Thirsk stages 15 fixtures during 2022, starting this Saturday with a seven-race card followed by the world’s most famous steeplechase, The Grand National, being shown on big screens.

The action on the North Yorkshire track comes thick and fast for the rest of the year, with highlights including the prestigious Fitzdares Thirsk Hunt Cup – first run in 1859 – taking centre-stage on Saturday, April 30.

Sky Bet Irish Day, on Saturday May 14, is always popular, with plenty of racegoers happy to enter into the Irish spirit by dressing up, enjoying traditional music, and toasting family and friends with a pint of Guinness or two.

And for parents wondering how to entertain the kids during the summer holidays, the Big Top comes to Thirsk Racecourse on Friday, August 5 when Circus Family Day will feature circus-skills workshops, bouncy castles, face-painting, and balloon modelling.

Before the children go back to school, there’s All Creatures Great and Small Family Day on Friday, August 26. Celebrating Thirsk’s association with legendary TV vet James Herriott, the day will include a mini-farm and traditional fairground attractions.

The annual fashion extravaganza of Ladies’ Day takes place on Saturday, September 3, when the champagne is bound to be flowing, and glittering prizes will be up for grabs in the best-dressed lady and best hat competitions.

Thirsk’s season comes to an end with a meeting on Monday, September 12. All family raceday entertainment takes place in the Grandstand Paddock and Picnic Enclosure, which offers a grandstand view, betting ring, and children’s playground.

Erin Boswell, Thirsk’s Sales and Marketing Manager, said: “We do our best to combine great action on the track with lots of fun for all the family. We have an exciting year ahead and we can’t wait to welcome both regulars and new visitors. And don’t forget, under-18s always go free!”

Thirsk’s present-day course opened in 1923 – making next year its centenary – although racing took place on the old course more than 200 years earlier.