Catterick stages competitive action over Jumps during the forthcoming holiday period, with meetings on Saturday, December 28 and New Year’s Day, Wednesday January 1, as the course sees out the Old Year and welcomes in the New Year. Racing on both days begins at 12-30 p.m. (gates open at 10-30 a.m.)
Racing on Saturday is scheduled to begin at 12-30 p.m. The most valuable race is The Come Racing New Year’s Day Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase over two miles, offering prize money of £15,000. Racegoers arriving early will be offered mulled wine and mince pies.
Saturday’s card is part of the inaugural Go Racing in Yorkshire Winter Festival which concludes at Doncaster the following day (December 29).There’s a chance to win an overnight stay for two at The Crown Hotel Bawtry along with tickets to Sky bet Chase Day at Doncaster in January in a special racecard competition during the Festival and the leading trainer and jockey competitions during the Festival are supported by Raithwaite Hall Estate near Whitby. Racegoers have the opportunity to have their picture taken in a full-size Snow Globe during the Festival. There’s also a preview of the afternoon’s racing in the winners’ enclosure, while former jockey, Niall Hannity will provide Paddock commentaries prior to each race.
The highlights on New Year’s Day Wednesday (First Race 12-30 p.m.) are the two £11,000 chases – a Handicap Chase over two miles and three furlongs and a Beginners’ Chase over the extended three miles and one furlong.
As usual, the giant screen will enable racegoers to see even more action on the track, including The Welsh Grand National from Chepstow on Saturday and the big races from Cheltenham on New Year’s Day. Car and coach parking is free, while accompanied children under 18 years of age are admitted free of charge. In addition, there’s a popular new indoor play area for youngsters in the Course Enclosure.