Yorkshire Race Meets 2024

Few sports events match the fun, excitement, and spectacle of horse racing, and we are lucky to have not one, not two, but three fabulous racecourses virtually on our doorstep. This makes sense since Middleham in Bedale, only a short drive away, is home to several racing stables.
Whether you are looking for an elegant day out with an excuse to dress up and sip champagne, or seeking a more family-friendly outing, there is something for everyone at our local races. 
The atmosphere is always vibrant and there is a sense of anticipation and camaraderie amongst racegoers, whilst the magnificent horses are a sight to behold, beautifully turned out with coats shining with health and vitality as they are led around the paddock by their owners, with gaily clad jockeys atop them, a riot of colour in their silks. 
Witnessing the sleek, muscular thoroughbreds thundering down the course with the crowd yelling them on excitedly is an experience not to be missed.  Betting s not necessary, and certainly doesn’t need to be expensive.  A pound on the nose of a horse that looks good in the paddock always gives an extra thrill to the race.  Plus a day at the races provides ample opportunity for networking and socialising, making it an excellent option for organisations wishing to reward employees with a fun day out. 
Meetings are not solely reserved for seasoned race-goers.  All our local courses offer family days with activities for younger children, whilst, for couples looking for a different day out; ladies days are superb fun, allowing you to dress up, drink champagne, and soak up the atmosphere whilst wandering hand in hand around the course.  Whether you take advantage of the onsite food or bring your own delicious picnic, you are sure to have a wonderful time. 
With courses at York, Wetherby and Ripon, you are sure to find a meeting that you will enjoy. 
Racing at Ripon
Ripon is known as the Garden Racecourse, and is just twenty minutes drive from The Camberley Hotel and Cottages.  The season opens with two fixtures in April, on the 18th and 27th, both in the afternoon.
For those who prefer to attend the races in the evening, there is a fixture on 10 May, 5th and 19th June, and 8th July.
Meetings at this course that are particularly family-friendly include a Family Day on 19 May, the popular Family Olympics Day on 11 August, and a Bank Holiday Family Fun Day on 26 August.
Ladies Day takes place on 20 June as part of a two-day racing fixture, with the remaining fixtures being afternoon events.
You will find the entire 2024 fixture list for Ripon here:  https://ripon-races.co.uk/fixtures-times/
 
Racing at Wetherby.
This course is such a fun one to attend and has both National Hunt and Flat Racing.  National Hunt is thrilling as the horses must clear jumps.  Standing beside one of the jumps as these majestic creatures sail over the jumps with the jockeys encouraging them, is a sight to behold.  The course is a 30 minute drive from The Camberley Hotel and Cottages and hosts a number of meetings which support charitable causes.  The Opening meeting on 16 October supports Spinal Research, whilst the meeting on 1 November features the BHS Charity Race.  16 November, is the “Peak Cap and Pearls Raceday” which supports the CIU National Charity. 
This course has a Christmas meet with a two-day event running on 26 and 27 December.  Although you need to wrap up warmly, the atmosphere at this post-Christmas race meeting is absolutely electric, and it is, for many local people, a Christmas tradition.  The pie and peas are rather good too. 
For the perfect flat race experience, there is evening racing on 3 June and 11 June, the latter being a ladies meeting and therefore perfect for dressing up in your finest frock. 
To check out the whole fixture list – as this racecourse does have fixtures all year round – just click here:  https://www.wetherbyracing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-Fixture-List.pdf
 
York Races
York is perhaps the most prestigious course in the group. It is around a 45-minute drive from The Camberley Hotel and Cottages, and is most frequently visited by Royalty. It also hosts concerts during the summer. This course is flat racing only, and the facilities are absolutely beautiful. If you are looking for a meeting that will allow you to unleash your full Kardashian, this is the one to choose. 
Fixtures run from May to October, with the Dante Festival kicking off the season.  This fixture runs over three days from 15 – 17 May inclusive and includes the Boodles Yorkshire Cup.
The Spring meeting takes place on 25 May and features the William Hill Bronte Cup, while the June meeting runs on 14 and 15 June and includes the 53rd Macmillan Charity Raceday on the second day. 
The John Smiths Cup Meet takes place on 12 and 13 July whilst 26 and 27 July are a Music Showcase weekend with both racing and live music. 
The famous Ebor Festival runs over four days in August from 21 to 24, inclusive, with the Thursday being Ladies Day. If you are planning to attend York Races, this is definitely the day to bring out your inner Kardashian.
8 September is a Family Raceday and the season finale will be a two-day event on 11 and 12 October.   You can check out the full programme here:  https://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk/racing-fixtures.html   
 
After a day filled with exhilarating races and a vibrant atmosphere, retreat to our elegant Camberley Cottages, where you can unwind after an exciting day, count your winnings and relive the highlights of a truly fabulous day out.  The Cottages make an ideal base for exploring not only the racecourses in the area but also the wonderful landscapes and activities that are available close by.  Whether you choose some local ingredients at the local deli and whip up a feast, order in, or take advantage of one of the many delightful eating establishments in Harrogate, we are sure you will find yourself reliving the highlights of your stay for many weeks to come. 
Whether you're a seasoned racegoer or a first-time attendee, our hotel and cottages provide the perfect home base for your racing experience. Book a stay with us and immerse yourself in the excitement of the races while enjoying unparalleled hospitality and comfort.

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