FESTIVE TRADITIONS CONTINUE AT CATTERICK RACES

Catterick Racecourse is preparing for three thrilling National Hunt fixtures scheduled to take place over the festive period, on Tuesday 19 December, Thursday 28 December and New Year’s Day.

The festivities begin with Christmas at Catterick, when the Christmas lights will be up, and the course will welcome the choir from St Francis Xavier School in Richmond to sing Christmas carols for racegoers ahead of the first race.

The Injured Jockey’s Fund will be at the course with a selection of Christmas gifts and stocking fillers suitable for any racing enthusiast – the ideal occasion for some last-minute Christmas shopping!

Emma Stevenson, General Commercial Manager said: “We’re delighted to welcome St Francis Xavier School Choir to the racecourse for Christmas at Catterick. The 19th December marks the first of our festive fixtures and hearing the carols being sung as racegoers arrive creates such a joyous atmosphere!”

With seven races scheduled, kindly sponsored by Hillcrest Home Care, Nawton Racing Club and Vickers Bet, the racing action on 19 December gets underway at 12.30pm, with the gates opening to the public at 10.30am. Next up on the calendar is the Sky Bet Christmas Jumper Day on Thursday 28 December.

One of the feature meetings at the North Yorkshire racecourse, it always proves popular with racegoers - offering the perfect opportunity to enjoy some fresh air and post-Christmas fun with friends and family!

Raceday sponsors Sky Bet have generously supported all six races on the day, with the first race due to take place at 12.30pm and the last scheduled for 3.25pm.

Sky Bet Head of Sports PR, Michael Shinners, said: "We're delighted to be once again sponsoring at Catterick on the 28th December. It's always a great atmosphere over the Christmas period and we look forward to seeing some competitive National Hunt racing."

On 28 December, the gates will open to the public from 10.30am, and racegoers wearing a Christmas Jumper on the day will be given the opportunity to enter a prize draw to win a Christmas stocking full of goodies, including a voucher for two Grandstand & Paddock admission tickets to a meeting of the winner’s choice at Catterick Bridge in 2024.

In addition, every equine winner on the day will receive a Christmas stocking full of goodies – the horses’ stockings, however, will be filled with carrots and polos!

Together with Sky Bet, the racecourse has also arranged a small Christmas gift for every member of stable staff working on the day to say thank you for all their hard work over the Christmas period.

The festive race days will culminate with racing on New Year's Day, as Catterick Racecourse hosts the first fixture of the 2024 Yorkshire racing calendar – a favourite among many racegoers and a tradition the racecourse is delighted to continue this year.

Tickets will be available will be available to purchase at the gates at each meeting, while advanced booking discounts are available up until 48 hours prior to each race day, either online at catterickbridge.co.uk or by calling the racecourse office on 01748 811478.

Under 18’s are admitted free of charge and there is a complimentary shuttle bus service from Richmond Market Place approximately one hour prior to the first race each day.

Editorial Notes:

• Racing at Catterick Racecourse dates back to 1783.

• One of only three Yorkshire racecourses to stage both Flat and Jump racing, Catterick Racecourse will host a total of 27 days racing in 2023, with 10 Jumps and 17 Flat fixtures.

• Catterick Racecourse prides itself on being one of the friendliest racecourses, providing a fun and relaxed day out for everyone, whatever the occasion.

For more information contact Emma Stevenson on [email protected] or 07392 086 014.