Families looking for an affordable day out this summer can enjoy three action-packed Family Days at Catterick Racecourse during the school holidays, combining exciting Flat racing with a host of free activities and entertainment for children of all ages.
With under 18’s admitted free to every raceday, Catterick's popular family fixtures offer something for racing fans and first-time visitors alike, with entertainment both on and off the track.
First up, the summer holiday programme begins with the Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival Family Day on Wednesday, 22 July. Sponsored by Sky Bet, the summer festival showcases the very best of Yorkshire racing, featuring nine days of Flat racing across eight racecourses.
Ahead of the first race, due off at 2:07pm, the jockeys will be taking part in the Paddock n’ Chips football skills competition in the Parade Ring, raising funds for the charity of the week – the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
Visitors can also meet jockeys and collect autographs at the Great British Racing Jockey Hub, located next to the Weighing Room.
Alongside the racing, children can enjoy a range of free activities including Derby Hoppers, the Extreme Area, a bouncy castle, face painting and soft play. Racegoers will also be able to visit a special photography exhibition celebrating Go Racing in Yorkshire's 50th anniversary, showcasing some of the "Faces Behind the Races".
In August, Catterick Racecourse will once again partner with the Army Benevolent Fund for its annual Salute Our Heroes Family Day on Tuesday 4th August. Military personnel and their families will receive complimentary admission, with tickets available through Catterick Garrison Headquarters or the Racecourse Office.
The afternoon features six races kindly supported by Hugh James, EBF, the Rylance Family and Hunter Family, with the first race due off at 2:15pm. Alongside the racing action, free family entertainment including a laser battle zone, inflatable assault course, face painting, bouncy castle and soft play area will be available in the Course Enclosure.
Emma Stevenson, General Commercial Manager stated: “Our Family Days are among the most popular fixtures in our calendar and we're looking forward to welcoming families from across the region during the school holidays. Whether visitors are regular racegoers or joining us for the first time, there is something for everyone to enjoy both on and off the track.”
The final Family Day of the summer, the Family Sports Day on Monday 17 August, sees young racegoers become competitors themselves with the return of the popular Egg and Spoon Race, taking place approximately one hour before the first horse race.
The first of six races will get underway at 2.15pm, with the feature - The Constant Security Services Novice Stakes - taking place at 3.45pm.
From midday, families can enjoy a range of free activities in the Course Enclosure including crazy golf, a penalty shootout, inflatable darts and face painting.
Picnics are welcome in the Course Enclosure, or racegoers who’d prefer the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure can take advantage of the great value Horseshoe Package – including admission and a voucher for the Dish of the Day for just £26.
Adult tickets start from £8 when booked in advance, while under 18s attend free. Discounts are available for groups, students, military personnel and racegoers aged 65 and over. Free parking is available on site. Tickets can be purchased online at www.catterickbridge.co.uk or by calling 01748 811478.