The second Family Day of the 2017 season at Pontefract on Sunday 30th July is also the final day of the 10th 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!