Guide to Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival including Boyzone & Tom Jones

"The Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival celebrates all that’s best about racing on the Flat in the White Rose Country."

Although possibly a shade harsh on Wetherby, which isn't involved in this year's Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival despite becoming a dual-purpose track in 2015, it’s hard to argue with the GRIYSF website strapline.

The Festival - supported by Sky Bet and now in its 11th year - covers nine days (eight courses, eight race days) in the peak of summer and includes some high-class action, primarily at the region’s premier racecourse – York – but also on the final Sunday at Pontefract with the valuable Pomfret Stakes, which has been won by some smart horses such as Rio De La Plata (dh), Highland Knight and Mondialiste down the years.

The Tuesday – this year July 24 – is a blank, a rest day if you will, but the double-header of Thirsk on Friday afternoon followed by York the same evening more than makes up for it, while York once again features twice in the packed programme thanks to Saturday 28 – day two of the Music Showcase Weekend (more on that extravaganza below).

School's out for summer then, and here we guide you through the entire GRIY Summer Festival week, provide some essential punting pointers and showcase what’s going on in and around each course as you make your way through "God’s own county".

What is the full schedule?

• Saturday July 21 - Ripon (Gates open: 11.30; First race: 2.20)
• Sunday July 22 – Redcar (Gates open: 11.00; First race: 1.55)
• Monday July 23 – Beverley (Gates open: 4.00; First race: 6.00)
• Tuesday July 24 – Blank (the hard core may wish to consider Nottingham’s evening fixture…)
• Wednesday July 25 – Catterick (Gates open: 12.00; First race: 2.00)
• Thursday July 26 – Doncaster (Gates open: 3.00; First race: 5.15)
• Friday July 27 – Thirsk (Gates open: 11.30; First race: 2.00) & York (Gates open: 4.00; First race: 6.00)
• Saturday July 28 – York (Gates open: 11.15; First race: 2.05)
• Sunday July 29 – Pontefract (Gates open: 11.30; First race: 2.00)

Saturday July 21 - Ripon (Gates open: 11.30; First race: 2.20)

What's going on?

Ripon launch the Festival with a bang and a live band.

Around 10,000 people are expected for one of the course's biggest meetings of the year, which should make for a fantastic atmosphere.

Family-friendly advice

There could hardly be a better set-up for children than at Ripon. Loads of space to run about, a beautiful, tree-lined parade ring providing much-needed shade in the heat of the summer, and a decent on-site playground.

So go early, dust off the picnic blanket and soak up all that the Garden Racecourse has to offer.

Punting pointer

Ripon is not for the faint-hearted thoroughbred, which is what makes it so appealing for some punters.

The undulations in the home straight pose a particularly unique challenge, especially for two-year-olds, so previous racecourse experience can count for plenty when the chips are down, while previous Ripon winners should be followed very closely, no matter how uninspiring their recent form elsewhere.

Sunday July 22 – Redcar (Gates open: 11.00; First race: 1.55)

What's going on?

It's 1940s Revival Day at Redcar for day two of the Festival so don't forget to pack your camouflage combats/mink shawl.

The course will be "celebrating the nostalgic spirit of a bygone era" with representatives from the armed forces on hand - no issues with mentioning the war here.

Family-friendly advice

Children (accompanied under 18s) go free of charge which is a boost to the coffers long before the first race. They may even get to climb into a Spitfire or something genuinely exciting, too.

Punting pointer

If he's got a runner, follow William Haggas blind. Like several other Yorkshire racecourses, Newmarket trainer Haggas - a Yorkshireman himself, of course - boasts a phenomenal record at Redcar.

Over the past five seasons alone his numbers read 12 winners from 25 runners at a win strike-rate of 48%. That's £51,432 of prize-money in total, while a tenner on all of his runners during this period would have put you £75.50 in profit. Not earth-shattering, but it beats losing doesn't it.

Monday July 23 – Beverley (Gates open: 4.00; First race: 6.00)

What's going on?

After snaking down through the lush North York Moors from radiant Redcar, there's a lot to look forward to at Beverley's Carnival Racenight, featuring Samba dancers, live music from the New York Brass Band, plus Rio-inspired carnival floats complete with exotic-looking drummers.

Family-friendly advice

Once again, accompanied under 18s get in gratis. Expect bouncy castles, face painting and enough ice cream to keep the entire family quiet for at least a few minutes.

Plus as much UV Sun Protection as you can physically manage...

Punting pointer

Go low. A low draw remains hugely significant on the Westwood, especially in races over sprint distances (5f-7f). These events start on a slight slope, they then go around a bend and unless the ground is very soft (which seems unlikely at this time of year) the inside rail is the place to be.

High numbers can be overcome, but they are at a clear disadvantage.

Tuesday July 24 - Blank

If you're travelling from Beverley up to Catterick with a car full of kids then we wish you luck, but also want to take the opportunity to point you in the direction of The Forbidden Corner.

Heading that way will take you a little off course but The Forbidden Corner is just on the edge of Middleham, less than half an hour from Catterick, and if you're lucky you may be able to spot some of Yorkshire's finest horses strolling through the delightful market town en route.

It's hard to do this unique day out justice but The Forbidden Corner is essentially a vast, glorified garden in the heart of Tupgill Park filled with tricky tunnels, chambers and surprises to keep every member of the family on their toes - head to their website here to find out more and book some tickets.

Wednesday July 25 – Catterick (Gates open: 12.00; First race: 2.00)

What's going on?

Go Racing In Yorkshire's charity of choice for the week is Racing Welfare, who will be bringing an equicizer along for brief demonstrations and a bit of fun with a jockey or two (they don't know this yet!) before racing.

If that doesn't float your boat then Malcolm Tomlinson, Dale Tempest and Michael Shinners providing their Tip of the Day could be more your thing...

Family-friendly advice

Kids are free at Catterick too and there's a promise of children's entertainment throughout the afternoon in the Course Enclosure - which all coincides very nicely with schools breaking up.

If you're into pastel squirrels, inky sheep and local wildlife photography, take in a trip to The Station at Richmond before gates open - this lovingly restored Victorian railway is packed with exhibits, history and Yorkshire heritage.

Punting pointer

Look out for early pace. Sharp in nature, Catterick is no place for slow starters, who can find themselves out of the race before it's even begun in earnest.

Avoid anything with a tendency to break poorly from the stalls.

Thursday July 26 – Doncaster (Gates open: 3.00; First race: 5.15)

What's going on?

You can't ask for more than a sun-drenched evening with a glass of refreshment in hand on Town Moor, where the views from the grandstand are, for many, unrivalled anywhere in the country.

The guaranteed good ground* and long, flat home straight also make Doncaster an attractive proposition for some of the leading trainers in the north and south to blood their youngsters.

*clearly not actually guaranteed

Family-friendly advice

Take advantage of the Grandstand Pie Package.

As the website says: 'Don't compromise with our pie package. You will receive grandstand admission, a drinks voucher, race card and a delicious pie.'

That's £23 well spent in our view.

There's an intriguing caveat to the kids go free message, which reads 'Children under 18 go free when accompanied by an adult (some exceptions apply).'

I guess if you're 17-year-old is already of a beardy, hipster persuasion then we suggest they take along some form of identification.

Punting pointer

Look out for the boys in blue. Any representative from Godolphin has to be accorded maximum respect at Doncaster.

It's not been a fantastic few years for Saeed bin Suroor in general, but his Donny record over the past five seasons stands at a healthy 17 winners from 54 runners (31%) and it's four from 12 in juvenile races only. Charlie Appleby's five-year record is also a very respectable 21% strike-rate.

Friday July 27 – Thirsk (Gates open: 11.30; First race: 2.00)

What's going on?

If you've missed Pennine Brewery Beer Festival evening meeting at Thirsk earlier in the month, fear not. Thirsk's paddock-side Woolpack Bar is open for every meeting and stocks an array of ales all year round. It's also often quite quiet.

For Summer Festival afternoon, the emphasis is on family time so look out for entertaining mascot Festival Freddie, who we are told this year may be bringing a friend... watch this space.

Family-friendly advice

Michelin-starred restaurants might not be the going rate for every family but if you're feeling flush after going through the card in the afternoon then Tommy Banks' (the nice fella off BBC Two's Breat British Menu) The Black Swan in Oldstead - under 10 miles from the course - comes highly recommended by... well, by the French tyre company that also publishes restaurant guide books.

If you're bound for the Premier Enclosure at the track, pop a tie on. One esteemed, unnamed member of the Sporting Life team was once caught short in that regard, having to borrow one out of the lost property. "I looked like Barry Chuckle," Ben Linfoot proudly reports.

Don't worry, children go free here too.

Punting pointer

The draw bias over five furlongs is just about stronger than at any other course in the country, with those drawn high (stands' side) at a distinct advantage.

The bias is slightly less pronounced over six furlongs and if the ground is on the soft side then those in the low numbers have a much better chance, but in general is pays to be with the horses drawn in double figures.

Friday July 27 - York (Gates open: 4.00; First race: 6.00)

What's going on?

Day one of Music Showcase Weekend and, brace yourselves, it's Sir Tom Jones performing live after racing.

The actual, real, silver-haired, groin-thrusting septuagenarian Knight of the Realm himself. What a time to be alive.

Family-friendly advice

Worth checking the small print here and it's also well worth baring in mind that the course is likely to get very busy at peak times (when Tom is on).

Children aged 5-15 need a special £10 ticket, maximum two children per adult. Racegoers aged 16 and 17 years old need special £10 paid for admission - however, they do not need to be accompanied (please call 01904 620911 for the good people at York to kindly explain in more detail if required).

Punting pointer

Speed, speed, speed. There's a need for speed in just about all race types on the Knavesmire, with horses typically held up for a late run often struggling to reel in the pace-setters.

The fastest of the fast win the sprints and the races on the round course are invariably contested by those to have raced up with the pace.

Saturday July 28 – York (Gates open: 11.15; First race: 2.05)

What's going on?

Welcome back to Yorkshire, Boyzone.

Looking forward to a return to York, where he recently starred in panto, the group's Shane Lynch said: "I can’t wait to be back in York, being back together promises to be great fun. We’ve always loved outdoor shows and can’t wait to make some more memories with our fans!"

Boyzone are due to finish touring after this year - we recommend you make the most of this opportunity, providing 'the lads' have got out of Cartmel alive on June 29.

So take your time, think a lot, think of everything you've got. For you will still be here tomorrow, but Boyzone may not.

Family-friendly advice

Father and son jokes aside, the same rules apply for persons aged 5-17.

Also, look out for tearful 30/40-somethings, who are likely to have left the rest of their families at home anyway.

Punting pointer

Yorkshire contains some of the shrewdest trainers in the land and by nature they don't like to share the wealth when it comes to the considerable prize money on offer at the county's premier racecourse.

Richard Fahey picked up £420,375 of York's lovely prize pot through 2017 and Tim Easterby pocketed £368,055.

David O'Meara, who now trains a little over 13 miles from the course in Upper Helmsley, took home £231,717.

O'Meara hasn't had a York winner so far in 2018 (29 runners in total), but he'll be determined to set the record straight and the Group Two Sky Bet Stakes over 10 furlongs would seem like a nice prize at which to take aim.

Sunday July 29 – Pontefract (Gates open: 11.30; First race: 2.00)

What's going on?

Pontefract really does do its fair share and more for quality Sunday racing in Britain, with the Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival finale featuring among three Sundays in the season that each have over £100,000 in prize money up for grabs.

Pontefract are also at the forefront when it comes to family entertainment, including free sweets, a circus, activity packs, pony rides, free sweets, a ‘Hunt The Golden Horseshoe’ competition and did we mention FREE SWEETS?

Family-friendly advice

As well as all the usual family activities on offer, Pontefract will be staging a "fake festival" on the day.

So come and sing along to the hits of Gary Barlow, Robbie Williams and Whitney Houston (tribute acts booked to perform) before screaming home Silvestre De Sousa's select all afternoon.

One punting pointer to follow

Our own Ben 'Value Bet' Linfoot guides you through proceedings live on Racing UK on the final day of the Festival, with the Listed Pomfret Stakes taking top billing, a race in which David O'Meara has enjoyed notable success in recent seasons.

His Custom Cut was narrowly denied back-to-back victories by the Richard Fahey-trained Another Touch in a tight finish last summer and both trainers will no doubt have similar candidates lined up for the valuable mile contest this year.

If Linfoot doesn't cut the mustard, the best basic advice for Ponte punting is to go with the flow. Rarely are winners not roared home by swathes of locals and following the late money on track seems to produce an unusual amount of success.

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