At The Races

Pontefract Course Guide

The West Yorkshire course hosts racing throughout the summer including four Listed contests of which the Pontefract Castle Stakes is arguably the seasonal highlight.

Run over a mile and a half, the race has been won by some useful horses since its inception in 2005, most notably Brown Panther, who scored in 2012 and 2013 before going on to prove himself a very smart horse with wins in the Goodwood Cup, Irish St Leger and Dubai Gold Cup.

Other important races run at the Yorkshire track include the Pipalong Stakes, a one-mile event for fillies and mares, the Pomfret Stakes, run over a mile for three-year-olds and older and the Silver Tankard Stakes, a one-mile race for two-year-olds in October.

Advance Going
Good

Current Weather today at: Pontefract

Today
Light rain

Forecast: Light rain
Temp: 14.9° - 16.9°
Rainfall: 2.24mm
Wind: 15.0 mph SW

Tomorrow
Sunny spells

Forecast: Sunny spells
Temp: 11.4° - 19.7°
Rainfall: 0.13mm
Wind: 11.2 mph W

Last Update: 18/09/2026 17:00

Left handed, with considerable gradients and a stiff, uphill finish. The emphasis is more on stamina than speed courtesy of the final three furlongs; as such, in-running punters should be wary of those who go for home a long way out. On very testing going, the jockeys occasionally race wide in search of better ground, swinging across to the stand side in the straight.


You have to be aware when you’re on a keen horse at Pontefract that, whether you go to post to the left or right, it’s downhill all the way to the start. Wise local punters often go down to the 1f marker to watch their fancy for that very reason. The track itself is incredibly stiff, a proper test, and being on the inside is a massive advantage. There’s a temptation to come wide, which can be a good move in soft ground, but, when it’s quick, you’re best to sit and suffer. Stamina there is always at a premium.

View from the saddle: Jason Weaver
Upcoming races

Results

14:08 Go Racing In Yorkshire Future Stars Apprentice Handicap

6f | Class 5 | 3YO plus | 12 ran
  • Winner: Fiscal Policy 9/4 Fav
  • Jockey: Harry Vigors Trainer: Mrs R Carr
  • Owner: S Thompson, Mrs R Carr, G Shields

14:38 Safe Point Sprint Novice Stakes

GBB Race

6f | Class 4 | 2YO only | 6 ran
  • Winner: Our Son Oscar 4/6 Fav
  • Jockey: Shane Gray Trainer: K A Ryan
  • Owner: R N J Partnership

15:08 Napoleons Casino Bradford Handicap

GBBPlus Race

1m 4f | Class 4 | 3YO plus | 5 ran
  • Winner: Sea Lantern 13/8 Fav
  • Jockey: Rowan Scott Trainer: B Ellison
  • Owner: Mr P Boyle

15:38 Nadeen Dawson Memorial Maiden Stakes

GBB Race

1m | Class 4 | 3YO plus | 6 ran
  • Winner: Devil's Brigade 7/2
  • Jockey: Rowan Scott Trainer: E A L Dunlop
  • Owner: Mr E A L Dunlop

16:08 Matty Bown Handicap

1m | Class 4 | 3YO plus | 10 ran
  • Winner: Venetian Lion 11/4 Fav
  • Jockey: Cieren Fallon Trainer: W J Haggas
  • Owner: Car Colston Hall Stud

16:38 Donate To New Beginnings Horses At nbhorses.org.uk Handicap

2m 1f | Class 5 | 3YO plus | 6 ran
  • Winner: Digger One 5/2 2Fav
  • Jockey: Josephine Gordon Trainer: K Burke
  • Owner: Mrs Michelle Anne Crook

17:08 Pontefract Racecourse Racing Together Combatting Loneliness Handicap

1m 2f | Class 6 | 3YO plus | 11 ran
  • Winner: Thunder Goddess 7/2
  • Jockey: Jason Watson Trainer: A M Balding
  • Owner: Kingsclere Racing Club
Future Fixtures
Full Fixtures

Address & Contact

Pontefract Park Race Co. Ltd
Administration Offices
Pontefract Park
Park Road
Pontefract
West Yorkshire
WF8 4QD
01977 781307

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Latest Results
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