There’s fun for all at the annual Press Family Sunday at York Races this weekend (Sunday September 7), including a seven-race thoroughbred card worth over £100,000; featuring the third running of the Betfred Garrowby Stakes, a Listed race for sprinters. Plus, the return of children’s favourite, Peppa Pig, to the Knavesmire.
This year the only Sunday of the season sees the final chance for young riders to qualify for the Grand Final of the Charles Owen Pony Racing Series, as the track hosts what is effectively, the semi-finals.
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 16’s 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 £12. 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 a smart casual being the advice.
The action on the track begins at 1-00 p.m. with a couple of races, the respective final qualifiers in the 2014 Charles Owen Pony Racing Series, showcasing the talents of the next generation of riders.
Racing under rules starts at 2-00 p.m. with The Judith Marshall Memorial Stakes – a Nursery Handicap for two-year-olds. Sprinters take part in the afternoon’s feature race, The Betfred Garrowby Stakes, this is the third running of this Listed race which alone offers prize money of £37,000. It will be 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 Castles UK Educational & Residential Furniture Stakes (a handicap contest over two miles). The sporting action includes a chance for those in their first season on the track in The Minster Alarms Irish Champions Weekend EBF Maiden Stakes for two-year-olds and for the experienced and so familiar handicappers in The Barkers Garage Stakes – a race over one mile and a quarter.
The upcoming jockeys are again in the spotlight when they compete in The Coopers Marquees Apprentice Stakes. This race is Round 7 of nine races in the ‘Go Racing in Yorkshire’ Future Stars Apprentice Series – now in its second year – which culminates in a Final at Doncaster in November. Coming into this race, North Yorkshire-based rider, Megan Carberry (42 points) has a clear lead from Joe Doyle, Claire Murray and Alistair Rawlinson, who are all on 24 points. With 18 points for a win, there’s everything to play for.
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. There will also be a demonstration of how to saddle him up.
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.
With just three racedays to go in York’s 2014 season, the competitions for both the Living North Top Jockey at York and the Charles Clinkard 90th Anniversary Top Trainer are gathering pace. The 55th John Smith’s Cup-winning jockey, Andrea Atzeni is ahead on eight winners in the riders’ category, just one head of locally-based rider, Danny Tudhope, who is defending this award. North Yorkshire-based trainer, David O’Meara is seeking to retain his first title at York, having recorded eight winners so far this year on the Knavesmire.
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.