Go Racing In Yorkshire

Horse racing makes a fabulous day out for everyone, especially in Yorkshire where with nine fantastic racecourses in the county, you are never far away from some heart pumping action, be it over jumps or on the flat.

With two major training centres, the National Horse Racing College, Goffs sales ring and Jack Berry House – the rehabilitation centre for injured jockeys and stable staff, plus the nine racecourses, Yorkshire is the perfect location for horse racing and our records speak for themselves. The county is home to the winning most trainer of all time Mark Johnston, based in Middleham.

Each course has its own unique atmosphere and offers everything from top class racing to music nights, the glamour of Ladies’ Day or Gin and Gents’ Evening, to more relaxed family days where there are loads of activities for children. Children (under 18) are admitted free to nearly all race meetings!

Book in for the Summer Festival in July where the action visits eight of the county’s courses, in nine days, with 10 race meetings! Experience the festival atmosphere, as each course takes its turn to host the show and give racegoers an unforgettable experience.

Throughout the Summer months you can attend Ladies’ Day at every course, which offers a variety of entertainment and puts some sparkle into your day. The winner of each best dressed lady competition is invited to represent their course in the final where some great prizes are up for grabs.

If music is your thing, pick from the variety of bands on offer after racing which this year include Kim Wilde, Mania – The ABBA tribute band, Fastlove – A Tribute to George Michael, plus more to be revealed!

Themed family days offer the perfect entertainment for children. Visit Doncaster for Wizards and Magic in June. There’s Easter fun at Thirsk, Redcar, Pontefract and Catterick, Hull FC Rugby League take over at Beverley in May, plus a free day for OAP’s at Pontefract in April!

Pontefract host three family fun day’s focusing on Yorkshire heritage, tribute bands and ‘In The Zone’. Ripon also host three family days including a fancy dress one, as do Catterick who have a sports theme. Thirsk will be hosting a circus family fun day as well as their popular All Creatures Great and Small Family Day.

Racecourses work closely with their local communities often holding charity racedays to raise funds for local causes and also working together across the courses.

Other theme days include a sausage & cider festival, beer festival, gin festival and of course Christmas Jumper days!

What do you do on Boxing Day and the days after Christmas? Go racing! Three tracks host jump racing, Wetherby, Catterick and Doncaster and you can visit all of them at their Christmas meetings which takes place from 26^th – 29^th December every year.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to go behind the scenes with the open days at both Middleham and Malton where the yards are open to the public. Meet the athletes, both human and equine and get an insight into how the horses are prepared for their race days.

You may also find yourself at one of our racecourses for a conference, party or wedding. The facilities double up as fantastic venues for non-racing events.

Each course has its own website, or visit www.goracing.co.uk for more details and make sure you follow us on social media for a real flavour of racing in Yorkshire.