The second Family Day of the 2015 season at Pontefract is also the final day of the 8th Annual Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival on Sunday 26th July. 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 next win on the leader board as they aim to be top dog in their respective Championships sponsored by JCT600 and Goldsborough Hall.
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.
On the track, Sky Bet support the main race on the card – the 1 mile Listed Pomfret Stakes. The race was won in scintillating fashion last year by David O’Meara’s Custom Cut who went from strength to strength winning 2 Group 3s and a Group 2 race after his Pontefract victory. He is competing at the very highest level this season and we’re extremely proud that he picked up this race on his way to the top. His name was added to a rich roll of honour of previous winners of this £45,000 race.
If high speed is your thing, then there are 2 races for the ultimate speedsters. Tiesplanet.com sponsor the main supporting race – the £15,000 6f Handicap, while Sandal BMW support the 5f Handicap that rounds off the card. These races were blitzed by sprint training champions Les Eyre and David Nicholls in 2014 and they’ll no doubt be lining up a couple of their stablemates to tear up the turf this year.
The Graham Rock Memorial handicap remembers one of the BBCs racing team and the first editor of the Racing Post. A successful owner, he teamed up with his great friend Sir Mark Prescott to win the John Smith’s Cup and Cambridgeshire with Pasternak in 1997. Sir Mark often tries to get a horse ready to run in this race and it may be worth keeping an eye on the final declarations for a Heath House runner!
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!