Redcar Racecourse: Vandals break in to Yorkshire racecourse, steal 'vital' vehicle and damage track
Thieves broke in to a Yorkshire racecourse and stole a ‘vital’ vehicle - but not before using it to damage the track.
Redcar Racecourse issued an appeal on Saturday morning following the incident which happened in the early hours of the morning.
The thieves struck at about 3.30am on Saturday (May 23) and stole a Polaris all-terrain vehicle and caused damage to the rails as they made their escape.
Officials are appealing for information and witnesses - and also for the whereabouts of the vehicle which it said performs ‘vital’ functions on racedays.
It comes just two days before Monday’s Zetland Gold Cup meeting – one of the premier fixtures of Redcar’s year – with racing also taking place on Tuesday.
Amy Fair, Redcar’s general manager, said the racing would go ahead as planned on both days - but said the crime was “bitterly disappointing”.
She said: “The team work so hard to prepare for racing and this is a real kick in the teeth.
“The Polaris vehicle is integral to racedays, being used to transport various pieces of vital equipment, so we now have to find a replacement in time for Monday.
“The Zetland Gold Cup on Monday is one of the jewels in our crown and it is so frustrating that such mindless criminality is causing extra work so close to such an important day.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the racecourse on 01642 484068 or Cleveland Police on 101.