Wetherby’s annual ‘Family Day’ Sunday meeting takes place this weekend (April 13), featuring plenty of action on and off the track, including a host of family attractions in the Course Enclosure and the ninth running of The Sue Ryder Mascot Gold Cup organised by Yorkshire Young Farmers in aid of various charities, in particular Sue Ryder Care, the national healthcare charity. It’s the largest mascot race in the world and is supported by the White Rose branch of Foresters – the international financial services organisation. Over £100,000 has been raised for charities since the Mascot Gold Cup was introduced in 2006.
There will be a parade of the Mascots in the Parade Ring prior to racing (including a pre-race ‘warm-up’ session!), and they will race over the final furlong of the track in front of the grandstands after the opening race. There are six small ‘fences’ to be negotiated and anything can happen! 82 mascots took part in last year’s race, which was somewhat controversially won by ‘flAsh’ representing the Sue Ryder shop in Keighley.
The National Festival Circus has three 45-minute performances free of charge during the afternoon, while other attractions for youngsters include inflatable Fun Fair rides, Slides, Bouncy Castles, Barrel Train, fairground rides, climbing tower, face painting and a Petting Farm.
The gates open at 11-30 a.m. and accompanied children under 17 years of age will be admitted free into all enclosures.
The seven-race programme begins at 2-10 p.m. and features The New Racing UK Anywhere Available Now Handicap Chase over three miles and one furlong (the longest race of the day), and The Royal Pigeon Racing Association Handicap Hurdle for lady riders.
Musical entertainment is provided by ‘Murphy’s Marbles’
The giant screen will enable racegoers to see even more of the action on the track, supplemented by an additional screen located near the Parade Ring.