Horse racing returns to Pontefract today as course has makeover

Pontefract Racecourse’s historic stand has undergone a makeshift makeover in order for racing to resume.
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Racing is due to start again today in a behind-closed-doors return for the sport.

It has seen the restaurant in the main grandstand, built immediately after the First World War, turned into a temporary changing room with separate ‘cubicles’ for riders.

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An elaborate one-way system has also been put in place so jockeys can get to and from the weighing room without coming into contact with each other.

Racing is returningRacing is returning
Racing is returning

And the terrace will be a rest area for riders, trainers and others as part of the course’s adaptations to comply with Covid-19 guidelines on social distancing.

Pontefract Park will close to the public on six separate days this summer so Pontefract Racecourse can hold behind-closed-door races.

Wakefield Council said the only way for the season to resume is for races to be held behind closed doors and to do this the park must close on race days to members of the public between 7am and 7pm.

The next dates are Monday, June 15, Tuesday, July 7, Thursday, July 23, Friday, July 31, and Friday, 14 August.