Racegoers heading to Bangor-on-Dee’s action-packed Family Day this Saturday will get to meet the racecourse’s new equine ambassador, Sleepy Haven.
The former Jennie Candlish-trained horse, which won a race at Bangor-on-Dee in 2013, will appear at selected racedays this season, as part of the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) initiative.
The programme, titled ‘Horses For Courses’, showcases the care given and opportunities open to former racehorses once their racing days come to an end.
Affectionately known as ‘Noddy’, Sleepy Haven will be available to say hello to at the racecourse, in amongst a host of other activities announced for Family Day, which children aged 17 and under attend for free.
Racing to School, the charity that aims to inspire young minds through the provision of free, interactive, and healthy outdoor educational events, will be popping along with an equicizer, allowing children to have a go at being a jockey.
Out on the Open Course, there will also be a range of inflatables, a colouring activities tent and a climbing wall.
Patrick Chesters, General Manager at Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse, said:
“Our Family Day is a really popular event at Bangor-on-Dee and a fantastic opportunity to introduce children to an immersive day out at the races.
“This year we’re thrilled to welcome Sleepy Haven as our equine ambassador, who I’m sure will be a star attraction, as racegoers learn more about horses and the lives they lead.
“We always prioritise the highest standards of equine welfare and welcome the opportunity to showcase the care and attention that former racehorses receive through this RoR initiative.”
Advance tickets for Family Day are currently available to purchase from £9 for the Open Course and £21 for the Paddock. A £4 price increase applies on the day. Children go free.
For further information, please visit www.bangorondeeraces.co.uk