The tenth running of The totepool Pontefract Castle Stakes (a Listed Race) and The totepool.com Pontefract Cup are the twin highlights of Pontefract’s seven-race programme this Sunday (June 22) – the first of the course’s trio of Sunday meetings this summer. There’s a host of attractions for young racegoers, with the emphasis on producing exciting, competitive racing on the track, along with an entertaining and informative day out for the family. 

There’s greyhound racing prior to the first race and the first 500 people into the course will each receive a spot prize. 

Contested over one mile and a half, The totepool Pontefract Castle Stakes offers prize money of £40,000 – making it one of the most valuable races of the season at Pontefract. Brown Panther, owned and bred by former England footballer, Michael Owen, has won the last two runnings of this race. Brown Panther has won both of his races so far this season – Group 3 races at Chester and Sandown Park.

 Stayers take part in The totepool.com Pontefract Cup, a Handicap race over two and a quarter miles. This race is the fourth of eight in this season’s Pontefract Stayers’ Championship, which is led by both New Youmzain and Suprise Vendor. The Series incorporates all races over two miles or more at the course and is now in its eleventh year. There are bonuses of £3,000 and trophies to the connections of the horse which heads the table in October, based on a points system accrued according to wins and places obtained during the series. 

Another feature race on Sunday is The totequadpot Four Places In Four Races Handicap Stakes, a £20,000 contest over one mile and a quarter, as the whole of Sunday’s card is supported by totepool, which along with parent company Betfred, comprise one of the biggest sponsors of racing in the UK. 

The gates open at 11-30 a.m., with the first race taking place at 2-10 p.m. 

The giant screen situated opposite the main stands will assist racegoers to follow all of the action during the afternoon, while musical entertainment is provided by The Coventry Corps of Drums. Yorkshire-based ‘New Beginnings’ will bring along a former racehorse for children to meet and there are rides for youngsters along with face painting and free sweets – while stocks last! There’s also a ‘Hunt The Golden Horseshoe’ competition for a sweets hamper provided by ‘Sugar Rush’.

 As usual, accompanied children under 18 years of age will be admitted free of charge into all enclosures. A special Family Ticket can be purchased in advance for £20 into the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure.