Safety concerns lead to closure of crossing at Pontefract Racecourse on race days

From this year the crossing over the racecourse to the car park is to be closed from early morning the day before each race meeting until noon the day after the event.

This is in response to an incident last June when one of the runners in a race round the whole circuit slipped badly – and nearly fell – on the crossing, endangering both horse and Jockey.

This resulted in the crossing having to be closed and extensive investigations into the cause and possible solutions carried out.

Horses run over the crossing when pulling up after every race, not just in races round the whole circuit.

A spokesperson for the Ponte track explained: “The car park was constructed by the former Pontefract Corporation prior to 1973.

"The race company lobbied the corporation strenuously to construct it ‘outside’ the racing circuit because of the problems road crossings can cause, especially one in the location in which it is – on a bend and sloping downhill and from outside to inside.

“The Corporation would not agree and constructed it where it now is. However, traffic was then nothing like it is today and the current volume and weight of vehicles (especially electric ones) has been one major cause of problems.

"The other major cause has been the expansion of NEW College, without any provision being made for student cars or coach drop off and collection.

"The situation got much worse in 2010 with the imposition of resident only parking in Grosvenor Avenue.

“The race company has been lobbying the council since 2010 to resolve the issue of student parking and released a large area of land adjoining the college from the rights in its lease in 2015 so that the college could construct a car park, but nothing has been done.”

Pontefract Park was created by Act of Parliament in 1780. Horse racing had already taken place in the park for many years prior to that. After 1780 the trustees appointed by the Act ran the races or authorised others to do so.

Pontefract Corporation took over the management of the park by virtue of another Act of Parliament in 1906. which authorised them to lease the racecourse to the appropriate body which had authority to run race meetings.

Because of the history and the fact the park was created when a racecourse already existed, the lease of the racecourse includes extensive rights to run race meetings, including the right to close the park on race days, although to date it has only been necessary to do this as a result of COVID restrictions.

The racecourse spokesperson added: “The race company has worked tirelessly with the council to improve the park and was instrumental in bringing about a management plan overseen by a steering group, which includes representatives of all park users.

"However, the race company must take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of all horses and jockeys (as well as all spectators) at race meetings.

"Wakefield MDC and the steering group have been consulted at every stage and accept that the current arrangements are essential and the best solution in the circumstances.

“The race company totally agrees parking in the park is inadequate. The management plan calls for a proper car park ‘outside’ the racing circuit and control of student cars and coaches. These are matters beyond the race company’s control.”