It’s billed as the Grand National of Point To Point meetings and record-breaking crowds at Bedale Point to Point at Hornby Castle on Easter Saturday would certainly agree.
An estimated 3,000-plus racegoers gathered for the meeting, which was also attended by Prime Minister and Richmondshire MP Rishi Sunak, his wife and two daughters.
The Easter Saturday sunshine really brought the crowds out for the six-race meeting, held in the grounds of Hornby Castle and adjoining fields.
Bedale Point To Point joint secretary Mark Owen said the final attendance figure had yet to be calculated, but over 3,000 fans enjoyed the racing in stunning surroundings.
“We sold out of the 1,000 programmes printed and that, to my knowledge, is the first time it has happened,” he said.
“I overheard one supporter say Bedale is the Grand National of Point To Point meetings, certainly in Yorkshire and I would agree with that. It is a wonderful social occasion and this year we were very lucky with the weather.
“During the Easter holidays people draw their curtains back in the morning and if the weather is fine they are more inclined to head out, so we were lucky this year. Having said that, around 2,000 people came last year when it was raining which shows how much support there is for Point To Point in North Yorkshire.”
Jockey Christy Furness underlined the unpredictability of racing as he was unseated on ‘Pillowman’ in the first race, only to win on board ‘Camdonian’ in the next, The Barkers Home Intermediate Race.
He said: “Falling off is part and parcel of racing I’m afraid, so it is great to come back with a win.
“The crowds have been exceptional and it is such an enjoyable social event at Bedale. I’m local so doing well at your local meeting does mean a lot. Bedale brings like-minded racing supporters together and has always been a huge fixture on the Point To Point calendar.”
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