Fixtures & Theme Days
We have 16 race meetings each season including 3 Sundays, 3 evening meetings and 10 midweek afternoon meetings.
For full details, please click on the details for the individual race meetings.
Book tickets
To book tickets for any race meeting at Pontefract, please give us a call on 01977 781307 or click here to book online
Pontefract Races - quick view of 2020 fixtures
We race between April and October each year.
Month | Date | Day | Fixture | 1st race | Last race |
April | 7th | Tuesday | Season Opener | 2.10pm | 5.10pm |
20th | Monday | Pensioner Free Day | 2.10pm | 5.15pm | |
29th | Wednesday | National Horseracing College Charity Day | 2.25pm | 5.50pm | |
May | 22nd | Friday Eve | Disco Night | ||
June | 8th | Monday Eve | Sports Night | ||
21st | Sunday | Father's Day - Flat Cap & Whippet Family Day | |||
29th | Monday | Art of Racing (Part 1) | |||
July | 7th | Tuesday | A Very Yorkshire Raceday | ||
17th | Friday Eve | Beer Festival Music Night | |||
26th | Sunday | Tribute Bands Family Day | |||
August | 5th | Wednesday | Ladies Day | ||
16th | Sunday | In The Zone Family Day | |||
September | 17th | Thursday | Art of Racing (Part 2) | ||
24th | Thursday | All About The Racing | |||
October | 5th | Monday | All About The Racing | ||
19th | Monday | Closing Ceremony / NH Handover |
Race times will appear here as and when they are available.
As a rough guide, the first race will be at around 2pm for an afternoon meeting and at around 6.30pm for an evening meeting.
Gates open at:
- Midday for a midweek afternoon raceday
- 11.30am for a Sunday race meeting
- 4.30pm for an evening race meeting
For more information on the individual 2020 race meetings, please click on the events below:
TUESDAY 7th APRIL - Season Opener
1st race time: 2.10pm
The 2020 racing season at Pontefract kicks off on Tuesday 7th April.
On the track it’s the first leg of the 2020 Stayers Championship – Rubenesque won the championship in 2019 for trainer Tristan Davidson. Will she be back to defend her title? Or will Micky Hammond have another contender having won the Championship in 3 of the previous 4 seasons?
Don’t miss the EBF High-Rise Maiden either! With smart early horses from big yards often targeting it, it’s the first date to put in the diary! The race is named after Luca Cumani’s 1998 Derby winner who took this race on his way to glory at Epsom.
Click here to book tickets.
MONDAY 20th APRIL - Pensioner Free Day
1st race time: 2.10pm
On the track the 2nd meeting of the season features the equine equivalent of the London Marathon!
The Pontefract Marathon is the longest flat handicap race run in Britain! Did you know that Pontefract is also the longest continuous racing circuit in Europe? At 2m 136yds all round, you need a brave, staying horse to get home up the famous ‘Ponte’ hill!
This race meeting offers FREE admission to OAPs (those aged 60 or over) in the Grandstand & Paddock or Picnic Enclosure. If you're over 60 and would like to try racing for free on this day, just turn up on the day. If you are lucky enough to look younger than your years, then you may be asked for proof of age on entry.
There are 7 exciting races to get your heart racing and it’s well worth booking the day off work!
Click here to book tickets.
WEDNESDAY 29th APRIL - National Horseracing College Charity Day
1st race time: 2.25pm
It’s the 31st Annual National Horseracing College Charity Day.
This is a unique day in the racing calendar when bookmakers come together to offer their support to the National Horseracing College by sponsoring some of the races on the card.
Based in Doncaster, we’re proud to continue our association and support of the college who offer a range of courses at all levels for people who are looking at horseracing as a future career, and for those who are currently working in the industry wishing to develop their qualifications and skills.
If you know of anyone interested in a career in racing, tell them to come along and have a chat to the National Horseracing College Staff AND enjoy a day out at the races – there are 7 fantastic races to enjoy!
If you're an Annual Badge Holder at Pontefract, don't forget to apply for the visit and tour of the College on the morning of this race meeting.
Book your tickets here .
FRIDAY EVENING 22nd MAY - Disco Night
1st race - c6.30pm
Following on from Bananarama, Belinda Carlisle and Billy Ocean, we'll be announcing our 2020 performer(s) soon.
Book your ticket for the most retro night of the season by clicking here! Come in your best Fancy Dress and you could also win some fantastic spot prizes!
In 2020, numbers for this event will be STRICTLY LIMITED to ensure the comfort of all racegoers.
On the night
Racegoers from all enclosures will be able to move to the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure to watch the performance and listen to the music.
The audience is encouraged to go IN TO THE PARADE RING to watch the concert.
For safety reasons, after the last race, there will be NO ACCESS to the stepped area in between the raised grassed area and the Parade Ring.
Both disabled viewing areas and Family viewing areas are available in front of the saddling boxes. Should you need assistance, please ask one of the designated helpers in the hi-vis tabards.
Bars around the Parade Ring will stay open after the last race during the concert.
Last orders at the bars will be at 10.15pm.
Prices
On Disco Night, the prices are as follows:
| 29th November to 9am on Monday 20th January | 20th January to 9am on Monday 2nd March | 2nd March to midnight on 21st May | PRICE ON THE DAY |
PREMIER | £20 | £21.50 | £23 | £25 |
GRANDSTAND & PADDOCK | £13 | £14 | £15 | £17 |
Tickets and badges to the Premier and Grandstand & Paddock Enclosures include admission to the concert after racing.
Racegoers in the Picnic Enclosure may be able to upgrade on the night and move to the Parade Ring area after the last race strictly subject to numbers and ticket availability.
Get your tickets before they sell out - book here
MONDAY EVENING 8TH JUNE - Rugby League Takeover
1st race c6.30pm
Full details of our evening race meeting on Monday 8th June will appear here when available.
There’ll be 6 unforgettable races, featuring the Mr Wolf Sprint which commemorates one of the all time Ponte greats. Runners in this race have a real mountain to climb to emulate ‘Wolfie’ who ran at Pontefract an incredible 36 times. He won here 8 times in total!
He was a true Ponte legend and his brave front running style used to have his rivals in trouble from early on in the race. His final race at Pontefract was on 29th July 2012 and he’s currently enjoying retirement on his owner’s farm.
He comes and visits us though and will be back this season to parade before racing.
Book tickets here .
SUNDAY 21st JUNE - Father's Day and Flat Cap & Whippet Family Day
1st race c2pm
Sunday racedays have always been extra special for Pontefract Racegoers.
Our renowned Sunday fixtures not only feature the best racing of the year at Pontefract with over £100,000 worth of Prize Money available at each meeting, but they are also the 3 fixtures each season dedicated to families.
As well as special events on each Sunday raceday, there will also be a funfair, facepainting, circus, free sweets, activity packs and racecards for kids, pony rides, trips to the starts of races and a ‘Hunt The Golden Horseshoe’ competition on every Family Day!
The first of our Sundays is on Father's Day and is our celebrated Flat Cap & Whippet Family Day. If you came to this race meeting in 2019, you may have been one of the amazing group of racegoers who helped us to set a new record with Guinness World Records by forming the largest human image of a dog!
If you enjoyed that, then you're sure to enjoy what we have in store for 2020! We'll be announcing more details in the New Year.
What we can confirm is that, on Sunday 21st June, Ponte will definitely be full of whippets and men wearing flat caps! In fact, it's going to be Yorkshire through and through!
- Come and marvel at the whippet racing as they speed up the track from midday.
- Enjoy ferret racing in the Picnic Enclosure throughout the afternoon
- Wear your flat cap and you could be one of 500 racegoers to pick up either a free racecard, drinks voucher or betting voucher!
We’re also going to show you that Yorkshire is so much more than Flat Caps and Whippets – it’s a warm, welcoming, brilliant place to be!
We have some great offers for Sundays in 2020 - check them out here! Don't forget to book your Family Ticket in advance for a great saving!
Book tickets for this fantastic family day.
MONDAY 29th JUNE - The Art of Racing Raceday (part 1)
1st race c2pm
Once again, we will have two Art of Racing Racedays in 2020! These racedays will be on Monday 29th June and Thursday 17th September and will celebrate everything we know and love about The Sport of Kings!
On BOTH DAYS we’ll be looking for 7 guest tipsters to each preview one of the races on the day. These previews will be published online and in the racecards on the day with our tipsters invited to the course to share their knowledge before each race.
We’ll also be looking for 7 judges with a keen eye to pick a best turned out prize in each race.
Want to get involved on the 29th June? Click on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to send us an email enquiry!
There’ll be trips to the start of selected races so enthusiasts can see what happens in the calm of the open parkland down at the Start.
We’ll also be running a commentary booth for people to have a go at commentating ‘behind the scenes’.
Two days truly dedicated to The Art of Racing.
There is some brilliant action on the track on both days too!
On Monday 29th June the EBF Spindrifter Conditions Stakes takes centre stage. In 2019, the race was won by Tim Easterby's Hurstwood who went on to run in the Group 2 July Stakes at Newmarket.
Tickets for this Award Winning Event can be booked here
TUESDAY 7TH JULY - A Very Yorkshire Raceday
1st race c2pm
A new theme at Pontefract for 2020 is our Very Yorkshire Raceday which will celebrate all things Yorkshire!
There is some brilliant action on the track on both days too!
The action on Tuesday 7th July features the Listed Weatherbys Pipalong Stakes! Exhort took the race in 2019 under a fantastic Paul Hanagan ride and she just got up in the shadows of the post to deny former 1,000 Guineas winner Billesdon Brook who went on to Group 1 success later in the season.
Tickets for this raceday can be booked here .
FRIDAY EVENING 17th JULY - 'Queen' Night and Beer Festival
1st race c6.30pm
If you're after a fantastic night out with great racing, a fabulous atmosphere, award winning beers and lagers and one of the UK's best Queen bands, then this is the night for you.
Magic Queen re-enacts the glorious days of legendary rock band Queen, including the glam of the '70s and the magic of the '80s, proving themselves to be one the most dynamic and exciting Queen Tribute Bands in Europe.
Magic Queen's high-energy shows showcase the main greatest hits and assure the audience the maximum entertainment with dancing from the very first second of the show! Concentrating in sounding like the original artists, Magic Queen delivers a blast entertainment in every single show, interacting with the audience to make them live an unforgettable experience.
They'll be playing the greatest Queen hits in their brilliant live set straight after the last race.
We also have Pennine Brewery, Revolutions Brewing Co, Ossett Brewery and Bier Huis joining us for our annual Beer Festival.
There are 6 fantastic races to keep you entertained throughout the evening too!
It’s always a hugely popular evening, so why not secure your place now with our fantastic early bird discounts.
Prices
| 29th November to 9am on Monday 20th January | 20th January to 9am on Monday 2nd March | 2nd March to midnight on 16th July | PRICE ON THE DAY |
PREMIER | £20 | £21.50 | £23 | £25 |
GRANDSTAND & PADDOCK | £13 | £14 | £15 | £17 |
Tickets and badges are full price on the turnstiles.
Get your tickets here
SUNDAY 26TH JULY - Tribute Bands Family Day
1st race c2pm
Sunday racedays have always been extra special for Pontefract Racegoers.
Our renowned Sunday fixtures not only feature the best racing of the year at Pontefract with over £100,000 worth of Prize Money available at each meeting, but they are also the 3 fixtures each season dedicated to families.
As well as special events on each Sunday raceday, there will also be a funfair, facepainting, circus, free sweets, activity packs and racecards for kids, pony rides, trips to the starts of races and a ‘Hunt The Golden Horseshoe’ competition on every Family Day!
Our second Family Sunday is the Tribute Bands Family Day and we’ll have 3 fantastic acts performing throughout the afternoon. There'll be a really fun, family atmosphere!
Full details of the performers will appear in 2020.
It's also the 13th Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival which kicks off at Ripon on Saturday 18th July and concludes with this Ponte Family Day on Sunday 26th July. With racing throughout the White Rose county all week, it’s a Festival to remember for racing enthusiasts.
There’s some stunning action on the track as well with the Listed Pomfret Stakes being the feature. Mark Johnston's brilliant Marie's Diamond took the race in 2019. Who’ll take the honours in 2020?
For further information on the Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival and events during the week, please view www.goracing.co.uk
The value seekers amongst you may want to look at one of our Raceday Experiences or buy a Family Ticket . The Family Ticket is just £25 and gives admission to the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure for 2 adults and their children!
Get your tickets here .
WEDNESDAY 5th AUGUST - Ladies Day
1st race c2pm
If you’ve been looking for an excuse to buy a new outfit, then look no further. The glitz and glamour hits Ponte Carlo on the 5th August.
With an array of hats, fascinators and stilettos, the ladies of Yorkshire truly do ‘dress to impress’ in an effort to win the coveted Best Dressed Lady Competition. And once again in 2020, we'll have a Best Dressed Gents competition too!
The Gents Competition will take place first as a warm up for the much coveted Best Dressed Lady Competition
BEST DRESSED GENTLEMAN COMPETITION (1pm)
The Best Dressed Gent Competition will be judged before racing starts. Watch out for the judging team who will allocate numbers to 25 lucky finalists. They'll be on the lookout from the minute that the gates open at midday and the 25 finalists will then gather in the Parade Ring at 1pm with the top 3 announced around 1.10pm.
1st prize £350
2nd prize £100
3rd prize £50
BEST DRESSED LADY COMPETITION (1.15pm)
The Best Dressed Lady Competition will be judged before racing starts. Watch out for the judging team who will allocate numbers to 100 lucky finalists. They'll be on the lookout from the minute that the gates open at midday and the 100 finalists will then gather in the Parade Ring at 1.15pm with the top 3 announced around 1.40pm.
The 2020 prizes:
THE WINNER
In 2020, our Best Dressed Lady will win a holiday for 2 for 7 nights at the Riu Palace Baja California in Los Cabos, Mexico.
This all inclusive week long trip includes flights!
The winner will also compete to be the Best Dressed Lady in Yorkshire at the final at Doncaster Racecourse.
THE RUNNER UP
The runner up will win a fabulous three night break to the RIU Gresham Hotel in Dublin.
THE SECOND RUNNER UP
The second runner up will win a VIP trip to Pontefract Races in the Park Suite Restaurant.
For those who want to simply have a fantastic day out, then make sure you arrive early as there’ll be a buttonhole and glass of bubbly for the first 500 ladies through the Premier Entrance.
Get here early to claim your place in the Champagne Bar, pick out your winners for the day and enjoy!
Gents, you’re more than welcome on our Ladies Day – it’s open to all. But, if you’re hoping to catch the eye of a flashy filly, make sure you’re dressed to the nines.
Looking to really make the most of your Ladies Day? Then why not create your own bespoke Ladies Day experience? Or upgrade to a Premier Gold experience!
Get tickets for this hugely popular event here
SUNDAY 16TH AUGUST - The In The Zone Family Day
1st race c2pm
Sunday racedays have always been extra special for Pontefract Racegoers.
Our renowned Sunday fixtures not only feature the best racing of the year at Pontefract with over £100,000 worth of Prize Money available at each meeting, but they are also the 3 fixtures each season dedicated to families.
As well as special events on each Sunday raceday, there will also be a funfair, facepainting, circus, free sweets, activity packs and racecards for kids, pony rides, trips to the starts of races and a ‘Hunt The Golden Horseshoe’ competition on every Family Day!
Our final Family Day of 2020 will be run once again as The In The Zone Raceday!
We are setting up zones around the Enclosures to offer racegoers the chance to engage with and learn a little more about different parts of the industry:
- The jockey zone – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for an ex- jockeys take on how to ride Ponte. Walk the last 6 furlongs at 11.30am (numbers limited)
- The industry zone – Behind the Scenes Tour in the Weighing Room from 12.30pm – 12.45pm
- The horse zone – Join the ex racehorses and vets during a parade of ex racers from 12.45pm – 1pm
- The quiet zone – Enjoy a free tea or coffee with us while you read the Racing Post and sort out your selections. Peace and quiet between 12.30pm and 1pm in the Betting Hall
- The newcomers zone – Meet our ‘Here to Help’ team who’ll show you around and explain how an afternoon at the races works. Join us on the Marquee Site – 1.00pm
- The tipster zone – Listen to the expert Punters Panel in the Winners Enclosure at 1.30pm
- The kids zone – Get the kids involved with the live demonstrations of horse handling and care. Watch them enjoy the Interactive Kids zone throughout the afternoon in the Picnic Enclosure.
The highlight of our final Family Day of 2020 is the EBF Highfield Farm Flying Fillies Listed race and you’ll be seeing some very speedy equine ladies.
Don't forget that you can book your great value Family Ticket or enhance your raceday experience here.
Tickets for the final family day of 2020 are on sale here
Autumn Racedays - The All About The Racing Racedays
As the Summer draws to an end and Autumn sets in, we wind down our season with 4 midweek race meetings.
We will have the same great offers on if you book in advance for any of these race meetings.
- £10 off Premier Badges purchased up to 1 month before the date of each race meeting
- £7 off Grandstand & Paddock tickets purchased up to 1 month before the date of each race meeting
- Book 4 tickets or badges in advance for the September race meetings and you’ll get a free Racing Post!
- Book 4 tickets or badges in advance for the October race meetings and you’ll get a free Timeform!
On each Raceday we’ll be offering some invaluable help to find the winners:
- A Punters Pundit to guide you through the racing each day between 1pm and 1.30pm
- A Parade Ring Pundit picking out those looking well before each race
- A Guest Racecard analysis – We’ll have a guest punters page in the racecard to preview the action for each race meeting
It’s going to be great fun but most importantly, it’s going to be All About The Racing.
THURSDAY 17th SEPTEMBER - The Art Of Racing Raceday (Part 2)
1st race c2pm
Once again, we will have two Art of Racing Racedays in 2020! These racedays will be on Monday 29th June and Thursday 17th September and will celebrate everything we know and love about The Sport of Kings!
On BOTH DAYS we’ll be looking for 7 guest tipsters to each preview one of the races on the day. These previews will be published online and in the racecards on the day with our tipsters invited to the course to share their knowledge before each race.
We’ll also be looking for 7 judges with a keen eye to pick a best turned out prize in each race.
Want to get involved on the 17th September? Click on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to send us an email enquiry!
There’ll be trips to the start of selected races so enthusiasts can see what happens in the calm of the open parkland down at the Start.
We’ll also be running a commentary booth for people to have a go at commentating ‘behind the scenes’.
Two days truly dedicated to The Art of Racing.
There are 7 races on this card with the highlight the £30,000 EBF Fillies’ Handicap over 6f.
Why not spend the afternoon in the Park Suite Restaurant with some fine dining and good company, and back a winner or two to go with it!
Tickets are on sale here.
THURSDAY 24th SEPTEMBER - All About The Racing
1st race c2pm
The highlight of our second September meeting is the Dalby Screw Driver Handicap. In the early 19th century, 'Screw Driver' set the Pontefract pulses racing. He won at least 2 ‘Cup’ races! These consisted of four heats over 2 miles on the same day: the winner being the horse with the best aggregate score over the 8 miles! He is the earliest Pontefract course specialist on record!
This race is one of 7 exciting races on the card which gets under way just after 2pm!
Get your tickets here
MONDAY 5th OCTOBER - All About The Racing
1st race c2pm
Our penultimate meeting as the season begins to draw to a close. As the nights draw in, Mondays in October can seem a bit dismal but we’ve got something to brighten even the darkest of Autumnal days!
There’s some really good racing on this day as many trainers try to get their horses to the track for one final run.
If you haven't tried one of our Premier Gold options, then why not make today the day? Why not give it a go and enjoy the racing from the exclusive Dalby Stand boxes?
Tickets are on sale here
MONDAY 19th OCTOBER - Closing Ceremony and National Hunt Handover
1st race c2pm
The last day of the 2020 season sees our final Listed Race where the 2yos take to the stage in the EBF Silver Tankard Stakes.
It’s always a popular and well attended race meeting as it’s time to have a final catch up with the friends that you’ve made at Pontefract through the season.
There will be the chance to do some very early Christmas shopping when the Injured Jockeys Fund bring their stall. Or you could always purchase an annual badge for 2021?
For the final chance to visit Pontefract in 2020, book tickets here
And don't forget:
The Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival 2020
The 13th Annual Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival will take place at the following Race Meetings in 2020:
Saturday 18th July - Ripon
Sunday 19th July - Redcar
Monday 20th July - Beverley (Evening Meeting)
Tuesday 21st July - blank day
Wednesday 22nd July - Catterick
Thursday 23rd July - Doncaster (Evening Meeting)
Friday 24th July - Thirsk
Friday 24th July - York (Evening Meeting)
Saturday 25th July - York
Sunday 26th July - Pontefract
For further details, please view the Go Racing In Yorkshire website.
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