Catterick’s longest and most prestigious National Hunt race takes centre stage at the racecourse next week, on Thursday 12 January.
The race is a true test of stamina and jumping ability, with the competitors running over three miles, six furlongs and facing twenty-four jumping obstacles along the way. For the second consecutive year, the North Yorkshire Grand National has been kindly sponsored by Middleton St George based bookmaker, Vickers Bet.
Emma Stevenson, General Commercial Manager said: “We’re delighted to have local bookmakers Vickers Bet sponsoring the North Yorkshire Grand National again this year, it’s a race we always look forward to and one of the highlights of Catterick’s National Hunt season.”
The race tends to attract runners from some of the leading trainers in the UK. Last year’s race saw the North Yorkshire Grand National trophy leave the county for the first time since 2015, when Supreme Escape and James Bowen took the victory for Welsh-based trainer Evan Williams and owners Walters Plant, Spiers & Hartwell, PT Eng.
Prior to that, local trainer Phil Kirby, based at East-Appleton, took the title with Little Bruce, ridden by Tommy Dowson in 2020. While a trainer well worth watching out for is Yorkshire-based Sue Smith, who has trained four winners of the North Yorkshire Grand National in the last seven years. Smith’s wins came with Lackamon (2016), Straidnahanna (2017), I Just Know (2018) and Sharp Response (2019).
Racegoers will enjoy a seven-race card on the day, with the first race scheduled for 12.30pm and the feature race at 2.50pm. Gates open to the public two hours prior to the first race and there will be a complimentary shuttle bus to bring racegoers from Richmond Market Place at approximately 11.30am. It will return after the last race, scheduled for 3.55pm.
The Winter Season Discount scheme in place at the racecourse means racegoers can enjoy all the action for less on North Yorkshire Grand National day and throughout the remaining National Hunt fixtures, with general admission prices reduced for race days between 2 January to 31 March. Further advanced booking discounts are also available up until 48 hours prior to the race day either online or over the phone.
The North Yorkshire Grand National meeting will be the first with James Sanderson and Emma Stevenson in their new roles as Catterick’s Chief Executive and General Commercial Manager respectively.
Emma takes over the reins from Fiona Needham, who was General Manager at Catterick since 2008. Fiona will continue her long association with the course in her role as Clerk of the Course. While John Sanderson, who stepped down as Managing Director on New Year’s Day, will remain as a director at the course.