Blue skies beckon for The Press Family Raceday (From York Press)

Blue skies beckon for The Press Family Raceday

8:15am Thursday 6th September 2012 in News By Megi Rychlikova, megi.rychlikova@thepress.co.uk

THE signs are set fair for a memorable family day out with a difference this weekend at York Racecourse.

High-class racing, an ever-growing list of family entertainment, a forecast of sunshine and a temperature of 24 degrees are all combining to make Sunday’s The Press Family Raceday extra special.

Already advance ticket sales are ahead of those at the same stage last year.

But there are still plenty available for families to buy in advance. There will also be tickets available on the day, but there may be a queue for them at the entry gates.

James Brennan, York Racecourse’s head of marketing, said: “For the first time since May we are going into a race meeting with the forecast for clear blue skies.

“There are plenty of spaces yet. We are delighted with the interest it has generated.”

The combined Grandstand and course enclosure tickets, which are only available for this Sunday, are proving popular. They give racegoers the chance to picnic in the centre of the course, lodge their picnic boxes and hampers in a special facility where they will be kept safe, and then cross the course to enjoy the racing and the facilities on the Grandstand side.

The latest attraction to be confirmed are the retired greyhound racers. Other animals scheduled to be at the racecourse include Harry, a retired racehorse, who will take part in a saddling-up demonstration, and children’s favourite Peppa Pig.

The racecourse is expecting to confirm today that the seven main races will have full competitive fields of high-class horses.

The dress code will be relaxed from the usual raceday to match the family theme. “Instead of wearing Sunday best we will be doing the exact opposite,” said Mr Brennan.

Even Paralympic addicts will be catered for, with the Sportsman Bar expected to show action from the Olympic Park.