The action at Pontefract next Thursday (September 25) is set to start at 2-20 p.m. with The British Stallion Studs EBF Strawberry Hill Maiden Stakes, a contest for two-year-olds over six furlongs – the first of the pair of races supported during the afternoon by The European Breeders’ Fund.

The afternoon’s feature race is The Simon Scrope Dalby Screw-Driver Handicap Stakes over one mile and a quarter offering prize money of £20,000. It’s the 22nd running of this race, and for the fifth time, it bears the name of a former chairman of Pontefract racecourse, the late Simon Scrope, who passed away in March 2010. The rest of the race title draws attention to an oil painting of 1826 by the celebrated equine artist, David Dalby of York, who specialised in depicting racing and hunting scenes, along with horse portraiture. This particular painting, which is owned by the race company, shows ‘Screw-Driver’ – owned by Mr. Flintoff Leatham and ridden by Captain W. Healy of the 7th Hussars – winning The Badsworth Cup at Pontefract on March 29 1824. Former Derby and St. Leger-winning rider, Mickael Barzalona partnered Ennistown to victory in last year’s race.

 The normal raceday packages are available to pre-book, while Racing UK subscribers can gain half-price admittance into the Grandstand & Paddock enclosure and discounted entry into the Park Suite on production of their metal badge. 

The racecourse’s ‘Postcode Lottery’ £2 promotion for Thursday’s meeting concerns those living in the Halifax (HX) area. See the racecourse’s website for details. 

The giant screen situated opposite the main stands will enable racegoers to follow all of the action.