The inaugural ‘Art of Racing’ Raceday won an award at the prestigious Showcase Awards in 2016 for it’s unique innovation and the second of our Art of Racing Racedays in 2019 takes place at Pontefract on Tuesday 9th July. It once again promises to be a brilliant day for both racing fanatics and those going racing for the first time as the race meeting celebrates everything we know and love about The Sport of Kings!
For those who think they know a bit about racing, the Racecourse are looking for 7 guest tipsters to preview one race each on the day. These form experts will then visit the course on the day to share their knowledge to other racegoers before their race takes place! Pontefract are also looking for those with a keen eye for the horse to join them to pick out the Best Turned Out Horse in each race as well. If you’d like to be considered for either of these roles, please contact the Racecourse on 01977 781307 or email info@pontefract-races.co.uk. Spaces are limited.
There will also be a beginner’s commentary booth for people to have a go at commentating on a race ‘behind the scenes’ – everyone taking part will be able to take home a recording of their commentary! With bus trips to see the starts down at the start as well, it’s going to be a fun packed day with plenty going on!
The feature on the track is the Weatherbys General Stud Book Pipalong Stakes – named after one of the best northern sprinting fillies in recent years. The race always produces a decent filly or mare as it’s the last opportunity for the fairer sex to gain Listed ‘black type’ over this trip. Indeed, the role call of former winners includes the likes of Chorist, Red Bloom and Gifted Girl who all went on to compete at the highest level. The 2018 winner was Clon Coulis for the David Barron team who went on to win another Listed race at Ascot last year before being agonisingly beaten a nose in the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot in June.
The meeting kicks off with The Dianne Nursery handicap for 2-year olds. It’s one of the first handicaps for 2 year olds to be run in the country in 2019. The 2018 winner Octave took the contest last year ½ length from William Haggas’ Red Hut Red.
The Pontefract Sports and Education Foundation hold a charity event throughout this day and three of the races on the card are sponsored by their supporters. Sochall Smith Chartered Accounts, Pontefract Squash & Leisure Club and Atlas Leisure Homes Ltd are all fervent supporters of the foundation who aim to promote the advancement of education and sport amongst the underprivileged and disadvantaged in the Pontefract and District area.
There’s a varied supporting card including the 35th running of the £15,000 King Richard lll Stakes Handicap. The race commemorates the granting of a Royal Charter to the Borough of Pontefract in 1484 and the successful owner will receive a perpetual challenge trophy provided by Pontefract Civic Society. Ower Fly and Watchable fought out the finish in 2017 with Ruth Carr’s inmate getting the verdict.
The Racecourse Postcode Lottery gives the opportunity for anyone based in the Leeds area to come racing for free. By sending a stamped addressed envelope to the Racecourse, residents with an ‘LS’ postcode can get a ticket to the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure free of charge