Thousands of racegoers from across the North East attended the Totepool Two Year Old Trophy Day this weekend, as the racecourse showed its support to those affected by the mothballing of SSI.
Redcar racecourse took centre stage on Saturday as over 3,700 people, including politicians, attended the highly anticipated race day.
The racecourse ran races under the Save Our Steel name, to show its support for SSI steelworkers.
Labour’s MP for Redcar, Anna Turley, presented the trophies to both of the Save Our Steel race winners, stating it was an honour to be asked to present the prizes.
Ms Turley said: “I’m really grateful for the support from Redcar Racecourse. Both the racecourse and SSI are at the heart of the Redcar community and it’s a fantastic show of support and solidarity from the racecourse team.
“This is sending a strong message saying that we want to keep steelmaking alive in the region.”
The six furlong feature race, Totepool Two Year Old Trophy – and its accompanying £150,000 prize – was won by Log Out Island, owned by Godolphin and trained by Richard Hannon of Marlborough.
Viewers from across the UK and Ireland tuned in to the highlight of the Autumn racing season as the feature race, – one of eight races on the cards – was broadcasted on Channel 4 Racing and Racing UK (Sky 432).
Redcar Racecourse’s general manager, Amy Fair, said: “The Totepool Two Year Old Trophy Day is always a fantastic race day for everyone involved and I’m pleased to say that this year has been another great success.
“Alongside the top quality racing, we wanted to show our support for local people and those supporting the Save Our Steel campaign. By naming races after the campaign, on our most prestigious race day of the season, we helped to highlight the battle that numerous locals are facing.
“Overall, it was a brilliant day and although it was our last feature meet of the season, we have three more race meetings remain this season, and we’re already looking forward to what promises to be another exciting year at Redcar in 2016.
Racegoers also got into the Halloween spirit as Page2Stage brought Monster High characters – the good, the bad and the ghoulish – to the race day in celebration of all things spooky.
While Saturday was Redcar’s last feature day of the season, there are three more regular meetings to come before this year’s events close on Friday 16th October, Monday 26th October, and Tuesday 3rd November.
There are many hospitality options from the Dine & View package in the Crow’s Nest Restaurant, to racegoers’ packages including admission, a racecard, food and drink.
Parties of 10 or more can also save over 20% when they book their Grandstand or Course Enclosure admission tickets in advance.
The next feature meeting will be the Easter Monday meet on Monday 28th March 2016.
For more information and to buy tickets online visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/race-meetings