Family Sunday at York Offers Record Prize Money Plus Two Popular Children's TV Characters

There’s fun for all at the annual Family Sunday at York Raceday (Sunday 7 September), complete with a record of over £250,000 in prize money for a seven-race thoroughbred card.

Two popular children’s TV characters, Chase and Marshall both from Paw Patrol, will also make appearances at intervals throughout the afternoon.

The feature race, the Listed Sky Bet Starman Garrowby Stakes alone, offers an impressive £70,000.

In 2025 the raceday will be the final fixture in the important Sky Bet Sunday Series, with enhanced prize money and the presence of the ITV cameras.

The only Sunday of the season sees the return of Pony Racing as young riders take part in the Dragon Studios backed Series.

This raceday falls just after National Racehorse Week, which is designed to do exactly what it says, bringing people closer to the thoroughbred. Consequently, York Racecourse is proud to be partnering with Racing Welfare - the industry’s human welfare charity and organisers of Malton Open Day - which operates on the morning of Sunday 7 September. The open day offers the chance to go behind the scenes of Malton’s training yards and meet some of the equine stars who will take to the track later in the day. A combined ticket for the two events will be available, at a discounted price, from www.maltonopenday.co.uk.

Those under 18 years of age will be admitted free of charge into all enclosures including Malton Open Day, 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 £15 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, with smart casual being the advice.

Part of the YorkMix Entertainment offer, the Racing Interactive Zone, based in the new Bustardthorpe Development, will offer the chance to ride a virtual racehorse, to try on racing silks, question our experts and enter a colouring competition. Meanwhile, Remy the track’s equine ambassador, a retired racehorse himself, will be waiting to meet racegoers.

A range of activities will all be under cover in the YorkMix Entertainment Marquee, including Giant Inflatables which have included such the Giraffe Slide and Jungle Run in recent years, Sublime Science and perennial favourites, the bouncy castles. The more energetic can have a go at Zorb football, whilst those wanting a seat will be able to take to the cab of one of the mighty machines from Diggerland.

‘Tommo’ – well-known broadcaster, Derek Thompson will share his knowledge of the sport. Listen out for his racing guide and be ready to say hello and see yourself on the big screens as he roams the stands.

The action on the track begins around 1.45p.m. with a pony race, showcasing the talents of the next generation of riders.

Racing under rules starts at 2.30pm.

Three-course Sunday lunches are being served from noon or you might want to enjoy a fresh sandwich on one of the many lawns; whatever your culinary choice, a great afternoon awaits.