Young North Yorkshire hopefuls in action at The Press's Family Raceday (From York Press)

Young North Yorkshire hopefuls in action at The Press's Family Raceday

5:13pm Friday 7th September 2012 in News By Megi Rychlikova, megi.rychlikova@thepress.co.uk

RACEGOERS for Sunday's funpacked The Press Family Raceday should make sure they turn up well before the first horse race of the day.

Before the adult jockeys take over, youngsters will rule supreme on the course in the two races of the Charles Owen Pony Racing Series, a nationwide racing league for the country’s top budding jockeys aged 11 to 16.

Among those expected to be under starters’ orders will be 12-year-old William Hill of Thirsk, who currently leads the 148 cm pony category, Georgia Dukes, aged 14 of Malton, and Henry Morshead, aged 15, of York, who will be hoping to improve on his 2nd place in the same race in the past.

All three will be riding in the second race of the day, for ponies up to 148cm. The first race features ponies up to 138 cm.

In the eight years since the series began, more than 100 competitors have gone on to turn professional jockey or gain amateur permits.

Throughout the racing season, the young jockeys can compete for points in more than 40 races on 30 racecourses including the country’s best. The top 12 in each height category compete in the finals which this year will be held at Newmarket. Tomorrow’s races are the one of the last chances for riders to qualify for this year’s final, with at least two of the North Yorkshire hopefuls well positioned.

For more details of all the races and all the entertainment for every member of the family including the very oldest and the very youngest, see the 12-page supplement in Saturday’s The Press.