Some welcome sun greeted crowds at Pontefract racecourse on Wednesday, May 1st, as racegoers attended the National Horseracing College Charity Day. The first race was round three of The Go Racing In Yorkshire Future Stars Apprentice Handicap, supported by White Rose Saddlery.
Only five runners were declared for the sprint race over five furlongs, on the soft ground, but it could turn out to be an important race in the series, as all five riders had previously scored points.
Princess Karine, the favourite looked an absolute picture and won the best turned out horse award, chosen by Peter Barker, a Go Racing In Yorkshire Season Ticket holder.
After a very even break, Princess Karine was pushed into the lead by William Pyle and she simply extended her lead all the way to the line. The battle was on for the minor placings and Westmorian finished five and a half lengths back in second under Sam Feilden, with Impressor filling third spot for Archie Young.
This was a fitting win for William who is a National Horse Racing College graduate, giving something for the many students in attendance to aspire to. It elevates him to second place on the leader board with 24 points, however Sam Feilden’s nine points for second place were enough to keep him at the top with a total of 27 points.
The next round takes place at Wetherby on Tuesday 11th June.