Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival Begins Today at Pontefract

The Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival, sponsored by Sky Bet, kicks off this evening at Pontefract, marking a week of thrilling horse racing across the county. Trainers from Yorkshire are gearing up to showcase their best horses in what promises to be an exciting celebration of local talent and competition.

Yorkshire Trainers Shine

Among the many trainers participating, Tim Easterby is expected to have a significant presence. His horses will take to the starting line at Pontefract, including I’m Next and Mount King. Easterby is optimistic about I’m Next, a horse typically suited to softer ground, who has shown impressive performance on faster surfaces this season. “He seems to be coping really well with fast ground this time,” Easterby noted. “I really would think he’ll have a good chance.”

Following Pontefract, Easterby has a robust lineup for Ripon, featuring promising two-year-old Warby, who could use this opportunity as a stepping stone to the prestigious Goodwood event. Also on the cards is Per Contra, who finished as a runner-up in last year's Bell-Ringer Handicap and is looking to improve this time around. The Ripon specialist Garden Oasis, who even has a bar named after him at the course, is another horse to watch for.

Exciting Runners Across the Festival

Other trainers are also preparing their horses for the Festival. Mark Walford is hoping for a good run from Spioradalta, a horse he believes will thrive at Ripon. “He’s back to Ripon, which is a course he absolutely loves,” Walford explained. “We’re trying something a little bit different this time, stepping him up to a mile and a half, so hopefully he might get among the places.”

Walford's team also includes Electric Lightning at Doncaster and It Just Takes Time at Beverley, with plans to conclude with Kodiak Thriller in the Jump Jockeys’ Nunthorpe at York.

Strong Contenders from Other Stables

Ruth Carr starts her Festival journey at Pontefract with fan-favourite Reigning Profit, a consistent performer with ten wins to his name. Carr expressed confidence in Reigning Profit’s ability, stating, “He’s generally very consistent.” Her team also includes Palmarian, a Leicester winner, and King Sharja at Beverley.

Nigel Tinkler has a busy week ahead, starting with Theme Park at Pontefract and looking forward to Baldosa, who is expected to perform well at Redcar. His plans also feature Dandy Dinmont, a course winner, at Beverley.

The Easterby brothers, David and Mick, are ambitious this Festival, aiming to have a runner at every fixture. David is even cycling between racecourses to raise funds, already amassing £4,340 for his efforts. Their first runner is Resdev Time at Pontefract. “We keep stepping her up in trip and she keeps giving us a bit more,” said Easterby, highlighting the horse's potential.

Jockeys and Other Notable Entries

Jo Mason has a busy schedule as well, beginning her Festival at Redcar on Sunday with Nyman and planning to ride several horses from the Easterby stable, including Liverpool Star and Roman Crystal.

David O’Meara also enters the Festival with expectations. His horse Prince Of The Seas is set to race at Ripon, and assistant trainer Stephen Hanlon believes he has a strong chance. Other entries from O’Meara include Come On Over and Akkadian Thunder at Doncaster, Rajapour at Redcar, and Ice Show at Beverley.

A Festival to Remember

With a mix of established favourites, promising two-year-olds, and up-and-coming handicappers, the Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival is shaping up to be a highly competitive event. The excitement kicks off at Pontefract this evening, with various races scheduled throughout the week at different venues, including Ripon, Beverley, and York.

• BOOK NOW Friday 17th July – Pontefract (Evening) 

• BOOK NOW Saturday 18th July – Ripon

• BOOK NOW Saturday 18th July – Doncaster (Evening) Summer Saturday Series – The Ultimate 80s

• BOOK NOW Sunday 19th July – Redcar, Circus Family Fun Day

• BOOK NOW Monday 20th July – Beverley (Evening)

• BOOK NOW Wednesday 22nd July – Catterick Family Fun Day

• BOOK NOW Thursday 23rd July – Doncaster Autism In Racing Day and Racehorse Syndicates Association

• BOOK NOW Friday 24th July – Thirsk Family Fun Day

• BOOK NOW Friday 24th July – York (Evening) Craig David Presents TS5

• BOOK NOW Saturday 25th July – York Tom Grennan.

This Festival not only showcases the talents of Yorkshire's trainers and horses but also brings together the community to celebrate the sport of racing. With Yorkshire hospitality and thrilling races, it promises to be a memorable week for horse racing fans and families alike.