The Weatherbys VAT Services Pipalong Stakes – a £40,000 Listed race over one mile for fillies and mares – is the highlight of Pontefract’s seven-race programme on Tuesday (July 9), when racing is scheduled to begin at 2-30 p.m.

The tenth running of the Pipalong Stakes is sponsored by Wellingborough-based Weatherbys Group, a company which provides administrative and commercial services to the British racing industry. Abandoned last year because of a waterlogged track, this race which should attract a quality turnout, in particular horses trained in Newmarket. Past winners include Law Of The Range, Off Chance, Red Bloom and Chorist.

Sprinters take part in The King Richard III Handicap Stakes and The Dianne Nursery Handicap Stakes, both races contested over six furlongs. The 29th running of The King Richard III Handicap Stakes – offering prize money of £12,000 – commemorates the granting of a Royal Charter to the Borough of Pontefract in 1484 and the successful owner will receive a perpetual challenge trophy provided by Pontefract Civic Trust, and given extra meaning this year after the discovery of the Monarch’s remains in Leicester, while The Dianne Nursery Handicap Stakes is one of the UK’s first handicap races of the season for two-year-olds.

Three-year-old sprinters take part in the second running of The Jeff and Margaret Smith Memorial Handicap Stakes, a contest over five furlongs which commemorates two racegoers from Castleford who passed away in 2010.

 Tuesday’s concluding race, The Three Score years And Ten Handicap Stakes for three-year-olds over one mile is supported by annual badge holders, Mr.& Mrs. Reek to celebrate Julie Reek’s 70th birthday.

The giant screen, situated opposite the track, will show all of the action.