Yorkshire racing enthusiasts are bracing themselves for an exciting week as the Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival is nearly upon us.
Starting at Ripon on Saturday, July 20, there will be 10 race meetings, over nine days at eight different racecourses, culminating in an exciting finale at Pontefract on Sunday, July 28.
Sponsored by Sky Bet, the festival, now in its 12th year, continues to grow, along with the enthusiasm for the event.
“It’s been great working with the Yorkshire racecourses who have made this festival a fantastic success. Together, we have grown it and it’s good fun. Each racecourse has something different going on and it’s a fabulous showcase of the different Yorkshire courses.” Said Michael Shinners, Head of Sports PR at Sky Bet.
“The dates conveniently fall in the school summer holidays so families can come,” continued Michael. “They can take picnics into some areas of the courses and with the different activities on offer it creates a fun chilled out atmosphere.”
Throughout the week, the title for leading trainer and leading jockey will be fiercely contested with some great prizes on offer. The leading trainer award is sponsored by Goldsborough Hall, the former residence of HRH Princess Mary and now a privately-owned historic house and gardens that you can visit, dine and stay in.
“We know how important racing is to Yorkshire and are delighted to sponsor the leading trainer award at the Summer Festival.” Said Clare Oglesby, who, along with her husband Mark, owns Goldsborough Hall.
“Legend says that the Byerly Turk, recognised as one of the founding stallions, is buried on the estate so our connections to the racing industry are very strong.” Enthused Clare.
Sky Bet also sponsor the leading jockey prize, the winner of which receives £1,000 plus a £500 donation to charity.
And it’s not just action on the track during the week as Jack Berry House, the injured jockeys’ rehabilitation centre in Malton opens its doors to the public for an open afternoon on Tuesday, July 23.
“We are very important to the racing community in Yorkshire, playing our part in the recovery of injured jockeys and racing staff in the area. In addition, our gym is available to all those involved in racing, as well as access to our expert staff who can help with fitness, physio and nutrition.” Said Jo Russell, Resident Manager of Jack Berry House.
The open afternoon, which starts at 1.30pm will give visitors the opportunity to have a tour of the centre, take part in some jockey training activities and artefacts from Malton Museum’s exhibition of the horse will also be on show.
At 3.30pm there will be a screening of the film Seabiscuit, the legendary American horse that raised the hopes of the Americans through the difficult depression era and is based on a true story. Tickets will be limited and cost £7.50 each. They need to be booked through Go Racing in Yorkshire by contacting charlotte.russell@goracing.co.uk.
