Horseracing was taking place in the Pontefract area in 1648 whilst Oliver Cromwell's forces were besieging the castle, though the exact location of that meeting is not known. A defined racetrack was laid out within the confines of Pontefract Park after a meeting on 5 October 1790, the course earned its first mention in the Racing Calendar in 1801 and the foundations for the first Grandstand were laid in 1802. Construction of the two Grandstands which exist today started in 1919 and they were first used in 1922. The Club section of the Main Stand was extended and refurbished in 1990 and the Paddock section in 1995 and at the same time as the Dalby Stand (containing private boxes) was built. The Second Stand was refurbished in 1999. Highlights include the Friday evening meetings in May and the Sunday race meetings in June and August. By Car: The course adjoins Junction 32 on the M62. Leeds is nine miles to the west and the A1, M1 and M18 are all within ten miles of the course. By Train: There are 3 train stations in Pontefract - Baghill, Monkhill and Tanshelf. Doncaster, York and Leeds stations are also fairly close by. By Bus: Local Arriva Buses services 134, 135, 136, 137 and 139 stop outside the course, as do buses number 410 and 411 from Leeds. Children's Facilities The Third Ring has a large play area and there is a creche at all Sunday meetings. Family entertainment is provided at all Sunday meetings. Pontefract Racecourse 33 Ropergate Pontefract West Yorks WF8 1LE Email: info@pontefract-races.co.uk Website: www.pontefract-races.co.uk | 
