SAFE BET FOR A GREAT DAY OUT
Organisers of the successful recent Bronte Vintage Gathering are inviting people to ‘Come Racing in Cullingworth,’ on 31st May and enjoy the only annual event at which locals can bet on and enjoy the thrill of live racing in the Bradford district.

The event takes place on same show field as did the Bronte Vintage Gathering which raised over £15,000 two weeks ago and proceeds from the Harness racing also go to help fund Sue Ryder Care – Manorlands Hospice based in Oxenhope. Since the gathering work has been done to get the track into good shape before it stages the eight Harness races the first of which commences at 2pm. Also on site are official bookies, a licensed bar and a funfair.

Robert Thompson who owns the show field and is a member of the British Harness Racing Club is delighted to be hosting the event and explains that an afternoon of harness racing is something everyone should come and experience. “Those that don’t know what it involves should imagine Roman Chariot Racing with horses pulling riders around a circular track on lightweight chariots called sulkies. A handicapping system is put in place so that each race is guaranteed an exciting finish and an adrenalin rush for those with money on the race.”

Sue Ryder Care fundraiser, Andrew Wood is also looking forward to the event. “The fact that there is no race track or dog track within many miles of Bradford and Keighley mean that this is a great opportunity for local people to experience a thrilling day at the races. Sue Ryder Care depends on the generosity of people who organise events like this to help us keep all our services running and I’m urging local folk to come racing in Cullingworth and support a good cause at the same time.”

For more information contact the organisers on 01535 275535.

The event is held near Cullingworth, off the B6144 Haworth Rd. Location here...



Extract from the British Harness Racing Club website:
There are various opinions as to how Harness Racing began - folk racing their horses and traps home from church, trotting horses under saddle carrying the post all over the country and being raced by their owners etc.
Racing is thought to have begun in the mid 1700's, the earliest recorded race being on Newmarket Heath on 29th August 1750. A century and a half later, Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales drove a trotter on the old Lanark racecourse in Scotland.