There’s fun for all at the annual Press Family Sunday at York Races this weekend (Sunday 10 September), including record prize money for a seven-race thoroughbred card worth £132,000.

The feature race, the Listed Betfred supports York against Cancer Garrowby Stakes has increased in value by 25% to a record £50,000.

Another returning favourite to the day is children’s favourite, Paddington, who will make appearances at intervals throughout the day on the Knavesmire.

The only Sunday of the season sees the return of the Conditions Series Finals as young riders take part in the Charles Owen Pony Racing Series.

It is a full day out for both the novice and regular racegoer and those under 18 years of age will be admitted free of charge into all enclosures, though the under 16s will need to be accompanied. Continuing from the previous years is the popular offer of a single admission combining both the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure with the Course Enclosure for just £13. This will enable racegoers bringing a traditional picnic into the Course Enclosure to enjoy their lunch and then take advantage of the special ‘picnic hamper cloakroom’ and then cross over the track to see the horses close up in the Parade Ring and sample the facilities on the stands side.

Also, for this special family meeting, the County Stand dress code is relaxed, with smart casual being the advice.

The action on the track begins at 12.50pm with a couple of races, the respective finals in the Conditions category of the 2017 Charles Owen Pony Racing Series, showcasing the talents of the next generation of riders.

Racing under rules starts at 1.55pm with a race that will be especially poignant for both crowd and participants as it is an apprentice contest that remembers Tom O’Ryan, a much missed figure in Yorkshire racing. As well as being the voice of the Parade Ring at York, racing correspondent for both the Racing Post and York Press; Tom was a widely respected mentor to the young riders, who shared his long time, home town of Malton.

The card also remembers two regular York racegoers as the families and friends of both Judith Marshall and Peter Sutton; give their support to races carrying their names.

Sprinters take part in the afternoon’s richest race, The Betfred supports York against Cancer Garrowby Stakes, this is the sixth running of this Listed race run over six furlongs. The same distance as The Hanson Springs Stakes – a handicap contest for three-year-old sprinters. Stayers have their opportunity in The Transcore Limited 27th Anniversary Stakes (a handicap contest over two miles). The sporting action also includes a chance for those who specialism is the middle distance as Coopers Marquees return to support their second race of the season of the season, over the mile and a quarter trip.

The ongoing support of the European Breeders’ Fund is recognised in a pair of contests, part of their generous twenty-one race backing of the action at York of the season.

The opening contest for the upcoming jockeys is part of the ‘Go Racing in Yorkshire’ Future Stars Apprentice Series – now in its fifth year – which culminates in a Final at Doncaster in November. Coming into this race, Connor Murtagh continues to lead overall by five points from Clifford Lee, with Seamus Cronin fourteen points behind the leader in third, but with three rounds to go, there are still enough races in hand for the situation to change.

The Racing Interactive Zone will offer the chance to ride a virtual racehorse, to try on racing silks, question our experts and enter a colouring competition. Meanwhile, Harry the racehorse is a retired star of the track waiting to meet racegoers.

For those of all ages, the funfair is back for this meeting. Bouncy castles are also located around the course, along with a wide array of entertainments for the family. There’s also the ever popular face painting.

‘Tommo’ – well-known broadcaster, Derek Thompson will share his knowledge of the sport. Listen out for his racing guide and be ready to say hello and see yourself on the big screens as he roams the stands.

Three-course Sunday lunches are being served from noon or you might want to enjoy a fresh sandwich on one of the many lawns; whatever your culinary choice, a great afternoon awaits.