Historic horse race returns to Knutsford (From Knutsford Guardian)

Knutsford Races to be held at Tabley House on Sunday, May 15

4:30pm Wednesday 11th May 2011 in News By James Wilson

A HISTORIC horse racing event returns to Knutsford on Sunday.

The Knutsford Races, which are thought to have been first run on August 5, 1729, on the Heath, will be held at Tabley House.

Knutsford Races is an annual steeplechasing race meeting which is promoted as family-friendly, and is organised by the North West Point to Point Club.

There will be seven races, at Sunday’s event, including a championship race for novice riders, as well as two pony races for the younger generation.

Other activities on offer will include amusements, a fun fair, trade stands, a bouncy castle and on-course bookmaker.

Tim Garton, one of the Knutsford Races committee members, said it would be a family day out.

“It’s not like a race meeting which is just for adults,” he said.

“With it being held at Tabley House, it’s an area of countryside where the general public aren’t normally allowed to go, and the races allow them to go there.

“You can take your children and have a picnic – it is a pretty unique event.”

Point to Point steeplechasing takes place in the UK from November to June each year, and is an amateur sport which offers a stepping stone for many with aspirations to be leading jump jockeys and trainers.

Entrance costs £20 per car, meaning there is no individual admission charge.

Tim said: “That £20 gets you all in, and if you can get five or six people in your car then it is really cheap.”

The first race is at 2pm, with the pony races being held at 1pm.