Cartmel Racecourse is gearing up for the final two races of 2022 over the August bank holiday. 

Cartmel Cup Day takes place on Saturday August 27 with the Season Finale two days later.  

Each meeting will feature seven races and staff at the South Lakes racecourse are busy getting the track and facilities ready. 

Head groundsman Gary Sharp and his team are ensuring the track is in the best condition possible after seven race meetings this year.  

He said: “Now we race in May, June, July and August. There's a lot more wear on the race track and a lot more thought needs to go into where we're going to race in case we damage it too much and we haven't got a racing line." 

Meanwhile, events manager Becky Brown is preparing for the bumper crowds expected over the weekend. For aggregate attendances for jump racing, only Cheltenham and Aintree are ahead of Cartmel. 

She said: “It's making sure the site is ready, external contractors, tradesmen coming onto the site, any food/beverage traders or stall holders, making sure they've got everything they need and are ready to go.  

“There's strategy with our traffic management company and security company, making sure everything's safe and working the way it should be.  

“By 9am the gates will open, the customers will come in and it'll be a fantastic day.”  

The aim, she added, was to create memories people would cherish. 

“When the races are on, it does feel like the entire place goes on pause watching the horses. The atmosphere in the crowd is just unmatchable," she said.

“I love the idea that we create something that people take home with them and they'll remember forever." 

Director of racing Geraldine McKay said: "We've had such a great year of racing back at Cartmel, along with huge names in music like David Gray and Ricky Wilson. 

"The two meetings over the August bank holiday will be the perfect end to the 2022 season and we can't wait to see everyone there." 

For full details of the race meetings and to book tickets visit cartmel-racecourse.co.uk