Cartmel Racecourse is poised to round off the season with its joyous August bank holiday extravaganza.
An estimated 15,000 visitors are expected for Cartmel Cup Day on Saturday August 24 and 10,000 for the season finale on Monday August 26.
The weekend is an annual highlight for many who love the unique combination of horse racing, relaxed vibe, attractions and the idyllic setting.
“Saturday is our biggest day of the year and a huge social event where lots of families and friends come back together, year after year,” says Cartmel director of racing Geraldine McKay.
“It’s a special day in the diaries of so many people who come to meet up and celebrate racing, it is everything Cartmel is about.”
Hot on its heels comes the Monday finale, a favourite for many families with younger children.
“The season finale is the week before the schools go back, so for many people it is a final treat for the kids,” says Geraldine.
Family fun reigns with picnics and children playing. In addition to the funfair, on Monday August 26 there will also be circus tricks from The Greatest Show, face painting and a chance to tackle a maze in mini trucks.
The gates open at 9am on Saturday and 10am on Monday, and there are six races each day, including the keenly contested Cartmel Cup at 2.50pm on Saturday and Cavendish Cup at 4.02pm on Monday.
There is just over £20,000 prize money on offer for the former and £24,000 for the latter – plus a traditional Cartmel Sticky Toffee pudding for the victors.
Over the weekend, racegoers can enjoy excellent food, including local specialities from the likes of Furness Fish and The Chippy Van, as well as international classics.
“You can get everything from Flookburgh shrimp to a Mexican,” says Geraldine.
The course’s Paddock Bar and Party Bar are popular for refreshments, including a selection of quality cold draught beers.
New last year was The Paddock Lawn Tipi. This year it is back with the addition of sides which can be raised up giving even better views directly on to the horses racing down the home straight.
The tipi is already fully booked for Saturday, but there are spaces still available on Monday August 26.
The weekend wouldn’t be the same without loyal long standing Cartmel Racecourse sponsors Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding and Lake District Audi.
On Sunday August 25, Cartmel Priory will be full for the annual blessing of the racehorse, where visitors have a chance to see an equine athlete close-up thanks to local trainer Jimmy Moffatt.
“It is amazing that this place can go from a sleepy, beautiful, medieval village to the location for a huge event, which is loved by so many people,” says Geraldine.
“We have to thank everyone from our local vet to the farriers, to our team at the racecourse who make this possible.
“And a thank you from the bottom of our hearts to all the people who have come this year to support us even when the weather was less than ideal.
“We are looking forward to seeing everyone for a superb end of season finale.”
Useful information
How to get there
Leave the M6 at junction 36 and take the A590 towards Barrow until you reach the turn off for High Newton, then follow the yellow event signs.
By train, travel to Cark-in-Cartmel then take a taxi. Taxis will be in demand so it is advised to book in advance.
Where to stay
Four camping areas are available at the racecourse, plus space for caravans and motorhomes but these fill up quickly. Find out more on the racecourse website.
What to wear
Smart casual dress in the Paddock Enclosure, and shirts in all other enclosures. Otherwise, dress for comfort and the weather.
Safety information
The parkland around the course has beautiful ancient oak trees, but it is not a good idea to sit beneath or climb on them as they can break.
Children are free to paddle in the beck which flows through the Paddock Enclosure, but please ensure they are supervised. The beck is also not suitable for washing up or drinking as animals use it up and downstream.
First aid posts are situated in the Paddock and course enclosures.
