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Our tipsters' strongest bets for this meeting

13:57
Every Raceday Is Autism Friendly At Pontefract Novice Stakes (GBB Race) (Class 4)
Invincible Boy silk

Invincible Boy

Analysis
9/4

Invincible Boy was beaten only a length on his York debut over this 6f trip in October 0n good ground. He wasn’t as good next time at Doncaster in very testing conditions but arrives here on the back of a nice break and will have an ideal draw in stall 4 to attack from. Two of the three rivals drawn lower than him are making their racecourse debuts so he should get out fast and make use of the rail.

14:27
Boyzlife Live At Ponte Friday 22nd May Maiden Stakes (GBB Race) (Class 4)
Arabian Desert silk

Arabian Desert

Analysis
1/6

Sets a high bar judged on his three starts at two, the standout an excellent second in the Group 3 Horris Hill at Newbury and nothing should get close to him here on return.

14:57
Racing TV Sky Channel 424 Handicap (Div I) (Class 5)
Alpha Capture silk

Alpha Capture

Analysis
3/1

Formerly trained by Willie Mullins but made a pleasing stable debut when third in a 1m Newcastle handicap on return, doing best of those on his side. Entitled to improve a lot.

15:27
Racing TV Sky Channel 424 Handicap (Div II) (Class 5)

Really thrives on his racing and has won four times already this year, but arrives here on the back of a very good third at Southwell five days ago and is turned out quickly down in trip.

15:57
Ponte Premiership New For 2026 Handicap (Class 2)
Dark Cloud Rising silk

Dark Cloud Rising

Analysis
5/1

Dark Cloud Rising won a 6f handicap on this card on his return to action last year off 85 and although 7lb higher in the weights now, he must have a big chance here on reappearance. He won over the flying 5f at Newcastle in November and was fifth there in a blanket finish when last seen. He can attack from stall 3 here.

16:27
Tommy Hepple Memorial Handicap (Class 5)
Starshine Legend silk

Starshine Legend

Analysis
10/3

Solid in staying handicaps when trained by James Ferguson in 2024, winning over 1m4f at Catterick before hitting the woodwork three times. Missed all of last year but is back off a very attractive mark for his new yard.

17:00
OAP Free Day Tuesday 21st April Handicap (Class 6)
Miss Magic Dragon silk

Miss Magic Dragon

Analysis
20/1

Miss Magic Dragon is a well-bred Ardad filly who is bred to be very useful. She didn’t show a whole lot in three all-weather starts last year but is worthy of watching in the betting on her handicap/turf debut here from a beautiful draw in stall 2.

17:35
Sue Sheppard Memorial Handicap (Class 6)
Lucius Aurelius silk

Lucius Aurelius

Analysis
11/2

Big player judged on his return fifth on Newcastle reappearance and was then badly hampered at Southwell last time. Well treated on pick of turf form. Interesting.

13:57 Pontefract RTV
Every Raceday Is Autism Friendly At Pontefract Novice Stakes (GBB Race) (Class 4)
14:27 Pontefract RTV
Boyzlife Live At Ponte Friday 22nd May Maiden Stakes (GBB Race) (Class 4)
14:57 Pontefract RTV
Racing TV Sky Channel 424 Handicap (Div I) (Class 5)
15:27 Pontefract RTV
Racing TV Sky Channel 424 Handicap (Div II) (Class 5)
15:57 Pontefract RTV
Ponte Premiership New For 2026 Handicap (Class 2)
16:27 Pontefract RTV
Tommy Hepple Memorial Handicap (Class 5)
17:00 Pontefract RTV
OAP Free Day Tuesday 21st April Handicap (Class 6)
17:35 Pontefract RTV
Sue Sheppard Memorial Handicap (Class 6)
Key Stats Icon
Jockey and Trainer Stats

Flat

Rank Jockey Name Rides Today Runs Wins Win %
1st Daniel Tudhope 0 160 34 21
2nd Jason Hart 0 183 23 13
3rd David Allan 0 178 19 11
4th Clifford Lee 0 77 18 23
5th Kevin Stott 0 79 16 20

The jockeys above are ranked by their number of wins at this course in the last 5 seasons.

Flat

Rank Trainer Name Runs Wins Win %
1st Tim Easterby 357 36 10
2nd Richard Fahey 199 25 13
3rd K R Burke 113 23 20
4th David O'Meara 131 21 16
5th Paul Midgley 151 18 12

The trainers above are ranked by their number of wins at this course in the last 5 seasons.

Pontefract Flat Course

Tips for Pontefract Races

Situated in West Yorkshire, racing first took place in 1648 and remains Flat only. Traditionally the afternoon fixtures didn’t begin until 2.45pm so that miners at the adjacent colliery could finish the morning shift in time to go racing. But in 2002 the colliery shut down so this is no longer the case.

Course: The emphasis is very much on stamina for our tips here as the two mile circuit has a steep final three furlongs which is stiff and takes plenty of getting.

Draw Bias: No major bias to consider, however if our tips are drawn near the rail and are fast starters, this can be an advantage particularly over shorter distances.

Feature Races: Throughout the season Pontefract hosts five Listed races:

  • Pontefract Castle Stakes (June)
  • Pomfret Stakes (July)
  • Pipalong Stakes (August)
  • Flying Fillies’ Stakes (August)
  • Silver Tankard Stakes (October)

Address

Pontefract Racecourse, Park Road, Pontefract, West Yorkshire WF8 4QD.

General Admission

see http://www.pontefract-races.co.uk/ or tel 01977 781307

How to Get There

Road - 1m N of town on A639 Castleford road, M62 (Jctn32).
Rail - 10 minutes, Pontefract Tanshelf Stn.

Parking

Free

Disabled Facilities

Toilets and viewing areas in all enclosures. Lifts in Premier only.

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