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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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