A highlight of the Cumbrian calendar gets underway this month as Cartmel Racecourse launches the season with its May Spring bank holiday races.
Every year families, visitors and race aficionados flock to Cartmel, the UK’s most beautiful and fun-filled racecourse.
The season opener will take place this Saturday, May 25, followed by Whit Bank Holiday Monday, May 27, and evening racing on Wednesday, May 29.
The May race days are a hugely popular half-term destination with a carnival atmosphere and funfair as well as music, food, picnics and stalls.
This year there are added extras including a mini-version of Cartmel agricultural show and a brand-new restaurant.
Cartmel director of racing Geraldine McKay said: “The whole team here at the racecourse is very excited to welcome everyone back.
“At Cartmel it isn’t just a race day, it is about the whole event and friends and family coming together and the enjoyment of our visitors.
“There’s a real tradition of families coming back year after year.
“People say summer is not summer until you have been to Cartmel races, and we are very grateful for that, and a lot of what we do is to keep that magic.”
Cartmel’s jump racing season kicks off with seven races on Saturday, May 25, beginning at 4pm, slightly later than normal, because of a nationwide ruling by the British Horseracing Association. The later start only affects Saturdays.
However, Cartmel Racecourse will open its gates at 9am as usual on the Saturday with music, entertainment and trade stands in full swing and restaurants opening at 1pm.
Plus, for the first time ever, on the Saturday there will be a mini version of Cartmel Show, which is held at the racecourse in August each year.
It will have a dedicated marquee with livestock, petting animals, vintage tractors, ride-on tractors for children, village industries, ‘have a go at judging’ and fun family games.
“We have never done this on a race day before and we had to get special permission from the BHA, so we are really delighted to be able to offer this as an extra on the season opener Saturday,” said Geraldine.
“We will have the funfair, which is very popular with children and adults, DJs on each side of the park, and a modern style brass band welcoming everyone.”
“As usual people are welcome to come along and set up their ‘base camps,’ bring their dogs, their own furniture and have picnics to enjoy the music and the atmosphere, to make a superb day of it.”
“Visitors can pass out and go to the village for a pint in the bars and eat at the restaurants, or visit Cartmel Priory, which many tourists like to do as part of their day with us.”
On Saturday May 25, the racecourse is also unveiling its new Parade Ring Restaurant.
“It is a tented restaurant with a lovely atmosphere. We have tried to make it slightly less formal than the restaurant upstairs and the side opens right on the parade ring, so you have the best seat in the house,” Geraldine added.
Horses from across the UK and Ireland attend every year and local trainer and Cheltenham Festival winner Jimmy Moffatt is poised to take them on, with the help of his talented Barrow-based jockey Charlotte Jones who is a favourite with the crowds.
“We were at his open day last week and he has quite a few horses that are being targeted at Cartmel,” said Geraldine.
Cartmel Racecourse is located in a unique setting in the South Lakes with all parts of the course within easy view of spectators.
“Cartmel wasn’t built and designed as a racecourse, we have managed to deliver racing within the confines of this beautiful valley, and this means that things which are normally behind the scenes at other courses are really front and centre here.
“You can see people coming with their horses and caring for them, see the activity around cooling them off after racing. To get from the stables to the parade ring they walk up the home straight in front of everyone – and that is some sight.
“It is going to be a brilliant day. Cartmel Racecourse is like nowhere else. For someone who has never been before it is quirky in the best sense.”
Highlights later in the year include racing plus a Britpop Night on June 28, featuring live tribute acts Definitely Oasis and The Real Stone Roses, plus Clint Boon, a DJ and former keyboard player for Inspiral Carpets.
On June 30, there is the Jurassic Jumps Family Funday featuring a dinosaur takeover with 20 life-like, but child friendly, dinos and on July 20, racing will be followed by a party and DJ set from Vernon Kay.
Cartmel Racecourse holds nine race days each year finishing with Cartmel Cup Day on August 24 and the Bank Holiday Season Finale on August 26.
What’s on at Cartmel Racecourse
- Season Opener: Saturday, May 25. Gates open 9am. Restaurants open 1pm. First race 4pm. Last race 7.40pm
- Whit Bank Holiday Monday May 27. Gates open 9am. Restaurants open 11.30am. First race 2.20pm. Last race 5.45pm
- Evening Racing Wednesday May 29. Gates and restaurants open 2pm. First race 6.20pm. Last race 8.50pm
