The longest race of the afternoon, the 28th renewal of The Phil Bull Trophy, a Conditions contest for stayers over two and a quarter miles, is named after one of the legends of the turf, the late Phil Bull, who founded the renowned Timeform Organisation, the respected racing form specialists based in Halifax. The original headquarters of Timeform was at Hemsworth near Pontefract. Mr. Bull, who passed away in 1989, had a long affinity with Pontefract racecourse, it being the first course he visited as a boy and where his famous ‘cerise, white circle’ colours were first carried to victory as an owner. 

The Phil Bull Trophy is the penultimate race in this season’s Pontefract Stayers’ Championship which comprises all of the races for stayers at the course. Going into Monday’s race, New Youmzain has a narrow lead in the competition, and there’s everything to play for as the Championship concludes on October 20 – Pontefract’s final meeting of 2014 – and the owner, trainer and stable staff of the horse accumulating the most number of points will each receive a trophy and £1,000. 

Maiden two-year-olds take part in the opening race, a contest supported by The European Breeders’ Fund in conjunction with British Stallion Studs, while the afternoon’s most valuable race is The £40 totepool Package on 20th October Handicap Stakes – a £15,000 contest for three-year-olds over one mile. 

Annual Badges for the 2015 season at Pontefract will be on sale, while the racecourse’s ‘Postcode Lottery’ £2 promotion for Monday’s meeting concerns those living in the HD (Huddersfield) area. See the racecourse’s website for details. 

The giant screen situated opposite the main stands will enable racegoers to follow all of the action.