The 16th edition of the Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival kicks off at Pontefract on Friday evening, marking the start of nine days of racing across various Yorkshire courses including Redcar, York, Thirsk, Doncaster, Catterick, Beverley, and Ripon.
Featuring four music nights and family fun days, highlighted by a performance from the Kaiser Chiefs at York on July 26, the festival aims to draw in new audiences at the beginning of the summer holidays.
Sponsored by Sky Bet and supporting the Matt Hampson Foundation as its charity partner, the event honours Yorkshire-based jockey Graham Lee, who receives therapy at the foundation for life-changing injuries suffered in a fall.
Former England rugby player Matt Hampson OBE, the foundation's founder, provides support for those facing similar challenges due to life-altering injuries.
The festival includes the popular jump jockeys’ Nunthorpe at York along with awards for leading trainer, jockey, and best turned-out horses.
Jockey Jo Mason is eager to participate, with a full book of rides including Scatter Penny, This Years Love, and Late Arrival, all previous winners.
Expressing excitement for the upcoming races, Mason is hopeful for success and aims to secure a lead in the Sky Bet leading jockey competition with her promising mounts.