WHAT HAPPENS AFTER EACH RACE?
As soon as the horses cross the finishing line, the race is not always over! If it's been a particularly close finish, the Judge may call for a photograph to determine which horse has won. You will often hear 'photograph, photograph' announced over the PA system.
And it might not necessarily be over then either! If it's been a close finish, or there has been some bumping and barging, there may be a 'Stewards Enquiry' where the Stewards take a good look at the race to determine whether the horse which has crossed the line in front has pushed his way through or blocked the way of a rival. The winning horse can be disqualified in some circumstances! SO NEVER THROW YOUR BETTING TICKET AWAY, UNTIL THE 'WEIGHED IN' ANNOUNCEMENT IS MADE!!! This means that the final result has been announced and can not be changed.
A jockey can make an 'Objection' to another horse if he/she feels that his horse's chance has been affected by an incident in the race.
Immediately after the horses come off the course, the first 4 horses head to the Winners Enclosure (right in the heart of the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure) to see their connections. Racegoers often gather in this area to congratulate the winners, commiserate with the losers and just generally soak up the atmosphere. There's a trophy presentation to the winning connections after every race!
Once the excitement of the race dies down then you have around 30 minutes to regather your thoughts and get ready for the next race.
It may sound like a long time but there's plenty to keep you occupied.
After the horses have finished the race you may see them cool down and being washed down. We take horse welfare very seriously at Pontefract and there's always lots of fresh water about and there are 2 horse showers available to keep the equine superstars rehydrated and looked after.
It may be time to collect your winnings, or you may need to rehydrate yourself, but remember to make plenty of time to pick your horse in the next race!
On certain racedays, you will find that there are lots of other things happening around the racecourse - bands, music, circus, kids rides, competitions, etc etc - listen to the PA system on the day for details of what's going on! To look at when our special 'themed' days are, please click here
