Family fun at Catterick Races this summer

Family days are among the most popular race days in Catterick Racecourse’s fixture calendar, attracting both racing enthusiasts and families alike. This summer, the racecourse will host three Family Days during the school holidays, offering a mix of exciting racing and free entertainment for children – with something for everyone to enjoy!

Accompanied under 18’s go free at all Catterick’s race days, and on the family days and throughout the school holidays, there is much more than just racing action in store for the next generation of racing fans.

First up, the Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival Family Day kicks off the summer holiday fixtures on Wednesday, 23 July. Sponsored by Sky Bet, the summer festival celebrates all that is great about Flat Racing in Yorkshire, with nine days of thrilling racing across eight different Yorkshire racecourses.

Ahead of the first race, due off at 2:30pm, the jockeys will be taking part in the Paddock n’ Chips football competition in the Parade Ring, raising money for the charity of the week – Racing Welfare. While after the first race, at approximately 2.40pm, racegoers can join a Q&A session with Graham Lee and The Good Racing Company in the Horseshoe Café Bar.

Alongside the racing action on the day, families can also enjoy free children’s entertainment within the Course Enclosure including a Free Fall, bouncy castle and face painting.

In August, the Salute Our Heroes Family Day takes place on Tuesday 5 August. In partnership with the ABF The Soldiers Charity and kindly sponsored by Hugh James Law, the racecourse is delighted to offer complimentary admission for military personnel and their families again this year. Military tickets can be collected from the Catterick Garrison Headquarters or from the Racecourse Office.

The afternoon is set to be full of action with six exciting races, starting at 2:20pm, and alongside the racing, there will be an array of free activities in the Course Enclosure including an assault course, face painting and laser battle zone!

Emma Stevenson, General Commercial Manager stated: “It is a pleasure to work with the ABF The Soldiers’ Charity again this year. Whilst we provide discounted military admission at all our race days, this day serves as an opportunity for the whole community. We always look forward to the summer holidays and the chance to welcome the next generation of racegoers to a race day that the whole family will enjoy.”

Finally, the Family Sports Day takes place on Monday 18 August with the opportunity for young racing fans to get involved in the first race of the day – the Egg & Spoon race – taking place approximately one hour before the first horse race, which is due off at 2:15pm.

Gates on the 18 August will open to the public from midday and there will be free activities for families in the Course Enclosure throughout the afternoon including crazy golf, a penalty shootout, face painting and inflatable darts!

Picnics are welcome in the Course Enclosure and a free shuttle bus will run from Richmond Market Place to the racecourse each race day, leaving one hour prior to the first race.

Adult tickets are available from just £8 each when booked in advance. Tickets are also available to purchase at the gates on the day. Advanced and group booking discounts can be obtained until 48 hours before each race day, either by calling the racecourse office at 01748 811478 or online at www.catterickbridge.co.uk

Concessions for students and those aged 65 and over, as well discounted military tickets are also available both in advance and at the gates on the day.

Photo credit: Hannah Ali