Paddington Bear heading west for Newbury Family Fun Raceday

Visitors can enjoy a whole host of exciting and entertaining treats at the Newbury Racecourse Family Fun Raceday on Sunday 5th August, including pony rides, a special appearance from Paddington Bear and an exciting afternoon of racing themed towards the Great Britain Olympic team.

Iconic British children’s character Paddington Bear will be venturing west from London to be at the top of the guest-list, courtesy of First Great Western. Paddington will also be joined by Harry the Horse, the official mascot of Newbury Racecourse, who will be on hand to give out free Harry’s Hotshots fun packs for children.

Stephen Higgins, Managing Director of Racing & Events at Newbury Racecourse said:

“With free entry for under 18s, this will be a great value, fun day out for all of the family during the summer holidays.  Our younger racegoers can enjoy the exciting array of activities we have on offer, as parents watch the racing taking place throughout the afternoon.

“People of all ages can enjoy a ‘Great British Day Out’ at the races whilst showing their support for our team. In celebration of the Great Britain Olympic team, the horses racing on the day will be dressed in red, blue and white as they wear Union Flag saddlecloths.”

Entertainment on and off the racecourse will leave children spoilt for choice with face-painting, a tea cup ride, bouncy castles, inflatable slides and a pottery workshop.  The budding jockeys amongst the guests will even be able to try their hand at riding with pony rides available throughout the day, provided by this year’s charity, the Lambourn branch of Riding for the Disabled Association, dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities through riding.

The afternoon’s racing will commence at 12.50pm with Charles Owen Pony races for the younger spectators to enjoy, followed by the main races with highlights including The British Stallion Studs EBF Chalice Stakes and the AJC Premier Fillies’ Handicap Stakes. For those who are new to racing an insight into horse-racing with top tips will be on offer with Inside Track ‘behind the scenes’ tours and masterclasses.

Gates will open at 11.30am and racing will take place from 1.15pm until 5pm. Tickets are available from £16 for adults with under 18s going free!