Pontefract Park facing 12-hour public shutdown when race meetings staged

The plan has been backed by Wakefield Council ahead of the track’s behind closed doors meeting next Wednesday – the first in Yorkshire since racing at Wetherby on March 17.

Pontefract is due to host six meetings between now, and the end of August, with managing director Norman Gundill saying: “We have made these arrangements after full consultation with the council who are trustees of the park.

“We realise that not allowing any public into the park will be disappointing but it only relates to a very limited number of days and is only for part of a day.

“Horse racing is a billion pound industry which provides a great deal of employment and economic benefit to the country, and Yorkshire is one of the country’s principle racing centres.”

It is why similar arrangements will apply on June 11 at Beverley with regard to public access to the nearby Westwood.

Chief executive Sally Iggulden said: “We know local people will understand why it is necessary to close some areas of the Westwood. We appreciate the public’s support and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

“The Westwood will remain open on the other side of York Road from the racecourse. This area will not be affected and can still be used by the public for walking and leisure.”

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