The first meeting of the 2020 Yorkshire racing calendar will take place at Catterick Racecourse on New Year’s Day.
The popular fixture has a six-race card with the first race scheduled for 12.25pm and the gates opening to the public two hours prior. The feature race on the day is the 2.45pm – The Meetings That Matter On Racing TV Handicap Steeple Chase.
Fiona Needham, General Manager and Clerk of the Course said: “New Year’s Day at the races is a tradition for many of our racegoers and with it being such a family occasion it’s always lovely to welcome a new generation of racing fans to Catterick!”
“It’s a great way to see in the New Year and clear the head after the revelries of the night before while watching some exciting racing!”
Racegoers will also have the opportunity to win a sponsorship experience on the day. Winners will be invited into the heart of the action in the parade ring ahead of one of the races to choose the Best Turned Out horse and then be taken to celebrate with the winning connections after the race.
The last race is scheduled for 3.20pm and as with all Catterick’s fixtures, there will be a free shuttle bus running to take racegoers to and from Richmond Market Place ahead of the first race and after the last race.
The New Year’s Day fixture marks the first of 27 race meetings at Catterick in 2020, including 10 National Hunt and 17 Flat fixtures.
Following the action on New Year’s Day, Catterick’s National Hunt season continues on Thursday 9 January with its most prestigious race – the North Yorkshire Grand National, while its feature race on the Flat – The Catterick Dash – is staged in October.
A few new additions to the calendar, including Countryside Ladies’ Day on Wednesday 4 March and Green Friday on Friday 5 June will add to the traditional family favourites and summer highlights throughout the year.
Emma Binnian, Sales and Marketing Manager said: “There’s something for everyone at Catterick next year with three family fun days for the young racing fans and the Cocktails & Casino Night and Beer Festival for more seasoned race goers to enjoy, and everything in between!”
A full list of Catterick’s fixtures is available here. Tickets are available to purchase online, with a discount on offer for group and advanced bookings.