Pontefract Racecourse

Our second Family Sunday is the Tribute Bands Family Day! With a variety of acts performing before and after racing, there'll not only be great music on offer but a really fun family atmosphere!
Sunday racedays have always been extra special for Ponte racegoers. Our renowned Sunday fixtures not only feature the best racing of the year with over £100,000 worth of prize money on offer on each day, but they are also the 3 fixtures each season dedicated to families.
As well as sp...ecial events on each Sunday raceday, there will also be a funfair, face painting, circus, free sweets, activity packs and racecards for the kids, pony rides, trips to the starts of races AND a 'Hunt The Golden Horseshoe' competition on every family day!
It's also the 12th Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer festival which kicks off at Ripon on Saturday 20th July and concludes with this Ponte Family Day on Sunday 28th July. With racing throughout the White Rose county all week, it's a Festival the remember for racing enthusiasts.
There's some stunning action on the track as well with the Listed Pomfret Stakes being the feature. Mick Appleby's globe trotting Big Country took the race back in 2018 before going on to compete in Group races in Norway and Sweden. Who'll take the honours in 2019?
For further information on the Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival and events during the week, please view www.goracing.co.uk
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Find out who we welcome for the second part of our Friday Night Music Night series soon!
We also have Pennie Brewery, Revolutions Brewing Co, Osset Brewery and Bier Huis joining us for our annual Beer Festival.
There are 6 fantastic races to keep you entertained throughout the evening too!
... And if that wasn't enough, we'll be raising money for the incredible Injured Jockeys Fund through Jack Berry's historic Red Shirt Night. The Red Shirt is purely optional - just bring yourself, your friends and your party spirit, and you'll have a night to remember!
It's always a hugely popular event so why not book your tickets now!
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Once again, we will have two Art of Racing Racedays in 2019. Theses racedays celebrate everything we know and love about The Sport of Kings!
On BOTH DAYS we'll be looking for 7 guest tipsters to each preview one of the races on the day. These previews will be published online and in the racecards on the day with our tipsters invited to the course to share their knowledge before each race.
We'll also be looking for 7 judges with a keen eye to pick a Best Turned Out prize in ea...ch race.
There'll be trips to the start of selected races so enthusiasts can see what happens in the calm of the open parkland at the Stalls.
We'll also be running a commentary booth for people to have a go at commentating 'behind the scenes'.
There's some brilliant action on the track too! The Listed Weatherbys Pipalong Stakes is our feature on the day. With an impressive role of honour, Clon Coulis took the honours in 2018 for David Barron and Ben Curtis. She followed up with another Listed win at Ascot later in the year!
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Once again, we will have two Art of Racing Racedays in 2019. Theses racedays celebrate everything we know and love about The Sport of Kings!
On BOTH DAYS we'll be looking for 7 guest tipsters to each preview one of the races on the day. These previews will be published online and in the racecards on the day with our tipsters invited to the course to share their knowledge before each race.
We'll also be looking for 7 judges with a keen eye to pick a Best Turned Out prize in ea...ch race.
There'll be trips to the start of selected races so enthusiasts can see what happens in the calm of the open parkland at the Stalls.
We'll also be running a commentary booth for people to have a go at commentating 'behind the scenes'.
There is some brilliant action on the track! The EBF Spindrifter Conditions Stakes takes centre stage. In 2018, the race was won by the Mark Johnston's Blown By Wind who found this a little easier than when he so well behind the top-notch Calyx at Royal Ascot.
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Sunday racedays have always been extra special for Pontefract racegoers. Our renowned Sunday fixtures not only feature the best racing of the year at Pontefract with over £100,000 worth of Prize Money available at each meeting, but they are also the 3 fixtures each season dedicated to families.
As well as special events on each Sunday raceday, there will also be a funfair, face painting, circus, free sweets, activity packs and racecards for the kids, pony rides, trips to the ...start of races and a 'Hunt The Golden Horseshoe' competition on every family day!
The first of our Sundays is Flat Cap & Whippet Family Day and we'll have something VERY exciting going on. Keep your eyes peeled for further news!
We all know that Yorkshire is 'God's Own County' and we are proud of the Yorkshire we live in and we all know that Yorkshire is full of whippets and flat caps!
Come and marvel at the whippet racing as they speed up the track from midday. Enjoy ferret racing in the Picnic Enclosure throughout the afternoon.
Wear your flat cap and you could be one of 500 racegoers to pick up either a free racecard, drinks voucher or a betting voucher!
Plus 7 thrilling horse races to look forward too!
We have some great offers for all Sunday's in 2019! Don't forget to check them out and to book your Family Ticket in advance for a great saving!
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Sat at work with the January blues?? Why not visit our website and book your Early Bird discounted Tickets today! Visit www.pontefract-races.co.uk for more details #2019Season #ComeRacing

New Years resolution? 🏇

Following Rugby League Evening in 2017 and 2018, we'll be extending the sporting invitation to some of the other sporting teams in West Yorkshire.
We're lucky enough to have some fantastic sporting action on our doorstep. Not only do we have racing hear in Pontefract, but we also have some world-class rugby league, football, cricket and ice hockey teams close by as well.
On Monday Evening 10th June, you'll get the best of both worlds as players and coaches from some of the We...st Yorkshire sporting teams will be coming racing and mingling with the crowds!
Full details will follow in due course but if you're a season ticket holder with any of the participating teams, bring your season ticket along and you'll get entrance to the Grandstand & Paddock for just £5!
There'll be 6 unforgettable races as well, featuring the Mr Wolf Sprint which commemorates one of the all-time Ponte greats! Runners in this race have real mountains to climb to emulate 'Wolfie' who ran at Pontefract an incredible 36 times! Now enjoying retirement on his owner's farm, Mr Wolf comes and visits us and will be back this season to parade before racing.
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Billy Ocean is coming to Ponte!!!!
Following on from Bananarama at 80's Night in 2017 and Belinda Carlisle in 2018, the incredible Billy Ocean will be joining us in 2019! He'll be performing a greatest hits set straight after the last race.
Billy Ocean has sold over 30 million records to date. With number one hits in the UK, USA, Australia, Germany and Holland, he's achieved extraordinary success as both an artist and a songwriter.
... His first big break came when 'Love Really Hurts Without You' reached No. 2 in the UK charts. Other huge hits, including 'Red Light Spells Danger', followed on, before the million-selling, Grammy Award-winning, US Number 1 'Caribbean Queen', 'Loverboy' and 'Suddenly'. There were even more huge hits with 'When The Going Gets Tough (the tough gets going) and 'There'll Be Sad Songs (to make you cry)' before the now classic 'Get Outta My Dreams; Get Into My Car' gave Billy his third US No. 1.
With a back catalogue like this, the 24th May promises to be one of the best music nights that Pontefract has ever seen! Add in the fantastic 80's Night atmosphere and 6 exciting races, it's definitely a date for the diary!
Book your ticket for the most retro night of the season! Come in your best 80's Fancy Dress and you could also win some fantastic spot prizes! Tickets are limited, so make sure you book yours early! Prices include the concert after racing.
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It's the 30th Annual Northern Racing College Charity Day!
This is a unique day in the racing calendar when bookmakers come together to offer their support to the Northern Racing College by sponsoring some of the races on the card.
Based in Doncaster, we're proud to continue our association and support of the college who offer a range of courses at all levels for people who are looking at horseracing as a future career, and for those who are currently working in the industry w...ishing to develop their qualifications and skills.
If you know of anyone interested in a career in racing, tell them to come along and have a chat to the Northern Racing College Staff AND enjoy a day out at the races - there are 7 fantastic races to enjoy!
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Monday 15th April
1st race time 2.20pm
Our second meeting of the season features the equine equivalent of the London Marathon!... The Pontefract Marathon is the longest flat handicap race run in Britain! Did you know that Pontefract is also the longest continuous horse racing circuit in Europe? At 2m 136yds all round, you need a brave, staying horse to get home up the famous Ponte hill!
Schools are out for the Easter holidays on this date - why not plan an Easter day out with the kids? Under 18s are FREE in ALL ENCLOSURES.
There are 7 exciting races to get your heart racing and it's well worth booking the day off work!
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Tuesday 9th April - Season Opener
1st race time 2.00pm The 2019 racing season at Pontefract kicks off on Tuesday 9th April.
... On the track it's the first leg of the 2019 Stayers Championships - Becky The Thatcher won the championship in 2018 meaning that her trainer, Micky Hammond, has taken the honours for 3 of the last 4 years. She'll be a 6yo in 2019 - will she be back to defend her crown? Or will there be a new name on the role of honour?
Don't miss the EBF High-Rise Maiden either! With smart early horses from big yards often targeting it, it's the first date to put in the diary! The race is named after the recently retired Luca Cumani's 1998 Derby winner who took this race on his way to glory at Epsom.
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Fancy winning a 2019 Pontefract Annual Badge? 🎖 Visit the link below to our Quiz Page! Good Luck! ☘️🏇 http://bit.ly/2r5Wd8j

😃🏇👍

Don’t you just love Ponte Races! Take a moment to look back on last year! We can’t wait for our 2019 season to begin! 😃🏇

Are you looking forward to seeing Billy Ocean perform on 80's Night Friday 24th May? Let us know your favourite Billy Ocean song in the comments below! 🎤🎷🎸🎹🎤 Don't forget to book your ticket at www.pontefract-races.co.uk

We hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas and New Year?!
We are back in the office getting ready for our 2019 season which we hope will be our best yet!

Happy New Year from us all at Ponte!

My brother and I had a fabulous time at Pontefract Racecourse as Facebook VIP winners on the 2nd July. The food in the restaurant was top drawer and the staff, service and hospitality was second to none. Had 3 winners too. Would recommend a meal in the Park Suite. Lovely air conditioned room and a nice relaxing atmosphere. Overall a thoroughly enjoyable experience. �����

Once again MANY THANKS ��

I would like to thank each and everyone of the staff at Pontefract racecourse for making our special family day such an amazing one. The friendly, kind helpful and supportive staff were fantastic and went out of their way to ensure the day was perfect. Even the sun made a good positive appearance. Quite a few of us had some winners too. Thank you to everyone involved you are all an amazing hardworking team �

I dont get why people complain about race prices, yes i do get the overpricing is ridiculous but if your willing to go then how are you managing to complain about the prices. If your taking hundreds of pounds then why complain over a drink whats £4.80 or so. Races are a good day out. You get to meet and mingle with people who wouldnt say hello to you on the street. You get to have a day out with good company. I dont have a bad word to say about the races, its the staff what dont get enough credit and i know myself as i have been in there position working, they work god knows the amount of hours often at points freezing them self silly for your enjoyment. So next time you visit dont complain at any staff its not there fault. Maybe go to the staff shake there hand and give them a tip

Had another lovely afternoon in the premier enclosure. Lunch was excellent as always and the staff so polite and professional. Loved the new paddock area and after the showers the sun shone... What's not to like back soon ��

Had a fabulous afternoon and evening, so glad we took our own alcohol prices were over the top for poor quality.

All staff were fabulous armed Police and local bobbies were present, however the event security in my eyes are a waste of money.

They wouldn't know security if it smacked em in the face they all looked like they had just been dragged of the street

Went along all vehicles looked in boot thumbs up on to the next one no checking of anything just a quick glance. POOR given recent events



Other than that fab night with fab friends!

Had a brilliant day today with 10 year old granddaughter, my friend and her 2 teenage daughters of which I was the only one that had been to a race meeting before. We all had a fantastic day. Arrived early as I'd prebooked the 5 furlong walk and meet th jockey as a special treat for one of the girls birthday. Staff were friendly, professional and helpful from booking right through to on the day. We had a lovely informative experience from an ex jockey Dale Gibson, visited the weighing room and found out loads we hadn't been aware of, groomed the ponies, took the free minibus (again) to the start of a race and even won the odd race. All in all a great friendly family day out full of fun and new experiences. We've already started planning for next year's visit. Thanks to all staff who made our day so enjoyable.

Fantastic venue last night was my 3rd visit and on to watch Bananarama. The staff are lovely and professional. Only down side is the bars ran out of beer gin and vodka. Ladies toilets near the tunnel need a revamp very dated.

Coming back a couple more times this year including our xmas doo.

Fantastic old course, very easy to get a drink or bite to eat, viewing is spot on too. Been to the past two 80s nights and it's a great atmosphere every time!! We will be there again next year 👍

Fab 3rd ladies day Great atmosphere and very well organised for all my ladies I book for.

Booked in the park suite yesterday



Superb food



Superb service



Superb location



Absolutely loved it and would definitely recommend the Park Suite deal �

Always welcoming and happy to help - a fantastic,inclusive course. Check out the art of racing days including guest tipster and best turned out judging.

Love coming here, try make it to all the weekend meetings. Wish I could make midweek but have to work. Always come with the family. Had an odd experience this Sunday due to some inconsiderate person putting his hot coal from the BBQ on the path which my niece stood on it with sandals on and burnt her foot. Which a member of the ppl nicely said something to the guy and he kicked the coal under his car!!

We went for family day and I understand that security is tight now but we wasn't told that there was s 4 can 1/2 a bottle of wine per person rule so we had to sit outside and drink them before we went in we've always took a picnick and a few beer I thought it would av said on website and I now a few n more people was sat drinking outside as they couldn't take theirs in to fair enough if there is rules but they should atleast let people no before they fetch beers and wine to drink we was not happy and put a downer on our day if I'm honest

No problem normally until today when we turned up armed with picnics, wine, cider etc to be told that glass bottles weren't allowed. Nothing on the website to warn about this but when questioned it was openly admitted that they hadn't updated the website�. Poor company policy!! No problem with the ban just a problem with the fact that they are allowed to stop you at the entrance to search & take it off you.

My partner was in the grandstand today when a lady collapsed. He went to find first aiders. None of the three stewards knew where to go, several police officers ignored him and he was refused access to the members area to try and get help there.

Luckily when he returned someone who knew where the first aid station was located had raised help, however he was really upset about the lack of knowledge and urgency by the stewards and police.

Hopefully the lady recovered well but it is concerning that safety procedures seem to be ignored or not communicated to staff.

Can the racecourse ensure this doesnt happen in future

The fact that they have very little race events in the year. You would of thought when they would do have them they would make sure it's spot on. They have one cash machine in the whole place. To which, before the first race it's out of order. Class management. Who's in charge? Mr bean?????

Pontefract is a race track me and the family love to attend being very local to us.

Great opportunity for the children to watch their dad. However we attended "family day" and was greatly disappointed by the expense!

I found it astonishing that once families had paid entrance the cost of rides face paints etc were additional costs, a high one at that. Several racetracks provide this free. A disappointing day and I'm sure many families free the same that so many extra activities were chargeable ( and far too expensive )

Definitely won't be coming here again with the kids, we came for the family day and with 3 kids ended up spending the majority of our money on the rides, stalls and face painting which were all £2.50 each?! Kids enjoyed the free circus tricks for a good half hour but other than that they spent the day bored or moaning because we refused to keep paying the £7.50 each time they wanted to do anything, we may as well have just taken them to a fairground as this in no way felt like our usual family days at the races (Beverly, ripon, Redcar, Carlisle etc) where there has been a fantastic family feel, kids enjoying the free entertainment so parents can really get into the racing and everyone can have an enjoyable day all round. Disappointed I'm afraid.

Very disappointed!!!!

We adhered to the rules of only 4 drinks per person that you can bring in however, at 8.45pm in the silver ring all alcohol draught had run out, I went up to the stewards at the paddock arena and asked if I could go through just to get our drinks to be abruptly told NO! I had to pay an upgrade!!!

Surely a little bit of consideration should be shown in circumstances like this

Very poor and unprofessional in my opinion

My brother and I had a fabulous time at Pontefract Racecourse as Facebook VIP winners on the 2nd July. The food in the restaurant was top drawer and the staff, service and hospitality was second to none. Had 3 winners too. Would recommend a meal in the Park Suite. Lovely air conditioned room and a nice relaxing atmosphere. Overall a thoroughly enjoyable experience. �����

Once again MANY THANKS ��

I would like to thank each and everyone of the staff at Pontefract racecourse for making our special family day such an amazing one. The friendly, kind helpful and supportive staff were fantastic and went out of their way to ensure the day was perfect. Even the sun made a good positive appearance. Quite a few of us had some winners too. Thank you to everyone involved you are all an amazing hardworking team �

I dont get why people complain about race prices, yes i do get the overpricing is ridiculous but if your willing to go then how are you managing to complain about the prices. If your taking hundreds of pounds then why complain over a drink whats £4.80 or so. Races are a good day out. You get to meet and mingle with people who wouldnt say hello to you on the street. You get to have a day out with good company. I dont have a bad word to say about the races, its the staff what dont get enough credit and i know myself as i have been in there position working, they work god knows the amount of hours often at points freezing them self silly for your enjoyment. So next time you visit dont complain at any staff its not there fault. Maybe go to the staff shake there hand and give them a tip

Had another lovely afternoon in the premier enclosure. Lunch was excellent as always and the staff so polite and professional. Loved the new paddock area and after the showers the sun shone... What's not to like back soon ��

Had a fabulous afternoon and evening, so glad we took our own alcohol prices were over the top for poor quality.

All staff were fabulous armed Police and local bobbies were present, however the event security in my eyes are a waste of money.

They wouldn't know security if it smacked em in the face they all looked like they had just been dragged of the street

Went along all vehicles looked in boot thumbs up on to the next one no checking of anything just a quick glance. POOR given recent events



Other than that fab night with fab friends!

Had a brilliant day today with 10 year old granddaughter, my friend and her 2 teenage daughters of which I was the only one that had been to a race meeting before. We all had a fantastic day. Arrived early as I'd prebooked the 5 furlong walk and meet th jockey as a special treat for one of the girls birthday. Staff were friendly, professional and helpful from booking right through to on the day. We had a lovely informative experience from an ex jockey Dale Gibson, visited the weighing room and found out loads we hadn't been aware of, groomed the ponies, took the free minibus (again) to the start of a race and even won the odd race. All in all a great friendly family day out full of fun and new experiences. We've already started planning for next year's visit. Thanks to all staff who made our day so enjoyable.

Fantastic venue last night was my 3rd visit and on to watch Bananarama. The staff are lovely and professional. Only down side is the bars ran out of beer gin and vodka. Ladies toilets near the tunnel need a revamp very dated.

Coming back a couple more times this year including our xmas doo.

Fantastic old course, very easy to get a drink or bite to eat, viewing is spot on too. Been to the past two 80s nights and it's a great atmosphere every time!! We will be there again next year 👍

Fab 3rd ladies day Great atmosphere and very well organised for all my ladies I book for.

Booked in the park suite yesterday



Superb food



Superb service



Superb location



Absolutely loved it and would definitely recommend the Park Suite deal �

Always welcoming and happy to help - a fantastic,inclusive course. Check out the art of racing days including guest tipster and best turned out judging.

Love coming here, try make it to all the weekend meetings. Wish I could make midweek but have to work. Always come with the family. Had an odd experience this Sunday due to some inconsiderate person putting his hot coal from the BBQ on the path which my niece stood on it with sandals on and burnt her foot. Which a member of the ppl nicely said something to the guy and he kicked the coal under his car!!

We went for family day and I understand that security is tight now but we wasn't told that there was s 4 can 1/2 a bottle of wine per person rule so we had to sit outside and drink them before we went in we've always took a picnick and a few beer I thought it would av said on website and I now a few n more people was sat drinking outside as they couldn't take theirs in to fair enough if there is rules but they should atleast let people no before they fetch beers and wine to drink we was not happy and put a downer on our day if I'm honest

No problem normally until today when we turned up armed with picnics, wine, cider etc to be told that glass bottles weren't allowed. Nothing on the website to warn about this but when questioned it was openly admitted that they hadn't updated the website�. Poor company policy!! No problem with the ban just a problem with the fact that they are allowed to stop you at the entrance to search & take it off you.

My partner was in the grandstand today when a lady collapsed. He went to find first aiders. None of the three stewards knew where to go, several police officers ignored him and he was refused access to the members area to try and get help there.

Luckily when he returned someone who knew where the first aid station was located had raised help, however he was really upset about the lack of knowledge and urgency by the stewards and police.

Hopefully the lady recovered well but it is concerning that safety procedures seem to be ignored or not communicated to staff.

Can the racecourse ensure this doesnt happen in future

The fact that they have very little race events in the year. You would of thought when they would do have them they would make sure it's spot on. They have one cash machine in the whole place. To which, before the first race it's out of order. Class management. Who's in charge? Mr bean?????

Pontefract is a race track me and the family love to attend being very local to us.

Great opportunity for the children to watch their dad. However we attended "family day" and was greatly disappointed by the expense!

I found it astonishing that once families had paid entrance the cost of rides face paints etc were additional costs, a high one at that. Several racetracks provide this free. A disappointing day and I'm sure many families free the same that so many extra activities were chargeable ( and far too expensive )

Definitely won't be coming here again with the kids, we came for the family day and with 3 kids ended up spending the majority of our money on the rides, stalls and face painting which were all £2.50 each?! Kids enjoyed the free circus tricks for a good half hour but other than that they spent the day bored or moaning because we refused to keep paying the £7.50 each time they wanted to do anything, we may as well have just taken them to a fairground as this in no way felt like our usual family days at the races (Beverly, ripon, Redcar, Carlisle etc) where there has been a fantastic family feel, kids enjoying the free entertainment so parents can really get into the racing and everyone can have an enjoyable day all round. Disappointed I'm afraid.

Very disappointed!!!!

We adhered to the rules of only 4 drinks per person that you can bring in however, at 8.45pm in the silver ring all alcohol draught had run out, I went up to the stewards at the paddock arena and asked if I could go through just to get our drinks to be abruptly told NO! I had to pay an upgrade!!!

Surely a little bit of consideration should be shown in circumstances like this

Very poor and unprofessional in my opinion