York is back in action with the first Saturday of its seventeen day season this weekend (May 31). As with every afternoon at York, the total prize money is into six figures, on this occasion over £160,000 for the seven-race card.

 The first of six Saturday afternoon fixtures this season on the Knavesmire, the day welcomes new sponsors to York, the online betting company, BetBright. A top class contest for sprinters, The BetBright Trophy, which alone has prize money of £50,000; is the first of three valuable contests to receive their backing. 

Pattern race action comes in the form of The Stowe Family Law LLP Grand Cup, a £40,000 Listed race for stayers, a race that has foretold Royal Ascot winners. Once again supported by one of the UK’s largest specialist family law firms, with offices and solicitors in London, Yorkshire and Greater Manchester; this year’s renewal will be used to help raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK, a good cause particularly close to Senior Partner, Marilyn Stowe. 

The first phase of the Northern End Development Project, comprising of a new pre parade ring, new saddling boxes, improved vet facilities and a new wash down area will see their first weekend action. Racegoers have even better viewing of the pre parade ring under the new configuration.

 The Yorkshire Regiment, return to put their name to a contest for maiden two-year-olds and away from the track, the Regimental Band will entertain racegoers.

 Another returning supporter, Infinity Tyres, also back a race for horses still seeking their first success on a racetrack. The European Breeders’ Fund also supports both these maiden contests, being amongst eighteen races at York to benefit from their generosity.   

Fresh from their involvement at the Dante Festival, the team behind the inaugural Irish Champions Weekend, support a handicap race over one mile and a half. Racegoers can win a VIP trip to be at both Leopardstown and the Curragh racecourses in mid-September. 

Gentleman amateur riders have their opportunity in the final race of the afternoon, a competitive handicap contest, sponsored once again by York-based John Wright Electrical Services Ltd., who work on matters electrical at the Knavesmire.

 Racegoers will have the chance to get close to a racehorse as Yorkshire based equine charity; New Beginnings are bringing Harry, (a thoroughbred who raced here in 1994 using his professional name of Golden Hello) as well as his friend Meg the pony. 

The relaxed atmosphere of the first weekend fixture is further enhanced with live ‘foot stomping’ music also provided by Murphy’s Marbles, who entertain racegoers in the large courtyard by the Knavesmire Stand.

 As the track looks forward to hosting the start of Day Two of the Grand Départ on Sunday 6 July, there is the chance to win tickets to be back at York to see the spectacle that is the Tour de France. Racegoers just need to name the winner of the two feature races, a feat achieved by just one lucky person during the Dante Festival.  

The totepool ‘Punters Panel’ will preview the action before racing from the winners’ enclosure, while a quartet of giant screens will provide racegoers with an even closer view of proceedings on the track. 

Those who want to find out more about this raceday and the season ahead can visit York’s website on www.yorkracecourse.co.uk