York is back in action with the first Saturday of its seventeen day season (May 21).
As with every afternoon at York, the total prize money is into six figures, on this occasion nearly £170,000 for the seven race card.
This is the first opportunity for weekend racegoers to explore the extensive refurbishment of the Edwardian Weighing Room – the final element of the three year, £10m Northern End Development. The work over the winter has sought to retain and celebrate the heritage of the 1907 building which was home to jockeys, stewards and officials for over 100 years. In its new life as a County Stand racegoer facility, it is lighter, brighter and has more useable space. Freshly made sandwiches, picnic platters and other goodies can be washed down with a cup of tea or the track’s new range of locally brewed craft ales. True to York’s reputation, a bottle of champagne will be available from £30.
The first of six Saturday afternoon fixtures this season on the Knavesmire, the day welcomes new sponsors to York, the footwear accessory brand, weddingmates.co.uk who support the Listed Grand Cup. Returning to the day is online betting company, Titanbet.co.uk. who back a top drawer contest for sprinters, The Titanbet.co.uk Sprint, which alone has prize money of £50,000; the richest of a pair of valuable contests that carry their name.
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. It is also part a racing scheme known as Plus 10 and Bobis, meaning that there is a bonus of £10,000, awarded to the winning connections if the horses are qualified.
Another maiden sponsor on the day is Federation of British Bloodstock Agents who back a competitive handicap in mid-afternoon.
The Infinity Tyres Breeders Backing Racing EBF Fillies Stakes is one of 19 races at York to also benefit from the generous support of The European Breeders’ Fund
Gentleman amateur riders have their opportunity in the final race of the afternoon, a handicap contest over seven furlongs, sponsored once again by York-based John Wright Electrical Services Ltd., who have worked on the facilities at the racecourse.
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 musical entertainment provided by the Band of the Yorkshire Regiment on the Weighing Room Lawn and the Y Street Band under the Knavesmire Stand. The upbeat style of the Monotones provides the soundtrack to the late afternoon.
The totepool ‘Punters Panel’ will preview the action before racing from the winners’ enclosure, while a trio of giant screens will provide racegoers with an even closer view of proceedings on the track. Those wishing to get yet closer, can sign up for the free trips to the start on the round course.
Racegoers will be able to follow both Test Match cricket and the FA Cup Final on selected televisions around the course.
Those who want to find out more about this raceday and the season ahead can visit York’s website on www.yorkracecourse.co.uk