Sky Bet Sunday Series Guide To The Tracks: Pontefract

Facebook: Pontefract Racecourse 

Instagram: @ponteraces 

X: @ponteraces 

Location: Pontefract Park, Park Road, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF8 4QD. 

Pontefract is a left-handed, undulating two-mile circuit with a straight of just over two furlongs. The final six furlongs are uphill, and this can place an emphasis on stamina. When the ground conditions are soft or heavy, the runners can often deviate towards the stands’ rail. 

Pontefract has staged the Sky Bet Sunday Series on three occasions, with valuable fixtures taking place there in 2022, 2023, and 2024. After a brief hiatus, Pontefract makes a welcome return to stage the series finale for the second time. 

The 2024 Sky Bet Sunday Series finale took place on 18th August and was a landmark occasion, with two Jim Goldie runners – American Affair and Letsbefrank – pursuing the yet to be won £100,000 bonus. The former, who went onto enjoy Group 1 success in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot the following year, was to be denied for the second time in a fortnight, playing a secondary role to Dream Composer. 

However, the champagne was already flowing for Letsbefrank, Paul Mulrennan getting every inch out of the four-year-old to justify favouritism in the 2m1f Sky Bet Build A Bet Handicap. This the culmination of a feat which formed roots at Hamilton Park (1m3f), and Thirsk (1m6f) two months earlier. 

The other winners on that memorable afternoon were Powerful Glory and Marine Wave (both Richard Fahey), Zozimus (David O’Meara), See That Storm (Ed Bethell), and May Blossom (Julie Camacho). 

Tim Easterby (10-76; 13%; -£33.41) was leading trainer at Pontefract in 2025, saddling four more winners than Stillington-based Ruth Carr (6-25; 24%; +£40.66). Carr’s Reigning Profit winning twice at the track, and Betweenthesticks making all to spring a poignant 33-1 surprise in the Chaplins Club Handicap. Chaplins Club a fine servant to Carr’s late grandfather David Chapman through the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. 

Karl Burke (33% strike-rate), Brian Ellison (29%), and David O’Meara (25%) all responsible for five winners each at the popular West Yorkshire venue. 

Danny Tudhope (11-32; 34%; +£6.28)was leading rider at Pontefract in 2025, four clear of Joanna Mason (7-38; 18%; +£2.25) and David Allan (7-54; 13%; -£23.66). Mason making the most of her opportunities for Michael and David Easterby, and Allan benefitting from his close working relationship with Tim Easterby. 

Clifford Lee and Jason Hart recorded six Pontefract winners each in 2025, the former with the better strike-rate (35%). 

“Pontefract is one of the biggest circuits in the country. There are various undulations but with a nice uphill finish, which sometimes features a cutaway section of rail off the final bend, you have the option to go wide or nip up the inner. Drawn in by the competitive racing on offer, Pontefract can attract large crowds (of spectators) with close finishes a regular feature.” 

Pontefract is a track renowned for course specialists, Mr Wolf, and Jamaican Flight names to fondly recall from yesteryear. Brian Ellison’s Captain Potter was 3-5 (60%) in 2025, the winning spree commencing in the 2m2f Pontefract Cup. 

The Horse Watchers Walsingham won back-to-back mile races in the space of ten days during July, while City Captain (Harriet Bethell) was 2-3 sporting those same distinctive orange and black silks. Others with more than one Pontefract win in 2025 were Raulin (David O’Meara; 2-3) and Missmimi (Tina Jackson; 2-4).