With meetings taking place between April and October, Pontefract Racecourse is one of the most popular tracks to visit in the summer in the north of England with visitors able to watch an array of Flat meetings.

There are now 16 Flat race meetings scheduled at Pontefract every year, and the Yorkshire track is a great place for the family, with three Family Sunday meetings every year.

Pontefract also hosts a mix of evening and midweek cards.

Key Races at Pontefract

Flat

- Pontefract Castle Stakes
- Pomfret Stakes
- Pipalong Stakes
- Flying Fillies' Stakes
- Silver Tankard Stakes

Pontefract may not host any Group races, but their main five races per year all take place at Listed level.

The Pontefract Castle Stakes is the pick of the bunch, and it has taken place at the Yorkshire track since 2005. The one-and-a-half-mile contest was once open to all horses but is now strictly for fillies and mares.

Pontefract is part of the Go Racing in Yorkshire initiative along with the wider county's other eight racecourses - Beverley, Catterick, Doncaster, Redcar, Ripon, Thirsk, Wetherby and York.

It is well supported by jockeys and trainers from around the country and due to the fact it hosts plenty of novice and maiden races, it can help unearth some stars of the future.

Track Layout

Pontefract Racecourse is a left-handed track which is known for its sharp and testing oval.

The track is just over two miles in full, while the finishing post comes after a short, two-furlong straight.

The final three furlongs are all uphill, including the turn for home, so it makes positioning crucial. There are undulations throughout the track, and horses have to overcome a stiff climb before they reach the finishing stretch.

Due to the uneven ground, jockeys have often described Pontefract as one of the toughest challenges and it can help level the playing field for those that fail to handle the conditions.

Jockeys that go for home too early can often be reeled in, and experienced riders can often get the better of the action as they know how to handle the conditions.

Visiting Pontefract

While some tracks are suited to the hardcore racing fan, Pontefract prides itself on the family atmosphere, with people of all ages and backgrounds able to enjoy the action.

Located near the M62 motorway, Pontefract is fairly accessible for first-time visitors, while ticket prices are usually relatively reasonable.

There are three enclosures at Pontefract - the Premier Enclosure, the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure and the Picnic Enclosure.

Those in the Premier Enclosure can take advantage of covered seating, champagne bar and terrace, while they also get the best view of the Winning Post.

Racegoers who want a day out for all the family can use the Picnic Enclosure, where visitors can take their car onto the course and park next to the rails.

There is a relaxed atmosphere at Pontefract, and it is a great way to introduce newcomers without them being overwhelmed.

bet365 News Team

• Pontefract Racecourse
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