenever they visit a racecourse. The results show that racecourses large and small can all compete on the same level when it comes to quality and that is one of the unique attractions of British racing.”

Pam Foden, head of industry development at VisitEngland, said: “Our racecourses are incredibly popular, both for visitors at home and from abroad. The Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme is an excellent way for racegoers to feel confident that a day at the races will be a quality experience that meets, and in many cases exceeds, expectations.

“The RCA Excellence Accolades reflect the high standards of quality found at racecourses across the country, recognising the wonderful ways that racecourses are going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure racegoers enjoy their day out.”

For further information about Doncaster Racecourse or to book tickets call 01302 304200 or go to www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk.

Seeyouatmidnight will step up to three miles for the £32,000 Grade Two totepool Towton Novices’ Chase (2.45pm), the highlight of action-packed afternoon at Wetherby on Medieval Day, Saturday, February 6.

Trained by Sandy Thomson, Seeyouatmidnight laid down a marker for the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March when jumping and galloping his rivals into submission in the Grade Two Dipper Novices’ Chase over just short of two miles and five furlongs at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day.

A winner at Grade Two level over hurdles at a furlong short of three miles, the eight-year-old was third to Silsol on his chasing debut over two and a half miles at Carlisle in November but reversed that form emphatically when scoring by 13 lengths at Kelso over nearly three miles on December 6.

Thomson, who is based in Berwickshire in the Scottish Borders, said today: “Seeyouatmidnight has come out of Cheltenham great and we are really happy with him.

“We had a bit of a nightmare with the weather last week. We managed to get a couple of bits of work into him but not much in between.

“I was absolutely delighted with him at Cheltenham. He is a hard horse to pass and given the type of horse he is I always hoped he was capable of a performance like that.

“It looks like it will be another good race at the weekend but we have got to be hopeful. My only slight concern would be really testing ground because I don’t want him to have a real slog this close to Cheltenham. You just worry that a hard race might take the edge off him. The forecast seems to a bit drier down there so hopefully conditions won’t be too bad.”

Also among the entries are Grade Two scorers Southfield Royale (Neil Mulholland) and Native River (Colin Tizzard), who were second and third to Tea For Two in the Grade One Kauto Star Novices’ Chase over three miles at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.

Brian Ellison has entered Definitly Red, runner-up to Irish raider Black Hercules at Warwick last time out, while Nicky Henderson may run Doncaster runner-up Vyta Du Roc. Classy mare Bitofapuzzle (Harry Fry) and Dipper Novices’ Chase second Blaklion (Nigel Twiston-Davies) are also engaged.

First run in 1996, the Towton Novices’ Chase commemorates the Battle of Towton, a major conflict in the Wars of the Roses which was fought 10 miles from the racecourse on Palm Sunday in 1461.

Those attending Wetherby on Medieval Day will find themselves stepping back in time with living history re-enactments, a medieval kitchen, birds of prey and live music among a number of demonstrations.

The seven-race card gets underway at 1.00pm and concludes at 4.30pm with The Aunt Bessies Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race, which celebrates National Yorkshire Pudding Day on Sunday, February 7.

Tickets can be purchased at www.wetherbyracing.co.uk. Accompanied children aged 17 and under are admitted FREE.

Winning the Go Racing in Yorkshire Apprentice Future Stars Series has been
the highlight of 2015 for me and I have to thank the trainers and owners
especially Dave O Meara for giving me the opportunities to ride these
horses. I would also like to thank the sponsors of the series Go Racing in
Yorkshire and White Rose Saddlery.

I have been offered a twelve week fitness and training course for apprentice
jockeys at Jack Berry house in Malton. This is a fantastic facility and the
staff are brilliant I think we are very lucky to have such a facility in the
North of England.

2016 has started off well I have had my first winner on Jebediah Shine at
Chelmsford, she is just a great filly she gives it her all every time and
Dave and her owners have been very supportive. I am looking forward to the
2016 season and hopefully I will have plenty of winners.

Newmarket handler could be represented at York by Ajman Bridge and Mount Logan

TRAINER Luca Cumani will seek to add to his impressive list of successes at York this Saturday when he will target the 56th running of the John Smith’s Cup, with either Ajman Bridge or Mount Logan – or possibly both.

The Italian has struck gold in many of York’s top races, including the Betfred Ebor, the Darley Yorkshire Oaks and the Juddmonte International Stakes.

But Cumani has yet to land the famous extended mile and a quarter handicap – a matter he plans to address this weekend.

Ajman Bridge, a son of Dubawi, was last seen finishing second to Saturday’s likely rival, Arab Dawn, in the Duke of Edinburgh Handicap at Royal Ascot. He had previously finished third to subsequent Old Newton Cup winner Notarised, in a handicap at the Dante Festival and on form he looks to have a strong chance of giving the Newmarket-based trainer a first win in the race.

Stable-mate, Mount Logan, also has strong claims to land the bulk of the £150,000 pot, following a solid fourth in the Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot. He was beaten just a length and a repeat of that effort would see him in with a decent chance.

Cumani said: “We have yet to finalise plans and at this stage both could run or we may just run one.

“Both horses ran excellent races at Royal Ascot and seem in very good form at home.

“It may be that they both are better over a mile and a half but ten furlongs in such a competitive race where there is a good pace should be fine for them. They have good form and would both go there with a chance.

“It would be a great race to win – many moons ago I won the race but was disqualified. It would be very nice to win it.”

The £150,0000 John Smith’s Cup now has 44 in it after the confirmation stage with market leaders Lightning Spear and Arab Dawn standing their ground.

Ever since it was first run in 1960, the John Smith’s Cup has had a story to tell and 2014 saw Andrea Atzeni claim success for the second year running.

Who will prevail in the 56th renewal and land both a bumper prize and a unique Wedgwood trophy? The last winning favourite was the Walter Swinburn-trained Fairmile, successful in 2006 under Adam Kirby at odds of 6/1.

The support of the Tadcaster brewer makes this the longest running sponsorship on the Flat anywhere in the world and the event is one of Yorkshire’s finest. In addition to the day’s feature there are also six other races on the card including two Listed contests in the John Smith’s Silver Cup and the John Smith’s City Walls Stakes.

The latter looks set for a full field after attracting 24 entries, including last year’s winner Take Cover and the evergreen Kingsgate Native, winner of the 2007 Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes.

The two-date meeting gets underway on Friday with the first of a seven-race card off at 1.45pm.

For Tickets and more information PLEASE CALL 01904 620911 x225
Or visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk

Locals are being encouraged to support the Armed Forces at Redcar Racecourse’s Help For Heroes Family Fun Day this month.
The annual event on Sunday 19th July will support Help for Heroes, The Royal British Legion and The Felix Fund, a bomb disposal charity based in Catterick Garrison.
Thousands of families from across the North East are expected to attend what is set to be a fantastic day out including bouncy castles, climbing walls, assault courses, and the Crow’s Fair funfair.
There will also be a parade along the final furlong of the racecourse by the armed service standard bearers, which will culminate in a two minute silence to remember all those who have served in the forces. Serving and former armed service personnel are welcome to join in the parade that will take place immediately after the 3.05pm race.
The parade will be led by Eric Howden, who was a member of the Royal Army Ordinance Corps, serving in Germany and Singapore.
Eric commented: “This is a very important year for the armed services, being the 200th anniversary of the battle of Waterloo, the 100th anniversary of the Somme, the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and the 70thanniversary of VE and VJ days. It’s a very unique year for our armed services!
“We know the public will come out in force to support the vital work of the chosen forces charities.”
A number of serving and former armed service personnel will be at the event including members of the Royal Logistics Corps, the Yorkshire Regiment, the Merchant Navy, the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, and the Royal Artillery.
Any serving or former military personnel wearing their medals with an MOD90 card or HM Armed Forces Veteran badge will get free entry into the racecourse on the day in recognition of their service.
The charities will be fundraising at Redcar Racecourse, and members of the armed forces attending will have the opportunity to present winning connections with their prizes.
Amy Fair, general manager of Redcar Racecourse commented: “We can’t wait for the Help For Heroes Family Fun Day! It’s always a proud day for us, supporting such good causes.”

The raceday is the second day of the Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival and all accompanied children aged 17 and under can come racing for free.
For a chance to win VIP tickets the racecourse is also running a prize draw on its social media accounts. A winner will be randomly selected and will enjoy a day to remember with friends or family.
The remainder of the 2015 season at Redcar has three other feature racedays; Caribbean Carnival Day on 8th August, Ladies’ and Gents’ Evening on 29th August and the famous Two Year Old Trophy on Saturday 3rdOctober.
There are many hospitality options from the Dine & View package in the Crow’s Nest Restaurant, to racegoers’ packages including admission, a racecard, food and drink.
Parties of 10 or more can also save over 20% when they book their Grandstand or Course Enclosure admission tickets in advance.
For more information visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/
For more information on Help for Heroes visit http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/
For more information on the Royal British Legion visit http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/
For more information on the Felix Fund visit http://www.felixfund.org.uk/

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