Yorkshire Jockeys Horse Racing

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‘Medieval Day’ at Wetherby this Saturday (February 1) celebrates one of the feature races of the season at the track, The totepool Towton Novices’ Chase (a Grade 2 contest for stayers), a race named after the nearby Battle of Towton in 1461 – acknowledged as the bloodiest battle ever fought on English soil – a major conflict in the ‘Wars of the Roses’
 
Saturday’s seven-race programme begins at 1-00 p.m. and the Medieval theme to the afternoon includes a living history re-enactment group showcasing archery, falconry, a medieval kitchen and music from the era.
 
A special ‘1461 Package’ – bookable in advance – includes Paddock Enclosure admission, racecard, a £2 tote bet, a pint and a bap from the Hog roast.
 
 Supported once again by totepool, The Towton Chase has an impressive roll-call of winners, such as Wayward Prince, Weird Al, Kornati Kid, Heltornic, Ollie Magern, Royal Emperor, Keen Leader, Arctic Camper, Kadou Nonantais, Escartifigue and Mr. Mulligan (who went on to be the 1997 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner). Last year’s winner, Goulanes, competed in this season’s Welsh Grand National at Chepstow.
 
Totepool also put their name to three other races, including a valuable Handicap Chase over the extended two and a half miles. while the opening race is The Wilmot-Smith Memorial Novices’ Hurdle – a contest which commemorates brothers Nick and Pat Wilmot-Smith – long-standing directors of the Wetherby Steeplechase Committee. In fact, the late Nick Wilmot-Smith served on the racecourse committee for 59 years and was chairman between 1968 and 1996.
 
The CGA Foxhunter Trial Open Hunter Chase over three miles and one furlong is also featured, providing a link to The CGA Foxhunter Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
 
A giant screen, situated opposite the main stands, will enable racegoers to enjoy even more of the action, including Betfred Day from Sandown Park.
 
There’s a free shuttle bus service between Wetherby Bus Station and the racecourse from 11-30 a.m., operating every 20 minutes. The bus will run shuttles on the return journey up to an hour after the last race (due off at 4-30 p.m.).