Behind the scenes tour and children's entertainment at racecourse family day

With the school holidays fast-approaching, Newton Abbot Racecourse will be celebrating the start of summer with an extra-special treat for racing lovers at their Family Fun Raceday on Sunday 23 July.

Alongside seven thrilling summer jumps races to entertain racing fans, the racecourse will be offering a rare chance to see behind the scenes on a raceday with their free behind the scenes tour.

Those lucky enough to secure a place on the free tour will be able to: visit the weighing room and learn more about what happens pre and post racing from the Clerk of the Scales, walk the route of the horse from the Parade Ring to the course, listen to a talk from the Groundstaff about the work that takes place to prepare for racedays, before hearing from a Bookmaker on how to read the racecard.

Places on the tour are strictly limited to 20 people in total and must be reserved in advance by emailing marketing@newtonabbotracing.com. The tour will begin at 12:15, ahead of the first race of the day at 14:10.

Patrick Masterson, Managing Director of the racecourse, said “Behind the scenes tours are a must for racing enthusiasts – there’s so much more to the sport than just the race itself. From the grounds team through to placing a bet, there is so much preparation before a race and throughout the year; anyone lucky enough to go on the tour will be amazed.

“It’s very important to us that our course offers the best conditions for both our jockeys and horses, as well as our audiences – the tour shows just how much work goes in to achieving this and to meeting our motto of Newton Abbot – famous for the little touches!”

The fun doesn’t end there on Family Day as an extra special treat awaits racegoers and their children in the Family Enclosure and play area, where the racecourse’s magician and entertainer can be found. Head over between 14:00 and 16:30 for the chance to witness some mesmerising magic close-up and put the magician’s skills to the test when you ask for a balloon model from his vast repertoire. There’s even the chance to win an extra prize if you can make him laugh with a super funny joke!

For all fixtures during the summer holidays, excluding Ladies’ Day on Tuesday 22 August, there will also be food and bar outlets available in the Family Enclosure for racegoers.

Mr Masterson added “We wanted to give our younger fans a special treat as they begin their holidays and some wonderful memories that will last them the whole summer through. But the fun’s not just for the kids, all the family will enjoy our magician and his amazing illusions.”

Tickets for the Family Fun Raceday are on sale now priced at £12 for Course Enclosure or £19 for Paddock Enclosure. Children aged 16 or under, and students with a valid photographic ID can enjoy free entry to all fixtures at Newton Abbot Racecourse this year.

Gates open on Sunday 23 July at 12:10 ahead of the first race at 14:10. Tickets are available now at www.newtonabbotracing.com or can be purchased on the gate on the day.