PONTEFRACT RACES are run by PONTEFRACT PARK RACE COMPANY LIMITED, a company registered in England No. 159754 whose address within Great Britain is The Administration Office, Pontefract Park, Park Road, Pontefract, West Yorkshire WF8 4QD.
Welcome to another blog from the team at Pontefract Racecourse.
Every fortnight, someone from the team will share their thoughts for your entertainment (or otherwise!):
Managing Director, Norman Gundill with his trusty PA, Caroline who also looks after the hospitality,
Accounts Manager, Nicola,
Admin manager, Carol,
Marketing exec, Alexia, who is writing this blog, and,
Chief Operating Officer, Richard
Mark your calendars for Monday, 14th April, back again for its fourth year in a row, is the OAP Free Raceday.
On this day, anyone aged 60 and over can request complimentary admission to the Grandstand and Paddock Enclosure and enjoy a day at Pontefract Races for free!
For a completely free and fantastic family day out, why not bring the grandchildren along too! As don’t forget under 18’s go free in to all enclosures, at every meeting.
To receive a free ticket on this day, simply click on the ticket icon in the top right corner of the screen, select the OAP Free Raceday, scroll down to ‘Grandstand and Paddock’, click this heading and the option to add a free ticket to your basket will appear.
Please note that you can only add one free ticket to your basket. It will also ask you to enter your date of birth at checkout, by doing so you are confirming you are over 60. You may be asked for ID on the day.
The free ticket is only available online and will be sent to your email address as an e-ticket. It is not available on the day at the gate, but it will be available to order from our website up until 12pm on the 14th April.
We chose the date of our first OAP Free Day so that was early in the racing season to help drive attendance at the quieter, midweek meetings, we went with Monday 11th April, the 2nd meeting of our 2022 season. On this day 4017 racegoers attended the fixture which was a 39.4% increase on the attendance from the same fixture in 2019.
A relatively quiet Monday afternoon meeting, has gradually increased over the years to become one of our most popular and well attended fixtures, last year we saw 4362 attend the meeting and already this year we have emailed out nearly 1000 free tickets.
The success of the imitative was recognised across the industry, in the same year it was launched, the OAP Free Day received the Racecourse Association Raceday Award which was held here at Pontefract!
The day has since grown year on year, last year we introduced an upgrade option for the Dalby Stand. The idea was for racegoers to interact and get to know one other, while also having a base for the day.
The OAP Free Day Dalby Upgrade costs £27.50 per person, and is available to purchase online. The ticket includes an upgrade into the Premier Enclosure, a seat for the entire day, tea, coffee and biscuits, sandwich buffet and racecard and a pen.
If you fancy, you can also upgrade your free Grandstand and Paddock ticket for a Premier Enclosure Badge for £6.00, this can be done either on the day or online. If you purchase the £6.oo Premier Upgrade, there is no need to also add the free ticket to your basket.
There is also a discount in the Park Suite Restaurant on this day. The Park Suite Restaurant offers a reserved table for the day with views overlooking the Parade Ring and Winning Post. It includes admission into the Premier Enclosure, a four course carvery lunch with light afternoon tea.
If you would like anymore information, please email info@pontefract-races.co.uk
While OAPs can enjoy free entry into the Grandstand and Paddock, this is a day for everyone to come along and soak up the excitement.
We hope you can join us for a great day at the races and experience an afternoon of thrilling racing at one of Yorkshire’s most traditional Racecourses! You’ll receive a warm, friendly, Yorkshire welcome from the team at Pontefract, so come and join us for a great day out!
Don’t forget, this fixture is an Autism Friendly Raceday, with a dedicated sensory room and designated quiet and safe space. To find out more please visit: autisminracing.com
Pontefract Weighing Room Celebrated with Design Award
Pontefract Civic Trust has awarded one of its Annual Design Awards to Pontefract Racecourse for the improvements carried out to its Weighing Room Complex last winter.
The construction of the new Weighing Room was a significant project undertaken by the racecourse and completed on-time to a tight deadline, with work commencing following the final race meeting of 2023 and being operational by the first race meeting of 2024.
The previous Weighing Room in the Main Stand had to be completely stripped out and renovated in line with new requirements established by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). These requirements set minimum standards for all British racecourses to ensure facilities remain appropriate for elite athletes.
The specification for the new Weighing Room was agreed by the BHA’s Weighing Room Facilities Working Party which included representatives of all personnel who work in the area, including jockeys.
R H Fullwood & Co Ltd of South Elmsall were the main contractors, with the work overseen by Guy Fullwood. The design was by Katie Craggs of Craggs Architects who are based just outside Richmond, North Yorkshire.
Paul Cartwright, chair of Pontefract Civic Society said ” The title “Improvement Award” doesn’t really describe the sheer scale of this project in reordering a myriad of at least nine separate rooms and spaces on the ground floor of the Main Stand. We felt that the improvements had been carried out to the highest quality with the best materials and workmanship possible. Some confined areas were opened up. Wherever dedicated areas had to remain, use was maximised, whether official workspaces, or relaxation and social spaces for the jockeys and valets. These facilities are a credit to the whole team and will surely continue to enhance Pontefract’s reputation.”
Dale Gibson (Director of Racing for the PJA) said “On behalf of the PJA and our members, we are delighted that Pontefract have received recognition for delivering their comprehensive weighing room upgrade. We worked closely with Norman Gundill and his team throughout the process who were highly professional throughout each phase. Our members now have a modern area providing equal services and facilities for male and female Jockeys, whilst creating a highly commended working environment. We urgently encourage all venues, some of whom have recently extended their timeline to deliver upgrades in a far speedier manner”.
When the new facility was first used on 2nd April last year Jockey Connor Beasley said of the scheme “They’ve done a tremendous job. Everybody is happy with it”.
On receiving the Award, Pontefract Director Norman Gundill said “This is a testament to the excellent work done by our Architect Katie Craggs and R H Fullwood & Co who carried out the work on time, within budget, and to an excellent standard. Activity in the Weighing Room area can be frantic at times. The new facilities are almost unrecognisable from what we had before and now provide a much better environment for everyone to work in. We are committed to providing the best facilities we can for everyone who comes to Pontefract Racecourse”.
Welcome to another blog from the team at Pontefract Racecourse.
Every fortnight, someone from the team will share their thoughts for your entertainment (or otherwise!):
Managing Director, Norman Gundill with his trusty PA, Caroline who also looks after the hospitality,
Accounts Manager, Nicola,
Admin manager, Carol,
Marketing exec, Alexia, who is writing this blog, and,
Chief Operating Officer, Richard
Dreaming of a week in the sun, walking along the beach with the sand between your toes or laying by the pool reading a book?
Riu Hotel Dubai
Well you could be spending a week relaxing by the very pool pictured above!
What if we told you that Riu Hotels and Resorts have very kindly offered an all-inclusive weeklong stay for two at the Riu Dubai to the lucky winner of this years Best Dressed Ladies Competition, with flights as well!
What a prize, does it get much better than a free holiday! Yes, you did read that correctly, the lucky winner will win an all-inclusive holiday, to Dubai with flights included courtesy of Riu Hotels!
The four star hotel is situated at Deira Islands, on the coast of the city of Dubai, directly on the beach, offering a 24-hour all-inclusive stay to make your holiday a unique experience.
Located on the beachfront
The hotel has comfortably furnished rooms with free WiFi and offers many amenities, as well as plentiful options for dining including live cooking stations, themed buffets at the main restaurant as well as Asian, Italian and Lebanese speciality restaurants and not to mention six bars! The great leisure and relaxation facilities of the Riu Dubai are sure to amaze you: entertainment areas, three outdoor pools, a spa, a conference room, various themed restaurants, the Splash Water World water park… and much more.
Spa
The location is ideal because of its proximity to Dubai and invites you to explore the area, the Burj Khalifa situated only 15km away and Dubai International Airport just 11km away.
It just sounds incredible! To be in with a chance of winning, join us on Ladies Day and enter the Best Dressed Ladies Competition – details of the competition to be confirmed.
We are very grateful for the continued support from Riu Hotels, and it is wonderful for them to offer such an incredible prize to the winner. They have been kind enough to sponsor the Best Dressed Ladies competition for over 10 years, with previous winners jetting off to destinations including Mauritius and Mexico!
It isn’t just the winner who will be jetting off, the runner up will win a three night stay for two at the Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin with bed and breakfast (flights not included).
Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin
The four star hotel is in the heart of Dublin City Centre, in a historic building on the famous O’Connell Street. This Irish hotel offers you the best facilities for you to enjoy an unforgettable holiday. All the rooms are equipped with excellent amenities to cover all your needs during your stay.
Its in an ideal location for any visitor. Surrounded by the main shopping area in Grafton Street and Henry Street, you will also find the most celebrated shows and theatres such as Gate Theatre and the National Concert Hall, and some of the most famous places in Dublin like Croke Park and Temple Bar. The hotel is also located a stone’s throw away from Abbey Street tram station which will easily take you to any other point of the city.
The glitz and glamour hits Ponte Carlo on Wednesday 6th of August for a showcase of style both on and off the track.
If you’ve been looking for an excuse to buy a new outfit, then look no further. With an array of hats, fascinators and stilettos, the ladies of Yorkshire truly do ‘dress to impress’ in an effort to win the coveted Best Dressed Ladies Competition.
There is limited hospitality remaining for Ladies Day however there are still plenty of entry tickets available as well as the Ladies Day Marquee, all available to purchase online. The earlier you book the cheaper the ticket. Click here to book.
Welcome to another blog from the team at Pontefract Racecourse.
Every fortnight, someone from the team will share their thoughts for your entertainment (or otherwise!):
Managing Director, Norman Gundill with his trusty PA, Caroline who also looks after the hospitality,
Accounts Manager, Nicola,
Admin manager, Carol,
Marketing exec, Alexia, who is writing this blog, and,
Chief Operating Officer, Richard
We are thrilled to announce that The Fillers will be taking to the stage after racing on Friday Eve 23rd May.
Coming out of their cage and heading straight to the stage! After an evening of thrilling racing, the world’s first and best tribute to “The Killers” will be performing after the last race.
The group who formed back in 2006 in the era of Sam’s Town will be performing iconic hits such as Mr Brightside, Somebody Told Me and many more, you don’t want to miss it!
The Fillers have even interacted with the actual band themselves at close quarters, they’ve captured the sound look and feel of the Vegas quartet.
Even The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers reckons “You should check them out”.
Somebody told me this event is going to be unforgettable! So don’t let jealousy get you—grab your tickets now! Click here to book.
Why not try the Wrap ‘n’ Roll package. On both Friday Evenings in 2025 (23rd May & 18th July) we have a new package called Wrap ‘n’ Roll. For £30 enjoy entry into the Grandstand & Paddock, a Yorkshire pudding wrap and pint (or glass of house wine). This ticket must be booked in advance online.
Stay tuned to find out who will be performing on Friday 18th July, any guesses?
Welcome to another blog from the team at Pontefract Racecourse.
Every fortnight, someone from the team will share their thoughts for your entertainment (or otherwise!):
Managing Director, Norman Gundill with his trusty PA, Caroline who also looks after the hospitality,
Accounts Manager, Nicola,
Admin manager, Carol,
Marketing exec, Alexia, who is writing this blog, and,
Chief Operating Officer, Richard
As you may well know, at Pontefract Racecourse over the years we have built a great relationship with the charity New Beginnings. New Beginnings, based just outside of York, rehome and retrain former racehorses. They provide a safe supportive environment for former racehorses to adapt and learn new skills after they have finished their first career in racing.
We have worked closely with Pam, Kev and the team at the yard for a while now, they have been bringing their horses to the Racecourse for over 10 years! You will often see them at one of our Sunday meetings with Nico, the Racecourses Equine Ambassador.
After a staff visit to the yard in 2023 we were all keen to be able to do as much as we possibly could to help New Beginnings and the horses.
As a result, we launched a new initiative to help support New Beginnings. The aim was to raise not only funds but to showcase the wonderful work they do in helping thoroughbreds in the next stage of their career.
In January of this year, we launched our ‘Twelve Months Of Giving’ campaign. The idea was that each month we would focus on a different fundraising activity.
So as the year draws to a close, lets take a look back at what we got up to!
We got things started with a staff visit to lend a hand around the yard.
Our groundstaff got stuck in with digging up the concrete floor in one of the outbuildings which was in the process of being totally transformed. This building is now used as an Education Hub!
In February we had another team trip to the yard to take part in Horse Awareness Training. Then after catching up with Nico and handing out lots of polos, we got stuck into some painting.
In March some of our annual badge holders were lucky enough to go on a behind the scenes tour of New Beginnings, meeting lots of horses and finding out more about the work that takes place.
In April ahead of the start of the season, we set up the option to add on a voluntary donation to New Beginnings when purchasing tickets online. All funds raised through the voluntary donations at checkout go directly to help support New Beginnings, enabling them to continue their great work. All donations are greatly appreciated.
Over the summer months New Beginnings visited the Racecourse introducing racegoers to Nico, Remy and Poppy the pony! You will find them at each of our Sunday meetings, located on the Marquee Site, just to the left of the Parade Ring. There you can meet not only the equine stars, but Pam, Kev and some of the team and find out more about the day to day work involved in looking after and retraining the horses.
As part of the campaign, the Prince of Wales Hospice in Pontefract welcomed some very special guests. Pontefract racecourse Equine Ambassador, Nico and former racehorse, Remy, visited the hospice to meet with staff and patients. It was incredible to see the staff and patients interacting with the horses and witnessing first hand the powerful impact racehorses have on people. We look forward to taking the horses back to the hospice to create more special memories for staff and patients alike.
In Autumn we headed up to yard again to help add the fishing touches to the new Education Hub ready for its opening. We also met the newest addition to the New Beginnings family, the goats!
As the year comes to an end, for December we look forward to welcoming the New Beginnings team to the Racecourse for their Christmas Party, enjoying a well deserved night off. Have a lovely time!
We look forward to another year working with New Beginnings.
As this will be the last blog before Christmas, all the team at Pontefract wish you a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!
Tickets for the new racing season at Pontefract will be on sale here from 9am on Sunday 1st December with the track offering the best rates now for their 2025 racedays which get underway on Tuesday 8th April.
The West Yorkshire course’s early bird offers have become renowned in recent years with around 25% off ‘on the day’ admission prices. At most meetings, entry to the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure is just £10 for those who book early.
Pontefract will once again have 16 race meetings in 2025 with 3 Family Sundays, 2 Friday Evening Music Nights and the popular Ladies Day, supported once again by RIU Hotels and Resorts, on Wednesday 6th August. While no announcements have been made yet for artists to perform on their music nights, the course has pledged that the fun filled events will be back next year.
The course has also committed to continue the popular ‘True Yorkshireman’ package which is amongst the best value in racing at any track in the country. The offer includes entry to the Paddock, a pint and a pie for just £17 at any of our afternoon meetings (other than Ladies Day).
Chief Operating Officer, Richard Hammill, said:
‘We’re delighted to launch the ticket sales for 2025 and I hope that our customers can see our commitment to providing a great day out for racegoers at a reasonable cost. In addition to the True Yorkshireman package, we’ll also have our OAP Free Day on Monday 14th April when those over 60 can come racing free of charge when they apply in advance. On top of that, under 18s go free to every race meeting. We may have only just finished our 2024 racing season but we’re very much focused on getting everything back up and ready for next April and we can’t wait to see racegoers again.’
Throughout 2025, the Pontefract team will once again be working alongside Autism in Racing to provide complimentary entry, a sensory room and a quiet space for families with autistic children. This initiative is unique across Racecourses in the UK and won the ‘Diversity and Inclusion’ Award at the Racecourse Association Showcase Awards in Edinburgh.
York Racecourse Named RCA Showcase Champion Racecourse for 2024
York crowned RCA Showcase Champion Racecourse.
Carlisle named Groundstaff Champions in Racecourse Groundstaff Awards.
Jockey Club Racecourses & Gallagher honoured for community engagement partnership.
RCA brings together British racing to celebrate racecourse excellence & innovation with insightful conference and gala awards ceremony.
York Racecourse has been crowned the Showcase Champion Racecourse at the 13th annual RCA Showcase Awards.
At the gala ceremony held at Edinburgh’s Signet Library, York became just the third racecourse to hold the accolade of being a multiple Champion alongside Ascot and Aintree.
Centred around the new Bustardthorpe Development, the independent judging panel for the Showcase Awards were suitably wowed by the excellence and innovation on show at York throughout the 2024 season, with the Knavesmire team winning both the Racing Connection and Racing Foundation Green Awards en route to being named Champion.
In winning the Racing Connection Award, York’s work in collaboration with Great British Racing (GBR) and the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) to present Under Jockeys’ Orders was celebrated as a significant step forward to help connect the racegoing public with jockeys. Under Jockeys’ Orders demonstrates the jockeys’ skill and dedication as elite athletes as well as the personalities behind the saddle, and added another fascinating element to the flagship 2024 Sky Bet Ebor Festival.
The Bustardthorpe Development at York Racecourse is a major upgrade to the racegoing experience, and one that also significantly contributes to the environment with a green legacy at its core. The Racing Foundation Green Award was presented to York as a result. York’s win here opens a fast-track route to apply for up to £20k funding from the Racing Foundation to help with further environmental sustainability projects.
York Racecourse was also a Finalist in the Food & Beverage category and had already been named Flat Racecourse of the Year in the Racecourse Groundstaff Awards, demonstrating a racecourse team operating at the highest level across all areas, delivering a season of fantastic experiences to thousands of racegoers and participants alike.
William Derby, Chief Executive & Clerk of the Course at York Racecourse, commented: “I am hugely proud to be part of the team at York Racecourse and to be named Champion Racecourse for a second time. It is an honour and privilege to receive this honour amongst friends and colleagues in British racing.
The RCA Showcase is a wonderful initiative which York has supported since its inception. It is vital that we continue to promote the positive work done across British racecourses and I was thrilled to see the other fine work of racecourses celebrated tonight.”
RCA 2024 Showcase Champions, York Racecourse
230 guests attended the sold out 2024 Showcase Awards held at Edinburgh’s Signet Library on behalf of 2023 Champions Musselburgh. Hosts Rishi Persad and world record-holding rower Taylor Winyard led the celebration of the best of British racecourses in 2024, with 13 awards presented plus three Highly Commended accolades. The event is presented by the RCA and partnered by Great British Racing, Racing Together, the Racing Foundation and Racing Post.
Alongside York’s overall success, it was a fantastic night for Yorkshire Racing overall.
Ripon Racecourse claimed the Raceday Award for the Gold Medal Family Day, a superb event which utilised a new fixture slot to capture the summer of sport and delight racegoers of all ages without interrupting the already-popular series of family days planned. Chester Racecourse was presented with a Highly Commended accolade in this category for their excellent Oktoberfest raceday.
The Pontefract Racecourse team continued their series of Showcase successes by winning the Diversity & Inclusion Award. Pontefract’s sport-leading Autism-friendly racedays, offered at every raceday in collaboration with Future Ticketing and Autism in Racing, have seen Pontefract become the first and only racecourse to be accredited by the National Autistic Society.
Team Pontefract with sponsors, Future Ticketing
Beverley Racecourse’s collaboration with Longcroft High School saw the East Yorkshire track honoured with the Non-Raceday Event Award. The racecourse welcomed GCSE students for a series of stress-busting activities in the great outdoors, all the while allowing these prospective racegoers to engage with the racecourse and sport of horseracing.
Go Racing In Yorkshire co-ordinated a groundbreaking bowel cancer awareness and screening programme across the county, and as such were the winners of the Racing Together Community Award. By winning this award, the Go Racing In Yorkshire team will now work with the RCA and Racing Together to produce a video summary of their winning initiative to further showcase the initiative to wider audiences.
Recognising further excellence in this category, RCA Chair Wilf Walsh honoured The Jockey Club for their pioneering partnership with Gallagher with the Chairman’s Award. Since 2023, The Jockey Club and Gallagher’s partnership was the first of its kind in British racing, and continues to lead the way as an exemplar for others to follow in how to utilise community engagement to benefit all connected parties.
The two public-voted Showcase Awards received record entries in 2024 with racegoers and owners keen to have their say. The Racing Post Readers’ Award celebrates customer service and value for money and was won by Kelso Racecourse, whilst The Racehorse Owners’ Racecourse of the Year, in collaboration with the ROA, was won by Ascot Racecourse. The Berkshire track also won a Highly Commended accolade in the Marketing category for the Royal Ascot: Elevating the Ascot You campaign.
Chelmsford City Racecourse celebrated a strong year with victory in the Marketing Award thanks to the Pick A Winner initiative. This saw pop-up stations across Essex promote the racecourse with interactive games which delighted racegoers and added valuable numbers to the racecourse database. Chelmsford City also received a Highly Commended accolade in the Racing Together Community Award for their Remembrance Raceday.
In the Food & Beverage Award, Perth Racecourse celebrated their new stand refurbishment which saw an overhaul of food and drink options across all levels of the racecourse. The judges were particularly impressed with the local-first approach, which notably has seen a decrease in antisocial behaviour due to the lower ABV Tennents now being served.
In the Racecourse Groundstaff Awards, Aintree (jump), Carlistle (dual purpose) and York (flat) had already been named winners in their respective categories. Carlisle Racecourse was crowned the Groundstaff Champion, with the judges commenting on the superb team spirit amongst the groundstaff and exquisite turf produced throughout the year.
RCA Chair, Wilf Walsh, commented: “Congratulations to William Derby and the York Racecourse team on being named our 2024 Champion Racecourse. York provides a unique, top-quality race going experience to its visitors and the course always performs at an extremely high level, setting exceptional standards. Being named a multiple Champion Racecourse is rare, with York being only the third racecourse to achieve this accolade.
“Racecourse teams across the country work exceptionally hard to deliver fantastic days out. All our Showcase winners and highly commended are quite rightly celebrated and the RCA looks forward to sharing the best-in-class practice acclaimed at the Showcase Awards in the months ahead.”
The complete results from the 2024 Showcase Awards are as follows:
Showcase Champion Racecourse
WINNER: York
Racecourse Groundstaff Awards—Overall Champion
WINNER: Carlisle
Chairman’s Award
WINNER: The Jockey Club—Gallagher Community Partnership
Marketing
WINNER: Chelmsford City—Pick a Winner
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Ascot—Royal Ascot 2024: Elevating the Ascot You
Doncaster—The Summer Series
Musselburgh—Egging on the Favourite
Plumpton—Premier Plumpton: Sussex National Raceday
Racing Foundation Green
WINNER: York— The Bustardthorpe Stand Development x Green Knavesmire 300
Carlisle—Carlisle Garden Project
Pontefract—Sustainable Music Nights
The Jockey Club—Natural Capital
Wincanton—The Final Bend Busy Bee Apiary
Diversity & Inclusion
WINNER: Pontefract—The Journey to Being a Friendly Racecourse
Ascot—Championing Women in Sport
Carlisle—Ladies Night
Goodwood—Markel Magnolia Cup x Riding A Dream Academy
Ripon—Accessibility for All
Racing Together Community
WINNER: Go Racing In Yorkshire—Bowel Cancer Screening
York—Guinness is Good for You (and so is Theakstons and Fish & Chips)
Non-Raceday Event
WINNER: Beverley—Racing to Success
Bangor-on-Dee— Circuit Training for Fibrax Fenwicks Wrexham Cycling Club
Newcastle—Northumbrian Water’s Innovation Festival
Ripon—Yorkshire’s Garden Film Set
Wincanton—Wincanton Rocks Together
Racing Connection
WINNER: York—Under Jockeys’ Orders
Cheltenham—Gold Cup 100
Goodwood—Racehorse Welfare
Haydock Park—JockeyCam Live at Betfair Chase Day
Wincanton—Frodon’s Friends
Racing Post Readers’ Award
WINNER: Kelso
Ayr
Chester
Musselburgh
Salisbury
Owners’ Racecourse of the Year
WINNER: Ascot
Hamilton Park
Musselburgh
Newbury
Perth
About the Showcase & Awards
This is the thirteenth annual Showcase Seminar & Awards, the marquee event of the Racecourse Association (RCA) to celebrate excellence and innovation amongst British Racecourses in partnership with Great British Racing, Racing Post, the Racing Foundation and Racing Together.
It is renowned as the event to attend, learn from, engage with, support and celebrate racecourses. The daytime seminar and evening awards ceremony are both guided by the principle themes of excellence and innovation, which we encourage all racecourses to apply to every element of racecourse operation and raceday experience.
This year’s event was held on Thursday 7th November at the Signet Library, Edinburgh.
The independent judging panel this year was comprised of Tara Warren (Executive Director, West Ham United and BHA Board Director), Martin Dalby (Chairman, Center Parcs UK & IRE), David Carr (Racing Reporter, Racing Post), Louise Norman (Chief Executive, Racehorse Owners Association) and Aileen Goatley (Head of Marketing, Horse Racing Ireland).
There are eight core Showcase Award categories and two public-voted Awards. The Racing Post Readers’ Award Racegoers invites racegoers to nominate their favourite racecourse and score out of 100 on customer service, value for money and overall raceday experience. The racecourse with the highest combined average score, subject to a minimum number of votes, will be crowned the winner. The Owners’ Racecourse of the Year asks all racehorse owners to nominate and score based on ownership experience with and without a runner plus the raceday experience.
The Showcase Champion is decided by the highest combined score from all core entries (barring Racing Post Readers’ Award and RCA/ROA Owners’ Racecourse of the Year). To qualify, racecourses must be nominated as a Finalist in at least two core categories.
Previous Champion Racecourses: Doncaster (2011), Goodwood (2012), Chester (2013), Ascot (2014 & 2016), York (2015), Aintree (2017 & 2022), Hamilton Park (2018), Pontefract (2019) and Musselburgh (2023).
About the Racecourse Association
The Racecourse Association (RCA), formed in 1907, is the representative body for British racecourses. 59 racecourses are members and have equal voting rights. The RCA serves the interests of its 59 British racecourse members both inside and outside the sport, empowering them to be the best venues that they can be.
The RCA works on behalf of racecourses to represent their views within the sport. Outside of horseracing, the RCA works alongside the Government, other sports and leisure venues, and national charities to meet the needs of racecourses.
Additionally, the RCA encourages and facilitates racecourse community engagement, involvement in horse welfare initiatives, responsible drinking campaigns, and various other partnerships within the sport. The Showcase & Awards, the marquee event of British Racecourses to celebrate and reward excellence and innovation, is hosted by the RCA annually in November.
Since 1998, the RCA has owned RaceTech, the dedicated technical facilities provider that has maintained British Racing at the forefront of global broadcast technology.
For further information, please contact Paul Swain.
A phrase that often comes up in conversation at this time of year is,
“So you’ll be getting quieter as the flat season comes to an end?”
Well, actually, no! And that is also true of the flat courses! For us at Go Racing In Yorkshire HQ, we still have three courses jump racing, with 36 jump fixtures between them, but our main focus right now is getting everything ready for Season Ticket renewals and sales.
If you are a keen racing fan and haven’t heard of the season ticket then read on! If you are already a season ticket holder, look out for the correspondence inviting you to renew.
The Go Racing In Yorkshire season ticket has been around for 45 years, that’s about half the amount of time that Mr Gundill has been running Pontefract Racecourse!
Recognising that there are enthusiastic and passionate racegoers in the county, the season ticket was created to offer a value for money day out to these loyal supporters of our wonderful sport.
While the name (it was originally called a passport) and delivery has changed over the years, the core concept remains the same, but it’s more than just a day at the races.
The season ticket offers Grandstand & Paddock admission at every fixture at Yorkshire’s nine racecourses, that’s about 182 race meetings. Yes, that includes Grandstand & Paddock at the Sky Bet Ebor Festival and the Betfred St Leger meeting.
Other tangible benefits include reciprocals with Yorkshire County Cricket Club, hospitality discounts at some of the courses and the option to upgrade on the day if space allows.
Trialled in 2023 and extended in 2024, we have held some ‘club days’, including at Pontefract in September. This brings together those season ticket holders who would like to meet up with others in a racecourse facility, with tea and coffee in abundance! At Pontefract, raceday announcer Andrew Thornton ran us through the card and although we got off to a fairly bleak start, he did produce a couple of winners as the day went on!
Andrew Thornton runs through the card at Pontefract
At some of these club days and on some other occasions, we have been able to offer season ticket holders the opportunity to get into the Parade Ring and choose the best turned out horse and make the presentation to winning connections after the race. This is real ‘bucket list’ stuff for some, who take the responsibility very seriously and take time to enjoy the privilege of being that bit closer to the horses with a little more space to see.
Season ticket holders award the best turned out horse prize at Doncaster’s ‘Club Day’
Another new initiative is a WhatsApp group – absolutely not compulsory, but set up with the aim of connecting racegoers who tend to turn up on their own but want to meet up with others on arrival and compare notes on the days runners.
A season ticket holder is fairly obvious to spot – if you see the same face every time you visit a Yorkshire course and it’s not a trainer or a jockey, then it’s probably a season ticket holder and if they’re not then they certainly should be!
The benefits of being a season ticket holder can’t all be listed on the website as some of them can’t be quantified, but going racing and seeing our band of merry men and women, I can tell you what they are. In short, racing is good for you!
Most of our demographic are retired – in general they’re the only people available to turn up at every weekday fixture. With time on their hands and an active brain, a day out at the races keeps the faculties working. A season ticket means that no planning is required, simply turn up, get the badge scanned and in you go. If you can’t get there for the first, or need to leave before the last, you’re still getting value for money.
We all know it’s good for us to get outside, whatever the weather and racing offers just that. The season ticket holders tend to know who each other are and look out for each other. If someone is conspicuous by their absence you can guarantee that enquiries into their wellbeing will be made.
I’ve had instances where someone had decided not to renew as they no longer drive, only to receive a phone call a week later to say they are changing their mind because their neighbouring season ticket holder is going to give them lifts. There is a strong community spirit and new season ticket holders will be welcomed straight away.
In general, they are more traditional racegoers, in attendance for the love of the horse and the sport and I have been fortunate enough to witness first-hand the support of this enthusiastic sector of our racing community when I rode in the charity race at York. From sponsorship, encouraging texts and emails right down to riding instructions, they were with me to the finishing line and casual chats on-course are often the highlight of my day, although I wouldn’t necessarily tell them all that!
The season ticket runs from 1st April to 31st March each year. Applications need to be in by the end of February and a personalised photo ID card will be sent out prior to the 1st April, which just needs scanning at the racecourse entrance. A single ticket for 2025/26 will be £460 and even more value is offered with a joint ticket which will cost £770.
While this represents excellent value – about £2.53 per race meeting, it can be a lot of money to find at once, so, new for 2025, we are aiming to introduce an option which allows both new and returning season ticket holders to spread the payments. More information will be available on our website soon.
Tickets can be purchased online, from our website or by sending a cheque with the relevant details. Please email me if you would like more information or to discuss the season ticket and how to make a purchase. We are conscious that while we live in an increasingly technological world, not all of our season ticket holders, existing and new, are au fait with this and we want to make sure that everyone who wants one, can get a season ticket, so if you are struggling, get in touch and we can make a plan.
Welcome to another blog from the team at Pontefract Racecourse.
Every fortnight, someone from the team will share their thoughts for your entertainment (or otherwise!):
Managing Director, Norman Gundill with his trusty PA, Caroline who also looks after the hospitality,
Accounts Manager, Nicola,
Admin manager, Carol,
Marketing exec, Alexia, and,
Chief Operating Officer, Richard who is writing this blog
We are preparing to close the door on another racing season, but we have one final fling to bring you on Monday 21st October. And yes, while there’s some top notch racing on the programme – we have a Listed 2yo race (which even has it’s own Wikipedia page!) and over £130,000 worth of Prize Money on offer – we’re going to have a look at another of our Season Finale traditions at Ponte. The handover to the National Hunt team….
Racing under both codes (Flat and National Hunt) has a big following in Yorkshire and, as the Flat season is nearing its end, it’s always lovely to be able to welcome back some firm favourites from the jumping season. The team from Go Racing in Yorkshire are always particularly excited to get their cameras and notebooks out in preparation for the start of the ‘Winter Game’. And our Admin team get involved too – Caroline drives the car that follows the gallopers round and Alexia fires up the Socials with the latest news.
Pontefract used to offer trainers the opportunity to ‘gallop’ their horses regularly after racedays. But, as weather patterns continue to become increasingly extreme, we had to restrict racecourse gallops to the last raceday so that the track had a good few months to recover before it was needed again the following April. Initially we’d have 5 or 6 horses coming to stretch their legs but the word started to spread and trainers latched on to the fact that we allowed gallopers and the event started to take off. In 2021, we had over 50 horses using the track after the last race. This is after 70-80 horses ran during the race meeting! As demand grew, we’ve had to restrict numbers to allow no more than 40 horses to gallop after racing – with each trainer restricted to 5 horses so that we can allow as many different yards as possible to take advantage.
While some tracks charge for racecourse gallops, we took a different view and don’t have a fee. Allowing a racecourse gallop was one way that we could thank trainers for running a horse during the course of the year – especially those who might not ordinarily have had a runner during the season. If the trainer wants to make a donation to the groundstaff team, then that is always gratefully received!
And we’ve had some real superstars of the Northern jumping circuit grace the Ponte turf. Nicky Richards always brings some nice horses with G2 and Listed placed, Castle Rushen a regular. Brian Ellison’s Tommy Whittle and Eider winner, Sam’s Adventure, learnt his stamina from an away day at Ponte. Perhaps the best of them was Ruth Jefferson’s Waiting Patiently who limbered up at Ponte before his second in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day.
So, to 2024…. We’ve already got 30 horses booked in with limited spaces remaining. Nicky Richards, Donald McCain and Sam England are amongst those who have already got their names down. Which equine stars will be making an appearance? You’ll have to join us on Monday 21st October when all will be revealed!
Welcome to another blog from the team at Pontefract Racecourse.
Every fortnight, someone from the team will share their thoughts for your entertainment (or otherwise!):
Managing Director, Norman Gundill with his trusty PA, Caroline who also looks after the hospitality,
Accounts Manager, Nicola,
Admin manager, Carol,
Marketing exec, Alexia, and,
Chief Operating Officer, Richard, who is writing this blog.
As the busy Summer period of racing comes to a close, we start to gear up to the final four meetings of the year. While the evenings and weekend fixtures are done for 2024, it doesn’t mean that there isn’t still a lot to look forward to – in fact, there is still a 2yo Listed race to come and almost £350,000 worth of prize money on offer!
The highlight of the Autumn programme is our season finale on Monday 21st October. Sadly, Storm Babet prevented the fixture taking place in 2023 but, all being well, we’ll have some fantastic action on the track to finish the season.
Apologies for being a bit of a racing anorak, but theEBFSilver Tankard Stakes is one of my favourite races of the year at Ponte and has a rich history with both Westover and Manuela De Vega in recent years competing before hitting the frame in the Derby and Oaks the following year. The European Breeders Fund do a huge amount for racing and we are eternally grateful for the support that they give us a Ponte. It’s been a while since we’ve had a Derby or Oaks winner – High-Rise was the last – but there’s always some talent on show. Before the abandonment last year, Aidan O’Brien had 5 entries to target the race with! Fingers crossed the weather plays its part this year and we get to witness some more potential future stars.
Manuela De VegaWestover
We’ve made a conscious decision to try and raise the calibre and profile of the racing at the season finale this year. And so, to support the Listed race, we have a Class 2 Fillies Handicap worth £30k and the £27k Class 2 Phil Bull Trophy for the Stayers. There’s now a total of over £130,000 in prize money at this race meeting alone. The two supporting races have again had some superb winners –Unequal Lovewon the handicap in 2023 before winning the Wokingham this year, and Wise Eaglewas the last horse to take the Phil Bull. He ran in the Ascot Gold Cup the year after! For those of you who don’t know, Phil Bull was a professional gambler, racehorse owners and published who founded Timeform.
We can now also start to look forward to 2025. The fixture list has recently been published and there is no material change to the look of the Ponte racing calendar for next year with our usual pattern of fixtures including 3 evening meetings (Friday 23rd May, Monday 9th June and Friday 18th July), 3 Sundays (22nd June, 27th July, 17th August) and Ladies Day on 6th August. Bookings for next year will go live on 1st December when, as always, the best deals are available. Make sure you set a reminder on your calendar as tickets are over 25% cheaper than on the day.
Now that we have the dates for 2025, we can also start to plan! Is there anything that you’d like to see at Pontefract next year? Do you have any thoughts on the bands that might perform? (within reason – we’re a small independent racecourse with limited budgets!) Would you like to see anything different at our Family Day race meetings? If you’ve got anything that you think might make a day at Pontefract even better, then please let us know by emailing us at info@pontefract-races.co.uk.
