York Racecourse says Thank You at the biggest charity raceday in Britain

Building on 54 years of popularity with racing fans and with now over £11 million already raised for good causes, Macmillan Charity Raceday at York Racecourse on Saturday 13 June will see the track once again saying “thank you” to those who work with the charities.

York Racecourse has provided complimentary admission to around a thousand people who support Macmillan and other charities.

The initiative is called the “Proper Thank You Bank” as it is intended to credit the hard work of these individuals. These dedicated professionals are from across the UK, some traveling from the Southeast to spend the day at York Racecourse, for their first racing experience. They work to offer physical, and financial support to people living with cancer, in hospitals, on the support line, in hospices and in the community.

The initiative forms part of the 55^th Macmillan Charity Raceday, an event that delivers on putting the fun in FUNdraising. Simply by attending people will help the good causes, as there is a revenue share to Macmillan Cancer Support by York Racecourse.

Saturday’s principal contest is The Churchill Tyres supporting Macmillan Sprint, one of Britain’s richest sprint handicaps for three-year-olds, offers £125,000 in prize money, making it one of 44 contests on the Knavesmire this season to have at least a six-figure purse.

The day will also celebrate the commitment of eleven intrepid amateur riders, who will undertake the Ernest Cooper Macmillan Ride of Their Lives, a one mile & one furlong race aboard a thoroughbred on the famous Knavesmire. Each rider has pledged at least £4,000 to the charity and you can help them by visiting their donation pages on Just Giving.

Even before this race, more fundraising will be delivered by a charity abseil from the roof of the four-storey Knavesmire Stand.

The charity auction so generously supported over the years is now available to view online in advance of the raceday. This means everyone can place a bid for the many stunning lots. Some of the more unusual opportunities this year are a chance to escape to on a Three-Night Jungle Retreat at Hanging Gardens of Bali, or to receive a Lamborghini Huracan driving experience. Visit here for more information on how to make your bid or volunteer to abseil.

Designed by Friday race sponsors, Dawson Williamson Architects, the Bustardthorpe Development continues to be a fine place to enjoy a relaxed raceday. The Churchill Tyres Lawn is surrounded by both a Theakston and Guinness bar, with Fish‘n’chips or a chicken griddle both close at hand.

On Friday racegoers will have their own Macmillan raffle as they enjoy a seven-race card worth the record amount of £235,000. Headlined by a £70,000 Handicap, the winners would be worth following as the season unfolds. The raceday celebrates horses of all types, notably the British EBF Fillies’ Handicap. Friday also sees the only chance in the York year to see a horse win then have a chance to buy it, that is what the Constant Security Keeping York Racegoers Safe Rous Seller adds a further strand to the day.

Completing a set of races supported by long term partners of the course are contests between a mile and ten furlongs backed by Andy Thornton Furniture, Dawson Williamson Architects and Event Traffic Management.

Racing under Rules begins at 1.50pm on both days, the Saturday action also features the 36^th running of The Queen Mother’s Cup, the richest race for lady amateur riders in Britain and a contest won by The Princess Royal in 1988 as well as by ITV Racing presenter, Francesca Cumani in 2006. It offers an opportunity for the successful rider to toast her success in her own weight in Lanson champagne.

A range of musical tastes will be catered for as Dr Jazz(Friday) then Flat Cap Brass (Saturday) will be on the Edwardian Weighing Room Lawn, with The Monotones performing an upbeat selection of classic covers from the Churchill Tyres Stage on both dates.

There is a host of additional entertainment, a 360-selfie camera, the new living flower wall as well as trips to the start in the company of a Gold Cup winning rider.

Racegoers aged under-18 are admitted free of charge to all enclosures, with adult admission to the Clocktower Enclosure just £10 on Friday or £17 on Saturday. Admission for all areas will be available on the raceday itself, with ample free car parking as well as a regular shuttle bus service from the train station.