The annual Family Sunday at York Raceday is back on 7 September, promising a day filled with fun for all ages.
The event will see a seven-race card with over £250,000 in prize money, including the Sky Bet Starman Garrowby Stakes, worth £70,000.
For the little ones, two children’s TV characters, Chase and Marshall from Paw Patrol, will be making exciting appearances throughout the afternoon. Racegoers can also meet Remy, York’s retired racehorse ambassador.
Part of the day’s activities will include the YorkMix Entertainment Zone, where families can enjoy games, virtual horse-riding, try on jockey silks, and take part in a colouring competition.
There will also be giant inflatables, Sublime Science, bouncy castles, and Zorb football.
All of this will be under cover in the YorkMix Entertainment Marquee, meaning families can get involved with the fun whatever the weather.
The day will begin at around 1.50pm with a pony race, giving young riders the chance to show their skills.
The main racing will begin at 2.30pm, with professional thoroughbred races.
The raceday will become the final fixture in the Sky Bet Sunday Series, which includes ITV coverage and extra prize money.
The event falls just after National Racehorse Week, which aims to bring people closer to the sport.
As part of that, York Racecourse is working with Racing Welfare, the charity behind the Malton Open Day, taking place on the morning of the raceday.
Visitors can go behind the scenes at Malton’s racing yards before heading to York Racecourse in the afternoon. Combined tickets for both events are available here.
Admission is free for under-18s at both Malton and York, although under-16s must be accompanied.
Adult racegoers can buy a ticket for £15 on the gate, which allows access to both the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure and the Clocktower Enclosure. Picnic facilities are available, with a cloakroom option for hampers.
For this special family meeting, the usual County Stand dress code is relaxed, with smart casual wear advised.
Well-known racing broadcaster Derek Thompson, “Tommo”, will be on hand to guide racegoers through the action, and may even feature you on the big screens as he tours the stands.
Three-course Sunday lunches are being served from noon, or there’s a choice of a fresh sandwich on one of the many lawns.
