Fontwell Park extends age limit for free entry to racing

In addition to the family racedays planned at Fontwell Park this year, the ‘children-go-free’ age has increased from under-16s to under-18s for all fixtures.

At a time when family leisure activities are increasing in price and the age limit is for free entry is forever lowering, Fontwell believe they are bucking the trend, making a family day out at the races an affordable and entertaining option.

This Sunday sees the first race meeting of 2013 - weather permitting, there’s a seven-race card starting at 1.15pm.

There’s a 10am inspection on Saturday with the going on Friday afternoon reported to be ‘heavy and the track waterlogged in places. We’ll have news of that inspection on this website.

If racing does go ahead on Sunday, there are some decent-sized fields, with a total of 55 declared runners for the card.

The top race is the Chancelloroftheformchecker Club Members’ Handicap Hurdle at 2.25, worth more than £5,000 to the winning connections. Sussex runner Whitby Jack (Gary Moore/Jamie Moore) is set to go off favourite. See tips at the bottom of this story.

The first feature family day this year at Fontwell is the All About the Horse Raceday on Sunday, February 24, featuring the £50,000 National Spirit Hurdle.

Along with seven races that day, the West Sussex track will be offering pony rides, the chance to meet a racehorse and have a go on a racehorse simulator. London 2012 Olympic eventing silver medallist Tina Cook will be appearing with her medal.

Later in the year, characters from the popular children’s phenomenon Moshi Monsters will be visiting the course on Sunday, May 26; while Peppa Pig and George are set to visit on Sunday, September 8. This will be in addition to the funfair, bouncy castles and face painting already offered on these racedays.

General manager Tracy Skinner said: “It’s exciting to be welcoming more race-going families to Fontwell Park for the coming year.

“We’re known for being a family-friendly course and have a great reputation for offering free-of-charge entertainment on our family days.

“We’ve got some fantastic racedays planned this year already and I’m looking forward to further establish us as a venue for families on the south coast.”

The change on free entry for all under-18s is part of a group-wide initiative to keep Britain racing, rolled out across all 15 racetracks owned by Arena Racing Company.

OUR FONTWELL TIPS FOR SUNDAY (subject to change - check again Sunday morning): 1.15 Get Back In Line, 1.50 Ambion Wood, 2.25 Kandari, 3.00 Romney Marsh, 3.30 One For The Boss, 4.05 Goring Two, 4.35 Guanciale.

- STEVE BONE