Sunday Racing At York Races

The annual Press Family Sunday at York Races is on this weekend, with a seven-race thoroughbred card worth over £100,000,  featuring the second running of the Betfred Garrowby Stakes, a Listed race for sprinters. Plus, the return of children’s favourite, Peppa Pig to the Knavesmire.

For the first time the track will host the Grand Final of the Charles Owen Pony Racing Series. There is a host of entertainment for all from when the gates open at 11-15 a.m.

It is a full day out for both the novice and regular racegoer and, accompanied children under 16 years of age will be admitted free of charge into all enclosures.

York Races say that racegoers can bring 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 on the stands side with a special course enclosure ticket.

They add that as this is a 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 Finals of the 2013 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 second running of this Listed race which has increased prize money of £37,000. It will be run over six furlongs, the same distance as The Hanson Springs 50th Anniversary 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). Other highlights include The Minster Alarms EBF Maiden Stakes for two-year-olds and the challenging to solve, Coopers Marquees Stakes.

The upcoming jockeys are again in the spotlight when they compete in The Future Cleaning Services Apprentice Stakes. This race is Round 7 of nine races in the inaugural ‘Go Racing in Yorkshire’ Future Stars Apprentice Series, which culminates in a Final at Doncaster in November. Coming into this race, North Yorkshire-based riders, Gary Mahon (42 points) and Jacob Butterfield (30 points) lead the way.

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. We’ll also demonstrate 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 screen as he roams the stands.

With just three racedays to go in York’s 2013 season, the competitions for both the Living North Top Jockey at York and the Hatfields Top Trainer are gathering pace, with three-times champion jockey, Ryan Moore ahead on eight winners in the riders’ category, followed by locally-based rider, Danny Tudhope on seven winners. North Yorkshire-based trainer, David O’Meara is also seeking his first title at York, having recorded ten winners so far this year on the Knavesmire.

For Tickets and more information call 01904 620911 x225

Or visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk

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