The YorkMix Family Raceday is back – with a very special guest

There’s fun for all at the annual YorkMix Family Sunday at York Racecourse this year – including £200,000 in prize money for a seven-race thoroughbred card.

And for the first time, popular children’s TV character, Bluey will also make appearances at intervals throughout the afternoon on the Edwardian Weighing Room Lawn.

The fun-packed day is on Sunday, 10 September.

The feature race, the Listed Garrowby Stakes alone, offers a record £70,000.

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

Open day extra

This raceday falls as part of National Racehorse Week, which is designed to do exactly what it says, bringing people closer to the thoroughbred.

So York Racecourse is proud to be partnering with Racing Welfare – the industry’s human welfare charity and organisers of ARC Malton Open Day – which operates on the morning of Sunday 10 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 the Malton Open Day website.

Those under 18 years of age will be admitted free of charge into all enclosures including ARC Malton Open Day, though the under 16s will need to be accompanied.

Picnic time

Back this year is the popular offer of a single admission combining both the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure, with the improved Clocktower Enclosure for just £12 when booked ten days in advance (£15 on the gate).

This will enable racegoers bringing a traditional picnic into the Clocktower Enclosure to enjoy their lunch. They can 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.

The Racing Interactive Zone 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.

Entertainment marquee

The Entertainment Marquee means that a range of activities will all be under cover, including Giant Inflatables such as the Giraffe Slide and Jungle Run, Joe’s Animal Encounters, and the perennial favourites, the bouncy castles.

The final programme is still to be confirmed, however previous years have seen the more energetic can have a go at Zorb football, whilst those wanting a seat were 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.

Managing director of YorkMix Radio David Green said: “As a radio station for all the family, we’re so pleased to be able to join forces with York Racecourse once again.  

“Of course, our own mascot, Mixie will be on hand to give out plenty of YorkMix goodies, but even she’s excited to meet Bluey!”

The action on the track begins around 12.30pm with a brace of pony races over different distances, showcasing the talents of the next generation of riders.

Racing under rules starts at 1.45pm.

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.