FAMILIES are being urged to snap up tickets for a day of racing with a difference in York this weekend.

York Racecourse will stage The Press Family Raceday, which is now in its 13th year, on Sunday, with a better line-up of sporting action than ever before.

Thousands of tickets have already been sold for the meeting, which will include appearances from top children’s TV character Peppa Pig and a host of family entertainment. Racecourse bosses say they hope to attract a whole new audience.

Seven races are on the card, with the highlight being the new Betfred Garrowby Stakes, backed with £33,000 in prize money.

Attractions will include pony-racing, an interactive racing area and a bouncy castle, with the usual dress code for the County Stand being relaxed for the day.

Combined Grandstand and Paddock and course enclosure admission will allow racegoers to picnic on the Knavesmire’s open bank before wandering across to the parade ring to see the runners and riders and watch the action.

Under-16s accompanied by an adult get in free and Press readers can buy County Stand badges at an exclusive half-price rate of £12.

James Brennan, the Racecourse’s head of marketing, said: “The weather forecast is looking good for the weekend, so we’re hoping as many people as possible will join us for the Press Family Raceday.

“For this event, we try and do the things we do so well for meetings such as the Ebor Festival in terms of high-quality racing, but to also go beyond that in terms of entertainment. We hope the welcome we offer will encourage people to come along with their children and enjoy the day.”

To secure your half-price County Stand badges, quote the promotional code PRESSSUNDAY when you phone the bookings team on 01904 620911, or use the code at the checkout online at yorkracecourse.co.uk

The discount code will be available for all new bookings made up to midnight on Friday, with each booking having a maximum number of five and standard terms and conditions applying.

Prices for the Grandstand/ Paddock and County Stand on the day are £10 and £24 respectively, reduced to £7 and £22 respectively for “early bird special” booking.

Gates open at 11.15am, with the first race at 1pm and the last race at 5pm. More information is available at yorkracecourse.co.uk