SHETLAND PONY RACE ADDS TO YORKMIX FAMILY SUNDAY

In a first for YorkMix Family Sunday (6 September), Shetland ponies will race at York.

Hardy souls, who originate from the Isles that share their name, these particular Shetlands are used to racing as part of the Shetland Pony Grand National both here in the UK and Worldwide.

They normally live at home with their young riders, who will be excited about taking on the final furlong of the famous Knavesmire turf, in front of a big

crowd.

Set to race at 12.30pm, the Shetlands will then meet their fans for a selfie session.

The jockeys in this race start as young as 8 with a maximum age of 14.

Half an hour later another crop of more familiar ponies and their young riders will take part in the Pony Race Series.

All of this before seven thoroughbred races offering combined prize money of £230,000.

Entertainment away from the track is just as exciting, with appearances at intervals by The Gruffalo, as well as Diggerland, Zorb Football and the eternal favourites of bouncy castles and face painting.

Those under 18 years of age will be admitted free of charge into all enclosures, though the under 16s will need to be accompanied. Continuing from the previous years is the popular offer of a single admission combining both the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure with the improved Clocktower Enclosure for just £17 on the gate.

This will enable racegoers bringing a traditional picnic into the Clocktower Enclosure to enjoy their lunch and then take advantage of the special ‘picnic hamper cloakroom’ and then cross over the track to see the horses close up in the Parade Ring and sample the facilities on the stands side.

Also, for this special family meeting, the County Stand dress code is relaxed.