THE tenth Press Family Raceday saw thousands head to Knavesmire for an event which was “tinged with sadness” as the racing world mourned the loss of two of its most promising jockeys.

The racing went ahead, along with all the activities aimed at younger racegoers, though for many in the industry, a shadow was cast on the event by the death of teenage riders Jamie Kyne and Jan Wilson in a fire in Norton on Saturday.

James Brennan, marketing manager at York Racecourse, said: “The day was tinged with sadness due to the tragic events in Norton at the start of the weekend.

“A fitting tribute was paid by the team here, but beyond that we hope it was an enjoyable day for those who came.

“Lots of people came and the appearance of Peppa The Pig was as successful as those in the know had predicted.”

Mr Brennan said 18,640 racegoers came through the gates yesterday, with under-16s admitted for free.

As well as the racing, attractions laid on for the younger visitors included being able to meet Alfie the racehorse and a chance to try on jockey silks.

Despite the run-up to the event being unsettled, the wet weather held off allowing many families to enjoy picnics at the course Mr Brennan said: “There was a lovely atmosphere down at the race course and we had a few Yorkshire-trained owners.”

He said the attendance figures were slightly down on the “glorious sun of the previous meeting.

But he said: “It was never forecast to be glorious sun. Ten years on from the first Press Family Sunday, we have had a good one.”

The raceday – held in association with betinternet.com – is the only one at to be held York Racecourse where the County Stand dress code is relaxed, meaning gentlemen do not need to wear a jacket, collar and tie.


Top shop winners go out on a limo

STAFF from York city centre hardware store Barnitts enjoyed a day at the race event after winning The Press’s Shop of the Year award.

Jean Shepherd, and her husband Allan, of Bubwith, near Selby, spent Saturday night at the Dean Court Hotel and then enjoyed a champagne breakfast, before being joined by half-a-dozen colleagues. The party then travelled to the course in a stretch limo provided by White Stretch Limousines, of Riccall.

Jean said it was her first visit to the races. “We have had a lovely time, and have had three winners between us. It was very nice at the hotel. We have had a wonderful weekend. It all went without a hitch.”

The award was launched in the summer as part of The Press’s York Means Business campaign, which aims to support and promote local businesses as they seek to survive the global recession.

We wanted to give recognition to shops which go the extra mile in terms of customer service. Many shops – from local butchers and city centre food outlets to suburban delis and remote village stores – were nominated. But our judges found Barnitts in Colliergate stood out with praise from customers all over the region.

* Our thanks go to the Dean Court Hotel, White Stretch Limousines and York Racecourse for supplying the prizes.