Exciting day for Hellifield Harness Racing annual fixture

HELLIFIELD Harness Races got underway on Sunday afternoon with a tribute to patriarch Kit Bousfield.

His death at home in Appleby on June 19, just short of his 102nd birthday, was described as a great loss to the harness racing community.

Following a pause for reflection, racing got underway with races taking place every 20 minutes or so up until the early evening.

Organised by Hellifield Harness Racing Club and held at Peel Park, conditions were perfect for the races, watched by an appreciative audience who enjoyed a delicious lunch and licensed bar.

There was also on site betting with winners of the races - up to one and a quarter miles - competing for purses of up to £2,400 per race.

The annual fixture is organised entirely by volunteers, a good number from regional agricultural communities, and will again support local charities, Settle Swimming Pool, Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, Oxenhope, and Yorkshire Air Ambulance, with some £20,000 in all raised for charity over the years.

To learn more about harness racing and fixtures visit the British Harness Racing Club website at www.bhrc.org.uk.